by Miz Amerika
Paint or not?
+81
Got this today from a good friend. It will be and entry piece. We plan to hang it on the wall with a bench under it. Most of my house has painted furniture. Should I paint it or not.
80 answers
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NOT!!!!! Its beautiful as is!!!
![Polly Zieper]()
Polly Zieper
on Feb 23, 2014
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Thanks!
![Miz Amerika]()
Miz Amerika
on Feb 23, 2014
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I love this one.. Dont paint on this..
![Margaret Adamski]()
Margaret Adamski
on Feb 23, 2014
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As long as the finish is in good shape, I would leave it alone.
![MELODEE BRYMER]()
MELODEE BRYMER
on Feb 23, 2014
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NOOO!!! It's beautiful!!!! =)
![Linda Meyer-Kelly]()
Linda Meyer-Kelly
on Feb 23, 2014
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All this needs is some tender loving care. I like Howard's feed and wax. Works wonders.
![Donna Byram]()
Donna Byram
on Feb 23, 2014
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It's beautiful as it is...I don't believe everything needs to be painted.
![Sherrie]()
Sherrie
on Feb 23, 2014
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I'd cry if you painted this gorgeous piece. It's beautiful as is. Did they keep the bottom part?
![Z]()
Z
on Feb 24, 2014
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PLEASE do NOT paint that piece!!! It's absolutely gorgeous as is, just needs a very good cleaning with possibly Murphy's Oil Soap!!! We use it all the time with our pieces!!Smells good too!
![Kim L]()
Kim L
on Feb 24, 2014
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I agree, PLEASE DO NOT PAINT THIS BEAUTIFUL WORK OF ART!! I see so many wonderful pieces destroyed by paint. Whenever in doubt have the value of the piece assessed to see if it is an antique, etc before putting paint on it which greatly devalues fine furniture!
![LinJ47]()
LinJ47
on Feb 24, 2014
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There are some pieces that are absolutely screaming to be painted (although I am not one for painted furniture) but there are some that are screaming "NO!" This is a no paint piece. It looks like it just needs to be cleaned up! P.S. If you have lots of painted pieces, perhaps this one is telling you it is time for something not painted...?????
![Jeanette S]()
Jeanette S
on Feb 24, 2014
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I agree with the above. Amazing piece, clean and enjoy!
![MM&D]()
MM&D
on Feb 24, 2014
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I agree with the others...it looks beautiful as is. I wouldn't paint it.
![Morena Hockley]()
Morena Hockley
on Feb 24, 2014
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This is a gorgeous piece. I would let it be a standout piece by NOT painting it--it's just too beautiful. I have a mix of painted and finished furniture and they work well together.
![KathrynElizabeth Etier]()
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Feb 24, 2014
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That is a beautiful piece of wood work. All I would do is maybe a few touch ups and try rematch the stain.
![Robert Muttenthaler]()
Robert Muttenthaler
on Feb 24, 2014
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I did not get the bottom part. A dear friend kept the bottom.
![Miz Amerika]()
Miz Amerika
on Feb 24, 2014
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who knows, maybe some day you might get a piece that will work for the bottom..i would just clean it and leave it alone.
![Penny]()
Penny
on Feb 24, 2014
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I have to agree with the majority of the 'NO!' answers. The piece is beautiful as is. I have all similar antique furniture (cherry wood, mahogony, oak) and I think about painting them and then distressing the paint. I just couldn't do that to 'them'. Imagine what it would take to return these pieces back to the original state. Stripping, sanding, staining, varnish and not to mention the cost??? I think leaving antique furniture in the original state is best, unless the paint is already damaged and you'd have to sand, etc... to get it to look in the original wood finish - then I might play around with painting it. Thank you!!
![Shelli C.]()
Shelli C.
on Feb 24, 2014
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It depends on how much light is in the entry. If there is a large amount of light, leave it as is. If you have a dark entry, paint it. The piece in a dark entry would be drab and depressing. Also consider is the color of the wall it will hang on.
![F P Spillers]()
F P Spillers
on Feb 24, 2014
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Nice piece. I have to wonder how you will hang this on the wall...it looks enormously heavy. I have been trying to picture it with a bench under it and am having a hard time because of the legs and extensions on the bottom. How do you plan on doing this? Unless you are looking to sell it..I, myself, would paint it. It would bring out the design of it more instead of it being so dark.
