Unpainting Antique | This Antique Dresser Restoration Didn't Go as Planned!

[@deborahmatatall]

Here’s my thought: this dresser has lived a long life. You are a stop on its journey. You aren’t dragging it to the curb (win). You are setting it aside for now (win). You are keeping an eye out for another furniture person to continue its restoration (win). You anticipate improving your own skill set (win) so that you may be able to finish it in the future (win). That makes this a win-win-win-win-win. Not a fail at all! Plus another great video from you! So, a win x six!🌸

[@hlynn2008]

What an awesome way to think about this! ❤

[@sandramckay6305]

Well said, I agree

[@maryperner9625]

I'm so sorry it didn't work out. I was really interested in seeing the outcome. That's because I had a piece very similar to this one years ago. Put it up for sale with a local antique dealer who moved away taking my piece with him. By now, it would have been worth quite a bit. Anyway, letting go of that, I continue to appreciate the ways in which you share your process, even when that process involves admissions of your limitations. Hope you find someone to take that piece on.

[@sharonhull634]

Hi,n What is that scraping tool called please xx

[@jillgaddis3889]

I agree this is a win because you have learned from this piece. This is not a failure. I enjoy watching your vlogs and I always learn something. I use to refinish furniture in the 70's only hand tools, not having any of the great tools you have. Now I appreciate the work you do and the lessons you have taught us.

[@joannawalsh6997]

Do you know how much we appreciate not only the hours of work that you put into this, but the honesty that you shared with us...? Many, if not all of us, need to know its all right to let go of something sometimes. Bless your heart for this ❤

[@bback4078]

I adore the fact that you acknowledge that there are limits to your current skill set. We are all learning, growing and overcoming, but have things yet to learn. ❤

[@marythiessen7512]

Bad drawers - the flipper's bane. I have in rare cases built simple new drawers, adding roller glides if needed, and then used the original drawer fronts. Sticklers for authenticity will gasp at that, but I find there are many people who love the look of vintage, but the funtionality of modern drawers. If it's a matter of chucking the dresser, paying hundreds for an authentic restoration, or it or putting a beautiful, less-than-authentic piece back in service, it's my pick. You are an inspiration to me Katie, I've learned so much from you and this is one more lesson to tuck in my pocket - honesty and discernment.

[@goodbyewinterblues]

I like your honesty and showing of the not so succesful projects. We learn from them as much as from the successes. So thank you for sharing❤

[@kathyfrey1]

Katie good for you for acknowledging when you are in over your head. It happens to all of us. This is a “real” side of furniture flipping. You are an authentic person and it makes me admire you more.

[@jenniferhooks2454]

It’s a good thing to recognize what your limits are. You didn’t fail; you just reached the limits of your skills at this point. Good luck in finding someone to restore this piece.

[@leedavis-clark2946]

Kudos to you! It's not easy admitting that you can't finish a project. You've just made yourself dearer to the rest of us.

[@marymorrison2484]

I think it would make a great KZbin collaboration challenge with another KZbinr that has the woodworking skills/machines needed to bring this piece home. Either way, great video and the fact that we saw you pick it out and the anticipation that you and the rest of us had to see it and then dealing with the hard decision to stop. Thanks for sharing, and I hope you next project is super easy for you.

[@sarahallen6328]

Angie!

[@phoenixfurniturestudio]

These projects are just as important as the wins, because they show not everything is easy peasy and sometimes you do have to walk away until you have learnt the skills you need or find someone who has them 👏❤️

[@amieinnovascotia3237]

I’ve dumped those projects too - right in the lap of my husband. It takes a fair amount of special equipment and a lot of time to make those drawers function like new again. And way back then, dresser drawers didn’t run nearly as smooth as modern furniture does. Actually, Katie, I want to thank you for posting this video. I’m sure we have all taken on pieces that upon close examination needed more specialized work and (for me, twice) total abandonment even with my talented husband’s skill set.

[@dominiquebarrette9621]

Love your honesty! Thank you Katie, we have indeed learned tons from this video

[@pattym4543]

Thank you for your honest report on this dresser. Also, thank you for respecting this piece and not giving up on restoring it. You have achieved a huge undertaking to remove the majority of the paint. I’m sure someday it will be the beauty it once was. Great job, as usual! 👏

[@RumMonkeyable]

Thank you, Katie, for your honesty! I'm sure you will report, very soon, a restoration guru has stepped forward. Please keep us posted. 👍👏😍❤

[@shannonnakashima7714]

That’s what I was hoping for too! We’ll see!

