I discover the secret to showing off restored furniture is to take 'before' photos as well as 'after' photos.....

So a few weeks ago I decided to finally tackle 3 pieces of ugly old furniture we own.  I had planned to sand down the nasty varnish off each and paint them a beautiful creamy white.

Now my ever so sensible and pragmatic husband suggested that of the 3 pieces I should start with the small 3 shelved bookshelf not the huge 5 shelved bookshelf or the large coffee table with fussy legs.  I rarely follow his sensible advice and boy was I glad I did on this occasion!  The borrowed electric sander I used left my neck and shoulders feeling like I had carried a few bags of coal for several miles.  Sanding was a long process but I once I began painting I started to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

The finished result is beautiful and I am delighted with it.  Here is a photo of the finished article however means very little without the all important 'before' shot....

In any case tomorrow I attempt the larger book case or the coffee table depending on my bravery (or impatience).  However electric sanders have been discarded in place of paint stripper!