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Antique Pew ~ Blessings Before Words are Spoken

I don’t know about you, but I can’t tell you the number of times that I have received a heart’s desire and I haven’t even brought it before God.  You know, that something we would so love to have, but isn’t terribly practical, is too expensive, or just plain silly to want it. Has that ever happened to you? For me it was the desire for an antique pew.

A few months ago, I was longing to change up my decor, but not really wanting to spend a penny.  My answer to that is always “sell what you got to pay for what you want”.  It’s a win-win way to do it.  I mean, you get rid of something that you’re tired of and replace it with something you want to have, right?

I had a wicker bench that I had bought at Goodwill for $12. Score! It was a natural color with hunter green accents, and matching cushion. Over time, my kids had worn the cushion cover so much that I had to sewn a new one, but the entire set was still in great shape.
We used that bench as a place to sit and take off shoes, carry on a conversation while dinner was cooking, and a time-out spot for unruly children. ahem. I decided to sell my wicker bench and got $30 for on Craigslist (YES, $30 after 5 years of use and only paying $12 originally…LOVE it!!)

THE SEARCH BEGINS

Not that I needed one, but I seriously was searching for an old pew to replace that wicker bench. I came across an antique chippy white beauty on Craigslist for only $20 and I quickly called up the owner and set a time for pick up.
It was very primitive and plain, and about 5 ft. long. Having been stood up before, I always call before I leave to meet someone because ain’t nobody got time for that. Guess what, the man’s wife had sold the pew without him even knowing it. I am crushed. I really don’t get too fussy about things, but for some reason the tears flowed a bit because I thought I would never find another within my budget and has a few other stresses at that time. It was like the icing on the cake…know what I mean?
So…I don’t usually request items on Freecycle, but rather offer my things instead.  This time, I requested that if anyone had a church pew they were willing to sell or trade for, I’d love to have it.  I figured I’d get no response or an offer for a modern-looking oak type – boring.
Do you know my expectations were met beyond what I could have ever asked for?
How to use linseed oil to revive weathered and worn wood by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesCan you believe I got this for FREE!!  Imagine the stories it could tell…
 
The super-nice lady had bought it at auction and brought it home, only to be face-down in the mud for years in her yard.  AAAAGGH!!
I graciously accepted this free item sight-unseen, having no idea what I would be getting.  I did know that she fostered children, and as a surprise, I decided to give them a Little Tykes climber we had to say thank you.
When my husband returned home after picking up the pew, and backed in the driveway, I was a bit nervous because I had no idea what I’d be getting.

WHOA

Needless to say I nearly faint! Even in its ugly state this 7 ft. beauty made my heart swell with thankfulness.
Antique Pew is Weathered and Worn | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
So sad this gorgeous piece is left for so long resting in dirt and animal hair,. However, it has potential! Just look at those intricate carvings….drooling…
Side of Weathered Antique Pew | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com
All it needs is a little TLC and it will be looking soooo good.
Caring for Weathered Wood with Linseed Oil | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com
After a good cleaning, you can believe that the wood is so absolutely parched and needs moisturizing. That’s when Linseed Oil (boiled linseed oil, to be exact) comes to the rescue!!  I love how a basic oil can create such a beautiful restoration in minutes. Just grab some gloves and a soft rag and rub in generous amount in the direction of the grain. You will see results in seconds. Then, after you’ve allowed the oil to soak, just take a clean rag and wipe off any excess.

THE REVEAL

Refresh Weathered Wood with Linseed Oil | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comIt’s best to let the linseed oil really “cure”in a garage or other covered space because that stuff is stinky! But once you see the results of a simple application, you can’t deny its awesomeness.
Hand Carved Details of Antique Pew | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
Restore Weathered Wood with Linseed Oil | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
Hard to believe the this antique chewy toy for the previous owners’ animals is surviving. But, I didn’t care…still gorgeous!

THE BACK

The back is almost better than the front…look at the intricate ironwork.
Ornate Ironwork on Antique Pew | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comThe hymnal holder along with the offering envelope holder (which I believe was added at a later point).

Ornate Ironwork on Antique Pew | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comAt first, I had no idea as to what the circular piece of iron would have been used for on an antique pew.  My mother thought maybe a place for a lady to stick her gloves or to hang a parasol/umbrella.

ANSWERS

Then, I ask around and get my answer from an online group member. Angela Bell Wittrock: It’s use is for a parasol, umbrella or a cane. My mother was RIGHT! (aren’t they always?) You can read more about the history here.
Antique Pew Revived with Linseed Oil | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
Amazing difference, isn’t it?
Linseed Oil Can be Used to Restore Old Wood | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comLinseed Oil can Revive Old Wood | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
Needless to say, I have blessings beyond measure, Also, I believe that God loves giving us the desires of our heart.  Even when the request never passes over our lips.
The first pew I cried over paled in comparison to this one.  So feeble to be upset…really!.  My mother likes to call these instances “God winks”. Perfect description, don’t you think?
Gorgeous Antique Pew Restored with Linseed Oil | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
How about you?  Have you had any sweet pleasure presented to you when you least expected it?  We’d love you to share and bless others.

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In addition, if you found this restoration of my antique pew helpful, do pin and share!How to use linseed oil to revive weathered and worn wood by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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Comments

  1. kellyorr says

    Wow, Larissa! It really is stunning. I’m so happy for you!

    It will soon have new stories to tell. 🙂

  2. Lana Kim White Austin says

    I love the pew and the story behind you received it…what an immense blessing!! Also, I caught in the story there that you cried not only for having lost out on the original pew, but because there were some other negative things at that moment…I just said a prayer that those pressures/stresses/negatives will be relieved!!

