Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

ummm… Judith?

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You may or may not remember Eloise the vanity. Let me refresh your memory.

After posting Eloise for sale on craigslist last fall, we received this letter: 

painting is NOT refinishing,, you ruined an antique ( I use the word antique loosely ..it dates from the 1930’s so its not that ancient.)  I own a refinishing shop.. refinishing is stripping the old finish off and re-staining and re-varnishing!!

Charming eh? We responded:

Please forgive us if we didn’t use the verbage that you would have preferred, regarding our furniture “updating.”  In our craigslist ad, we never made claim that the vanity was an antique, nor do we claim to have any knowledge about antique furniture in general. We rescue old pieces and RE-FINISH them using any number of techniques (whether it be painting, staining/varnishing, glazing, etc). My husband and I enjoy being creative together, and bringing new life to old pieces. A lot of people appreciate our style, and selling our pieces has been well accepted and very successful.
The actual definition of “refinish” is this: ‘to give a new surface to’. So based on our buddy Webster, we feel that what we do qualifies as refinishing just as much as your little business. In the future, we would appreciate only constructive criticism …and encouragement!
Thanks!
Nick/Beth

Not only did Eloise sell, but there were bidding wars! And we’ve since had requests to have a vanity “re-finished” exactly the same as Eloise. My mom (who else?!) snatched up this little vanity at the thrift store, and thought we could work some magic on it. We sent the client the ‘before’ picture, she liked it… and we got busy with our aqua paint and glaze!! Here’s the before:

And AFTER!

You can see that Judith is certainly not as old and ornate as Eloise, but they could definitely be sisters.

This is Nick attempting to hide our incredibly messy living room that was reflecting in the mirror. Some of these parts holding the mirror on were hand-carved by my beloved.

I shouldn’t but, but I do… feel compelled to point out the fact that we DO appreciate the beauty of exposed wood from time to time, however time-consuming it may be to sand for hours, nay DAYS, stain, poly, and re-poly. Examples here and here. Thank you very much.

And another piece of furniture out of the garage!

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Comments

  1. 9

    I happened upon your site whilst searching for painting techniques for an antique vanity. Although I admit I cringed at the painting of Judith, nevertheless I too find the old wood boring and am about to paint an old, and yes, antique (I believe antique is anything over 50 yrs old) vanity. The glossy look you have created is not my style, and I think I’ll go with a distressed white, but I believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if buyers are finding your finish beautiful, then it is indeed “refinished” and in a home where it will be loved. Keep being creative because without creative people, the world is a dull place.

    Reply
  4. 12

    What is he thinking chewing you guys out like that? You should have told him to get a life! What you guys do is beautiful and adds many more years of enjoyment to something that would be tossed away. Both of those stately ladies are beautiful!!!

    Reply
  5. 13

    What is he thinking chewing you guys out like that? You should have told him to get a life! What you guys do is beautiful and adds many more years of enjoyment to something that would be tossed away. Both of those stately ladies are beautiful!!!

    Reply
  6. 14

    I love these two pieces, and its inspired me to start refinishing furniture just as a hobby. You did a great job and it looks excellent, let the grumpy man just be grumpy. lol

    Reply
  7. 15

    Seriously??? Why would someone take the time to send you that note???
    Afraid of the competition?? Intimidate you to stop?? TOO much time on his/her hands… because they have no business/nothing to do???? Seriously???
    Both Eloise & Judith are gorgeous!!

    Reply
  8. 16

    I swear, who do people think they are? I think your furniture is gorgeous. I much prefer to paint stuff than strip, sand, stain, etc. Just not my thing. I think I’m impatient and don’t like the mess, so I stick with paint. Honestly, whoever wrote that needs to get over themselves!

    Reply
  9. 17

    I swear, who do people think they are? I think your furniture is gorgeous. I much prefer to paint stuff than strip, sand, stain, etc. Just not my thing. I think I’m impatient and don’t like the mess, so I stick with paint. Honestly, whoever wrote that needs to get over themselves!

    Reply

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