Giving Thanks

These past few weeks at the Redeux workshop have been busy.  Several pieces of furniture have been restored and several others have found new homes.

Two pieces were refinished using custom stains. The first was the sideboard / server that had been sitting in the workshop for a few months awaiting refinishing. After removing the old, damaged shellac this piece was re-stained using first a special “plum mahogany” color and then finished off using a medium custom walnut stain. This process took a bit longer than a one-step staining, but the patina and graining were brought out wonderfully. Since this piece was made to be used around food and drinks, an old fashioned varnish was applied as a top coat. This finish should hold up much better than the original shellac finish. This server has already been given a new home. Because this piece turned out so well I decided to use the same process on a compact “half server”.  Dating from about the 1930’s or so, this piece has some interesting detail work and can serve in a number of functions. It really looks great.

Another piece that was given the spa treatment is an oak dresser. This sturdy chest has lots of character: great patina, crackled shellac finish (the real deal, not brought about by mixing glue with paint) and classic turn of the century lines. After giving this chest a deep, gentle cleaning and then a “wood feeding” using a special, all natural, Redeux gumbo mojo, this beauty will compliment any room.

During the winter I plan to work on several pieces that have been awaiting some TLC. There is an interesting vanity with mirror that appears to have been made by an individual rather than as a production piece, a small chest of drawers and the piece I have mentioned before that will be given a stenciled top. Each of these pieces will present new challenges and opportunities. But, they are worth it. I also plan during the winter to continue to search for the special pieces that some of you have been looking for.

The second year of the Redeux Garage/Workshop being open is drawing to a close. Soon, all work will be done in the lower level of our home. To each of you, whether you stopped by once or many times, I thank you. You have given me suggestions, encouragement to try new things and an appreciation for what I try to do – revive pieces from America’s past in order that they continue being used into the future.

Hope to see you soon,

Bill

Maine Writers

Last week, several days were spent up in Maine. In addition to visiting family, it was hoped that two other purposes would be fulfilled. First, that some of the special request items asked for by many of you could be found. Secondly, I really wanted to discover some new sources of interesting vintage furniture. The trip was a great success!

Many of you have been asking for something a bit different – interesting, unusual and functional furniture pieces. Desks and accent pieces were among the most asked for items.

The first little treasure found was a country table / desk. Painted black with some gold leafing and muted color stenciling this piece also has a nice center drawer and interesting scrolled back piece. It is accompanied by a complimentary chair, also painted in black. Both pieces display decades of use and color changes, yet remain sturdy and now ready for new life in a variety of settings.

The second piece is one of the more surprising that I have found in some time. At first glance it appeared to be a tall chest of drawers made of mahogany. It had some nice lines and seemed it would be worth the effort of the refinishing it badly needed. But, surprise, surprise! This was no ordinary chest of drawers. One of the “drawers” actually folds down and, with a gentle pull, reveals a very nice desk, complete with cubby holes. This was a first for me. This chest is made by Shower Brothers Furniture, at one time the largest manufacturer of furniture in the United States. The company was an innovator of many types of furniture. But, more importantly, was an innovator of workplace conditions for its many employees. It was founded in the late 1800’s and survived until the 1940’s.  Stop by and take a look at this piece. If interested, I will make every effort to have it ready before Christmas.

Another interesting piece that was recently finished is a mahogany chest, circa 1925-1935, that has Bakelite drawer handles and inlays of various woods. The curved top is quite unique and adds another dimension to this beautiful chest of drawers.

Several of you have noticed the white painted chest with the mirror standing in the back of the shop for several weeks and awaiting some TLC. Well, this petite, 1930’s era chest has been given the attention it needed. It has been given a facelift with the lightest shade of lemon chiffon paint and has had its mirror reinstalled. “Carolyn” is now ready for a new home and she promises to make any room feel like a cottage at the Cape. She is named after Carolyn, the young lady at the Traveler Bookstore Restaurant in Union, CT. Carolyn has been very helpful to me in locating books on refinishing and American made furniture from among the numerous volumes for sale in the Traveler’s Bookstore. It’s always one of our favorite “must do” stops on our trips to Maine. It is located just south of Sturbridge Village along I-84. After last week’s stop coming back from Maine, my library now includes a great book on refinishing period antiques and Shaker furniture design and finishes. Thanks again, Carolyn.

As the colder weather becomes more frequent, some of the work at Redeux may need to be done indoors rather than out in the shop. So, if you don’t see me out in the garage, I’m probably working in the lower level workroom inside. Just ring the doorbell.

Looking forward to seeing you again, soon!

Bill