A Snazzy Shelf

I found this shelf (?) that I think used to be part of a large piece of furniture.  It seemed to be made to fit into a shallow cavity as a topper. If anyone has other ideas, let me know.

Here it is as found.

I immediately made it part of my "Mad for Turquoise in 2012" binge.  The warm wood color showing through contrasts perfectly with cool, cool, aqua.

Here it is after three coats of paint and careful abuse with an orbital sander.

Lastly, I gave it two coats of satin polyurethane, drilled out screw holes and affixed it to the shop for a photo.  It will sell in my shop or is available by emailing me.  It's approx. 16 x 11 x 7. 

Redo # 2012 -01

This is the first post on a new blog about making do, trash to treasure, rejuvenation, re-use and recycling.  There is not much that is more satisfying than a wonderful, functional and/or decorative "after" - and I hope to publish many of these along with tutorials if there is interest.

Here we go!

An old turntable/radio cabinet like this, made from maple in a country French style, is perfect for a rejuvenation.   No one wanted it as none of the components worked, but I saw potential. I gutted the speakers, radio and turntable, added a new bottom to the storage on top and sides.  (I have jewelry plans for the really cool tubes and colorful soldered bits - and parts of the speakers will end up as yard/outdoor art.)  I regret I failed to get a "before" photo, but here is the finished piece.

A shelf was added to each of the former speaker cavities.  I even used the original hardware - just painted it.

Attractive storage - side cabs are perfect for books, center door for stuff to hide, and top space for anything! I have a huge collection of old VHS tapes that fit perfectly - spine up - here.

The finish I chose is two tone: dark taupe under and in the storage spaces, with a light sandy taupe as the topcoat.  I utilized a resist technique for the chip-away distressed finish.

So much of the new furniture available/affordable for the average person is very poor quality and not even made from solid woods but MDF, pressboard, and glue.  One nick in that "fancy" sprayed-on pretend-a-wood finish and another Chinese import becomes junk.  This cabinet will be handed down to the next generation.