Tag: before and after furniture photos

“When I let go of all I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzo

Potential is a beautiful thing.   To see something and know that it can be more than what it currently is takes a special kind of vision.    All things, all people hold an unlimited amount of potential.  Sometimes, all it takes to let go of what one is, and become what they might be,  is for one person to say, “I believe in you.”

As I was in search of a chair for my sons industrial style bedroom, I came across this lonely little chair at Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  I knew right then and there, that it was full of amazing potential.  I could already see it in my mind, proudly sitting in a dark stain, next to my sons desk.

 Do you hear it’s cries for help?  All it needed was for some kind soul to come along, and see the potential that it held.  For this lucky chair,  that someone, was me.

I started working on the desk chair right away, I even had a nice little volunteer help me start sanding down the seat.

After sanding the entire chair, both with an orbital sander, and then with a folded up piece of sandpaper by hand in the hard to reach areas, I dusted off the chair with tack cloth.

Once the chair was wiped completely clean of any dust or debris, I then started to stain it, using the color by Minwax, ‘English Chestnut’ , one of my favorite stain colors, it has such a rich, deep tone, but not too dark.    Once I completed 2 coats of stain and allowed for dry time, I then hand wiped on Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane in high gloss.

The once sad, neglected office chair, suddenly came back to life.   As the chair finally became what it always had potential to become, it also gained a name.  Yes, a name.  My 7 year old daughter was convinced it deserved a name, I definitely agree with her.

So, my friends, you’ve waited long enough.   I would like to officially introduce you to the newest member of our little farm house;

Stanley.   

Isn’t Stanley handsome?  He sure catches my eye!   Here he is, in his new location in our home, sitting proudly in our sons bedroom;

I hope by seeing the way that Stanley here came alive and how I believed in the potential he had, inspires and encourages you to open your eyes, see the beauty that is possible in all things, and that you can feel empowered to take on your own DIY projects!

I hope you all have a beautiful Sunday evening!  Be sure to follow Anchored Way on Facebook if you want to see more DIY ideas, along with weekly inspiration!