Extensions RESSURECTED!!!!!!!!
In 2017 I posted about the “extension” in the south hall of the Cross House. This is visible in this image, in the very foreground…the two bump-outs with some thin gold trim. Just behind is a wood door frame (not original) and the swing door from the dining room (since returned to its original location).
The left (east) extension was removed at some point, as was the ceiling extension. Looking to the south entry.
The thin trim was miraculously discovered in the basement, a thrilling moment Bo and I experienced in 2017.
Gorgeous! The gesso is very battered.
In 2021, I recreated the lost extensions. The original ceiling was higher. I dropped it to cover the AC trunk line.
And now…drum roll, please…the Trim is back! OMG! OMG! Looking south still.
1999. Looking north. You can se the extension on the left (west), but the ceiling extension and east extension are gone.
2025. Looking south. Resurrection!!!!!!!!
The trim is still beat up, but I found somebody who can restore it!
In my 2017 post, I detailed how the extensions had been originally finished, with the 1894 ceiling paper being used as infill between the thin trim pieces.
The 1894 ceiling paper of the stairhall in situ. I am going to have a stencil made of this and then recreate the 1894 finish of the extensions. Yes: SQUEE!!!!!!!!
Of all the things I have done to date on restoring the giant behemoth, and of all the things still needing doing, recreating the lost “extensions” in the south hall fills me with an absurd amount of joy.
I don’t know why.
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Pretty cool! Congrats!
Fabulous! I look forward to seeing the trim once it’s restored, and I’m sure the design elements you’re planning will be gorgeous once complete 🙂
Incredible! Hold on to every moment of anything that brings you JOY in these dark times…no explanation needed!
I love your stories of Bo and Ross finds!
I can understand why these small steps give you such joy. I think it’s because it was so unexpected to find these “bits.”
That is amazing. And such detective work in finding that original wallpaper.
Are these “extensions” just decorative? They had no other function?
The minute I saw that wallpaper I thought, that could be recreated with a stencil and you were way ahead of me.
Embrace your joy wherever you find it. These days it is precious.
Wow. Another lost bit of the house returns to life. So happy to get to see it happen!
The restored extensions are back, and the Cross House is happy that she is getting her accoutrements back. Happy Cross House equals a Happy Ross MacTaggart.
When it is time to paint, call me. Dying to get paint on those hall walls. But I just don’t like to clean up.
Ross, Did you know that you can make a stencil yourself? Quilt stores should carry a blank sheet of plastic. You can trace the outline on paper, then transfer it to the stencil sheet, and cut out the pattern with a craft knife that can be found at Wal-Mart. I’ve also used old x-rays to make big stencils for my quilts. Of course, it helps that I worked in a hospital.
The house is looking better and better. I’m always amazed at what you accomplish.
San / Gypsy Quilter Designs