Before and After Photos: Studio Sink Splash Back and Shelf

Not sure why it took us so long to get around to it... only took two and a half hours! Easy.

Before and After Photos: Restoration of Plaster Madonna and Child

A friend-of-a-friend was devastated when her cherished Madonna and Child toppled and smashed at a party. When we heard the story we thought we could help - when we saw the first photograph below, we momentarily thought we couldn't - but after 20+ hours of very careful work we managed to put her back together.

Table and Mirror: After Photos

It must be spring...

related post here

Studio Progress

Intaglio Printmaking Press - made by my uncle Martin

We had expert help to help move our press into the studio - thanks so much Marty.

We're still building and organising storage. Emily's framing moulding will soon be off the floor and safely housed in an upright store infront of the small wall on the left side.

Studio in progress - June 2012

Table: After Photos

Click link to see 'Before' and 'During' photos

'Plan A' was to restore this table to it's former (wood veneer) glory.. but alas, when I stripped the paint, I discovered the veneer had been damaged quite badly. So, I painted it with Resene Alabaster (Lustacryl Low Sheen). Then, the rest of 'Plan B' was to find some patterned paper to cover the drawers. I hunted for a suitable paper... but nothing seemed right. *Eureka!* I had no plans with that ink drawing from a few weeks back: problem solved!

Original Ink Drawing Post  and  Second Ink Drawing Post

It's always fiddly to glue this kind of thing, especially when the handles are not removable. I cut the paper over size, cut holes with darts for the handles, and stuck the paper with PVA. Once it was adhered, I trimmed the edges with a sharp blade and coated it with Estapol Clear (waterborne). 

The most difficult thing, by far, was having the patience to mask the black and white areas of the handles. Lots of huffing and sighing happened during that part. Thankfully, Em's pin-striping masking tape saved the day. 

Building Benches

BEFORE - 4th October 2011

AFTER - 14th April 2012

AFTER - 14th April 2012

For most of Easter weekend we were making benches and storage either side of our sink unit in the studio.

The big drawer (right) pulls all the way out so it can be used as a tray to transport art supplies. The panel that covers the hot water cylinder is attached with split battens as we won't have to access it much, and  it was a small way to save on hardware. Our two handles are up-cycled parts from old locks... another hardware saving. 

It took us a-stupid-amount-of-time to suss out exactly how to fit the cupboard hinges, so when we fitted them perfectly the first time I was chuffed!

We used diluted black paint to stain the bench top and sealed it with a couple of clear coats. The finish is exactly what we hoped we'd achieve.

The left side is yet to be completed. We're going to do another small drawer at the top, and we'll make a box on wheels to fit into the cavity below.

Splash-back and above bench storage/shelving also still to be done.

Delicious Degustation Dinner

This week, the artistic activity at our house was all about food and party hosting. 

Em had been mulling over the idea of doing a degustation menu for a while, and a double family birthday celebration was a great opportunity to go for it. Happy Birthday Petrina and Lex!

YUM.

degust verb

taste (something) carefully, so as to appreciate it fully.

degustation noun

ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from Latin degustare, from de- ‘completely’ + gustare ‘to taste.’

All Prepped Up...

My current work space - ready to go...

It looked so nice, I thought it was worth a photo.

The paper is Fabriano Tiepolo. I soaked it for five minutes then laid it on plywood, and taped the edges with water-activated gummed paper tape (available from Gordon Harris). This should withstand a good splashing of water, ink and paint while remaining beautifully flat. Will post results soon...

Ooh, have to share... I just won a second folding chair (like the one above) on on TradeMe, for six dollars! I've seen them for around $160 at vintage stores. Score!