Everything in its place


Joe's father worked for Pratt and Whitney for 25+ years. This tool box belonged to him. When Joe acquired it, it was full of all his Dad's old machinist tools. I mean, CHOCK FULL.  One day last week, Joe decided to take it out of the back of the garage and refinish it. He stripped all of the old lacquer and stain. Sanded it down to bare wood.... removed all the hardware. 
The new stain doesn't look much different than the original but the scuffed up drawers are now smooth and clean. As you can see, it's in pretty good shape. I think the little pull out platform has been removed, due to damage.

We felt that this piece deserves to be shown off, and treated more like a piece of furniture, while maintaining its functionality as a tool box. So up to the studio.... I am honored that Joe would want me to have this. I have already started filling it with my own tools and supplies. Plus, it is so dang beautiful to look at and is even more special now that Joe has refinished it. It's almost as if Joe was able to reconnect with his Father during this project.
I know that his Dad is watching over Joe and I, and I am sure he is so proud of his son and his accomplishments!
We lost Lloyd to a car accident back in 1996. A sad sad day that will not be forgotten.


 The bottom drawer is large, and perfect for my hammers, dapping blog, and disc cutters!


 The hinged top lifts up to reveal another large storage space. I am not sure what I will store in here. But I'm sure over time it will become quite useful!

 It has allowed me to tap into my color coordinating OCD side! Don't these large seed beads look so pretty? I found these really cool clear topped aluminum containers at Ornamentea.

Comments

  1. That is a touching story :) I love hearing how things get passed down in a family. Joe made it look amazing! What a great gift he has given you! That man truly loves you.
    :)

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  2. Very special, Ms L - Today is my dear departed father's birthday - we lost him in 1993 to cancer so I can feel where you are coming from- I'm so pleased that Joe's father's memory lives on with this wonderful furniture treasure - so sweet. Vicki

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  3. What a lovely thing to be able to pass on and share a part of your family's heritage. And the most beautiful bead storage I've ever seen!

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  4. Awesome! Looks very similar to the one that my Dad gifted to me. It sure got a lot of comments when I used it in my display at the Art Fair this summer. It sits proudly in our living room the rest of the year!

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  5. when my grandfather passed away in march, my dad was given my great grandfather's tool box. it is JUST like this, with a darker finish. same situation, it was chock full of old tool bits and gunk. my dad just finished cleaning it up and put it in his bedroom. oh how i would love to steal it away to my studio.

    you have a very special treasure there lady. love it up.

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  6. beautiful chest, Joe did a wonderful job refinishing it and it's extra special that it belonged to Joe's dad.

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  7. OH I love that. What a special piece the chest is. It is really beautiful!

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  8. I use mine as a jewelry box in the bedroom...Lot's of space to find everything! Maybe I should move it in to my studio....to help me get my tools off the bench! Great idea!

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  9. My dad was also a machinist and had one very much like this. It is really special that you have it to continue using!

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  10. That Joe always impresses me! :) Such a great guy, that one. The chest is beautiful. Congrats on receiving such a special gift!

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  11. Anonymous8/25/2010

    What a beautiful and functional chest.

    The best gifts- not necessarily worth a lot of money, but filled with love, generosity, and memories that bring a smile to your heart.

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  12. swopemelmel8/25/2010

    Wow Joe did an awesome job and it looks fab in your studio. It would be a beautiful display piece at shows. Very special. swopemelmel P.s. Looking at your seed beads reminds me to ask where can I find "peanut" seed beads???

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  13. What a perfect tribute to one so special. I can tell that it will be well-loved by you, and already lovingly restored by Joe (that is the sweetest thing). What a way to touch history and create beautiful tomorrows at the same time!
    Enjoy the day, L!
    xo
    E

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  14. Gorgeous piece; it is so much better when they carry beloved memories with them. It will definitely be a presence in your studio. :)

    - jams

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  15. I'm giddy with organizationalness just looking at those little drawers. What a wonderful use for such a special piece.

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  16. Fab-u-luscious!

    You are so lucky to have such a loving and talented sweetheart. Nice that he shares his heritage. (Do you suppose he wants to get back in the studio with you?)

    Emanda

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  17. Anonymous8/26/2010

    what a treasure Lorelei!

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  18. I'm sorry for your loss. What a beautiful way to honor him by putting special things to your heart in the tool box <3

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  19. It's gorgeous! What a special treasure! WTG, Joe!

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  20. What a wonderful story Lorelei! You are very lucky to be able to have such a functional, beautiful toolbox that holds so much sentimental value. A real Treasure!

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  21. Gorgeous! I am sure that Joe's dad is happy that it is still being used and loved

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