![Chris Sabol]()
Chris Sabol
on Feb 24, 2014
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This looks very much like an antique. Have it appraised. Do NOT even touch up before that. You could be ruining $ thousands. Good Luck!!
![Candy Marcy]()
Candy Marcy
on Feb 25, 2014
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Do not paint! It's beautiful the way it is.
![Vicki]()
Vicki
on Feb 25, 2014
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Your dear friend should give you the bottom.
![Roberta Eagleston]()
Roberta Eagleston
on Feb 25, 2014
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I would NEVER paint a historical piece like this beauty!! Polish it up and let it shone as is!! Would love to have a piece like this!!
![Debbie-Dabble]()
Debbie-Dabble
on Feb 25, 2014
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I'm usually pro paint but not in this case. It's gorgeous in wood. If you clean it up, you could certainly accent it with some color though through accessories.
![Misty]()
Misty
on Feb 25, 2014
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Paint on wood is Sacrilegious ... a no go.... please whatever you do, don't paint it...
![Luanne Myburgh]()
Luanne Myburgh
on Feb 25, 2014
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This is not the piece to paint...Why not use it in a bathroom and mount it on the counter. You mentioned that you have a great deal of painted furniture...be careful that you do not have to many painted pieces...You do not want your house to look like a "Hobby Shop". If you mount it over a bench, it will look strange...
![Jim L]()
Jim L
on Feb 25, 2014
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Polish it with a good polish.. but never paint beautiful wood furniture like ths
![Beatrice Whitacre]()
Beatrice Whitacre
on Feb 25, 2014
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Certainly; don't paint it YET. You may come across a piece to set it on that will compliment it. In the mean time; take pieces of a real walnut(the inside eatable pieces)and go over any scratches, then go over it with a coat of very good furniture oil, so that it will preserve this very BEAUTIFUL wooden "architecture". Great find!!!
![Michelle(Micki)Gresham]()
Michelle(Micki)Gresham
on Feb 25, 2014
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Don't paint it!
![Julie B]()
Julie B
on Feb 25, 2014
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No! These items are valuable as they are. It might look more fun but cheap, if you paint it. I think its is better to sale it if it doesn't match your interior....
![Ol'ga K'osareva]()
Ol'ga K'osareva
on Feb 25, 2014
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no dont paint, it looks like its in awesome shape. i would only ever paint if it was really scratched or damaged. make it shine so it can show its beauty from long ago.
![Lo]()
Lo
on Feb 25, 2014
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Don't paint it!
![Mak Meyers]()
Mak Meyers
on Feb 25, 2014
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oh golly, I see how this post is going. It is so unique, maybe someone should take a look at it first... by the way, nice right leg
![Linda Weeks]()
Linda Weeks
on Feb 25, 2014
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No on painting it
![Carol Harris]()
Carol Harris
on Feb 25, 2014
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I agree....polish to show the beauty you already have...painting is for damaged pieces...good luck :)
![Shari Veater]()
Shari Veater
on Feb 25, 2014
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Paint
![Adan]()
Adan
on Feb 25, 2014
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So Beautiful...polish with tung oil and see how much more Beautiful it will become.
![Jeanne Garcia]()
Jeanne Garcia
on Feb 25, 2014
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I think you need to go with what works for you. It will be a beautiful piece either way. If you are unsure, put it up as is and see what you think after a month or so.
![Thrifty Treasures]()
Thrifty Treasures
on Feb 25, 2014
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If you do decide to paint -Go silver!!
![Diana Sue Mendez-Lucio]()
Diana Sue Mendez-Lucio
on Feb 25, 2014
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The people who say don't paint good wood are the same ones who don't want holes in their walls for picture hanging. If it's going into and older home with the same feeling leave as is. If not a shiny black finish would look great. Always consider where it's going and then follow your heart - good luck
![Molly F]()
Molly F
on Feb 25, 2014
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Gotta add my voice to the "don't paint" camp. This is a beautiful piece with lovely wood that would be greatly diminished by paint. Oh, and while my house is full of unpainted furniture, my walls are also full of holes holding pictures!
