Friday

Turning a Potting Bench back into a Wine Rack that is full of memories





I've had an old Wine Rack - Potting Bench for almost three years now and finally got around to refinishing it.
This piece of furniture has special memories  as my friends husband gave it to me a few weeks after she died from a horrible cancer.
Ingrid told me this once was a very cherished piece and was used for their wine bottles at different homes, in different countries.  But in one of the many moves with the military they lost the drawers and put it outside on their deck.  It was now a potting bench and with stood years of weather but the bones of the piece were in great shape.


 First thing I did was use a good cleaner and took the hose to it, let it dry then used a fine grade of sandpaper trying not to take off most of the patina that resulted from the years of rain and sun.
After looking into my stash of left over paints and stains I found a nice pine color stain.
 I did not  put much energy into applying the stain. A simple paint brush and let it soak into the dry wood.


 I love how the stain went over the green color on the legs of the piece and soaked into the spots where the green was worn off.  It mixed together beautifully.






One coat of stain was all I used then once it dried I applied a simple clear satin varnish.
Now to find a way to put in a shelf where the drawers once were.  I did take out the gliders that held the drawers and I'm still trying to figure out how to put in the wood?  
The piece is finished and will stand in my dining room reminding me of Ingrid and how she enriched my life and how grateful I am for knowing her.



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11 comments:

Charlotte said...

What a great piece to remember your friend. You did a great job!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a special piece, I love the finish you gave it. Looks amazing. Hugs, Marty

Polly said...

what a special way to remember your friend every time you look at it. i totally understand those feelings. thanks for coming by Georgie Emerson....it is nice to connect with you!

Polly

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Looks pretty. I like the green with the natural wood peeking through. Sweet of the Husband to give it to you, and it makes a lovely tribute in your home to your dear friend.
Pat

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Love the repurposing~ it turned out great!

andrea@townandprairie said...

The green was a good selection!

Eclectically Vintage said...

So glad you now have Ingrid's wine rack to remind you of her. The piece turned out beautifully - love the dark stain.
Kelly

Karen said...

Hi Sandy, I've been gone far too long. I love Ingrid's cabinet and the special memories it holds for you. You did a fantastic job on it. I read through many of your older posts, too, and enjoyed all of them. Your new closet looks wonderful...I've said it before and I'll say it again, I SO could use your help with remodeling around here. You do such beautiful work!

dollygk said...

Very nice job Sis, I didn't know it originally belonged to Ingrid! A sweet memory!!

Pondside said...

Well done - and I'll bet you thought of your dear friend at every step.

Cassie Bustamante said...

now that is what i need! so i can drink and garden! :) super cute!