Dragonfly Resuscitation

You find a fabulous piece, and you love it.

 Then, it ends up somewhere unsavory. 

You're redoing an area, and think, right, THAT piece would be perfect!

Where did I put that?

 Oh, dear God.

It's a long way from perfect, but that doesn't mean you should give up.

 We started by taking the whole hot mess apart.

Clean that baby up and nab your Rustoleum Gloss Key Lime to add

a little zip back into this coffee table recipe.

Three coats should do it, then some protective gloss sealer.

I have an apology owed to this once cool piece.

 We also have some repair work to do.

Notice the weird look of the shelf in the bottom left.

 Okay, let's drag it inside now.

I mean, it's raining out there!

Why do I keep going on about what a pretty piece this pile of weathered wood is?

 THIS is why.

My old patio coffee table has dragonfly side panels in bronze.

It was compact and served nicely in the Florida room

and then outdoors where it was intended.

Now do you understand why I wanted to save it?

Retrace the steps you took in dissembling it.

This little matter?
Simple.

 Drill pilot holes from the outer edge.

 Run a bead of Gorilla Wood Glue where the pieces will be joined,
butt the wood together,
then drive long screws into the board, making sure they will
fit at least 1/2 inch into the shelf for stability.

 Look proud.
Your mom can still teach you stuff.
This was almost as good as learning to tie your own shoes.

Finish the assembly.

 Now it's as good as new.

My dragonflies are back to their deserved glory.
Sometimes, even if it appears hopeless,
it's worth a shot.