![Terri]()
Terri
on Feb 25, 2014
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Is this piece staying in your home? Do you want to look at it as is or with a pop of color and bring it to life? So many people say "don't paint" all the time - unless you plan on re-selling it - enjoy it the way you would like. More than likely you love it for your home! I am sure this won't go over with some - but, some of my favorite pieces are painted, some just cleaned up and oiled.
![Mar]()
Mar
on Feb 25, 2014
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Painting old wood pieces my them feel new, if you want new buy new don't use beautiful old wood. Unless it is damaged beyond repair. They don't make beautifully crafted pieces like this anymore. Why must we redo the past. There is a rich history covered in paint why?
![Kim 'Kiewatt' Waknitz]()
Kim 'Kiewatt' Waknitz
on Feb 25, 2014
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I have to agree....I like my pictures up and my wood left shiny and pretty. With that said, my last 2 pieces I did paint. But they were in pretty bad condition and really needed painting. But my old coffee table tht I just dragged home from a dumpster has been cleaned, polished, and oiled (and replaced a glass on top for $14.37) and it is magnificent!!! So, I guess you do need to just look at it and decide wht kind of piece you want!! Good luck. (c:
![Karen]()
Karen
on Feb 25, 2014
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If most of your house is in painted furniture, go ahead and paint it...You aren't going to lose value, because this is only the top piece of a buffet...not the whole piece. Check the back for screw holes and that will confirm my theory. Be daring and inventive and have fun....
![Lauren]()
Lauren
on Feb 25, 2014
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paint it!!!!! it'll give a preview of the rest of your house. If you love painted furniture then you will love it painted.
![Linda OsborneMarvel]()
Linda OsborneMarvel
on Feb 25, 2014
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not paint it
![Robin Corzilius]()
Robin Corzilius
on Feb 25, 2014
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I agree with Thrifty. You have to do what works for you. It will be fabulous no matter what! It will get new life either way. It's a " win win" . I 'd like to know what you are planning to use it for. It's quite unique. I love the sharing on Home Talk so we can explore all the possibilities. It is inspiration for me.
![Carol Tomlin]()
Carol Tomlin
on Feb 25, 2014
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If it was mine I would'nt paint it. I love the natural beauty of the wood.
![Terressa Zook]()
Terressa Zook
on Feb 25, 2014
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Do not paint this beauty! Just a little cleaning will make it perfect!
![Brenda Webster]()
Brenda Webster
on Feb 25, 2014
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What is it exactly? Those almost look like seats on either side. Do you have any history about this piece?
![CC]()
CC
on Feb 25, 2014
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If it was my piece, I would paint it or stain it in dark color like cherry wood color...
![Sharon Tente-Clarke]()
Sharon Tente-Clarke
on Feb 25, 2014
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This is a gorgeous piece. I am not a fan of painting something this beautiful. Why not use some Tung oil on it and see what it looks like. The wood looks like black walnut.
![N. Susan Hart]()
N. Susan Hart
on Feb 25, 2014
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no its probably a antique and I feel that if its old leave it in its original state
![Barbie]()
Barbie
on Feb 25, 2014
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give or sell it to someone who likes it just the way it is!!
![TJ]()
TJ
on Feb 25, 2014
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it the wood is in good condition ... i vote to leave it alone
![Jamala W]()
Jamala W
on Feb 25, 2014
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Clean and leave!
![Bonnie D]()
Bonnie D
on Feb 25, 2014
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The dark wood will be a good accent for the other painted furniture. Clean it up with an oil and hang in original stain. An interior decorator
![Cassi Steele]()
Cassi Steele
on Feb 25, 2014
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Paint it!!!! and distress it. Would be total beauty.....white or cream would be stunning. But first see if it is worth something. If not have at it!!!
![Jill B]()
Jill B
on Feb 25, 2014
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it would look great over a fireplace sitting on the mantle...
![Penny]()
Penny
on Feb 25, 2014
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It's a beautiful piece of antique history. Please DON"T paint it. Save the paint for the ugly and broken down pieces, the cheap needing a redo pieces, NOT beautiful pieces of workmanship and history.
