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You can accomplish pretty much anything with enough patience, grit, and determination. There’s a lot of pleasure to be had in accomplishing a difficult task, like restoring an old object to its former glory. Even more so if you know for a fact that most others would have given up a dozen times over. While there you are, slowly putting your skills to the test, learning from your mistakes, and working on something that’s going to make the internet’s jaw drop.

Our team here at Bored Panda has collected photos of some of the most impressive restoration projects from all around the net. We hope these pics will scratch the same DIY itch it did for us, and inspire you to do something similar. Scroll down to enjoy some truly magnificent restorations.

Bored Panda reached out to artist Gavin Gerundo, who spent a whopping 150 hours restoring and painting this grandfather clock, to hear about his project, workflow, and passion for art. Read on for our full interview with him!

#1

I Do Custom Shoe Polishing And Dyeing! This Is My Newest Restoration

I Do Custom Shoe Polishing And Dyeing! This Is My Newest Restoration

zwxe , zwxe Report

Anna Demkovych
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're so talented! Amazing work

PhillipGadd
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Google pay 200$ per hour my last pay check was $8500 working 1o hours a week online. My younger brother friend has been averaging 12000 for months now and he works about 22 hours a week. I cant believe how easy it was once I tried it outit.. AND GOOD LUCK.:) HERE=========================)> 𝐖𝐰𝐰.𝐣𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞.𝐜𝐨𝐦

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Louisa Johnson
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have a gift and an amazing eye for detail. Did not think old shoes would impress me so much. Well done

It's_me
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are now some sexy a** shoes!

Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brogues or wing tips are classy.

Kim Landfather
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WOW!! The restored versions are incredibly beautiful!

Dingooo
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really brought out the hidden Beauty in those shoes.

Bsawlsville
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it I could perpetually put this to the top, I would

Shyla Bouche
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is Bored Panda. You can't say dyeing; you have to say unaliveing! (I put the e so it wouldn't be the sub for dying, but for dyeing)

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We got in touch with artist Gavin for a chat about the magnificent work he's done upcycling this gorgeous grandfather clock right here. He was kind enough to walk us through the inspiration for the project, his work process, and what advice he'd give to someone hoping to follow in his footsteps.

"The inspiration for the project started with my career as a canvas painter. I had been creating wall art for years and had begun to run out of space for my art and the collection of art I had acquired from the many creators I’ve met along my path. During quarantine, I began to focus on the home space as many of us did and noticed that a lot of the pieces of furniture did not inspire and bring me joy in the same way that much of the wall art did," he shared with Bored Panda.

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"Being that furniture is such an interactive piece of our lives, I saw an opportunity to deepen the artistic nature of the home through pieces of furniture, notably an old grandfather clock I had recently picked up. I began the process on this huge project after painting a few smaller objects such as jewelry boxes and shelves that I had. As always with my art, part of the intention has been to create relics that outlast me and become pieces of history, heirlooms that inform and inspire for many years to come."

RELATED:
    #2

    1930’s Parquet Flooring Is Restored Today

    1930’s Parquet Flooring Is Restored Today

    Fallinator95 Report

    Mike Fitzpatrick
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's really sharp, but I personally don't like parquet floors. They're too busy. Probably just me though.

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like this one, it looks like a woven basket. If you made it the focal point of the room, it would be awsome.

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    Anna Demkovych
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh wow, if it wasnt for the walls being the same I wouldnt even believe that this is the same floor!

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The house my grandad built in the 70s had parquet floors, which were maintained by oiling. In the late 2000s we pulled up the carpet that was in the other half of the house and wanted to have the same parquet put in there, but it had been made using old growth Tasmanian timber that is now illegal to fell for building materials. When mum sold the place a couple of years ago she took a lot of things, because they were going to pull it down anyway, but didn't manage to get the flooring as it would have taken a lot of time and skill to get up. I really hope the builders were able to rehouse it rather than just dispose of it.

    PurpleUnicorn
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love parquet, but you don't see it much nowadays. Too time-consuming to lay, I suppose.

    Jackie Lulu
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gotta admit, better than the 'before'.

    Griselle Lugo
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow!! Now they look 3D!!

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    #3

    In 1916 My Great-Grandfather Built His House From A Sears Home Kit. 100 Years Later We've Restored It To Its Original Beauty

    In 1916 My Great-Grandfather Built His House From A Sears Home Kit. 100 Years Later We've Restored It To Its Original Beauty

    RealHotSauceBoss Report

    Mike Fitzpatrick
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some of the homes were really sweet. Different sizes, styles, layouts etc.

    Jason
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wish the kit homes here were similar price and quality as they were

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    C L
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You did a great job. On ours we found the kit number written on some of the boards and were able to locate the catalog page with that. Bricks, doors, hardware, windows, everything came. Ours had a craftsman style built in china cabinet with glass doors. They were sent by train to the destination.

    Louisa Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A home kit. That is one of the coolest things I have heard you can buy. Do they still sell them. And how much was it when your grandfather bought it?

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Australia, in the very early days they did a similar thing. The governors or whoever had money, would order one from England and it would be transported by boat. It was then reassembled by local builders/convicts. One of my ancestors was the builder that put together governor Cook's cottage in Melbourne. It has since been moved to the Fitzroy Gardens and you can go and tour it. Also many Australian houses had wrought iron decorations on them, because that was what was used to weigh the ships that had transported animals etc to England down on their return journey.

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    Barong
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not all the homes were so modest either. Some were quite grand. They sold over 70,000 kits. Perhaps there is one in your community. Here is a selection and images of the homes Sears sold. http://www.searsarchives.com/homes/1908-1914.htm

    Philly Bobcat
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There was one on Main St in Dupont, PA (USA) up until about 2 months ago when the guy who bought the property tore it down. My friend owns the restaurant across the street from where it was.

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    Bec
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our neighborhood is near a railroad line in town, my taxes actually specify we are in the belt railway addition. Lots of 1920s-1940's kit houses. Sears, Montgomery Ward, and others. Sometimes I'll notice that two adjacent houses are twins, builders probably ordered a couple of kits, picked them up off the railroad and put them together right next to each other.

    Alice Landers
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is one in St Augustine FL first time I had seen one. Small not as elaborate as this one. I'm old enough to remember Sears catalog as a child but I certainly wasn't looking for a house!

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    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Home kit? How big were the stores?? :O

    Needmorecowbell
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You ordered them by catalog! (But you probably knew that!)

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    Kim Lorton
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My paternal grandpa did the same thing. He chose to do one story and full Basement. They ended up with 7 kids! They put all the boys in the basement! Girls in the second bedroom! My grandma lived there until she literally couldn't be alone anymore. We all loved that house, slept on the front screened porch, and the house is still standing and being loved today!

    MrsFettesVette
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love Sears kit houses, the concept is so cool

    elcee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my step has sears barn, there's the sweetest bungalow I've loved since I was a kid, they were some of the best designs

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    The entire restoration of the clock took a jaw-dropping 150 hours. "What a lot of people don’t think about with the process is the actual restoration stage. I have to sand down all of the wood, removing the varnish and creating a proper surface that the paint will adhere to and last for centuries to come. From here, I prime it with a base layer of black and begin to create my designs. These designs are based on a process of intuitive geometry," artist Gavin said.

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    He explained that he likes to pick an overall theme for the piece to work with. From there, he uses the furniture to inform the direction of the geometry, "breaking the 3D object down into a bunch of rectangles and circles. These rectangles and circles are then intuitively divided and activated by creating symmetries and then 'connecting the dots.'"

    According to the artist, the most challenging part of painting the grandfather clock was reaching some of the nooks and crannies to adorn them with precise geometry. He had very limited hand movement in those tight spaces. "or a lot of the intricacies, I can take the piece of furniture apart, but for some, I just have to squeeze my hand as best as possible into the spaces and make it work."

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    #4

    Completed The Restoration Of My Dream Car

    Completed The Restoration Of My Dream Car

    The restoration was done by myself and my father-in-law. He did most of the heavy lifting with the bodywork and paint and he had the knowledge. I learned a tremendous amount during the process and it was an awesome experience overall.

    I started collecting parts and restoring smaller pieces in my basement starting about 3 years ago. Then a year and a half ago we pulled it into the shop to really start all the work.

    finallygotmymustang Report

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Impressive work, I've done something akin to this :D

    varwenea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's not restoration. That's a rebuilt. It is fantastic.

    Louisa Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want that car it's a work of art. Congratulations on your achievement you must be very pleased to now own your dream car.

    Sheila Stamey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the bonding with your father in law is beyond price!!

    okpkpkp
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you don't tell us the year, make, and model of your dream car. we know it's a Mustang but...

    Earl Grey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Makes me wonder what the dividing line is between a “restoration” and a complete “do-over”.

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    #5

    Impressive Restoration Work

    Impressive Restoration Work

    TheOneThatGotBanned Report

    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm bemused by the fact that someone thought there was enough here to restore. I restore old motorcycles and from the "before" shot I'd say the only parts that are original are the frame, gas tank, and seat. Maybe the back rack. The engine, wheels, suspension, controls, and everything else had to be sourced from a different bike. Also baffling that someone did this for an inexpensive two stroke, these don't sell for much, even if they are very rare.

    Ren Mori
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people just do things for the satisfaction of doing them. lt would be nice to have the time, energy, and money to be able to do that.

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    Barong
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the color. Reminds me of the Petronas FP1 motorcycle.

    Caroline
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's also nice that you manage to place it in the same pose and angle for a perfect before and after pic! ♪

    Tim Gearing
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There’s a really interesting story about the two stroke motor used in this and many similar motorcycles from many other brands. check out, https://youtu.be/j3_ukeMkVrc

    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, the DKW RT 125 engine design was one of the war reparations which really helped out the European post-war small-bike market. They were extremely simple and their power-to-weight ratio was amazing. The design was used in the BSA Bantam, the Harley Hummer, and Yamaha used a design based on the Deek to create a big lineup of fun little street bikes in the 1960s.

