Eileen Cronk - Decorative Arts - Decorative Arts - Style

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Expert Profile: Eileen Cronk

Expertise: If you are decorating your home on a budget I can answer most questions about what to look for when buying "good old stuff" at garage sales, yard sales or auctions. I can answer most questions about the refinishing, and repairing of wood items. I have had lots of experience in this area and made lots of mistakes over the years which I may help you avoid.

Experience in the area
I have been haunting auction sales,flea markets etc. for 30 yrs. I have worked extensively at refinishing, and repairing all the old stuff I bring home. I also work for other people, and do repairs and refinishing for several antique stores.

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What do you like about this subject? I enjoy the thrill of seeing layers of old paint come off a piece of furniture to reveal wonderful old oak or walnut underneath. The thrill of restoring something that would otherwise end up in the garbage has never left me after many years of this pursuit. I dont think it ever will.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field? I have accumulated over the years many old "odd" bits and pieces of beautiful antique wood. I would like to learn more wood working skills to be able to make something really unique from them

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know: I was once told by an old 'Master refinisher" that the time one spends restoring old things is not counted against your alotted time on this earth.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject I have always heard that a piano should never be stripped and refinished. I think this is hogwash. I have done several over the years (at the insistance of the owner) and each and every time they have been delighted with the results. Now we are not talking pianos that cost thousands here but the usual piano you would see in the average home.

Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 13828
Knowledge	9.91 Best of the best
Clarity of Response	9.92 Best of the best
Timeliness	10.0 Best of the best
Politeness	10.0 Best of the best
Number Of Questions (in Past 24 Hours)		0
Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour period)		5
Total Questions (since joining AllExperts)		267

Recent Reviews from Users

Knowl	Clarity	Time	Politeness	Date
10	10	10	10	11/24/08
10	10	10	10	11/20/08
10	10	10	10	11/18/08
10	10	10	10	11/18/08
10	10	10	10	11/10/08

User Comments

Thank you again for your help and time. I discovered you through a google inquiry and have since added your q & a to my favorites. Thanks.
(Ira Atkins on 11/18/08)

very nice
(wendy on 11/18/08)

Thank you. You have given me some great ideas. I especially like the antique white with color glazing. The black is also appealing. I'm excited to get
(Judy on 11/10/08)

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Recent Answers from Eileen Cronk

2008-11-23 River Rock Fireplace: Hi Connie Nice to hear from you. Oh my gosh I see what you mean. This is easily solved. The top shelf needs a big mirror. Get one about 6 inches less than the width of the shelf. You simply place...

2008-11-20 art print with lights?: Hi Bud Nice to hear from you. They call these things "Electric Art". Last weekend was my first experience seeing these pictures. It was at a craft show. The lady made them herself, but they are readily...

2008-11-17 touching up mirror fram: Hi Ira Nice to hear from you. This will be easy to tone down. Go to the craft store and get a bottle of antique gel in a brown. Its the same size as our craft paints and you only need one. Do one...

2008-11-13 decorating: Hi Wendy Nice to hear from you. I would use a mixture of cushion colors from the colors you described are in the rest of the room. A brown leather sofa (my son has one), is a pretty big expanse of brown...

2008-11-09 Plaster Mirror Frame: Hi Judy Nice to hear from you. These old frames can be painted any color we choose. If there is some nice detail (there usually is in these plaster frames), then you can give them an antique look after...