![Francine McGee]()
Francine McGee
on Feb 25, 2014
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This is a great piece of antique furniture. It would be a shame to paint it. Have you checked to see if it has any monetary value? It would ruin or destroy monetary value if you paint it.
![Rebecca B]()
Rebecca B
on Feb 25, 2014
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You know what? You and only you get to choose!! In the 1960's, we had moved from a farm house to a town across the country into a new home. The rage was to use a kit to paint and "antique" over the paint. My Mom's friends were doing it so she did her blonde furniture to look dark wood and her Grandma's washstand, minus the towel rack, in soft green and antiqued (brown glaze over it) . We put a TV on it and stored the handy tools often used inside and games played most often along with Mom's teaching books. It still looks great and her "updating" is now an antique finish!! But I'm glad she changed it. It would have looked so dark and out of place. You did not pay for this. It was not purchased at an antique auction. It almost looks like half is missing. Personally, I would say do what YOU want. An antique is as valuable as you find a buyer to pay. I myself love the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I do not see it as ruining furniture but giving it new style, character and charm.
![Gwen]()
Gwen
on Feb 25, 2014
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Do Not Paint this piece and gets the History of this Furniture ;)
![Sharon Clyatt]()
Sharon Clyatt
on Feb 26, 2014
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no paint its beautiful just clean it
![Beth Shingledecker]()
Beth Shingledecker
on Feb 26, 2014
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do not paint. this is the top of a buffet cabinet. I have one, mine was appraised at $2000.00 for both buffet and hutch.
![DARLENE D]()
DARLENE D
on Feb 26, 2014
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I'd paint it a pretty color and in the holes, I hang framed art pictures ! Use a glass table under it.
![Betsy Bodrero]()
Betsy Bodrero
on Feb 26, 2014
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Please don't paint this beautiful wood
![Lynn5280]()
Lynn5280
on Feb 26, 2014
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to nice to paint
![Linda Delap]()
Linda Delap
on Feb 26, 2014
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as an antique dealer I can tell you it does not have any value without the rest of the piece. If you want to paint it go for it! It is only worth what someone thinks it is worth or is willing to pay for it. You own it do what you want with it and enjoy it then it will be worth a lot more to you.
![Pat Mountfort]()
Pat Mountfort
on Feb 26, 2014
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I have to say, Don't paint it. But it's yours, so do what you want. I have to agree this piece would look amazing above a fire place. I can see it all dressed up for Christmas with lighted garland & the stockings hanging from it.
![Jackie Steel]()
Jackie Steel
on Feb 26, 2014
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Do Not Paint this, if you do it will become worthless.
![Kimberly]()
Kimberly
on Feb 26, 2014
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DO NOT PAINT! Although paint can transform a piece into a beautiful thing, painting destroys the value. If it were extremely damaged, painting maybe the answer, in this case this appears to be in excellent shape. I would clean with a good wood soap, then use an good oil to treat and polish the dry wood. I would also go to a dealer with a few pictures and ask for an approximate value, I'm not an expert by any means, but, often a dealer may feel it is worthless without the buffet and another may have a different opinion.
![Diane C]()
Diane C
on Feb 27, 2014
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I say it's your piece so do what you like with it! Make it a fun piece and be happy :)
![JanB]()
JanB
on Feb 27, 2014
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I would clean it with vinegar and vegetable oil (Pinterest recipe for cleaning up wood), and then decide, good luck. I love natural wood, but you are the one who has to live with it, you pick.
![Carolyn Hoxton]()
Carolyn Hoxton
on Feb 27, 2014
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I'm going to go against the grain (no pun intended) and say paint it. I looked at this piece and came up with this a couple ways. First, it's very dark and heavy. Unless you have the right environment for it, it might look out of place or even gothic. Second, it looks like it used to sit atop a dresser and so for that reason it's not in it's true state which would diminish any value. So I would paint it. But I would probably go with a muted color and bring out the details and accents with some distressing and colored wax. I mix my CeCe Caldwell chalk paint with a little clear wax and rub it into the corners and raised areas to give it an aged look. In any case, have fun with it and let us know what you decided.
