I have finally had a chance to start thinking what I shall create with the broken lamp pieces that my brother gave me for Christmas. Yes, he and I exchange odd things but to us they are treasures! We understand each other so all is well. As I was digging through the box of "lamp" parts, it became apparent that these are actually from an old chandelier. Well, that changes things. My creation will most likely now have to be a hanging object instead of something mounted. Still the treasure trove in intriguing and my brain is whirring with ideas but, first, these things need to be cleaned.
When my brother found the chandelier, it had been dropped down inside of a large, plastic bin. Over time, the bin was filled with water so the parts had become quite gunky. So...what does one do with gunky parts? Well, according to my brother who is a mechanic by trade, you soak the parts in gasoline. Hmmm? Something tells me that bronze should not be soaked in gas. The parts were (ahem) cleaned...sort of...maybe...or maybe not. I got to work this morning since it was very foggy and, at 4am, still too dark to go to the pier. A soft wire brush, some wax polish and shoe buffer worked nicely for the restoration. The process is time-consuming and I have a few scratched knuckles but the pieces are looking so much better! I have about a fourth of the pieces buffed...and a lot more to do.
The next few mornings will find me buffing the chandelier components and then the fun shall begin! Another oddity will come to be and the Little Bayou House will be all the more beautiful because of it. THIS, I look forward to doing. Finally, there will be something beside chores filling my day. Son has assured me that his foot has healed enough for him to take over cutting the firewood for the remainder of the winter so, perhaps now, my mental state can improve. Being creative can do that!
