This book gives the reader a playful peek into our twenty-year journey into the fascinating world of furniture refinishing and antiques. Originally “penned” as a scroll to market Ben’s refinishing work on our website, this book also captures the history of our business over the years: how we got started; how we expanded; and ultimately, where it all lead. Along the way we share an appreciation of all things old and beautiful, hopefully revealing the inner potential of both human beings and old furniture. We also include some helpful tips and how-to’s (most learned the hard way) in the hopes of helping and inspiring others who are on this journey. In any case, if you love seeing dramatic transformations and lots of photos of antiques, are in love with the idea of restoring antiques, are a do-it-yourselfer, are interested in starting a business, or are simply searching for an alternate world to get lost in, then perhaps this book is for you.

A Wall Street Journal Top 10 Crucial Home & Design Book for Beginners A Library Journal Best Book of the Year An Amazon Best Book of the Month Christophe Pourny learned the art of furniture restoration in his father’s atelier in the South of France. In this, his first book, he teaches readers everything they need to know about the provenance and history of furniture, as well as how to restore, update, and care for their furniture—from antiques to midcentury pieces, family heirlooms or funky flea-market finds. The heart of the book is an overview of Pourny’s favorite techniques—ceruse, vernis anglais,and water gilding, among many others—with full-color step-by-step photographs to ensure that readers can easily replicate each refinishing technique at home. Pourny brings these techniques to life with a chapter devoted to real-world refinishing projects, from a veneered table to an ebonized desk, a gilt frame to a painted northern European hutch. Rounding out this comprehensive guide is care and maintenance information, including how to properly clean leather, polish hardware, fix a broken leg, and replace felt pads, as well as recipes to make your own wax, shellac, varnish, stain, and more.

You don't have to live in your dream house to make your living spaces feel more like home. Home is meant to be a place to belong. A place to gather and connect. A place of beauty. A place to restore your soul. In Restoration House, author and designer Kennesha Buycks will encourage you to embrace your home and your story so you can create mindful spaces that give life to you, your loved ones, and all who enter. Tips from Restoration House have been featured in Better Homes and Garden, Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge, and The Washington Post. Kennesha will teach you how to: Make the best out of your living space, whether you're renting or a homeowner Create a home your visitors will feel comfortable in Decorate your home on a budget Make purposeful design decisions that are beautiful and functional Restoration House is ideal for: Christian women of all ages who want to make their houses feel more like home Housewarming gifts, Mother's Day, birthdays, and holiday gifting

Wood finishing doesn't have to be complicated or confusing. It can be "boiled down" to simple step-by-step instructions. And that's what this book offers; no science, no art, just easily-to-follow directions with lots of pictures to show you every step of the process. Inside, you'll find specific instructions on how to finish common woods using widely-available finishing materials—the kind of wood, stains and finish coats every home center, paint store or hardware store carries. Just match the wood to the final color and result you want. Then follow the step-by-step instructions and eliminate the guesswork. Wood Finishing 101 is by Bob Flexner, who has been writing about and teaching wood finishing to hobbyists and professionals for over 20 years. Let Bob's years of experience guide you to beautiful results using his easy to understand directions.

Includes pubseries: State and metropolitan area employment and unemployment; State and local government collective bargaining settlements; Major collective bargaining settlements in private industry; Consumer price index.