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    Ray McArdle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a mean big cat prowling in the forest.

    Oddly Me
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I seen a pile of rusted metal, seemingly beyond salvage. So impressed with the restoration.

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    #6

    I Restored A Really Old Mausoleum Door

    I Restored A Really Old Mausoleum Door

    MoonMoonMoonMoonSun Report

    TK 421
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like some serious rot had to be cut away

    Margaret H
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great job! I wonder why the original lowest panel on the left had a perfect (semi)circle cut out of it.

    Louisa Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow that is true talent. Simply beautiful

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You brought it back from the dead! Mmm, well, ...

    lonelydino
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ah memento mori "remember you must die."

    bob cameron
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great job! You are a craftsman.

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    Meanwhile, Gavin was happy to share some advice for his fellow upcyclers. "Be true to your creative vision and create what you want to see in the world. The more true to yourself the piece of artwork is, the better received and more authentic the work will be. This shines in the art world, having a unique perspective because no one thinks exactly like you do!"

    Gavin also told us more about himself as an artist. "I roam the world as an artist performing at music and art festivals in addition to a studio practice newly enriched by the world of furniture painting. I believe there is a balance between the classic hermetic artist and going out into the world to gather inspiration and form your unique perspective. At events and in my travels, I can go out in the world, meet people, and see sights beyond my imagination before returning to the studio and integrating the life experience. My main drive as an artist is to widen perspective, increase humanity's collective limits of how wonderful the things in life we often see as mundane really are. I believe there is reverie in the everyday, as the Grateful Dead once put it, 'Once in a while, you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.'"

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    You can find more of Gavin's incredible art on his website, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

    #7

    Staring At My Recently Restored Tintin Childhood Collection

    Staring At My Recently Restored Tintin Childhood Collection

    waanix Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd love to learn book-binding.

    Chewie Baron
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spielberg’s Tintin film was so bad. Three books in one film, and the books he chose don’t relate to each other. That is why J K Rowling vetoed him as a possible director for the first Potter film. He wanted to combine the first three books into one film.

    Iris the cloud
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I grew up on tintin. Such good memories.

    Piet Zwanenburg
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice to have, but the original state was more valuable for collectors.

    Stephanie Wimmer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mother in law had my husband's collection of 1950s comics bound! Apparantly it was supposed to be a surprise for him....Destroyed them all.

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    Mani
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The first one is gold

    RafCo (he/him/ele)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Makes me wish I still had my Asterix and Obelisk

    KitKatss
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love Tintin, honestly re-read them all so many times, and enjoyed them just as much each time I went through them <3

    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But restoration destroys the collectors value of the book, but also very nice

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    #8

    My Buddy Restored A 1955 Cushman Golf Cart. He Says There Are Only 2 Of These Models Left In Existence And The Other One Is In A Museum

    My Buddy Restored A 1955 Cushman Golf Cart. He Says There Are Only 2 Of These Models Left In Existence And The Other One Is In A Museum

    camperjohn64 Report

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks pristine, also the steering wheel is very odd :D

    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's called a yoke, seen on little delivery rigs like this, some golf carts, and some early cars. It allowed a driver to sit on either side.

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    Tim
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Last summer during garage sale season there were two for sale in my small town.

    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice restoration, but not a rare thing. Plenty of these Cushman Golfsters still around. Cute though.

    Hphizzle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s cute and I don’t even golf!

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The before colours and condition are what the pedal-car my uncle had in the 60s looked like when we had it in the 90s. He took it back with the intention or restoring, but then went overseas to live for 10 years, so it's still in storage.

    Nimitz
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The other one is owned by Mr Fischoeder

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great job! It looks amazing.

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    #9

    Bicycle From 1969, I Got For Free From A Lady Wanting To Throw It To The Trash

    Bicycle From 1969, I Got For Free From A Lady Wanting To Throw It To The Trash

    chlebasmiatou Report

    Marlowe Fitzpatrik
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only if you live in a very level city. No gears at all.

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    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Polishing stuff is very relaxing :3

    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My idiot siblings just did this, the throw away part

    El Howard
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think they had white tires in 1969... the rest of the restoration is awesome.

    GoldfishCrackers
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Projects like this are fun to see. I worked at a bike shop and people would bring in projects like this and then their countenance would drop when then realized how much time and $$$ it would take to pull something like this off.

    Sarah Stalder
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey I'm your 300th upvote. Good job!

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    Inside most of us, there are two wolves, constantly battling each other over what design philosophy is best. One of them is a minimalist that likes order, cleanliness, and simplicity. The other is a maximalist that enjoys hoarding things ‘just in case they’re useful’ and embraces chaos.

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    Restoring old things, we feel, keeps both sides of you happy: you take something tired and dreary, and, with enough persistence, you turn it into a better, upgraded version of itself. It’s no longer clutter—it’s useful, beautiful, and proof that you’re far more skilled than you might’ve thought at the start of the project.

    Before you rush headlong into any project (or you buy out half the local secondhand goods store’s supply of grandfather clocks), it’s a pretty smart move to think about what you’re trying to accomplish. Do you think this will be a one-off thing or do you think that restoration will become a large part of your life?

    #10

    Before & After Of The Raritan Inn Bed & Breakfast In Califon, New Jersey

    Before & After Of The Raritan Inn Bed & Breakfast In Califon, New Jersey

    raritaninn.com Report

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A little bit of elbow grease and some cash from the trust fund ;D

    Louisa Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow that looked like it would never come back to life. It would have been condemned and knocked down here in the UK

    Dingooo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the "bones" of the structure are solid the rest is just cosmetics.

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    Steve Robert
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bet the ghosts weren't too happy

    CHRIS DOMRES
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did they replace every single piece of wood? That original look rotted through to its core.

    Earl Grey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I expect it was razed and then rebuilt from historical records in a modified configuration that would adhere to current building and fire codes. That was not a restoration as such.

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    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whenever I pass by a house in the condition of the before picture, it makes me sad. Like the house is sad that it’s being neglected and left for dead. I try to imagine what it was like when it had life in it. When it was in good repair and had a family living in it. Back when it was alive and happy. I know I’m anthropomorphizing an object, but those are the thoughts that come to my mind. I’ve done stuff like that my whole life. I do something similar when I go to a historic site. I try to picture it in my mind the way it was back during the time of the event that happened there or the notable person who lived there. A couple of my quirks, I guess.

    Kristin Nicole
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do the same thing, but I always imagine all the Christmases past.

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    LoneTomato
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm guessing it must have done historical significance for someone to have invested that much in restoring it

    Ansi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm happy for this neighbourhood getting something restored instead of torned down and replaced with a modern house.

    Stephen Lyford
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My god that must have cost a fortune to restore.

    Marlowe Fitzpatrik
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that was a huge financial gamble, I'll say. Must have had some very stable foundations to make it worth the money and effort

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    #11

    I Restored This Antique Lamp And Made A Bohemian Crescent Moon Mica Shade With Antique Chandelier Crystal Pendants

    I Restored This Antique Lamp And Made A Bohemian Crescent Moon Mica Shade With Antique Chandelier Crystal Pendants

    This lamp features silent film actress Billi Dove sitting on a paper moon in a cosmic rhinestone sky. I wanted to do something different, by mixing Victorian/Edwardian style with art deco. I also wanted to do something I think has never been done before by making a Crescent Moon shade which is normally made of embroidered silk with a beaded fringe out of mica and replacing the fringe with antique chandelier crystal pendants.

    DooleyRestored Report

    Chrissie Anit
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So... the left one is also not the original?

    Wheelchair Witch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful piece of restoration! Billie was 94 when she died in 1997. Billie Holiday took her professional name from her as an admirer of the actress.

    Ansi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don'r know why, but this gives me Pans Labyrint vibes. 😲

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm kind of confused because if the pic on the left is the original and it's the same shape, same crystals and you can see the image of the actress through the dirt, how is this "making" a new shade that hasn't been done before?

    ISeeWendiGo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am absolutely in love with this lamp!🥰🥰🥰🥰

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    #12

    Viking Axe Before And After Restoration (10th–11th Century)

    Viking Axe Before And After Restoration (10th–11th Century)

    Museum of Artifacts Report

    Nenya
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “It was found in the spring 2013 in the locality of Gromovo (Громово) 2, situated in the Priozersk district of the Leningrad Oblast, Russian Federation.”; https://sagy.vikingove.cz/en/the-axe-from-gromovo-karelia/

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    Berk Akay
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What I really would like to know if the patterns are original...

    VodkaInMySweetTea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would love to know how to remove rust like this. I have 150 year old cast iron pans that the rust is so intense it's flaking off in chunks. No amount of steel wool is going to fix it, and I'm not sure what else to do.

    Emir
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Try putting them in an oven and running the self-cleaning cycle.

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    Greenmantle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a really good ad for CLR right there

    François Carré
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still needs a bit of extra sharpening to do its job correctly though.

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait, the etching survived the rust? :O

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like that it wasn't restored too much

    KETGZ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, that is impressive

    Timbob
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it’s from the Vikings!

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    Are you trying to create a massive social media presence by showing off your awesome restoration skills? Do you plan on building an actual business with restored items? Do you want to try and learn some new skills that sound like a lot of fun? Do you want to restore an item that has sentimental value to you but has seen better days? (Or… maybe a bit of all of the above?) First and foremost, be honest with yourself about what you want from these projects.