[@gerirosman4983]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your being honest about this project. Personally, I'm stymied by self-doubt bcs in all of the videos I watch, everyone is already so skilled, so creative, so talented. Despite realizing that everyone has to start somewhere, I've just been stuck in searching for pieces but not actually starting anything. Thanks again for sharing that even the most talented folks encounter overwhelming challenges sometimes.

[@brendastone9672]

Bless your heart, I know what you mean!

[@raffinataonline]

I'm gobsmacked that Habitat charged as much as they did for that. We learn when things don't work, also. ❤

[@valeriehowden471]

Tag team approach to this beauty may be the best option. No loss, just a long time out. I have an old dresser in need of a refresh. Not sure if has lead paint. If it tests positive, I think I'll contact a local refinisher so they can get the lead out as they will have all the proper equipment. Less worries for me. Thanks for the reminder to test old paint finishes!

[@kimberlyciani570]

Maybe I'm just having an emotional day, but all of these comments brought tears to my eyes. Katie, you are so loved and respected because of your honesty and your skill set. You aren't afraid of taking on a challenge and sharing your journey, good and not so good. A total win in my book!

[@auntiear126]

Know when to fold ‘em! I’m actually surprised that there are not more restorations that end up like yours. Thanks Katie.

[@dshey6802]

There probably are, the person just isn't as honest and open as Katie.

[@helenascheele5922]

You are so honest, even about your failures. That makes us other feel better with our mistakes. And so, you give us a gift, for how we feel! And those straws, they had really seen better days, and I couldn’t/wouldn’t try at all! So thank you for giving your followers that gift!😊

[@shabbysuse7821]

You went above and beyond to try and fix it.

[@crankysusanne7409]

Thank you for showing this side of furniture flipping. This is yet another reason why you’re my favorite content creator. You’re right to set it aside, and even if you never go back to it, honest work is never a failure. Our successes are measured in our ability to pick up and move forward, time after time. High five lady ✋

[@pinherpod1903]

I have an idea…how about a collab with Angie at Transcend Furniture Gallery! You two can work on restoring the drawers together! That would be epic!!’

[@dshey6802]

Great idea!! Love Angie.

[@PeterRabbit000]

Both of you are “top drawer”!

[@kellyhlad2641]

What a great IDEA !!!! Dont give up Get Angie involved with you it would make for a great video and you would be teaching us!!!!!!!!

[@dshey6802]

Those drawers are a mess. That was a huge learning experience for you and all of us. Yes, please check your area within a reasonable radius for a carpenter who can rebuild those drawers. This was the best lesson in why NOT to paint porous solid wood white, especially an oil based white, unless one wants to keep it white forever. I hope after the drawers are repaired you can resume solving the restoration finish conundrum. Thanks, Katie, for being such an honest, interesting person.

[@JamieM470]

That's a big part of why I think painting solid wood furniture is so clueless. It's not MDF or particle board. It's like they're blind to natural beauty. Same goes for original oak, chestnut, etc wood trim in historical homes. When the walls are painted a light color the room is bright and highlights the amazing and irreplaceable richness of wooden artwork. These days folks love the look of a cheaply built cookie-cutter house with MDF or foam trim, so they cover the craftsmanship and warmth of real wood with primer white to make it appear "modern" aka cold and cheap. Even if someone tries to restore wood it to its original beauty, paint embedded into the grain is many times impossible to remove.

[@annefitzback4958]

Don't beat yourself that the project is at that stage, you have done more that most of us would have. I have discarted pieces for less than that. Sending you all my energy and love! ❤

[@RadBadJodster]

Well, it’s still not in a landfill. There is hope. A goodly portion of the work is done, and I cross my fingers you find a local craftsman that can put her back together. Thank you for sharing and look forward to an update at some point. ❤❤❤❤

[@marywiggins7411]

So as an analogy to your project, quilters often tackle long term projects around other quick project to not burn out on that longterm project and end up hating the process we love so much. There are very frustrating time consuming intricately pieced beautiful quilts, and there are fun jelly roll race quilts with 2.5" precut strips that we whip out to feel accomplished, and medium skill quilts that might have great block settings in a fab fabric we do too. What you have here is one of those first types!!! Break it down into segments - find someone to do the repairs that you aren't skilled in to either do that part entirely or teach you how to do it. Then find a new piece to flip. Then go to the next step. Then get another new fast flip. Repeat

[@kitfranzman4860]

I was questioning whether anyone could bring it back to life. I would not attempt it. Just know we love your skills as your skills are over the top. I've learned so much from you and appreciate your videos.

