Thursday, July 5, 2012

Furniture painting - in my genes?

Thanks for the love lately about my poor sick mum. We are off to RPA today to see the neurosurgeon registrar but things don't sound good.  Hello also to all my new visitors. I really appreciate you checking in each day with my life and projects.  With one thing and another (good and bad) it's been a while since I've shared some furniture painting.



Actually the painted furniture I'm sharing today is my mother's. Mum is very creative and an amazing quilter, seamstress and embroiderer. In her younger days she would do heaps of DIY also.  These are 2 little cabinets/tables that she painted in the    mid 1960's.  Her paintwork has stood the test of time with only a few chips.


This little bedside table is Western Red Cedar and was given to mum by her Mother-in-law (my Gran) when mum and dad were first married.  I think Mum's always felt a bit guilty about painting it but she did a lovely job.  She painted it a turquoise blue and then used a dark glaze. The paint is starting to chip a little now (probably bumped around by mum's many grandchildren) but to be truthful it's a paint job that is nearly 50 years old.   


When I am down in Eden next I will repaint it for her. This recent trip has been a bit busy with caring for mum and trips to the doctors, cleaning the house, feeding my mum, showering her etc, sorting out a nursing facility that I've now had to cancel. I tell you these few days have given me a new respect for carers. The other day Sasha said "Mummy, you must be tired. I haven't seen you sit down all day".


This other little cabinet Mum has in her sewing room.  It is in wonderful condition.  What I love about these 2 cabinets is while I was growing up they were not like any other furniture I had seen at friends' houses. Mum was always very creative and has a wonderful eye for beauty. We had beautifully decorated bedrooms when in small country towns in the 1970's that wasn't really what was done for your kids.


Look at the beautiful patina of the glaze on the paint.
I love the contrast of the copper knob.


This simple little cabinet has a lovely shape.
Nothing too fancy but ever so practical and lovely.


It has been good to look at this beautiful furniture and remember my mum how she was when I was growing up - strong, capable and creative. It is very hard seeing your parents so sick and frail.

I can't wait to be warm again. Eden was FREEZING!

cheers
Fiona

Edit - My mother sadly passed away since I wrote this post. I'm so glad I got to share this post with her before she died. 

Sharing at Funky Junk SNS

10 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing your Mum's painted pieces, how cool is that? They are a great colour and have stood the test of time, quality and 'fashion' wise. My Mum actually took to painting furniture after she saw me doing it, I was so surprised (and flattered!). She won't distress anything though...just a flat clean colour for her :)

    Your Jonty must be a very caring little boy to notice all you have endured this week :)

    xx Karen

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  2. Isn't it lovely how furniture can bring back such fond memories. Stay strong and don't forget to take some time for you. xT

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  3. Hi Fiona,

    Sorry to hear that your Mum is not well. Yes isn't funny when you realize that there are some things we do like are Mum like your painting.... Lovely pieces by the way. She was definitely ahead of her time. I will keep your Mum in my prayers believing for a miracle.

    Cheers Karen

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  4. hi Fiona -hope everything turns out good for your mum but make sure you remember to take care of yourself.Also your mums cupboards were lovely.Thank you for the lovely email you sent me I will reply later now is not the time .take care dee x

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  5. I really enjoyed seeing the furniture pieces painted in the 1970's - what fun! They sure do look fresh and newly painted.

    Has your mum seen any of the new ASCP paint? I totally love that paint and wax!

    Small House / Big Sky Donna
    http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com

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    1. hi Donna -thanks for commenting. Unfortuantely we still can't get ASCP in Australia. Can you believe how deprived we are!! LOL. I think we all can't wait to get our hands on it.
      cheers Fiona

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  6. Love your mum's furniture . I think she might have used " Estapol Antique '' . It was a 3 stage process: base colour , toner and clear top coat . We all loved it in the 60s ; I had many pieces in my house in Balmain ; wish it were still available.I am now living in a lovely old house in Candelo !
    Your mum has a loving and caring daughter and I wish you both well at this difficult time .

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  7. These cabinets are so lovely! Thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry to hear of your Mum's passing. Praying for you. Visiting from Funky Junk. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-13.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  8. oh my gosh this does look just like the dresser i did! too funny! your mom clearly had amazing style. ;)

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