    The next step is to envision what you’re actually aiming for. Ideally, what will the end result look like? It’s perfectly fine to adapt to changing circumstances as you start working (no plan survives first contact, after all), but you need a roadmap to help guide you. Having a bunch of references can help you with that. Meanwhile, do some sketching and model some preliminary designs. Try to see what the biggest pitfalls can be.

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    #13

    Restored My Grandfather's Carpenter's Hatchet Last Year (It's Between 75-100 Years Old). Not Too Bad For A High Schooler If I Do Say So Myself

    Restored My Grandfather's Carpenter's Hatchet Last Year (It's Between 75-100 Years Old). Not Too Bad For A High Schooler If I Do Say So Myself

    C_Greuel04 Report

    Antonia
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    compliment! You did a good job.

    Angela Coker
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You need to tell this person, not the Bored Panda post. Bored Panda gets 99% of its articles from Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/ymij1p/restored_my_grandfathers_75100_year_old/

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    Andi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my dad's, my grand father's, my FIL's ... that means so much - i have 3 sets of tools from family and i smile each time i use my dad's hammer ...

    Christian Golden
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're a talented young person. Good for you for caring about legacy!

    B. J. Moore
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Excellent work! And don’t belittle your “HS” education. It’s waaay more than most college grads get today!!

    RoseAnne Hutchence
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Formal education vs. practical skills. We need both.

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    #14

    I Restored My Grandma's 65-Year-Old Kitchen Step-Stool

    I Restored My Grandma's 65-Year-Old Kitchen Step-Stool

    Kangar Report

    Anita Pickle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still remember walking up the steps of my Grandmothers step stool, just like this but yellow. To a kid it was such a fun piece of crazy furniture, couldn’t help but pull out the steps and climb it.

    KETGZ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember sitting in my grandma's red one in her kitchen, good memories!

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    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Blue is a nice hue to pair with green :D

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a beauty now. Well done!

    Carol Emory
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My grandma had one of these too!!!

    TrippyBanana
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My grandp had a yellow one. They called it my highchair, lol.

    Kim Lorton
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That brings back some memories for me! Sitting on my grandma's stool and watching her cook!

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    #15

    Refinished And Reupholstered Vintage Mid-Century Lounge Chair

    Refinished And Reupholstered Vintage Mid-Century Lounge Chair

    rk5n Report

    Barong
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it’s a real Herman Miller Eames Lounger and not a knock off pay attention to the bushings between where the metal attaches to the wood. Apparently the older ones would wear out and the wood could be damaged. The newer ones have a different material so it’s supposedly better. I have one with ivory colored leather and I absolutely love it. So comfortable and the design a timeless classic.

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From what I've read, the old ones (in good condition) are more valuable than the new ones.

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    Sebastian M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eames chairs are the "Flowers? For spring?" of the interior design world.

    SHAZAP!!!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have one of those... I need the number of whoever restored this

    Celtic Pirate Queen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bought a knock off for my home library (I always envied my Dad's REAL one). Looks just like this one. While it's not an original, it certainly wasn't cheap either!

    Jimifan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see this and can't help but think of Frasier, who had one prominently featured in his living room on the TV show. Frasier often bragged about his Eames chair, which looked just like this one, especially when compared to his father's beat-up La-Z-Boy.

    Jimifan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see this and can't help but think of Frasier, who had one of these in his living room. On the show he was constantly bragging about his Eames chair, especially as compared to his father's beat-up La-Z-Boy.

    El Howard
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's probably worth reupholstering. Most couches and chairs aren't.

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    Next, be realistic about your skills, resources, and capabilities. How many hours each week do you think you’ll be able to spend on restoring that vintage car or old fridge? What’s your budget for this actually like? Do you have the necessary skills or will you have to learn a bunch of them just for this project? Do you genuinely have the patience to see things through or would starting with a smaller, simpler restoration be a better fit?

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    These questions aren’t all that fun to think about, but they’ll help you gauge whether or not you’ll quit a few days in when you might not see enough progress. Now, this shouldn’t dissuade you from actually getting to grips with DIY restoration, however, probably all of us have a list of projects and new hobbies we’ve given up on at the first sign of trouble.

    Sometimes, it’s best to jump straight in and see if the hobby interests you. Other times, you might need to slow down, take a step back, and think things through before you dump a bunch of money on something you might quit very soon.

    #16

    I Can’t Draw But I Consider This My Art. I Restored A Classic Stingray In My Garage

    I Can’t Draw But I Consider This My Art. I Restored A Classic Stingray In My Garage

    iCommunicateInGifs Report

    PunkRock*Bottom*
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They restored the grass too 😂

    MisterE
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Driveway is also brand new

    QuirkyKittyGirl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Censor away, but that is Sex. On. Wheels.

    Nancy Lynch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Art isn't about drawing. It's about making something pleasing to the eye. Excellent work.

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    #17

    I Wanted To Share Some Pics Of This Authentic Mid-1920s Art Deco Maiden Figurine Lamp Base I Restored

    I Wanted To Share Some Pics Of This Authentic Mid-1920s Art Deco Maiden Figurine Lamp Base I Restored

    With a custom leaping gazelle alternating Amber, silver mica shade that I made... 

    DooleyRestored Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can just barely see the design under the dirt in the before picture. Amazing restoration.

    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the same person who did the crescent moon lampshade, currently a few posts higher.

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's very pretty but I don't think the OP actually made the shade (vs restoring it) because you can see the design under the dirt of the original. It was a ton of work to restore it and it's beautiful but we shouldn't take credit for something someone else did.

    Xenon
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And you made the shade? Beautiful!!

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    #18

    My Family Heirloom Restoration Complete

    My Family Heirloom Restoration Complete

    The 150-year-old safe restoration project is DONE! Here it is back in all of its glory - gold leaf and all (yes, REAL 23k gold). Swipe to the last picture to see what it looked like when I first picked it up. If you're interested in more of the story, keep reading below. In 1871, Ulysses S. Grant was president and Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated only 6 years earlier. And this safe rolled off the factory floor at the Detroit Safe Company, in Detroit Michigan. In the 1890s it found its way to Bay City, MI in the back of a new meat market founded by Max T. Malleck. Decades passed and the market eventually closed nearly 100 years later, but this safe was saved from the market and moved to Grandson Mike Malleck's house in the 1980s, and there it sat for over 40 years!

    WarrenCluck Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is really impressive!

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A lot of history in such a big package :D

    Amelia Honeychurch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great history and amazing restoration work!

    Anna Demkovych
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its actually so cool, and the colors match so nicely!

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I owned that safe, it would be worth more than all of its contents combined.

    Madster
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd like to know what's in it if they can afford all that gold 😯

    RedCorvette
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the safes are works of art during those times.

    Connie Lawson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a safe like this just sitting in my basement.

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    The materials you’ll need will entirely depend on your plans! If you’re restoring a vintage car or camper, you’ll need actual vehicle parts to make sure everything’s running smoothly. Meanwhile, if you’re restoring a grandfather clock, you may need to fix the mechanism as well, not just paint the exterior. Similarly, are you actually hoping to fix a fridge or vending machine, or are you focusing on the aesthetics alone, to turn it into a setpiece?

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    #19

    Painted Antique Mantle Restoration Transformation

    Painted Antique Mantle Restoration Transformation

    We've worked our restoration magic on this antique solid walnut mantle.
    This stunning piece came to us in dire need of help, coated in layers of white paint and falling apart. Now she's all fixed up and shining just as lovely as she did 100+ years ago.
    The final result of this project was the most rewarding.

    kinfurnitureco Report

    Mike Fitzpatrick
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can only imagine how much work went into that. It's really beautiful.

    Tamra
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've restored a few pieces of furniture and doors, and I can tell you that getting the paint out of all of those crevices would have been a lengthy job requiring a LOT of patience.

    JuniorCJ82
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For the love of all that is good in this world, THANK YOU!!! I cannot stand when people "laze out" and paint over wood or brick or stone so they "don't have to deal with it" or whatever. WELL DONE!!!

    RedCorvette
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who tf would paint this masterpiece?! I’m glad it’s restored to its original beauty.

    Adam Zad
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Glad you stripped off that ugly paint and revealed the beautiful wood underneath!

    Unknown
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Proclamation of a restoration recreation

    Epona
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What kind of sanding tool should a person use to restore those tiny details on the spindles on furniture like this?

    Dingooo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's always a mystery as to why someone would want to paint over such nice wood.

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    #20

    Restoring Great Grandfather's Trunk (From 1911)

    Restoring Great Grandfather's Trunk (From 1911)

    welker4mvp Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a trunk that is similar to this. I was told that my paternal grandfather made it. Unfortunately, the wood-working talent wasn't passed along to my father, who could barely nail two pieces of wood together.

    ur_bestie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have one that looks identical to the first one

    Frank Hayes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did my dads, he came over to the USA in 1920

    Dingooo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ready for a trip on the Titanic.

    BenMaharaj
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had one a lot like this growing up

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    #21

    Got A 100-Year-Old Painting Cleaned Earlier This Year

    Got A 100-Year-Old Painting Cleaned Earlier This Year

    jaguar_loco Report

    Mike Fitzpatrick
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hard to believe that it's the same painting.

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bet a good but if it is tar residue from cigarette and cigar smoke. That’s what decades of smoking indoors can do to everything inside a building, walls, floors, paintings, windows, upholstery, etc. F*****g gross.

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    KETGZ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Huh. I've seen paintings that look like the first, and I thought they were supposed to look like that. Good job!

    the sixthgirl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a pretty spectacular transformation.

    The voice of reason
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always wondered how much a change it would be when a painting is cleaned. Often recommended on Antique Road show.

    Jenn C
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder how many museum paintings have bright colors hidden beneath the dirt and varnish like this one did.