[@shellyannray3601]

Thank you so bad for sharing the good, the bad and the ugly!!! We all learn from each other, and that makes me really appreciate your transparency so much!!!

[@rose-hope]

A little baileys in that coffee ! You deserve it. Thanks for sharing💗

[@marchelleasp4280]

It’s good to know when to quit! 😅 I passed up a 3 drawer elm dresser in a similar state this week and it’s been haunting me…but your video made me think maybe I made the right decision! ❤

[@rhondabliss4620]

Your honesty makes me want to continue to try and not worry so much about being a perfectionist. Being honest with all your viewers is so refreshing!

[@more5347]

i'm a horse trainer, and used to run a rescue. oh how I wish more people had the courage and brains to say: I don't have the skills I need right now.... you've no idea how much I appreciate your decision. yes, it's not a live animal, but it's still a lovely peice that is in very good hands. well done.

[@sharontahir9694]

I was happy to see that you showed lead paint testing. I think a lot of people do not realize how important that is with old paint.

[@patriciaromero5347]

Maybe you could contact Angie from Transcend Furniture Gallery I think this is up her alley. I still think that you tried to do a good job, it is not a mistake or failure to stop and rethink the whole thing, especially if you think you do not have the expertise yet to do the work.

[@salvagedbykscott]

Angie and I talk very often. I’m 1000% sure she’s not interested in this one either 😂❤️

[@mytrueserenity5666]

@@salvagedbykscott Hahaha! I was coming here to suggest Angie as well. I'm glad you both are well acquainted. I enjoy you both so much. :-D

[@janetboette7013]

Bummer! Surely there will be another craftsman who can continue this pieces journey. Cuz she's gonna be so cute!

[@shelly1224]

You taught us a lot from this video. Thank you. I am sure there's still a future for this piece in the future

[@lelanidixon7941]

Not a fail! A learning experience and because you decided to share it, a teaching opportunity. Thank you for all that you do to repurpose furniture in a beautiful way. You’ve kept many many pieces from filling up landfills.

[@micheletierney1161]

Truly an inspiration to us newbies out there trying to salvage every piece. It just can’t be done and knowing when to call it quits is inspirational to me. I love your videos and get so much out of them. This one taught me to check out the drawers in a piece a heck of a lot better than I typically do and walk away if I see this kind of damage. Thank you so much for sharing all your “wins” but I love that you share your “losses” too. Keep the videos coming Kate! I love what you do!

[@reinventedhometx1857]

I know how your feeling all to well! Ive also been there and know that sadness/ disappointment. I give you some MAD props for doing all youve done to this point on this piece. I think it takes a lot of knowing who you are as an artist and knowing what you can or cannot attempt to bring a piece back to its former glory. There is no shame in throwing in the towel when encountering pieces such as this one. ❤ I admire you no matter what!! 😊

[@quianthomas5274]

Thanks for sharing Katie- it's nice to know the ups as well as the downs!

[@sabrinahemingway2970]

You gave it your best shot and tried to see it through but realized you have skillset limitations and decided not to do more damage than good to the piece. I applaud you for keeping it real and for investing as much time as you did to try and breathe new life back into it. You’re awesome and do beautiful work on every piece you’ve done before this one. It was too neglected and overworked before you bought it. We love your channel and look forward to your next refinish.

[@jamieomahen2656]

Good to see this ending! I hope you find someone to relay this piece to the finish line.❤

[@pamboone6921]

Hi Katie, Well sister I’ll hand it to you, you gave it your all!! Major plus! I love the fact that you can admit it was time to set it aside and not just pitch it. And thank you so much for your honesty, you’re the best! Until next Cya later and know we have your back. Stay warm, happy and God Bless ❤

[@CrazyEightyEights]

I am impressed by your work ethic and attention to detail. Also, your honesty ♡. Often in real life, issues we haven't forseen arise. Thank you for showing us this valuable lesson. Aside from the setious wood work challenges, the only way to remove the paint in this wood's pores might be a chemical dip. Major respect for veracity.

