24 ~ Friduy, February 19, 1988 - North Shore News

IF YOU'VE been longing for new furniture, but you
think you can't afford if — think again.

Homer Formby, one of North America’s leading
authorities on wood refinishing, says that second-hand
furniture can be a top-quality bargain.

“You can find really good wood furniture at flea
markets and garage sales, and at Goodwill and Salva-
tion Army stores,’ said Formby. ‘‘l recently saw a
wonderful oak hutch at the Salvation Army for $47.

“Usually this furniture is in good condition,"
Formby said, ‘‘Sometimes just a thorough cleaning
will make it look almost new again.”

Formby offers these guidelines for
previously-owned furniture.

judging

* Do make sure the piece is structurally sound.
Lean on it and see if it is steady, or if it rocks. Open
and shut the drawers to be sure they don’t stick.

© Do pull out one drawer and check the joints to see
if they are dovetailed (interlocked like pieces of a
puzzle). Dovetailing is a sign of careful construction.

* Do consider how the styling and size of the piece
will work with your other furniture.

© Do examine the drawers, shelves and doors to see

bargain

if any particle voard has been used. The best quality
furniture is made with hardwood (sike oak, mahoga-
ny, cherry).

© Don't be turned off by an ugly coat of neon green
paint or a darkened, damaged finish. Do-it-yourself
products have been greatly improved over the past few
years, and now it’s casier than ever to remove old
paint or finishes.

Formby warns against using strippers that claim to
remove any lype of finish.

“They can be too harsh,’* said Formby. ‘‘You run
the risk of stripping away the wood’s patina — the
beautiful glow that wood gets over time.”

Instead, Formby recommends using a heavy-bodied
paint remover to take off paint and polyurethane. He
recommends using furniture refinisher for removing
varnish, lacquer or shellac.

* Don't put too much store by the term ‘‘antique"’
“The term ‘antique’ docsn't have anything to do with
the value of the piece,’’ said Formby. ‘Just look for
good wocd and craftsmanship, and you've found
something worth buying.”

* Don’t be put off by minor scratches, water rings,
cle.

Start the gardening season right

THERE ARE still patches of snow Vancouver

in North Shore gardens, but un-
derground things are stirring.

The warmer days of spring are
just around the corner, and
gardeners are beginning to feel a
tingle in their green thumbs.

For those who are itching to
start, but don’t quite know what to
do first, North Vancouver District
Library is presenting an illustrated
talk by Roy Jonsson, an experi-
enced lecturer on the subject of
gardening. He will cover such
tapics as early seed-pfanting, prun-
ing, general clean-up and lawn re-
juvenation: all tasks that should be
Started now to ensure -a long
season of color and productivity.

The program is at the main
Lynn Valley branch of North

Disabled ©
gardening
discussed

IF YOUR green thumb is aching,
the Disabled Independent
Gardeners. Association might fit
the bill.

Learn how to care for. both
garden and body during this pro-
gram. Founding members Roy
Forster, David: Tarrant. and
Maureen Phillips will introduce
this new organization, Disabled
Independent Gardeners Associa-.
tion. . :

They will talk on fragrant and :
tactile plants, small space garden-
ing, garden design and adaptive’
techniques and tools. Aching
thumbs, back ache, sight impair-
ment and wheelchair function will
all be discussed. : :

“Master ' gardeners will be on™
hand“to’ answer specific gardening -
questions:- Garden suppliers will -
display, resource. material and the
latest tools and equipment to help -
make gardening easier. —

* Bring lunch for this all-day ses-
sion. Coffee, tea and juice will be
provided.

_ The event is scheduled for
Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m.

To register phone VanDusen’-
Botanical Garden at 266-7194,

look, we'll take

by reliable
tradesmen, Cail
985-9128 for a
free in-home

bathrooms Ico.

i
Ohwhat Sa feeling! Ss

District

Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m.
There will be time for questions,

and a display of library books and

225. East First, North Van.

booklists will be provided. There is
no charge, but participants are
asked to come in good time as
seating is limited.

Library on

WE Le DESIGN

7 £3

uli

care of the work, |
Reasonable rates

estimate. We do

CO-ORDINATED KITCHENS

Established 1974

985.9128 |

| Custom

# LIFESTYLES

I

sonday Feb. 22nd _ 7 PM
Proview a3! da:

oe

4 fine selection of Canadian & Contemporary Art incl. W/E prints,
ofig. oils, watercolours & Eskimo stone cuts, by A. Baternan,
Parker, Toni Onley, Raymond Chow, Salvador Dali, Kananginak,

and others.

See our Ad. Sunday for further details.

draperies

their customary price.

Oh, the beauty of it! Mraperies made especially for y your
windows. in exactly the colors and fabrics you want. And fora
limited time, at equally appealing savings, our drapery expert
will bring hundreds of samples to your home so you can muke
the proper selection to complement your furnishings.
While we're there, we'll take all the measurements for you.
Phone 435-5566 for your no-obligation appointment.

THOMASVILLE

4240 Manor Street Burnaby. 8.C.
(A block West of Villa Sheraton Hotel)
HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9-5 p.m.

Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

LET’S FACE IT
February has never been a great month for Furniture Retailers
- but a great time to buy for consumers,

this year is no exception.

EVERYTHING IS SALE TAGGED

% 2 BG

On Sale this Month

On all Bedroom and Dining Room Suites

Featuring: Wood,
Cherry, Pecan. ..
Mahogany, Oak
and Maple.

In styles of Traditional,
Contemporary &
Country.

All Wood. Occasional
Tables, Curios,
Wall Systems.’

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AFCKEE PLANS,

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