    Anna Demkovych
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oooo, its beautiful! I wonder who's the author

    Vicki Perizzolo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    cigarette smoke is that nasty brown color - great job!

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    The internet is chock full of free and paid resources to help you improve your skills. You can find a ton of great advice on YouTube or just by googling things. Meanwhile, don’t be shy and visit your local library for some books and guides. If you happen to have any relatives or neighbors who are into DIY, crafting, and restoration, have a chat with them about what you’re trying to accomplish. Odds are that they’ll be glad to help you and walk you through some of the most common ups and downs that you can expect.

    #22

    Last Summer Me And My Sister Secretly Restored Our Father's 64 Beetle. Results:

    Last Summer Me And My Sister Secretly Restored Our Father's 64 Beetle. Results:

    My father bought the beetle in the early 80s for about 20 dollars. in the 90's he got kids and the car was left to rot away in our backyard. Last winter I started working as a car painter assistant in hopes of becoming a car painter. Around the same time, my father started talking about the beetle! Witch he wanted to fix up but he felt that he needed to wait for retirement about 15 years away. So me and my sister thought maybe we should give it a shot and quickly try to fix it up for him so we did.
     
    And to add insult to injury we totally trashed it as children. Plus he is a huge car guy and he goes to shows and always feelt like he wanted something to "show".

    kontjo Report

    Maggie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's so beautiful. I love an original beetle.

    Greenmantle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll bet he's one proud dad... and not just of the beetle

    Pinkfly
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this story. I wish there was a video of surprising him with the restored car and his reaction!

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can tell the originals because they don't have the little crescent shaped windows in the back.

    Grace Noyes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I owned a '68 Beetle as a poor 20-year-old. Bought it for $1000 in 1981. The interior was totally trashed, but, man, I loved that car. Ran great, and I loved the old-style bumper like the one shown here. I wish I'd had the money back then to restore it to its old glory. I loved that car.

    Epona
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom used to have a '67 VW beetle. In dark blue. It used to be her exes, but my mom got it in the "divorce" (they were never married, she just called the breakup a divorce) because she needed a car and my moms ex had another car. It fell apart. The floor was at least half missing on the front passernger side by the end of our time with the car. As in, you could see the road underneath the car because it had rusted through that badly. If it was raining, you had to lift your feet up so they didn't get soaked. I miss the novelty of a vintage beetle, but not having to push start it or how decrepit it was near the end of our time with it. Also, obligatory "Blue punch buggy!" quote from Lilo and Stitch!

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But don't drive it anywhere. It had the impact resistance of a lasagne noodle.

    Jane W.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that really a '64 with the large rear window? I thought they got big in '72.

    G'ma B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had 2 and I miss them so much.

    Jessica J.
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My grandpa restored bugs...he had two complete and nine other titles when he passed away. I have one, a 1972, currently rotting in ny backyard, but am no good at that kind of thing. I hope to have the money to pay somebody to restore it someday. And my dad's 1975 Corvette T-Top, too.

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    #23

    Although It Was In Bad Shape, I Happily Paid The $4 Sticker Price Because I Knew I Could Spruce It Up

    Although It Was In Bad Shape, I Happily Paid The $4 Sticker Price Because I Knew I Could Spruce It Up

    EnidColeslawToo Report

    El Howard
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess it was originally yellow... that's just a much better yellow.

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    Anita Pickle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was just like my grandmas!

    Salty.Hag
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same exact one we have at the Nona house. Still everything original and still in really great shape.

    panther
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is red one in my kitchen right now.

    Epona
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would add a cushion, if it is something you will be sitting in frequently. Hard metal is never comfortable to sit on.

    Stephen Lyford
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG this takes me back, we had one just like this when I was a kid.

    Jane W.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a lot more than just sprucing! Looks great.

    G'ma B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG! Gorgeous !! Memories!

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    #24

    Restored A Family Heirloom

    Restored A Family Heirloom

    Cori-ly_Fries Report

    Antonia
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    real pretty, I love the hearts

    Epona
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love that it is stained and not painted some blech colour. Stain is great because you can still see the detail of the wood grain!

    Zelda Blue
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am in love with this piece.

    Hendo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This gives me feels <3

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    Nobody’s perfect and none of us are fantasy book protagonists, so more likely than not, you’re bound to mess up and make some major or minor mistakes while restoring whatever it is you chose to restore. Dealing with failure is a part of the process. It’s unavoidable because you’re learning new things and even if you’re a seasoned DIY veteran, you’re not somehow immune to messing up.

    #25

    Instead Of Buying A $300 New Chandelier, I Bought This Antique One For $40 And Spent A Few Hours Buffing It Clean, And Also Glued A Few Loose Pieces

    Instead Of Buying A $300 New Chandelier, I Bought This Antique One For $40 And Spent A Few Hours Buffing It Clean, And Also Glued A Few Loose Pieces

    reggit99 Report

    Nitka Tsar
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is really called a chandelier?

    Invader Zim
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    not antique....it's from the 70's

    TrippyBanana
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful. I wish I was more adventurous in thrifting and antiquing.

    Jean Thompson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good luck that the glass was intact, replacement of the brown glass would be near impossible, I would have thought.

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    #26

    Restored My Dad's 50-Year-Old Hammer As A Christmas Present

    Restored My Dad's 50-Year-Old Hammer As A Christmas Present

    turbo_man_ Report

    Becca Kuehn
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful! I love the handle.

    Alaskatgal
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Would have loved to see his reaction, you did a beautiful job!

    Lauren M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How do you clean the metal part? Have some tools I'd love to restore but don't know where to start.

    You Should Do Nothing with the Fence
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In this example and the one above, did they shorten the handles?

    Puna
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's beautiful. Shame that the handle is shorter & fatter than the original. Add to that it doesn't have any curve to it, it won't be comfortable to use.

    #27

    Vintage Shenanigans Camper Restoration

    Vintage Shenanigans Camper Restoration

    I bought this 1973 Prowler camper in Springfield, MO for $1000 on Craigslist. I had been looking for a small single-axle vintage camper for a while. These vintage campers are getting hard to find, and those that aren't completely rotted beyond repair sell for a premium. I guess something is only worth what people will pay for it. I was one of six people to answer the ad that was posted early in the morning. I showed up with the cash first, and it was sold before noon. Although it had been sitting outside for a few years, it was the size I was looking for and was repairable.

    In the end, I invested about three months and about $4,000 in total. It has been on several float trips on the Huzzah River, Table Rock Lake, and a motorcycle rally.

    ranbn8 Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mum had to get rid of the caravan that had been my grandfather's when she moved recently and the damage to the roof was so bad it was basically just sold for scrap. The guy that bought it was determined to get as much as he could for his effort of picking it up (he had travelled a couple of hours I think) that my stepdad let him take a heap of other metal etc that my mum probably would have liked to hang on to. It was a shame to see it in the state it was in, as it was a big part of my childhood and it had a huge map of Australia my grandad hand painted on the side to document his travels.

    Kim Lorton
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonderful job! I would love to see the inside!

    G'ma B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love to see the inside !

    Epona
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see small vintage (or vintage looking) campers, I upvote!

    Kim Landfather
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s so retro. I love it. Great job.

    KETGZ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the Prowlers is arockin'...

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    So it’s essential that you deal with any frustration that might come by embracing those mistakes that may or may not pop up. It’s all right if you nailed a board crookedly, messed up a detail while painting, or put the varnish on waaaay too thick: you can start fixing these things or, in the worst-case scenario, start over. They’re not mistakes, they’re learning opportunities! And just wait, you’ll be incredibly proud of yourself once you finish everything.

    We'd love to hear which of these pics you enjoyed the most and if you've ever done anything similar, dear Pandas. Meanwhile, for some more restoration awesomeness, take a peek at Bored Panda's earlier list right over here.

    #28

    Revere Ware Pan I Got From The Flea Market Today

    Revere Ware Pan I Got From The Flea Market Today

    tpstephens92 Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone didn’t know what they had; that the right cleaning products and a little TLC could restore the original beauty. Revere Ware is copper-bottomed, or all copper, cookware. Not cheap to buy new, and will last you forever if you take good care of it. Also pretty enough to display when not in use.

    Rita Vaillancourt
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for not being naked in the reflection.

    Emma Schumann
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What did you use for the cleaning compound?

    marianne eliza
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here's a trick I learned by accident to clean the copper bottoms of my Revere Ware. Coat the outside with undiluted dish soap like Dawn. Place over open fire like a camp fire or BBQ. Do this outside please! Once the dish soap has blackened all over it will easily wash off leaving gleaming copper. Learned this while tripping on a camping trip. Totally by accident. No need to remove layers of the copper by scrubbing the heck out of it.

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    #29

    My Father Unexpectedly Passed Away In October Of A Heart Attack. As A Tribute To Him, I Decided To Restore His Workbench And Learn How To Become As Handy As He Was

    My Father Unexpectedly Passed Away In October Of A Heart Attack. As A Tribute To Him, I Decided To Restore His Workbench And Learn How To Become As Handy As He Was

    Here’s the workbench now. I’m pretty proud of myself overall. I look forward to improving myself and working on future projects!

    MarcAdark Report

    Nonesuch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure this has been therapeutic for you during your time of grief

    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I would have kept the bench as it was and given it a coat of some to protect it.

    Jane W.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You will never be sorry for being able to work with wood and tools!

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    #30

    I Bought This Coffee Table In 2018 For $15 At A Flea Market Because It Was Cheap And I Needed Something For My Living Room. Finally Got Around To Stripping It This Weekend

    I Bought This Coffee Table In 2018 For $15 At A Flea Market Because It Was Cheap And I Needed Something For My Living Room. Finally Got Around To Stripping It This Weekend

    account-info Report

    jdtimid123
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The wood is so much nicer. My mom is always painting her wooden furniture and it drives me crazy. But I suppose sanding and staining old wood is a bit of a pain.

