Review on Restor- A- Finish

This is the top of a cedar chest that belonged to my mother. I'm estimating that she got it some time in the 1940's. Since her death it has been with me with hopes of my niece claiming it whenever she decides too. 

You can see it's top, specifically has had a little wear and tear so I decided I'd use a product I've used in the past, 

to perk it up.


It was Homer Formby Furniture Refinisher.

  I didn't want to do a thorough stripping, sanding, etc. I wanted more of a facelift for the top.Unfortunately the home improvement store didn't have it.  I was in no mood to shop around so instead I bought Restor-A-Finish.

Directions: Always wipe off excess Restor-A-Finish. Choose the color that best matches the finish of your wood. Apply with a small pad of cloth, or (for severe scratches and white rings) apply with super fine (0000) steel wool. When using steel wool, always rub with the wood grain.

My results were disappointing.  Applying the product, it went on wet and shiny. It gave me the idea that this is what I could expect afterwards. I wiped off the product as instructed and when it dried, the chest looked the same way it did before I started. I used the steel wool to work around the wet ring. Result? Nada.

This is $8 I could have thrown away on a fancy coffee. Not to mention the $4 I spent for  0000 steel wool. 

AFTER 😖

I could search around for the product I wanted but at this point, I’ve
 decided to cover it with a nice dresser scarf and call it DONE.  

Yep, the photo is upside down but, I've toyed with it long enough trying to fix it.

 

That's it***

 

Fabric Covered Boxes

      At one time storing your record albums, LPs, vinyl, (or whatever YOU want to call them) in a milk crate was the thing. I've had these since I don't know when. There's also another box underneath the ones you see here on a lower shelf.

      I had the living room painted and spruced up, so I decided to replace the crates with decorative boxes similar to the ones I've seen in home and craft stores. I first consulted YouTube to get some ideas on how to cover the boxes. In the end, I did my own thing.

I happened to be at Moe's Southwest Grill  and saw one of the workers about to throw away what looked like sturdy,clean, tomato boxes. I asked if I could have them and he said yes. BTW- These boxes also came with lids, but I didn't need those so I took them to the recycling bin. After wiping the boxes down in a bleach solution, drying in the sun, then spraying with disinfectant, I proceeded with my project of covering the boxes in fabric.

 The fabric came from Walmart. We're limited around here as to where we can buy fabric. You can see my blue glue gun in the background.


After a lot of folding, pleating and cutting I was able to hot glue the fabric to the box. It could have been neater but this was my first time trying this.

 I didn't bother to line the inside since no one is supposed to be examining this and it's just for me.

Cutting out the space for the handles wasn't too bad. I made an  "X", then folded the fabric to the inside. 

Folding the edges of some of the material to finish it off and then gluing it on allowed it to come out a lot neater.

Here I am gluing on the folded strips for a clean finish on the handles.

 

You can see the finished handle has no raw edges.  I did this method on both boxes.

 

The box still looked a little plain ...

so I brought out the metal lock icons I had in my stash that I'd gotten for $1 at Michael's some time ago. I didn't know what I was going to do with them at the time but, I knew they had a future in some project I'd concoct. I was able to get 2 rolls of the trim you see below with a gift card I've had since 2016, along with asking for a seniors discount. (Being a senior citizen has it's perks😀. It's only 10%).
 

No, I didn't measure before I put the trim on.

Still,the albums look a lot more dressy on the shelf. The locks didn't show up as well as I'd like and I'll probably go back and dry brush them with a little silver paint to enhance the detail.

Here's a close up of the trim and lock.I'm satisfied with how this project turned out.

That's it***

Ms. Jefferson County 2017

Held at the Gardendale Civic Center, Ms. Jefferson County Pageant 2017 included three competitors, Mary Turner, Deborah Williams, and Doris Ann Shipp. The ladies were all from various senior centers around the area.

The pageant is sponsored by Jefferson County Human-Community Services and Economic Development: Senior Services Division where  Janice Williams is Coordinator. Contestants must be 60 years of age and above.

I have attended two previous pageants and all of the ladies conduct themselves with dignity and poise. Defying vulnerability, these ladies, make their promenade through the audience to the stage, leisurely walking back and forth as the emcee introduces us to each contestant giving their background information. Contestants also perform a talent  and in the last segment present themselves in an evening gown and give their philosophy on life.

Between costume changes we were  treated with performances by soloist, Crystal Waddy,

a line dance by  Fairfield Swinging Senior Line Dancers,  as well as a word from some of those who helped sponsor the event.

Before the coronation of Ms. Jefferson County 2017, Tena Wilson, 2016’s Ms. Jefferson County made her final walk then sung, “My Funny Valentine.”

A panel of three comprised the judges.

Deborah Williams and Doris Ann Shipp received trophies for congeniality and two other categories.


 This year’s Ms. Jefferson County winner was Mary L. Turner.  She will go on to compete in the state  event.

A reception followed  immediately after the pageant.

Ebony and Ivory Sassy Hatters

Red Hat Society (RHS) members strutted their favorite Red Hat Costumes and Regalia at Queen Bridget’s, Ebony and Ivory Sassy Hatters (EISH), meet and greet luncheon.  This was also an event to sign new chapter members and give insight into what the RHS is about.  Scheduled were talent, dancing, dining and most of all meeting other ladies who were there to have fun.

Hatters are known for tea and tea parties. At each place setting was a box containing, a tea cake, two candies, a tea bag and a honey stick. 

There were hooped skirts, pirate costumes, pajamas, poodle skirts and general Red Hat regalia.

Cash prizes were awarded to 1^st and 2^nd place costume winners.

 EISH members dressed in 1950’s poodle skirts, fitted sweater tops, hair scarves and head bands, bobby socks, tennis and I even saw a pair of red, high-heeled sneakers.

One member of the Flamboyant Prima Donnas sang  Help Me Make It Through the Night. Members of Fellowship of Friends did a coordinated dance routine.  Members from the Red Hot Mamas had us all laughing and participating in their exercise routine done to Tooty ta

Lunch included savory, skinless, baked chicken breasts, spring greens salad with fruit and cheese, seasoned baked vegetable medley, rolls and iced tea. For dessert, red velvet cake (which is the RHS signature dessert) along with a dollop of lemon mousse inside a chocolate candy shell.  

    

Of course every RHS event has the 50/50 cash drawing. Attendees purchase tickets for a set price. The money goes into a pot. If a person’s number is called she wins half of what is in the pot with the other half going to the hosting chapter. Since RHS is a non-profit, this money is used toward sponsorship of future events. Other funding efforts include auctions, and ticketed gift basket drawings. Of course members pay a fee to attend the various events.

Dancing, entertainment, door prizes, food and innocent mayhem is definitely a part of the fun at all of the events I have attended. We were all surprised at being gifted a selfie stick from EISH as we left the event.

That's it ***