The restored tabernacle

 

There it is in all its restored glory. Hard to believe it was in several pieces in my husbands office over the winter. Our priest could not wait until Easter to show it off. The weight is in the top part of this tabernacle.

I also sewed the red jacquard drapes and linens for Palm Sunday.

I had to use a blowtorch to get the old lacquer off. Still missed a part in the back but this was as good as I could get it without sending out to a professional. It cost only my time and elbow grease. it glows like gold like it was new.

I sewed the altar cloth as well. The old linens had not been replaced in over 30 years. It takes time to measure, sew and steam these new church linens.

The ambo with gold ribbon at the bottom. I am happy this all worked out. This was a huge responsibility for me to get all this done. My studio is a huge mess with all the polishing stuff, sewing stuff and my other interests, plus farm and puppy stuff. Yes, good thing I live on a farm, I can work in chaos and make it work for me.

Restoration of a tabernacle

This was a tough one to restore. The before is on my phone but basically all the original 50 year old lacquer had crumbled and alligatored the brass tabernacle. I took this apart and boiled the parts in vinegar but then winter arrived and I put the whole thing away as my studio is unheated. Then I was asked about it and asked to get it done. So all the pieces were cleared of lacquer except the door and the main body. I had to use a torch to get that hard lacquer off. I then polished and lacquered the brass. Every single bolt, nut and screw was saved and restored, polished and reassembled. It turned out quite stunning. In my haste to get it done I forgot to take a photo after. I will post soon after Easter. It is being used again after sitting dormant for decades. The new priest for our parish prefers the old style of tabernacle instead of the mod one currently used.