Chugging Along

I've been laid up with a bad back for about a week now, so I haven't been doing very much on the manor.  I got all the shingles stained so Brian will be able to shingle the remaining mansard roof when he gets around to it.  And I'm still waiting on the stand he promised to build me.  All in good time . . .

I did manage to find a buffet table that I liked for the dining room.  It was unfinished so I was able to stain it myself and it came with brass drawer pulls.  I chose the Dark Walnut stain so as to mix up the wood finishes a bit.  I think the Victorians were more eclectic in their furniture choices, and as many pieces were inherited, I think I'm okay mixing my woods.

Dining Room Suite

Yesterday I finished the dining room suite.  It went together fairly well, except for the breakfront upper doors.  They were a pain.  Every time I tried to install them with the pins, they'd break apart.  Grrr . . . I managed to get it all together, however, and I'm pleased with the results.  Except for the stain.  It's rather disappointing.  I purchased Minwax Red Mahogany, but honestly it looks just like the dark walnut I've been using.  I like darker furniture so it's not a total bust, but I was looking for the mahogany color of Chippendale furniture.  Oh well . . . I'll just have to say it's American Chippendale, as they used various other woods other than mahogany.

The other disappointing feature is that when I pulled off the plastic protecting the "glass" inserts, it left marks.  I guess because the kit was so old it had settled somewhat.  I'm hoping a little bit of "Goof Off" will work.  Do you have any other suggestions?

On the whole I enjoyed building my own furniture.  I still have two more chairs to build and upholster, so I had better.  Not to mention the kitchen . . .