[@BellydancingAmazon]

I appreciate your honesty

[@ElaineWood-f2t]

Hi Katie! I'm sure you're bummed about not being able to refurbish this dresser. You put so much time and effort into it. It's got to be disappointing to discover that it needs more "love" than you are prepared to give it. Don't let it get you down! You're an amazing furniture flipper! You have grown a business and are giving back to your community with your projects! This just wasn't the right one for you. Enjoy your coffee and stay positive!!! See you on your next video! 😊

[@fullzoelife]

WOW, thank you for sharing all this with us. You've got a great skill set and for you to say that you don't have enough skill to finish that dresser, it blew my mind and it also helped me realize I won't always get a piece that I can truly restore. You're so nice in putting it to the side and waiting for someone else that might want to do it. Thank you!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@aliferefurbished]

Love you, your honesty, and this video. Thanks for sharing that it’s not always attainable, as much as we would love it to be. ❤

[@peggygilbert4659]

Oh so sorry this didnt work out. You've more courage and gumption than I ever would have. And this dresser did have such beautiful potential. Thanks for sharing your trials and tribulations. I once kept my craft or sewing "rejects, maybe do something later" in an old dresser. You have the perfect dresser for them! Thanks for not tossing it..maybe someday ...

[@CopperElements]

My husband and myself were watching the video together as usual, and he was just itching to help you with those drawers! I wish we lived closer. I actually got a free dresser from somebody and the drawer fronts, while beautiful, had very bad tracks, and all of the dovetails were splitting. I think heavens, my husband is a carpenter! Although I’d rather do these projects by myself because he keeps trying to butt in.😅

[@joannedavidman6773]

Its great to to know when to stop. Katie for the WIN

[@trinasthings]

It’s a “win” not a fail that you can admit that it’s currently out of your skill set & you can set it aside & think about the best options! ❤

[@user-ix8bx6ek3t]

A lot of time and energy invested in this piece of furniture. Hope you find someone to continue on with this project. I appreciate the honesty.

[@kimhough7753]

You did your best and that’s all any of us can do! Thanks for being honest Katie! 🥰🥰

[@lorimrasek7611]

Well hopefully you can find someone to help you restore it is a beautiful piece. Onward and upward 😉

[@patriciadesserud9402]

Thanks for showing this. I do so admire your respect for these antique pieces that have been so badly used, this might just be some time out for this dresser. Go do something you have been itching to do on another piece waiting in line and get your reno juices flowing again. Until next time.

[@hlynn2008]

You did your best! Thank you for sharing --- I have a feeling that this is not the end for this piece ❤

[@claudianiemeyer8983]

When I saw your short about this dresser, sitting there, looking defeated, it broke my heart. I honestly thought that something really bad happened to you, even got hurt or something. Am so glad that you are ok and your video showing how you tried hard to make it work was very inspiring. Thank you for sharing. As always, my deepest admiration to you and your work.

[@kathrynkneeland7179]

That was an enormous amount of work already done. Its good to show all aspects of refinishing furniture, good and bad. Time to move on!!! 😊

[@restyledpiecesboutique]

This is not a fail! The amount of work and time you spent getting this dresser up to this point is more than I would even attempt. You are a truly skilled refinisher and I think you should be happy with all you have accomplished. It is wise to know when to pass the piece on to the next step. You have so many incredible skills! Someone will make her whole and now they can and will, because you made it possible. Great work! 😊❤

[@irenearbuckle4744]

Keep your chin up Katie! You put a lot of effort into this project and sometimes it’s better to just walk away from it! Maybe look at it some time down the road; if not; oh well. It’s good that you had the restraint not to start pounding on it in frustration like some of us would have. Thanks for the time spent helping us all learn from your channel.

[@audiomxr]

Thanks for being transparent! It's a cool piece, but when you know it's beyond your abilities, best to cut it loose.

[@aprilm2735]

You're an amazing lady! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@judywilliamson2068]

So much work, but you did an extraordinary job. But it’s kind of like trying to make a 90 year old woman look 25 again, it’s harder than we might think. I’m grateful for your honesty.

