Wednesday, August 27, 2008

My Dining Room Floor...Finally











After false starts, bad moves, poor results, tears, and a bit of swearing, I received some wonderful advice from Larry Marshall of "Woodnbits", whom I "met" through the Miniature Collectors Club, I have a beautiful floor for my Dining Room. It is not glued to the base as yet...much work to do before I make that important step, but I had to show it off and send kudos to Larry.
The floor is a mahogany veneer that I cut to shape, sanded clean, and stained with 3 coats of my favorite stain, Cabernet by Varathane. ( This stain will be prominent all through this house ) The border design and "medallion"are from my scrapbook supply...peel and stick trim. I love it's look..in fact, I used it as crown moulding in my Alison, Jr. house. I had the problem, on the first attempt, of the Bullseye varnish drying with streaks and clots, bubbles and ridges. Pure T ugly and, after complaining about it through MCC, Larry suggested that I dilute the shellac with denatured alcohol in a 50-50 proportion. I mixed up the concoction and practiced on a scrap piece of wood and was delighted !! I was so cautious when I applied it to my already pretty floor, knowing, if it turned out wrong, I'd have a bad behavior. I knew immediately that I had a good thing happening. I quit at 2 coats. I was afraid to press my luck. I think it's perfect!
As you can see, this is another cranky spot in the Garfield Manor and I'll need to decorate the already attached wall around that awkward corner before I erect the outer walls. The small 3" edge leading to the side porch has a door I don't really care for, so I bought the Houseworks door with the 4 pane transom from my local Hobby Lobby and am altering that wall and the trim to the door to make it fit. It's going to take a few days to finagle it all, but I have all the supplies I'll need to get it adapted correctly and decorate the area.
I've also been working on the ceiling to the Dining Room and the floor to the 2nd story room above it.( not shown ) The floor is the store bought plank flooring, stained and beautifully shellaced with the same great results. The ceiling was another pistol. I wanted it to have the rough texture of plaster ( tiny orange peel look ) and bought some stuff at the hardware store that was a total bust. After cleaning off the wood and returning the product, I purchased Rust-oleum's multicolored textured paint...mixed tans...and sprayed on 3 coats. Awesome !!! and, again, I'm happy. Lots of work to do before it's ready for Show and Tell. I (underestimate ) a week before the room is finished.
As I've said several times before, the Garfield Manor has me fascinated and I hold myself captive in my spare room every chance I get, often ignoring chores and garden. The house seems to speak to me and tell me what it hopes I'll do with it. I have file folders full of ideas and hopes to turn this into the fine Victorian home it is meant to be. Many of you have sent me compliments and great words of encouragement and that just spurs me on to do this house justice. I do thank you for all your kind thoughts and, as always, am open to suggestions.
Until later............................

5 comments:

Anne said...
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Anne said...

Delete Comment From: The Garfield Manor by Kathy Calhoun


Anne said...
That floor is just stunning! I'm sitting here with a piece of furniture I need to varnish but I just can't bring myself to do it because I don't want to see the "streaks and clots, bubbles and ridges" you mentioned. So now I have an idea about what to do thanks to you and Larry Marshall. Thank you so much.
PS - I have a can of the Cabernet and I love that color as much as you do. Isn't the the deepest richest most wonderful color ever!

Kathy Calhoun said...

Thanks, Anne....I truly, truly appreciate your comments. I am so proud of this floor and Larry sure helped me understand the process better. It's a straight 50-50 mix of the shellac and denatured alcohol. He did say the "Bullseye" was one of the better premixed shellacs. ( Larry usually uses flakes and mixes his own. ) I know I'll never fear the finishing process again. Yes, Cabernet is awesome...it gives a good rich look.

Love your kitty photo....what a face!!!

Anonymous said...

Your Floors Look Perfect!! I Love it. Your entire house is really going to be serious eye candy! Thanks for sharing your talent!

Kathy Calhoun said...

Tracy, as I'm sure you've read, I've sweated over this floor. I have a much better understanding of how the finishing process works, thanks to Larry's patient tutoring, and realize that knowing the product really helps when using it.

I'm working/thinking on my next step and hope that it's going to be as nice as the floor.

It's so much fun to be able to do things I could only dream about...the Garfield is my fantasy home and I plan on it being out of the ordinary.