    Epona
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is indeed a pain. Worth it if you are willing to put in the sweat equity though. Painting is a lot of work too, depending on the object being painted.

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    Christian Golden
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The 80s were not kind to that table. Well done!

    Sunny Day
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The style goes well with the avocado and goldenrod pillows.

    Jane W.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How did you even know that was under there? Wow!

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    #31

    I Restored A Beat-To-Hell Old Pair Of Doc Martens I Found Lying Around My Neighborhood

    I Restored A Beat-To-Hell Old Pair Of Doc Martens I Found Lying Around My Neighborhood

    Honestly, I didn’t use any hard chemicals or anything I just cleaned them using paper towels and water. I own a basic shoe shine kit that has a standard black shoeshine, a microfiber cloth, and a horsehair brush. After getting all the dirt off I spent like an hour or so applying and reapplying the shoeshiner to get to the point where the gloss was restored. You mostly have to focus on shining the toe and the heel because that’s where most of the damage will be. It’s a super simple process.

    jacobmay63 Report

    KETGZ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They must be a pair of real Docs to come back to life with all your hard work, great job!

    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet your arms hurt. It may be simple, but a lot of elbow grease.

    okpkpkp
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    but wearing other people's shoes is kind of icky

    Jason
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Apparently I was gross growing up poor lol

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    Sandy D
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope you cleaned the inside, replaced insoles, with new because who knows what foot rot might be hiding inside. But beyond foot rot and toe jam, they look great

    ISeeWendiGo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love a great pair of Doc Martens! These are gorgeous!

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another trick for shining leather is pantyhose. I learned it from a military person and use the technique on my riding show boots. I keep a shoe brush covered with the cut off foot of the pantyhose over it. Works amazingly.

    Chris D'Asta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have had mine for 35 years. They last. Nice job!

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    #32

    Before And After Of My 8-Year Project (1972 Datsun 240z Restomod)

    Before And After Of My 8-Year Project (1972 Datsun 240z Restomod)

    Henness0666 Report

    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's happy to be restored. It's grinning from door to door.

    Robert T
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Taken it a little bit too far for my tastes, but it's your car. I'd still rather see them like this than left to Rust Into Pieces.

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this model, the engine is pretty cool looking :D

    Deb M.F.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my ex an\d I had a 76 280Z that he restored and it came out beautiful. Had to sell it after our daughter was born. Hard to fit a car seat and two adults in it

    Persephone
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Upvote for the Datsun!!!! Wish it was more original tho. *tried to edit my comment bc my phone is being a turd, and accidentally reported myself for "inappropriate content "... thanks phone! Hope everyone else is having a better BP day 🤦🏻‍♀️

    Kat Min
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not liking the additions but still an incredible job

    Immortal Jellyfish
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Louisa Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow that car looks so bad a*s it is probably a transformer

    Bored Trash Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a 1983 Datsun 280zx I was going to restore but ended up having to sell it.

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    #33

    Vintage Radio Restoration. This Is A Canadian Made Northern Electric Baby Champ 5400 Tube Radio I Just Finished Restoring

    Vintage Radio Restoration. This Is A Canadian Made Northern Electric Baby Champ 5400 Tube Radio I Just Finished Restoring

    It was made approximately between 1948 - 1950ish.

    bapzranigan Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, baby! I love that cherry red!

    Abdul Rahman Falih
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am i the only one who thought of an Etch-a-Sketch?

    The Alpha Geek
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful work! But seeing it on that handrail is making me nervous.

    DCwuk
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Impressive, very nice job

    Jessica Seltenright
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Portable radios were still just babies then!

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    #34

    Wood Plane Restoration

    Wood Plane Restoration

    So I borrowed a long-forgotten Stanley wood plane from my father-in-law... He told me it had been a wedding gift during the pre-power tool era, over 50 years ago. I wondered how many miles of wood this thing had peeled over time? It was seized up and practically unusable, so I pulled it apart.

    crucialficti0n Report

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have one exactly like this :')

    Timbob
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did no one ever tell you to never, ever place a plane so that the blade contacts a hard surface? Planes should be placed on their side when not in use !

    Iva Kazalova
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the most satisfying on this list so far, it’s so shiny and glossy 😍😍😍😍

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mum has a few of these in her garage, originally my grandad's. Would love to see them restored.

    Caroline
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ♪ Nice work! Can you restore mine too please? ^^'

    Joyce Brazel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    DOES NOT LOOK LIKE THE SAME ONE TO ME.

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    #35

    Teak Table Restoration

    Teak Table Restoration

    reddit.com Report

    LynzCatastrophe
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who the hell dared to paint over TEAK?!

    Connie Martin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful, but what's the picture on the upper left?

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    #36

    I Heard Y’all Like Cauldron Restorations (Circa 1840)

    I Heard Y’all Like Cauldron Restorations (Circa 1840)

    Tugg-Speedmen Report

    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that a pewter, standard size 2?

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain? When the hurly-burly's done. When the battle's lost and won."

    Barong
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Double Double Toil and Trouble', Meaning. 'Double double toil and trouble/Fire burn and cauldron bubble'

    Greenmantle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eye of Newt puts such a shine on old cauldrons

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shiny black is definitely my style :D

    Gay child
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OH that's the same one I have!!

    RedCorvette
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How many witches brews has this cooked?!

    Anna Demkovych
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is sooo cool! Does anyone know what the words on it mean?

    Rebecca O’Donnell
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anna, Savery & Co., Philadelphia, according to the OP. I assume that’s who made it.

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    #37

    Restoration Of A 1950s Dixie Stove

    Restoration Of A 1950s Dixie Stove

    This came out of a 1953 Silver Streak (camper trailer) that had been left sitting in a field for decades. The trailer was filled with rodent droppings and carcasses. I found multiple nests inside this stove.

    It took days to fully clean this piece, but it was so worthwhile!  

    I ran new wiring and changed out the clock mechanism so everything is fully functional. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of it illuminated, but the name "Dixie Wanderer" also lights up.

    WaywardTrailers Report

    Maggie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing what a bit of elbow grease will do.

    Nonesuch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll bet this jewel can cook up a storm!

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    #38

    Me And My Dad Restored This Yamaha Rajdoot 1979 Bike

    Me And My Dad Restored This Yamaha Rajdoot 1979 Bike

    My dad loves these bikes, he had one of them when he was young but he had to sell it because of money problems. My dad is happy after a long time.

    Jujhar_Singh Report

    Maggie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A great restoration, I'm glad your dad's happy.

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How cool is this? What a wonderful gift for your dad!

    Dingooo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How? That's a lot of rust. Lots of patience and muscle power went into that.

    #39

    People Thought I Was Crazy... 04 SVT Cobra Resurrection

    People Thought I Was Crazy... 04 SVT Cobra Resurrection

    A lot of people thought I was crazy when I bought this car in the state it was in. But where they all saw a hopeless wreck of a car, I saw something with huge potential! I couldn't let this amazing car just return to the dust from whence it came!

    rainydayrecess Report

    Ray McArdle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If there's one thing I lack, it's actual talent. I have exactly zero. The work you've done here is mind-blowing!

    Nonya
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My jaw hit the floor on this one. Seriously magnificent!

    Tyranamar Seuss
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aren't you just basically building a new car at that point? Like do you even need the original? Just start buying pieces and put one together.

    Jason
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Restored an 04. Welp I'm old

    Sandy D
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you have magical powers?

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    #40

    Fully Restored Papa Bear Chair - Before And After Photos

    Fully Restored Papa Bear Chair - Before And After Photos

    setho212 Report

    Zelda Blue
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Very cool looking chair. I am showing my age when I say it looks like it would be so hard to get out of.

    The danish woman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is danish design. Hans J. Wegner made it

    Mare Freed
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the color you chose! Very mid-century.

    Jane W.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A very unusual chair style!

    Oddly Me
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone literally loved this one to death. Great restration n it.

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    #41

    Thrifted And Refinished A Set Of Teak Lounge Chairs

    Thrifted And Refinished A Set Of Teak Lounge Chairs

    DamnTheAdmiralty Report

    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's just something so sad about neglected patio furniture. You did a great job.

    B. J. Moore
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And everything today is plastic, resin or anything but wood! Beautiful!

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    Marlowe Fitzpatrik
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While it looks really great, it's also pretty easy to "restore" teak wood. Just take sandpaper and some teak-oil and voila. No need to throw them away!

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If genuine Adirondack chairs, they’re worth a bundle.

    Connie Martin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those are not Adirondack style chairs. More like deck chairs. I tried to paste a pic of Adirondacks but failed. They look nothing like these

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    G'ma B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They look like Titanic deck chairs.

    #42

    Restoration Complete

    Restoration Complete

    HamsterNomad Report

    tater.gonna.tot
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lovely job; I kinda wished it was still wonky crooked, though 😋

    DuchessDegu
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a garden bench in the same state as the "before" and I have zero idea/talent/funds to repair it :(

    jdtimid123
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The funds part I can't help with, but you can search things up pretty easy. A lot of times if you look closely you can see where the screws go in and stuff like that. Most people aren't born with talent, they learn it. It doesn't look too difficult for a first project, but is probably time consuming.

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    Brazen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks exactly what my husband did for our landlady.

    Cary Ziegler
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, we have one of those! Still in pieces though. Lol

    #43

    Restored An Iron Bench, Replaced The Wood With Mahogany

    Restored An Iron Bench, Replaced The Wood With Mahogany

    xanre_ Report

    alex cosgrove
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love restoring old benches, I have a rainbow restored bench outside right now. @rae_reimagined

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    #44

    I Detailed A 1968 Torino. Couldn't Believe I Was Able To Get The Seats This Clean

    I Detailed A 1968 Torino. Couldn't Believe I Was Able To Get The Seats This Clean

    Zewsey Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm always curious what these restorers use to accomplish these amazing results.

