Monday, August 11, 2014


14 comments:

Linda H said...

Congrats on the progress. Looks like John is doing a great job.

Penny said...

a lot of work but something good at the end of it all

WILDSIDE said...

You two are amazing. So much patience!

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks so much for the encouragement, Linda, Penny and Wildside. He is quite a perfectionist and he's trying his best. We are trying to work as a team... him there, doing the old house repair project and me here, tending our Art jewelry, making and shipping. Hopefully we are helping each other and it will all be worth it.

Guillaume said...

There are two parts of the house I particularly love: the attic and the cellar. Oh and the fireplace, if there is one. Nothing beats an attic or a cellar bedroom. Your cellar looks particularly beautiful. And with the window to see daylight, it is perfect.

sandy said...

wow, such an amazing project you've taken on - and if it turns out anything like your WONDERFUL house you have now - I can't wait to see it finished. But...I am enjoying seeing the work in progress. Window casing, window, rock work -everything looks so good!!

cathyswatercolors said...

Thank you for sharing all of your work on what,i am sure, will be an amazing house. So exciting. Jon is quite a builder.

Steven Cain said...

I'd suggest wet mortar and a grout bag. Much easier. Looking good.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks Guillaume,I particularly love cozying up to a crackling fire. It just makes me feel at peace... and taken care of even if I lit the fire myself.
Thanks Sandy and Cathy, This will be a much smaller downsized humble abode and we are really looking forward to that. It is all exciting to think about and look forward to.

Steven, Good to hear from you! Thank you for the grout bag tip. An easier work process suggestion is always appreciated. We'll try it. Wouldn't it be nice to have you and your experience on site.

A Heron's View said...

Splendid piece of workmanship putting in the new window frame to the cellar.
What we used to do to age new mortar and new stonework, was to smear it with a mix of animal dung and hay.

George said...

You guys are amazing, Gwen! You seem to know how to do everything, and then bring it all off with both panache and flair. I envy your talents and confidence.

Leslie Avon Miller said...

Thanks for sharing this new adventure with us. The level of craftsmanship is a delight to see.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hey Mel, The cellar only had one small window spot formed in the stone wall, but that will be enough. I really like your method of subduing the color of new mortar. Perfect. Sounds similar to the components used in wattle and dab.

Hi George... Thanks for the vote of confidence! We don't always know how we are going to tackle each challenge, but after putting our heads together and musing on possibilities, usually something comes to the surface... if is doesn't work, we'll try the next idea on the list.

Hi Leslie, Thank you for having a tour of what we have done so far. I think the project will be going on for a while... slowly getting there.

jerilanders said...

Between the two of you, what CAN'T you do??! What beautiful stone restoration. Who wouldn't want a stone cellar like this!