merry christmas in april

Ryan just gave us our Christmas gift this year!

We decided to get a TV hutch as a joint gift for the 2 of us, rather than smaller things. We didn't really want anything that didn't cost a lot of $$, so it seemed like a good solution.

The only problem was...finding the hutch. We were pretty particular and knew just what we wanted. Certain width, doors that opened and slid back, not very tall, etc.

Guess what? They don't make those kind anymore! Now almost all TV furniture stands are designed to hold those monstrous flat screens!

We hit every major furniture store and found nothing. Zilch. Nada.

Ryan suggested we take a look at craigslist and after a day or 2 of checking -- voila! The perfect hutch was found.

EXCEPT, that it needed to be completely refinished. It was a pale, white oak color. Our furniture is black. Not a good combination for us matchy matchy folks.

Ryan spent weeks figuring out the best refinishing process. It was unbelievable. I would have just sanded and spray painted....not my husband! He does things the right way and only once! Measure 3x, cut once!

I CANNOT believe I didn't take pictures before he started. I was almost positive I did and am certain they're somewhere hidden in my computer...if I find them I'll show them, but for now you'll just have to use your imagination.

Picture pale, dirty, white oak.

I caught him on the first coat of staining with India Ink.

A day later and with 7 coats of lacquer, here it is!!

It fits so well in the corner we had for it. Too bad we're moving in 2 months. Oops :0P

It's so beautiful I know we'll find a great spot for it!

There is even a shelf inside that slides out and can swivel from side to side! It's really a great piece of furniture!

Seriously, you would never even know we didn't buy it like that. Ryan is so thorough and talented! I'm so proud of him! He's been so busy with work and studying I'm impressed we have it even now!!

Thank you honey!