    Mia Black
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As an upholsterer I can say you, that the foam and leather seem to be completely new in this picture. Usually you use the old leather as a pattern and sew a new one. This is a bit tricky because used fabric is a little deformed

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    #45

    Coke Machine We Finished Up A Couple Of Months Ago For A Client

    Coke Machine We Finished Up A Couple Of Months Ago For A Client

    FleetAdmiralWiggles Report

    Louisa Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would have had it commissioned as a Nuka cola machine. Awesome work

    Owen
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Fallout vibes are strong in the first image. :]

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    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can almost hear the clink of the bottle coming down :3

    Mike Fitzpatrick
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember these well. 10¢ for a 7 1/2 oz bottle of Coke. Our church had one.

    Katie Lutesinger
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I took one look and instantly wanted to check it for bottlecaps. XD

    Sarah Jane
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    And... now it's worthless

    #46

    Nib Restoration

    Nib Restoration

    pennsler Report

    #47

    I Restored A $5 Kitchen-Aid Mixer I Found At The Thrift Store

    I Restored A $5 Kitchen-Aid Mixer I Found At The Thrift Store

    Benzona Report

    Junebugjump!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You were brilliant to do this. The older models are much higher quality. I lost my mixer in the divorce bc it was my MiLs originally. My ex doesn't cook or bake. Sadface!

    S K
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What’s up with the cord? It looks to be in the sink. I really want to know if it still works. I absolutely love the color.

    Rosie Red
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another one where I love the colour.

    Bec
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Very cool, I read that the new ones use plastic parts and don't hold up like the old beasts do.

    Ralph Watkins
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a Sunbeam like this. I paid $30 for it & it cleaned up beautifully. It's mint green enamel & was made in the early 1950s. It is so incredibly quiet too. The good thing is it was put away filthy which helped protect the metal. It took lots of elbow grease, trying different cleaners, & using toothpicks to get every nook & cranny cleaned out.

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    #48

    Update On My $5 Thrift Store Allen Edmond Shoes. Spent The Afternoon Focusing On The Right Shoe Just To Get This Picture

    Update On My $5 Thrift Store Allen Edmond Shoes. Spent The Afternoon Focusing On The Right Shoe Just To Get This Picture

    They had some deep discoloration so I decided to re-dye them since I don’t have any dark brown shoes.

    chadlikemad Report

    Junebugjump!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These shoes will last your lifetime! High quality, easily re-soled!

    AliJanx
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So well done! Just beautiful!

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    #49

    1995 Zippo, Before And After. One Day It Will Look Like It Did Before The Sanding And Polish

    1995 Zippo, Before And After. One Day It Will Look Like It Did Before The Sanding And Polish

    I started with 400, then 600, then 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500. I made sure everything stayed rinsed off and wet the entire time. After that, I used "mothers mag & aluminum polish" for about 30 minutes. It was very nice when I got done, hairline scratches show up the second you put it in your pocket though and fingerprints are insane. That's the only downside to it. That, and it took me 5-6 hours to finish it.

    nothing_fancy21 Report

    Anna Demkovych
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You did some nice work with polishing..

    Marlowe Fitzpatrik
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mother did something similar to my brother's zippo. He was pretty upset about it because he said it was supposed to look used and scratched. Oh, well. He bought her her own zippo so she could polish that as much as she likes ;-)

    Emma Ingram
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I sometimes wonder if things are more beautiful when they show the journey they’ve been on? Wholeheartedly agree with returning items to functionality but maybe sometimes things can work and show their age? Regardless, GORGEOUS polishing work.

    Bump
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree, I kinda prefer the before look.

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    Caroline Driver
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Make a felt pouch for it? Just to stop any major scratches again

    #50

    A Wrench I Restored

    A Wrench I Restored

    Familiar_Big3322 Report

    Nonesuch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a fun color! Easy to locate if it's misplaced

    Kevin Hickey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow! A tool company named after a city that was actually located in that city!

    #51

    Restored My Stairs. Totally Did It Myself

    Restored My Stairs. Totally Did It Myself

    platamann Report

    Louisa Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So you came here to say it's not this it's that. The OP said restored my stairs, totally did it myself. Sounds like the OP is really proud of themselves as it's not the kind of thing they are used to. However they have been fixed up, full restoration or something else. We should be cheering this person on as they have done a beautiful job and should be proud. I think the stairs look beautiful. The point of this thread is really about the end results and can you say that it is not a job well done?

    SaneMinotaur (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "You can be the sweetest peach on the tree, and there will always be someone who doesn't like peaches."

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    Mike Fitzpatrick
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The 1st landing does indeed look like a laminate, but the stair treads look like they are made with plywood then the edges capped with molding. Very nice esthetic though.

    Unpopular opinions
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    That is not restored, it looks like laminate flooring on top of the old fiberboard treads.

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    #52

    Bought This Dinghy For $20 And Restored It. Taking It Out This Weekend

    Bought This Dinghy For $20 And Restored It. Taking It Out This Weekend

    I bought this 8-foot pram a few weeks ago and restored it, all the wood was completely rotted except for the mahogany seats. The fiberglass shell was in great condition but it need some compound to smooth it out before a fresh coat of paint and some new gel coat on the outside. Pretty excited it take it out this weekend!

    Stagolee104 Report

    #53

    My Wife Cleaned The Knobs Off Of The Old Cabinets In Our Basement

    My Wife Cleaned The Knobs Off Of The Old Cabinets In Our Basement

    KombuchaMushroomPeop Report

    ISeeWendiGo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Quick! Everyone close your eyes! BP Censors missed *knobs* in the title! MY EYES AND MY DELICATE SENSIBILITIES!!!! 😱👀😖

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have some very similar ones from my mum's childhood home. I never liked them that much, as they were off-white with only outlines of gold. If I could get them looking like this they would be so much nicer!

    SmooshyFries
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had knobs just like the round ones in our kitchen.

    #54

    Been Using My Great-Grandfather's Razor For A While Now. Decided To Clean And Polish It This Morning. Most Frugal Way To Shave. Blades Are Dirt Cheap! Before/After

    Been Using My Great-Grandfather's Razor For A While Now. Decided To Clean And Polish It This Morning. Most Frugal Way To Shave. Blades Are Dirt Cheap! Before/After

    joeyisnotmyname Report

    Woltax
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, great job!👍🏻

    Stephanie Wimmer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes! Hopefully these too will have comeback!

    Jason
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been using one for a decade or so

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    #55

    Restored This Mid-Century Modern Dresser I Found For Free On Craigslist

    Restored This Mid-Century Modern Dresser I Found For Free On Craigslist

    senatorwheeler Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Envious of this one.

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    #56

    Ex-Wife Was Gonna Throw This Out So I Refinished It. Happy With The Results

    Ex-Wife Was Gonna Throw This Out So I Refinished It. Happy With The Results

    Technical_Corgi6561 Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some folks just don't understand the value of what they have. Glad he saved it.

    #57

    My First Cast Iron Restoration

    My First Cast Iron Restoration

    No_Explorer6445 Report

    Maggie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How? I need to know.

    SaneMinotaur (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they probably sandblasted it; maybe they polished it as well but not 100% sure.

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    #58

    Some Photos Of My First Restoration. I Love Old Fans And I Think This Came Out Decent

    Some Photos Of My First Restoration. I Love Old Fans And I Think This Came Out Decent

    Anthropologuy1 Report

    SaneMinotaur (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's stunning but all I can think is how you could be maimed because of how minimal the cage is. I have a morbid imagination. OP did an amazing restoration though; this thing should be in a museum!

    PolymathNecromancer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I use things like this regularly and so far have my fingers. This is awesome btw!

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    Okasan Willis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love them too so when I found one at our farm, I fixed it. It was a Busy Bee

    LeeAnne B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Better than decent. Gorgeous.

    #59

    Before And After Of Some Corcoran Jump Boots That I Refurbished

    Before And After Of Some Corcoran Jump Boots That I Refurbished

    littlebootboi Report

    Mia Black
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And this is why I prefer leather over fake leather. Less pollution and more durable

    Pete
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But…but…I thought real leather was bad because reasons. It’s true, the fake leather used nowadays causes lots of pollution in the manufacturing process, and doesn’t last long at all.

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    Chris D'Asta
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hol;y Cow! Got a pair of these at a thrift store for a buck recently. They are nearly a hundred years old and I never expected they could look so good again. Thank you, OP, for inspiration.

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    #60

    1968 Omega Constellation Auto Chronograph Of My Late Father's Before And After Service And Dial Restoration

    1968 Omega Constellation Auto Chronograph Of My Late Father's Before And After Service And Dial Restoration

    Some say that the dial should have been left as was, but I don't agree. Dial is now back to its original condition.

    HolyMoley1789 Report

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this a "restored dial", or a "replaced dial", because I think the logo and font look subtly different?

    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer the colour of the strap in the before photo. I think it's been over-restored and has lost some of its character.

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    #61

    Drill Press I Finished Restoring Recently

    Drill Press I Finished Restoring Recently

    macdaddy_p Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I realize that this is off-topic, but the head on that drill press reminds me of a xenomorph from the "Alien" movie series.

    LynzCatastrophe
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks more like a type of robot I'd find on Wall-E.