![Michele Eures]()
Michele Eures
on Feb 27, 2014
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Never paint beautiful wood like this. Having the authentic wood grains is all natural beauty. Painting it will brighten it in your room of already painted furniture and would blend well with what you've already got. Painting seems to be the "in" thing but I love the natural real wood when you've got it. So many things are made from MDF then trimmed out so must be painted,
![Leslie Lewis]()
Leslie Lewis
on Feb 27, 2014
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I'm actually a big fan of painted furniture, but for this piece, I'd leave it. Clean it up with some linseed oil to perk up the finish.
![Cori Warner]()
Cori Warner
on Feb 27, 2014
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I think I will be leaving I painted for now. I'll post a photo when it's on the wall!
![Miz Amerika]()
Miz Amerika
on Mar 02, 2014
Polly Zieper
on Feb 23, 2014
Miz Amerika
on Feb 23, 2014
Margaret Adamski
on Feb 23, 2014
MELODEE BRYMER
on Feb 23, 2014
Linda Meyer-Kelly
on Feb 23, 2014
Donna Byram
on Feb 23, 2014
Sherrie
on Feb 23, 2014
Z
on Feb 24, 2014
Kim L
on Feb 24, 2014
LinJ47
on Feb 24, 2014
Jeanette S
on Feb 24, 2014
MM&D
on Feb 24, 2014
Morena Hockley
on Feb 24, 2014
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Feb 24, 2014
Robert Muttenthaler
on Feb 24, 2014
Penny
on Feb 24, 2014
Shelli C.
on Feb 24, 2014
F P Spillers
on Feb 24, 2014
Chris Sabol
on Feb 24, 2014
Candy Marcy
on Feb 25, 2014
Vicki
on Feb 25, 2014
Roberta Eagleston
on Feb 25, 2014
Debbie-Dabble
on Feb 25, 2014
Misty
on Feb 25, 2014
Luanne Myburgh
on Feb 25, 2014
Jim L
on Feb 25, 2014
Ol'ga K'osareva
on Feb 25, 2014
Lo
on Feb 25, 2014
Mak Meyers
on Feb 25, 2014
Linda Weeks
on Feb 25, 2014
Carol Harris
on Feb 25, 2014
Shari Veater
on Feb 25, 2014
Adan
on Feb 25, 2014
Jeanne Garcia
on Feb 25, 2014
Thrifty Treasures
on Feb 25, 2014
Diana Sue Mendez-Lucio
on Feb 25, 2014
Molly F
on Feb 25, 2014
Terri
on Feb 25, 2014
Mar
on Feb 25, 2014
Kim 'Kiewatt' Waknitz
on Feb 25, 2014
Karen
on Feb 25, 2014
Lauren
on Feb 25, 2014
Linda OsborneMarvel
on Feb 25, 2014
Robin Corzilius
on Feb 25, 2014
Carol Tomlin
on Feb 25, 2014
Terressa Zook
on Feb 25, 2014
Brenda Webster
on Feb 25, 2014
CC
on Feb 25, 2014
Sharon Tente-Clarke
on Feb 25, 2014
N. Susan Hart
on Feb 25, 2014
Barbie
on Feb 25, 2014
TJ
on Feb 25, 2014
Jamala W
on Feb 25, 2014
Bonnie D
on Feb 25, 2014
Cassi Steele
on Feb 25, 2014
Jill B
on Feb 25, 2014
Francine McGee
on Feb 25, 2014
Rebecca B
on Feb 25, 2014
Gwen
on Feb 25, 2014
Sharon Clyatt
on Feb 26, 2014
Beth Shingledecker
on Feb 26, 2014
DARLENE D
on Feb 26, 2014
Betsy Bodrero
on Feb 26, 2014
Lynn5280
on Feb 26, 2014
Linda Delap
on Feb 26, 2014
Pat Mountfort
on Feb 26, 2014
Jackie Steel
on Feb 26, 2014
Kimberly
on Feb 26, 2014
Diane C
on Feb 27, 2014
JanB
on Feb 27, 2014
Carolyn Hoxton
on Feb 27, 2014
Michele Eures
on Feb 27, 2014
Leslie Lewis
on Feb 27, 2014
Cori Warner
on Feb 27, 2014
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