[@JudyYeater-v7v]

Katie, do you know how encouraging it is to others to know that some of the VERY BEST of restorers run into a dead-end project? Your skills will still grow, and you may (or may not) come back to it someday. As an old operating room nurse, I know everything can't always be fixed. That is life unvarnished. I do love to watch your videos. ❤

[@KrisSchwartz]

Thank you Katie, for sharing this video. I had a flipping fail last fall that was incredibly painful to let go, and it helps to know that others go through this too, even people who do this professionally. I appreciate your honesty, and how real you are in all your videos.

[@JeneenTodd]

Thank You Katie for sharing this video. I shows us all that not everything turns out the way you want. Makes me feel like even the pro's have bad days.

[@maryfields6649]

Thank you for being so transparent. It helps to know that seasoned professionals have their moments too 😊❤️

[@millerzgirl]

Katie you have boosted my confidence by showing your struggles. I feel less overwhelmed and intimidated now. Thank you for being human. 🥰⭐️

[@meerkatnip892]

Really appreciate you showing this and also mentioning the hours of labour explicitly. This one really shows how much expertise there is in furniture building and restoring and that you cannot reach some peak/plateau of ultimate skill even after doing it professionally for years - there's always more to learn, I don't think a single person can do it ALL themselves expertly. Hope you find someone to collaborate with who's more from the building side rather than restoring and can provide you with what you need to finish this up. That said, the two-tone does look gorgeous already in the video.

[@SallyHewson]

Congratulations! You didn’t fall for the sunk cost fallacy. Too often we focus on how much we’ve invested rather than whether an endeavour is worth the additional time and money it’ll take to get it across the finish line. Well done!

[@beverlybenson9981]

Thank you for being so transparent with this flip. Cute piece of furniture. I do admire your conclusions knowing when your abilities stop and asking for help to finish the piece properly. ❤

[@jodirauth8847]

You have had many successes. We have all seen you in these successes. Anyone who creates can tell you they have a few from hundreds of projects that fail. One in every hundred is really good average. By my accounting you are still on the A list, you are still on the deans list, your not kicked out . Take a step back and regroup and look at how you may have approached it differently and modify for the next project. Don't stop looking forward. Look for a opportunities to grow from this last project. Every artist reaches this point when they have found a flop and can't flip it. You did a fantastic job stripping this piece. Call this a win.

[@johnmclain6535]

WARNING: Long post coming up: Just wanted to let you know you inspired me. I've been a woodworker for several years and have more woodworking tools than a person should have ( I have a bit of a problem lol) Making custom tables, built ins etc...mostly for myself and family and it will be my hobby for as long as my body will allow it. I'm an empty nester (finally!) and saw one of your videos where u talk about that u don't sell the furniture you restore anymore, but donate it. I decided to give it a try. Restored a couple of old solid oak night stands and a side table. Not bad...now I'm doing a small dresser that had been used in a garage and has paint drippings all over it plus some damage. Almost done with it also. ANYWAY , I've decided that I'm going to continue doing this and my wife (who gives me design and color help) and I are going to start donating all of the stuff I restore to the local women's shelter. I have already acquired 4 more pieces that I'll restore in the next month and the shelter is thrilled. Again, leaned a lot from your videos and now maybe I'm actually doing something good for people not as fortunate as me. Thanks again!❤

[@rochellebush162]

I love that your sharing a fail. I seem to have a lot of trouble with my furniture at times. It’s nice to know I’m not alone. Thanks for the honesty Katie ❤❤❤

[@francescarroll8977]

I watched a video of somebody admitting they were going to fail and I still loved it. Canadians are so sweet.🎉

[@donnadonna7646]

Thank you for sharing I love this video because you respect the piece and that shows that you love what do. Have a wonderful blessed Saturday and weekend.

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

Whether there's a fantastic transformation or you have to call it based on the condition of the piece, we still learn a lot from you. Thanks for sharing what I can imagine is/was a very frustrating situation for you.

[@shellydehart8217]

What an awful shame to come this far n it’s just not working as well as you thought. The important part you haven’t given up. Hopefully someone will come along n help in the restoration. This dresser is a beautiful piece n it deserves more life. I was thrilled when you bought it n wanting to bring back its original look. You haven’t failed it, you’ve set aside for future work. I appreciate you being honest with the whole situation. Oak is my favorite wood. I came across the same situation as you did with the paint in the grain with my washstand. I used a wire brush with Krud Kutter that’s for paint n I got the paint out of the grain. Then again your paint might have been oil base paint. Either way just give it some time n that person will come along n helps with the drawers. I’m proud of you for trying. ♥️♥️♥️😊👍👍👍🌟

[@theresaburg5881]

Not everything ends the way we hoped. I'm sure you will find someone who can do the repairs that are needed. I love seeing all of the details and craftsmanship that went into making the furniture (eg wooden screws).

