Renewing a Marble Top Chest

Our friends acquired this piece and two others very like it when they were stationed in Germany in the 70's.  They've used it ever since, but now it was surplus in their home.

I measured it and found several places it would fit at Pat's Addition.  It took three of use to move her (I think it's a she) even though the marble comes apart. There were a couple of edge moldings off.  Some wood glue and clamps fixed them up.

The original handles were broken or missing.  They seemed to be a tin/lead material and were never fastened well.  Just small nails were used.  They had left an imprint.

 I used my favorite quick fix on the finish. 

I bought some HD knobs that were a close match in shape/color to the two originals on the top drawers.  I did have to drill holes and since the short screws were too ... short! and the long screws were too ...  long! I used a nut on the inside to make it work.

I did rig a block behind the two top drawers so they closed better.

Followed by some polish. 

 Still has the working key.

Here she is, moved to the foot of the basement stairs were light reflects in the mirror.  We used the skateboards to move her from the first place (by the bathroom door) we put her.

These are tools from my great grandfather. A scribe, plane and level.

Plus an old camera and chess set.

I think the piece is a marriage of three...chest, marble and mirror since the marble seems a bit too large for the top.  The mirror might have sat on the top with a smaller marble but it doesn't seem to be quite the same wood.  It has a faint signature on the bottom. Nice tiles on either side.

Anyway, she works for me.  Thanks Jim and Carol! A Happy Valentine's Day to all.

Slipcovers

My daughter aquired a new to her sofa from a friend.  A sleeper.  Moving fun.  It involved taking off feet, removing an interior door and three girls and a guy.  It was in good shape except for the cat clawing on one arm, so covering was needed.  Two good old drop cloths from Home Depot.  My mom's workhorse sewing machine. a little time for french seams.

I'm not a fan of zippers or cushion covering.  But I'll probably do those too.  I was so pleased with the result I came home and did my own sofa (one more to go).  Four drop cloths, three zippers so far.  I need one more trip to Home Depot for another drop cloth for the loveseat.

I used the same grommet and lacing closure in the back and Scothguarded it.  If it gets too dirty I'll try some RIT dye.

What Doesn't Belong In This Picture?

You know the game...you see a picture and pick out the objects that don't fit in.  Well here some snaps from my iPhone of an estate sale.  The house has been on the market, off and on, for at least three years.  Of course I've looked at it.  The original ask was 2.3 mil.  It dropped over the years to 1.3.  Now it is being rented, but will be back on the sale market I was told.  This very modern house will appeal to a very specific buyer, who hasn't shown up yet.

 

 Anyhoo, they were selling off the furnishings.  Very high end stuff.

 These were reasonable at $45 each.

Stuck up on the balcony was an oak bookcase.  For $45 it landed here in my garage.

 The top was broken, but a nice clean break.

 Wood glue and clamps later it was all better.

 Brass leaned up nicely with a water and vinegar soak.

 Ready to move.

I had been looking for shelves for the closet.

It belongs in this picture!