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    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I saw this project on Youtube :D

    #62

    After Years Of Watching Restoration Videos On Youtube, I Decided To Try To Restore Something Myself! I Think It Turned Out Okay. 1950s Wonder Lamp

    After Years Of Watching Restoration Videos On Youtube, I Decided To Try To Restore Something Myself! I Think It Turned Out Okay. 1950s Wonder Lamp

    ben-fozz Report

    #63

    I Restored A 1920's "Chicago" Automatic Pencil Sharpener Co (APSCO) Pencil Sharpener

    I Restored A 1920's "Chicago" Automatic Pencil Sharpener Co (APSCO) Pencil Sharpener

    CatalystRestorations Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES!!! I love these sharpeners, but found out most classrooms don’t have them anymore, because kids are using mechanical pencils instead of Ticonderogas.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom still has one of these mounted inside her pantry.

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    #64

    I Restored A Vintage, Wall-Mounted Coffee Grinder

    I Restored A Vintage, Wall-Mounted Coffee Grinder

    suertelou Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The downvote goblins are loose again

    SaneMinotaur (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are hungry and they feed on their own interpretations of what a stranger means in a written comment on the internet :D

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    agi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the coffee ends up in de little glas box which can be taken out by the slides on top ;)

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    #65

    I Turned Rusty Hammer To Mjölnir

    I Turned Rusty Hammer To Mjölnir

    Randomista Report

    #66

    1968 Fiberglass Boler

    1968 Fiberglass Boler

    Picked up a 1968 Flat Top Boler a half-day trip away from our city.  No leaks, great guts, working appliances & new tires! 

    sososteph Report

    Greenmantle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh wow.... would love to see more pictures!

    Rebecca O’Donnell
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Greenmantle, tap the name, sososteph, on the lower left side of the above picture. OP shows a lot of the restoration pictures which sometimes include their Great Dane !

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    #67

    Restored This See-Saw For My Kids

    Restored This See-Saw For My Kids

    MontaukNightSky Report

    LeeAnne B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even once they're grown up enough to lose interest in this toy, it will still be a magnificent work of art.

    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was always afraid of falling off a seesaw. I've never been on one.

    Toni Kay
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This style looks a lot safer actually, because you can’t hit the ground hard.

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    #68

    Bosch PB360 Radio I Found Thrown Away On The Site I Work At

    Bosch PB360 Radio I Found Thrown Away On The Site I Work At

    BassDropOP Report

    #69

    60's Armchair Restoration

    60's Armchair Restoration

    Zwiado Report

    Mike DuBerry
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really like the restoration, but I love the old apholstery pattern.

    Phobrek
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should have put a new bag of Lay's in the 2nd pic

    Rosie Red
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yet again, love the colour.

    #70

    I'm Over Halfway Done Restoring This Leather Sofa, The Before And After Is Pretty Dramatic

    I'm Over Halfway Done Restoring This Leather Sofa, The Before And After Is Pretty Dramatic

    JephriB Report

    Max M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it cleaning and painting? Or are there other steps too?

    #71

    All-Clad Restoration Project

    All-Clad Restoration Project

    I found a 12-inch All-Clad stainless steel frying pan in the garbage. Apparently, someone gave up on it, but I was up to the challenge. A few years ago I had a nice chat with an All-Clad rep at Macy's. She told me that the secret to cleaning their stainless steel pans was to use the Barkeeper's Friend. Not steel wool. Now I could put this knowledge to the test. 

    edac2 Report

    Barong
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes Bar Keepers Friend is awesome especially for keeping stainless steel shiny. If you do need to get hard to reach or tough spots I use a brass brush which you can find in the welding section at Home Depot. It won’t scratch the stainless steel but will remove burnt on grease. Lastly if you want remove Scorch marks or bluing from too high of heat can be removed with diluted vinegar. I love my All-Clad pans. I first was introduced to them in Culinary Institute of America. There we used the less expensive LTD versions but my collection is D3 and D5 stainless models. They heat evenly and quickly. The shape of the sides make it easy to flip and remove items. Just a really great all-round set of pans.

    Chris D'Asta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I envy you for having gone to CIA. Some of my best friends are working in Michelin restaurants as result. I ended up being a graphic designer and musician. "Yes, Chef!"

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    Penny Hernandez
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I LOVE Barkeeper's Friend products. They keep my semi-vintage Revere pots looking wonderful.

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    #72

    Big Beautiful Bearded Hewing Axe Brought Back To Life

    Big Beautiful Bearded Hewing Axe Brought Back To Life

    Allixant Report

    SaneMinotaur (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a really interesting design, never seen a blade quite like this.

    Andi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    why does the blade come back over the handle? is that a design feature to help cleaving? not seen that before

    #73

    I Restored A Neglected Old Wrench. It Wasn't Ready To Retire

    I Restored A Neglected Old Wrench. It Wasn't Ready To Retire

    Familiar_Big3322 Report

    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The pits beg to differ, it's gonna crack on the first thing of any weight it tries

    What does this button do?
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most old pipe wrenches are cast from pot metal... it's not a hammer and it's not meant for yanking 2" bolts out of radio tower bases. For what it's designed for, that'll work for another hundred years. Source: I have some in my collection that go back over four generations of my family. Some in the condition of the one on the left, some like the after photo, all of which get used regularly.

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    #74

    Someone Was Throwing Away These Old Salad Servers, So I Took Them Home And Restored Them

    Someone Was Throwing Away These Old Salad Servers, So I Took Them Home And Restored Them

    itbememebeit Report

    #75

    I Restored This Vintage Filipino Bolo Knife That I Bought On Ebay

    I Restored This Vintage Filipino Bolo Knife That I Bought On Ebay

    rodneymallari Report

    Unpopular opinions
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice work but I don’t think that’s a bolo.

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    #76

    Restored This Old Bench Grinder For A Customer That Inherited It From His Father, Who Inherited It From His Father. Now That It's Restored He's Going To Pass It On To His Son

    Restored This Old Bench Grinder For A Customer That Inherited It From His Father, Who Inherited It From His Father. Now That It's Restored He's Going To Pass It On To His Son

    donotmatthews Report

    #77

    Grundig Majestic Radio Restoration

    Grundig Majestic Radio Restoration

    I restored this 1955 Grundig Majestic 7061W to working condition. I discovered it broken in a secondhand furniture store for $75 and decided to accept the challenge, despite having no experience with restoration or antique radios. I realized the six-tube radio was beyond my skills for repair, so I hired a local enthusiast to fix it while I redid the cabinet.

    fitzomania Report

    #78

    Upcycled Antique Boiler Door Turned Electric Fireplace/Liquor Cabinet

    Upcycled Antique Boiler Door Turned Electric Fireplace/Liquor Cabinet

    It was formerly used to heat the historic Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs NY. The hotel underwent a preservation restoration and an astute construction worker saved it from demolition. I live in Erie Pennsylvania where the boiler was originally made so I drove up there and hauled it back to Erie. My family has ties to the company that made the boilers.

    OldStuff1909 Report

    Anita Pickle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is incredible. Could you imagine having this whimsical of a house?

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    #79

    Before And After Of My Rusty Plate Restoration

    Before And After Of My Rusty Plate Restoration

    apuch23 Report

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A nice restoration, the sandblasting must have been awesome :3

    SaneMinotaur (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sandblasting looks so incredibly satisfying; I LOVE watching restoration vids on YouTube.

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    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that where my weights went?

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    #80

    Went For A Nautical “British Royal Navy Ship Captain” Kinda Look. Needs A Little More Patina On Some Places, But Pleased With It So Far

    Went For A Nautical “British Royal Navy Ship Captain” Kinda Look. Needs A Little More Patina On Some Places, But Pleased With It So Far

    sogingerly Report

    Sunshine Lady
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the original color better

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah. Paint the cheap s**t that just looks unfinished before painting. But anything that’s made of really good beautiful wood should be restored to the original. Otherwise, it’s an insult to beautifully grained wood.

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    Binny Tutera
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You did a wonderful job. The detail is incredible. I know painting furniture makes some people gasp, but this is no ordinary paint job. Relish the result and enjoy it. The nice wood is still under there if you want to go back later.

    #81

    Restoring Great-Grandfather's Estwing Hammer

    Restoring Great-Grandfather's Estwing Hammer

    barefootworkshopguy Report

    Raymond Core
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks like a 22 oz. ripping hammer. If so, I used to own one.

    #82

    I Won The Lottery And Then Turned This Into That. Silver-Plated Kettle Restoration, With Burner

    I Won The Lottery And Then Turned This Into That. Silver-Plated Kettle Restoration, With Burner

    le-click Report

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    #83

    I Was Given A Stanley Plane That Was Buried For 50 Years. Challenge Accepted

    I Was Given A Stanley Plane That Was Buried For 50 Years. Challenge Accepted

    A friend of mine has a barn and recently started working on the floor. The barn is about 50 years old, and when pulling up the floor he found this buried below. Now he knows that I am a huge fan of hand-tool woodworking, as well as rat rods and Mad Max. So he figured I would enjoy the plane. He was right. 

    KernCreations Report

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    #84

    1940's Ladies' Boots Before And After Polishing And New Laces

    1940's Ladies' Boots Before And After Polishing And New Laces

    midnightpeizhi Report

    #85

    I Restored This 1930's Smoking Stand I Found. The Only Thing I'm Still Working On Is The Electric Lighter

    I Restored This 1930's Smoking Stand I Found. The Only Thing I'm Still Working On Is The Electric Lighter

    AuuD_ Report

    ISeeWendiGo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    After 30 years I quit smoking in 2016 when I dropped my favorite Zippo in the toilet while cleaning one day. The Zippo (unsure of age, guess about 30-40 years) was my grandfather's and I got it along with his cigar stand he used for over 70 years and it was his mother's before that. Anyway, that began a love for cigar stands and I am in awe of this one!

    Carol Emory
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you ever think of selling it, let the cigar clubs in the cities know you have it. I have a feeling a few of them will cough up top dollar for it.

