How can I update a handmade clock and shelf that my grandfather made?
+9
After my grandfather retired he used his passion for woodworking to make useful and practical gifts for the family (with about a dozen grandkids) and also sold his handmade designs at craft shows.I have a clock and a bathroom shelf (I guess it could go in any room, really) that he made and although beautiful and well-built they were made in the 1980's country style. I would like to bring them into the 21st century and be able to incorporate into my home decor. So basically, I want to re-work these 80's style pieces into something more contemporary to display in my home.
Craig: If the surfaces are beautiful, I would treasure them as they are! Maybe you could paint a design (even simple lines -- using blue tape -- around them to highlight his craftsmanship.
Try staining a dark finish like espresso or ebony. Put some kind of applique over the heart cut out that is more modern. That's the only thing that really screams 80's to me. What a wonderful treasure!
Paint would be the easiest solution.
Some ideas on making, painting, updating clocks.
https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20wall%20clock
Paint for lighter. Chalk is easy and no prep but wash surface. Gel stain for darker. Then use a liquid deglosser. Cover the heart up with a wood appliqué or onlay. Some craft stores carry them but they tend to be smaller. They can get expensive. Making one in a mold that’s not wood might be cheaper. If you are not shabby chic but more contemporary then I’d lean with dark stain or white/black paint. Chalk doesn’t lean as contemporary especially with the lines on these traditional items.
Please dont.. why would you want to destroy the clock.