Can I get you a little something? My liquor cabinet experience

[Queenie O.]

Well, like all of us we've had our share of frustrating learning experiences while hiring workers to do projects for us. They'll be workers that start out enthusiastic, only to constantly take time off during a project or sometimes disappear midstream. There were workers that didn't follow instructions, or did sloppy and sub par work. I don't know about you guys, but so far it seems we've been fortunate that hired carpenters that we've found though, take pride in their work, and really follow through. Maybe because they're craftspeople that enjoy what they do and creating really nice pieces. We've had a large wall bookcase and a long library desk, and kitchen shelving done with care and attention to detail. All done with different and talented carpenters.

This is a little project that I had a local carpenter try last week, and I was really surprised and pleased with the outcome. I'd always had a vintage liquor cabinet in our old apartment in the US, and I'd always wanted to have one for our house here. I've been collecting vintage barware and I like to have a nice liquor collection. They say that stocking a home bar is a marathon, not a sprint, but as long as you pick up a few classic bottles here and there (and not drink them up too quickly!) you can acquire a nice collection. There was a dead gemelina tree in my late mother-in- law's yard that was recently  cut down and sawed up into narrow planks. I hunted around the web until I found a vintage 50's style groovy cabinet that appealed to me. I gave a picture to the carpenter along with some eyeballed measurements, and after some head scratching, he set to work. You see it's meant to look like an old TV, so he and onlookers remarked that nobody had ever seen anything like it. He had to piece the wood together in order to make the dimensions, and I think he did a great job! My husband painted the final cabinet a color that I had blended at the paint shop that I described as ripe calamansi. I'm sure it's not everyone's taste, but matches my funky bohemian decor. What do you think?  Have you guys ever had a special piece of furniture made that you were happy with? I'm hoping to come up with more furniture ideas in the future. Very reasonable prices and magical pieces to own! A golden Philippine experience for me.. Cocktails anyone?

[intrepid]

1 hour ago, Queenie O. said:

You see it's meant to look like an old TV, so he and onlookers remarked that nobody had ever seen anything like it. He had to piece the wood together in order to make the dimensions, and I think he did a great job! My husband painted the final cabinet a color that I had blended at the paint shop that I described as ripe calamansi. I'm sure it's not everyone's taste, but matches my funky bohemian decor.

Looks nice and should last you a very long time.  I'd have to say it's not my taste, but no matter as long as you like it.  I just really enjoy seeing different ideas people have and the fact we are lucky here it is affordable to have things like this made.

[earthdome]

Since I don't bake I did not need an oven. But I did not like the 1 or 2 burner ranges. So I bought a nice 4 burner stop top then had a carpenter build a cabinet for it. He did a great job. Carpenter recommended by my neighbor. He had a shop so you could inspect the quality of his work before you committed.

[Old55]

I like that kinda stuff Queenie, whimsical comes to mind.

[bows00]

Sorry, but hard to provide an opinion with pictures, would have to see it in person - and give your bar a taste first ok?  Hee hee...

One thing for sure, it is a piece of art that is unique to you, no one else in the world has one like it.  How can you NOT like it...

[jpbago]

We had a 4 poster queen bed made from mahogany that looked great when new but now it has cracked in many places and warped the head/foot boards. The posts are loose from shrinkage. I think that the wood had not been dried properly. Since then, the builder has separated from his wife, went bankrupt, been charged with illegal logging, and lost about 10 kilos of weight.

[not so old china hand]

It looks good Queenie: it's always nice to have a piece of furniture made to suit one's personal tastes and when the wood comes with a history as well it is even nicer. When is the party?

BTW I have not come across gmelina before so I looked it up. Turns out it is one of the best woods available in the tropics.

Edited February 4, 2017 by not so old china hand

[Queenie O.]

35 minutes ago, jpbago said:

We had a 4 poster queen bed made from mahogany that looked great when new but now it has cracked in many places and warped the head/foot boards. The posts are loose from shrinkage. I think that the wood had not been dried properly. Since then, the builder has separated from his wife, went bankrupt, been charged with illegal logging, and lost about 10 kilos of weight.

Well JP I guess that guy wasn't a good carpenter. and into illegal stuff too.  Too bad about your bed. 

[Queenie O.]

Guys--once I get that Tiki grill of mine fired up I'll let you know!

[Old55]

1 minute ago, Queenie O. said:

Guys--once I get that Tiki grill of mine fired up I'll let you know!

And we will be right over too!