    Ronni Burgess
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, I have one of those lamps mine is missing the top of the globe and one ash tray. I too plan to restore mine eventually. Great job!

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    #86

    Garden Bench - We Just Purchased A Power Washer, And This Was Our First Project. We Were Pleasantly Surprised

    Garden Bench - We Just Purchased A Power Washer, And This Was Our First Project. We Were Pleasantly Surprised

    jgibbons60 Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lovely. You could also sand all that old orange stain off and bring out the real color of the wood.

    #87

    I Restored An Old Chair I Found In Our Basement

    I Restored An Old Chair I Found In Our Basement

    I recently bought a hanging chair for my room which came with a cotton bag. I was also in need of a chair for my desk so I searched the basement where I found this beautiful old chair whose cushion was totally ruined. So I took it off and cut the bag of my hanging chair into a piece that fits perfectly. I then nailed it with some antique nails onto my chair and I just love the way it turned out. It also fits to my hanging chair now which is awesome.

    Aermarine Report

    Maria
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, wish I had a basement with beautiful old furniture in it.

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    #88

    Some Cheap Rit Dye Made My Old Backpack Look New Again

    Some Cheap Rit Dye Made My Old Backpack Look New Again

    I've used this bag for work for about 5 years now and it’s been stained and sun-damaged plenty. Instead of just throwing it away and spending money on a new bag, I got a ~$5 bottle of rit dye and made it look brand new again.
     
    How: I filled a 5-gallon bucket with about 3.5 gallons of hot water, added a bottle of black Rit, dunked the backpack in there, and stirred occasionally for a little over an hour - then I cleaned it in my sink with mild detergent a million times until the excess ink was gone and the water was clear (others are recommending a vinegar bath to prevent bleeding, but I’ve never had issues just doing it my way). I repeated all of that the next day to get it darker. To make it look new I starched and ironed the bag to stiffen and form it, and give it that new sheen.

    dogmetal Report

    LottieH
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is it looking at me like that?

    setsuriseikou
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd say it's just happy to be handsome once again.

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    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The backpack appreciates the new look.

    Greymom
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks very happy after the redo. It's smiling😁

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    #89

    This House Where Only One Half Has Been Restored

    This House Where Only One Half Has Been Restored

    MyFriendReptar Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You often see houses with differing halves like this but the detail above the doors only half-done is very off putting.

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Usually duplex-type townhouses. Many in large US cities are Victorian or even Georgian era (on the East Coast), and clean up just beautifully.

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    Pete
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the problem with duplexes. Who wants to put in the effort and money to make your home look like the one on the right and be connected to the other one.

    Robert Trebor
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Neighbors take note, do likewise.

    #90

    My Husband And I Restored This Old Vice. He Made It Work And I Made It Pretty

    My Husband And I Restored This Old Vice. He Made It Work And I Made It Pretty

    zombre555 Report

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    #92

    A 36-Year-Old, Well-Loved, Stuffed Animal Restoration By Me

    A 36-Year-Old, Well-Loved, Stuffed Animal Restoration By Me

    I've had Snuggles bear for over 36 years, he was a gift my Grammy got me and I took him everywhere. I found him in storage some months back, but even after washing him in bleach, he looked icky. I reached out to a stuffed animal restorer months ago, but the waiting list is years long. So, after watching some videos, I decided to do my best. 

    _cafe_bustelo_ Report

    François Carré
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks happy and grateful for that, obviously.

    Barong
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are there any tips or techniques you can share?

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    #93

    Restored A BurgerTime Arcade Game

    Restored A BurgerTime Arcade Game

    I got the cabinet about 11 months ago and just finished.. but a lot of that time was spent looking for parts and waiting on my art order. The stencils took about 2 weeks straight but only took on average less than an hour a day. Maybe ballpark 40-50 total hours of working on it. As far as cost, these are approx. about what I paid for everything:
    Whole Legend of the Kage game: $250
    Bezel: $120 shipped
    Stencils and control panel overlay: $250 shipped
    Wiring harness: $50 shipped
    Marquee: $50 shipped
    Paint, Brushes, Bondo, Sandpaper, etc: $100
    Locks, Leg Levelers, and new marquee light: $40
    Coin Box: $40 shipped
    Burgertime PCB: $200
    Sold the Legend of Kage PCB: -$100
    Total Cost: $1000
    As you can probably tell, with my time, this is not a big money maker. But I like doing it and love when the game is done.

    captain96 Report

    Teene Amsnapsii
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Says Legend of Kage in the before pic n then changes to burger?

    Rebecca O’Donnell
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Teens, OP states on Reddit that they knew this cabinet was originally a Burgertime game. When arcade owners find that a game is not making much money, they switch out the original game and put in a new one to, hopefully, make more money.

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    Rosie Red
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does it have Bobsux as the highest score?

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    #94

    I Knew I Was Going To Have A Slow Day At Work So I Decided To Try To Restore My Dad’s Old Dress Shoes

    I Knew I Was Going To Have A Slow Day At Work So I Decided To Try To Restore My Dad’s Old Dress Shoes

    OG_Robes Report

    #95

    At Some Point, Someone Has To Teach Us The Importance Of Applying White Leather Preservative To Our Investments

    At Some Point, Someone Has To Teach Us The Importance Of Applying White Leather Preservative To Our Investments

    brazenxbull Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ve done this on old leather purses that had dirt and mildew on them, and antique leather topped furniture. A good leather cleaner, a clean cloth, a little elbow grease, and they all come up just beautiful.

    #96

    Just Finished Restoring An Antique Micrometer Stand, Thought It Might Appreciated Here

    Just Finished Restoring An Antique Micrometer Stand, Thought It Might Appreciated Here

    I've got a collection of J.T. Slocomb micrometers in my home shop, and I recently acquired a Slocomb micrometer stand-off on eBay. It was in pretty sorry shape when I got it... Somewhere along its life, a previous owner remade the wooden slats out of cheap plywood and didn't see a need to disassemble anything before painting (including the rubber bumpers between the mics).
     
    I re-remade the slats in oak, and the frames were stripped and repainted semi-gloss black. The bumpers were also replaced with short lengths of the rubber fuel hose.
     
    The age of the stand is a rough guess... The nameplate dates this stand to sometime after the early 50s. J.T. Slocomb was located in Providence, RI until 1953, when the company relocated to Glastonbury, CT.

    I've restored all the mics in this stand (plus many, many more). They all have Providence, RI stamped on the thimbles, which puts them between 70-120 years old.

    ExHempKnight Report

    Judes
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Widths of things, usually small things (hence micro-metre). You put the thing you want to measure between the two ends of the micrometre, and then screw one end until the thing your measuring is held firm (in the above picture, the top parts of the micrometres contain the screw piece). There's a scale on the screw bit which you read to determine the measurement. In the picture, the ones on the left are massive, the right-most one is a more standard size. Haha...I just wrote all that and then saw your smiley face!! Feel silly now :D

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    #97

    I Restored Another Vinyl Sleeve

    I Restored Another Vinyl Sleeve

    Francescodiazizi Report

    MCathenaE
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The reddit post says they used ink & sealed it with varnish

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    #98

    Green Gameboy Restoration

    Green Gameboy Restoration

    AshLeary Report

    #99

    A Cleaned Silver Shot Glass Next To Its Tarnished Sibling

    A Cleaned Silver Shot Glass Next To Its Tarnished Sibling

    ianlukekane Report

    #100

    I Restored And Hand-Painted This Grandfather's Clock

    I Restored And Hand-Painted This Grandfather's Clock

    ggerundo Report

    Sarah Jane
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why would you do this? You destroyed it

    Mia Black
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is not destroyed. Keep calm. You may like or like not the new colours but the clock itself is intact. And keep in mind if the person does like it this way, it will maybe last many longer than usually because not everybody likes the rustiy charm of old furniture and many people would rather throw furniture away if it doesn't fit in their style (which is sad but true). I like old furniture, I am an upholsterer and every piece we make a new suit is a gem. Some get a fabric which would not have been used to the time it was first made and not the original style. This way, they adapt modern time and I love that. It preserve them. Do you understand what I mean? ( Sorry, English is not my first language)

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    Barong
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never cared for grandfather clocks but I would love that one.

    Andi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the original was an ordinary piece of repro - nice but of no esthetic value - now, its unique - not my taste, but so well done and it will be loved - no one could actually love the original.

    PolymathNecromancer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Electric grandfather clocks are NOT necessarily repro, some were built this way and are very rare now.

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    Highwaytozen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ignore any ignorant comments about "destroying" this clock, the amount of talent and skill that went into this intricate and absolutely stunning artistic detail is mindblowing. And this from someone who HATES when people paint over antiques. This however gets a free pass because of the sheer talent displayed. Well done!!

    Yourname942
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God damn that is gorgeous. Nice colors

    Louisa Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We need more pictures or perhaps a video via TikTok. I want to see more I just love it

    Rebecca O’Donnell
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Louisa, tap ggerundo and you’ll see on the Reddit site a lot of close up pictures.

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    #101

    $5 Thrift Store Find Into Pet Bed For New Puppy

    $5 Thrift Store Find Into Pet Bed For New Puppy

    yesterdayseyeliner Report

    Dave In MD
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This will be featured again when someone rescues it from Pintrest hell and strips all the paint off.

    Cathy Hinz
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Painting of this type of furniture is ok with me. From what I can tell of the pic, this is 70's ish end table. It has a Formica style top, not real wood. Most of the material is pine and does not stand the test of time in style or finish. I believe this is an excellent re-purpose for this type of cabinet.

    Carol Emory
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had two of these. One exactly like this and one that looked like an old treasure chest. Gave them away (unfortunately.) Now I see what they could have been....

    Woltax
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Upvote for doggo!😁👍🏻