[@lynneavalpatic3530]

Katie, thank you for being so honest, so real, and always so inspirational. I just love you!!!

[@shelleycoleman1760]

Katie, dear Katie. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You have shown great wisdom in your decision. I have been here too with a ‘free’ dresser. The drawers were like the ones on this Eastlake. I, however, just trashed the drawers and kept the casing for something possibly in the future. You gave it the ‘old college try’ and there is much to be said there. Onward and upward. I guess we need to go shopping again next week? That was fun. Rewind and let’s have a do over!

[@shannonnakashima7714]

Oh, Katie, my heart goes out to you! Your disappointment is real, so sorry. I agree with another commenter, it’s not in the dump, so that actually is a win. I hate when things go this way, because it pulls at you! ❤❤❤

[@susansiegler303]

I admire you more than you know after watching this ever so enlightening, educational and emotional video. I’m just starting out and get so incredibly frustrated and honestly, watching your videos gives me peace and encouragement. Thank you for all you do for us beginners and those novice painters. We appreciate you!,,

[@flamingoliz]

Im sorry this didn't work out, it's a beautiful piece and I'm really impressed with how much work you put into it. You saved it from that globby paint and that's really great. I redo furniture too and you just never know what is waiting for you. You didn't make a mistake or fail, it just is what it is. I'm glad you didn't just recoat it in paint. It's tough but thanks for showing what the reality is of redoing furniture. ❤❤

[@laurelarmstrong4535]

I feel your pain. I have had projects that I had to admit defeat. However, I learned alot from them as I did from your video. Thanks for sharing.

[@redribbonshoe]

Thank you for sharing! Very much appreciated

[@dot2dal]

Thanks for posting the reality of flipping furniture. Stripping paint is something I try to avoid at all costs! You never know how it will go. Antique drawers are tough to fix. Thanks for sharing your experience here! Love it!

[@dot2dal]

I just heard this week: not a fail! Instead consider it sands for F-first A-attempt I-in L-learning. I guess in your case it’s definitely not your first attempt. But I guess my point is we are all always learning. I find with each thing that I refinish I learned new things. So even if it doesn’t turn out as intended. The process is really important!

[@michelelee5339]

Thank you for your honesty and showing us not every project works out. You're tops in my books! ❤

[@judysmith5605]

This is not a fail. ❤ you put a lot of time and energy into getting it to the point you did Most people don't show the challenges in this industry. You will find some one local to fix those drawers and maybe show you some new skills. Keep sharing your vulnerability ❤❤

[@user-uj8dh7gf4g]

You did your very best and are smart enough to recognize your limitations. Mad respect to you!!!! Thank you for sharing this adventure. Just makes you more awesome in my eyes.

[@lynnez7389]

Thank you for sharing! I’m sure you will come up with an amazing solution!

[@ritagold1034]

I feel for you! I bet you can find a skilled person to fix those drawers!

[@michelesoto5919]

I find when something like this happens to me not matter what it is, it's beat to walk away and when the time is right, you will know when to try again. And maybe in the meantime you'll be able to find someone that is able to help you with the drawers and barter services... You Got This!! You are not defeated!! 💪🏻 and will be looking forward to the day you're able to get it finished!

[@patriciacrozier7624]

You have the patient of an angel! Dental picks? Who knew!

[@Margaretcs0103]

I think it’s great that you shared the genuine trials and tribulations! I love this piece ….the glove boxes, the candle shelves….swoon….

[@careyclouser1022]

You just did all the work nobody wants to do to restore something. Now, hopefully someone will come along and finish it, except they get to skip right to their favorite part: the woodworking. Good job!

[@robinh8416]

As a beginner, I appreciate this. I like seeing how you work through the challenges.

[@davidmessner9610]

Katie dear, I would not count this as a failure. You did a very nice job in attempting to refinish it if someone else has to finish it, so be it your work is generally excellent. I very much admire your work as a retired interior designer I would recommend your work to clients with no hesitation at all, keep up the good work