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?
Can 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.
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…
All it needs is a little TLC and it will be looking soooo good.
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
It’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.
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.
The hymnal holder along with the offering envelope holder (which I believe was added at a later point).
At 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.
Amazing difference, isn’t it?
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?
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.
SHARE
In addition, if you found this restoration of my antique pew helpful, do pin and share!
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more DIY projects for you like my antique pew restoration:
Wow, Larissa! It really is stunning. I’m so happy for you!
It will soon have new stories to tell. 🙂
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
What a great story…and a LOVELY piece!! God is good…again 🙂
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!
It is just beautiful. You really lucked out. I’ll have to try Freecycle in my area. Thanks for sharing.
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
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!
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 ? )
It’s so beautiful!!! In our family we call those God’s “tender mercies”. Thanks for sharing! (Found you through MMS)
It is gorgeous!! I am on the hunt for an old church pew! What a blessing!!!!
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.
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!
The pew you are keeping for yourself I hope??? Looks beautiful
Oh yes, it’s been here several years now and it’s not going anywhere. 😉 Thanks!
You did an incredible job. just beautiful and to save it, well done
Thank you! I’m so happy it’s mine. 🙂
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!
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. 🙂
T his is so sacred! I am so glad you chose not to paint it but to bring out all of the wood beauty!
Yes, I’d never paint something like this. Way too gorgeous as is! 🙂
absolutely gorgeous! i love that you found out what that ring was for!
Thanks, Gwen! I was aching to know and understand what was so essential that they needed a spot for it. Fun, indeed.
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!
They have so many memories, don’t they? I wish mine could talk. Let me know what you think. 🙂
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!
Yes, love the term. Thank you for sharing!
Larissa it is amazing!!
Thank you, Pamela!
How did you clean it, and did you sand it at all? Thanks!!
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. 🙂
Absolutely a gift from God…and I love that you aren’t afraid to share your spirituality .
Yes, indeed! Thank you for confirming my efforts. It’s hard to keep quiet when He is so good!
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
How wonderful! That truly is amazing.
I just bought an old pew that is a sister to yours! I love the sides!!! It is beautiful!!! That woodwork.
How awesome is that?! They are truly amazing treasures. Enjoy!
Oh what a wonderful refurbish with only linseed oil. So beautiful.
Yes, it was so dirty from being in the mud, but it looks so much better now.
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.
It’s one of the few treasures I’ve kept for myself and my family. God is good.