Starburst Dresser

[olga]

My grandma had a stroke 5 years ago. She tried living on her own for the next year, but as her illness became progressively worse, we had to make the decision to move her into a place where she would receive the care she needed. (Don't worry, she's in a very good Jewish nursing home and my mother comes to visit her every other day )

Anyway, when she left her apartment, I was the one who cleaned it out. It was a strange experience, and one I would not allow anyone else to attempt. She was a miraculous person, she has become my hero, my idol, and I was the only one who wouldn't throw everything she owned in the dumpster. I spent two weeks at her place, and then packed and took home everything. One of my favorite things she owned was an old white dresser, beat up, but the bones were good.

I took it home and to my room. It stayed old and beat up for years....and then I began my quest to find the dresser's inner life. To honor It and my grandma, this is what I created out of it.

BEFORE




AFTER










I sanded off all the old white stuff. It almost killed me, it was covered with something much worse than paint. I then stained the wood twice with Ebony.  Then came three coats of oil based poly. Then staining and nailing all of the dowells. And finally staining, cutting, sharpening, and gluing the skewers. I'm tired. Hope you like.


Thank you so much to everyone who looked, and especially to everyone who left a comment. All of your wonderful words meant the world to me. Please don't be intimidated to try something similar yourselves, it only looks hard, but to tell you the truth, besides the time commitment, it was pretty easy, a piece of cake. Thanks again!!!

[timpani~jax]

Wow that's amazing! So much work. I didn't notice the sunbursts were dowells until the close-up at the end.

[QOTSA]

Thats absolutley beautiful, a great idea and very well executed. I love the contrast between the dark and light wood colours

[CraftyImperfections]

that is incredible.  I never would have come up with the idea myself, just.. wow, what an awesome tribute!  I'm so glad it wasn't starburst wrappers, I mean, not that there is anything wrong with that, but I was thinking, she's gonna preserve her grandmas legacy with starburst wrappers?  LOL.  Anyway, this definately rocks, I'm hitting it!

[bacettox]

Oh my goodness! That's amazing!

[Tahlie]

Wow. and a really nice thing to do for your grandma, well done 

[Dulcinea]

My grandma had a stroke 5 years ago. She tried living on her own for the next year, but as her illness became progressively worse, we had to make the decision to move her into a place where she would receive the care she needed. (Don't worry, she's in a very good Jewish nursing home and my mother comes to visit her every other day )

Anyway, when she left her apartment, I was the one who cleaned it out. It was a strange experience, and one I would not allow anyone else to attempt. She was a miraculous person, she has become my hero, my idol, and I was the only one who wouldn't throw everything she owned in the dumpster. I spent two weeks at her place, and then packed and took home everything. One of my favorite things she owned was an old white dresser, beat up, but the bones were good.

I took it home and to my room. It stayed old and beat up for years....and then I began my quest to find the dresser's inner life. To honor It and my grandma, this is what I created out of it.

I think it's wonderful that you are able to honor your grandmother with the love you put into the refinishing on that dresser!

She'd be proud of the new life you've given it!

[RecycleMicol]

I hit the 'This Rocks!' on this!  And I don't do that very often!  I love the recon job!!!

Bless you for Recycling!!!!

Hugs,
RM

[Margrethe]

This is simply wonderful, and as already commented, I thought the stars were painted on till I saw the close-up! Great work!

[marleah]

Absolutely gorgeous! It looks so classy. Fabulous job!!