    Love/hugs/blessings,
    Lana

  3. Heather @ New House New Home says

    Larissa – this is gorgeous!!! I use tung oil for all my vintage garden tools to bring them back to life – love this piece.

    Found you through Hometalk!

  4. Sue Schuster says

    It is just beautiful. You really lucked out. I’ll have to try Freecycle in my area. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Rita says

    Larissa,
    I love this story. God has such amazing and perfect love for us. He never ceases to amaze me through His blessings. I love your Mom’s term, “God Winks”. So very fitting.
    Your pew is lovely!
    Have a blessed day.

    http://www.ferrytaleshome.blogspot.com

  6. Anonymous says

    It’s beautiful! It just goes to show it never hurts to ask. I recently attended an estate auction where the couple had four beautiful pews in their basement. They used them when their children were young for youth league meetings. They had a home full of beautiful antiques but the pews didn’t sell. Turns out no one there wanted to deal with getting them up the stairs and out of the basement!

    • Sharon Graham says

      How unfortunate…I would gladly -carefully- try my hand at removing those pews,if they were located near my area…I live in central Miss….my email is [email protected]…(and don’t you just LOVE Larissa ? )

  7. Becky says

    It’s so beautiful!!! In our family we call those God’s “tender mercies”. Thanks for sharing! (Found you through MMS)

  8. mandy says

    It is gorgeous!! I am on the hunt for an old church pew! What a blessing!!!!

  9. Jill Balzer says

    I recently made some signs for a dear friends daughters wedding and I of course was giving her a deal. Well she called and asked if instead of $ would I like her grandmother’s buffet????? It had been in her garage for years. It’s not your average plain Jane simple buffet….no it has fat chunky legs with intricate detail. I wanted to swoon. It took me all of 2 seconds to say yes. I hesitated the 1 second because we haven’t parked in our garage for years and had no place to put it! But you find a spot!!!. 😉 I cannot wait to lovingly restore that beauty to glory again. …wood top, white paint and distressing all the beautiful details. I wish I could share a photo. It’s amazing. In rough shape now, but amazing.

    • Larissa says

      Wow, what a story! Yes, we do make room for treasures such as those. I’m sure it will look fantastic once you are done!

    • Larissa says

      Oh yes, it’s been here several years now and it’s not going anywhere. 😉 Thanks!

  10. Jane Teyler says

    You did an incredible job. just beautiful and to save it, well done

  11. Carissa says

    I was wondering how long the “curing process” takes on linseed oil, and does dust get in it or anything? I have a dried looking trunk, that this might work on. Your pictures are so beautifully done, I feel brave enough to try it. Thank You!

    • Larissa says

      It really depends on the wood, Carissa, but what I meant by curing was the odor is very strong and should be left outside to lessen. I think I waited about 2 weeks for my pew because it soaked up so much oil. No dust got in it. 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Yes, I’d never paint something like this. Way too gorgeous as is! 🙂

  12. GWEN says

    absolutely gorgeous! i love that you found out what that ring was for!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Gwen! I was aching to know and understand what was so essential that they needed a spot for it. Fun, indeed.

  13. Paula@SweetPea says

    This is such a lovely piece! My mom has a church pew from the church she attended growing up in her front hall. I am going to check out your linseed oil link. I need some of that!

    • Larissa says

      They have so many memories, don’t they? I wish mine could talk. Let me know what you think. 🙂

  14. Sue B says

    Wow – what an amazing story and a beautiful find! I have had that happen to me before with smaller pieces, but never had a term for it before – love “god winks” Congratulations on your find – i am going share on my page!

  15. Theresa says

    How did you clean it, and did you sand it at all? Thanks!!

    • Larissa says

      Just water and a stiff brush, trying to be careful not to raise the grain. I did lightly hand sand a few dog chewed spots. 🙂

  16. Sharon Graham says

    Absolutely a gift from God…and I love that you aren’t afraid to share your spirituality .

    • Larissa says

      Yes, indeed! Thank you for confirming my efforts. It’s hard to keep quiet when He is so good!

  17. Kate Theroux says

    It’s beautiful! Just wondering how to keep it that way…how often do you need to re-apply linseed oil Or can you just apply a furniture polish to keep it looking nice? Thanks! Kate

    • Larissa says

      I have had mine for about 4 years now and haven’t had to reapply. Maybe in the next couple of years? It depends on your use, humidity, etc.

  18. Debbie says

    I just got my pew. I was reading your comments about the linseed oil. How often do you reapply the oil? My other thought was to use Annie Sloan paint and distress technique but I love the way yours turned out.

    • Larissa says

      yay! I honestly haven’t reapplied in years, but whenever you see the wood looking tired and dry, just reapply. I honestly can’t paint good wood, especially antiques unless there’s reason. However, it’s yours an do what make you happy!

  19. Liz says

    I just bought a beautiful pew here in California. Hard to come by here. After months of looking for the right one, I finally found it. It’s back story is that had been in a church in Oklahoma in the 30s and then aquired by a family with the last name of Godbehere. Do you see “Godbehere” ?
    The story just made the pew that much better.

  20. Crystal says

    I just bought an old pew that is a sister to yours! I love the sides!!! It is beautiful!!! That woodwork.

    • Larissa says

      How awesome is that?! They are truly amazing treasures. Enjoy!

  21. Donna says

    Oh what a wonderful refurbish with only linseed oil. So beautiful.

    • Larissa says

      Yes, it was so dirty from being in the mud, but it looks so much better now.

  22. Dawn Ziccardi says

    Wow! That is a gorgeous piece! The linseed oil did wonders for it. I am happy that you found something you always wanted. I have used freecycle too and received many wonderful items to decorate my home.

    • Larissa says

      It’s one of the few treasures I’ve kept for myself and my family. God is good.

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