An Up-Date on the "BIG" project!

Hello Blogger buddies! Here is the latest on the BIG project. WoW! The bottom cabinet is almost ready for the final sanding prior to staining and finishing. We used a torch to heat the paint and then scrape the old many, many coats of paint off. That was really something and made paint removal go fast! But we were very careful not to burn the wood. There were a few spots that had me concerned but it sanded up just fine! Oh and~Yes we wore masks and goggles, but it still stunk pretty bad. Bet our neighbors were wondering what the heck we were up too! Then we got busy sanding. Started out sanding by hand and then pulled out the electric sander and some 80 grit paper. That's when we really made some good progress. Good thing I don't have my acrylic nails done right now-LoL! But I will be getting a new set after we are all done-that's for sure! I will need a day of pampering! LoL! Of course I will have to do something special for my guys helping me. :)
I am not sure yet what color of stain I will use yet-any suggestions?
The photos don't do the beauty of the wood justice. You can sort of see the "tiger" in the oak. That will show up much better once it is stained. It is definitely going to look distressed no matter what we do-but that's okay I like that. I want all the "character" of the many years this baby has been around to show.
I am sooo excited-still even after the hard work it has taken three of us ~so far haven't lost my humph to keep working on it. But I must say we have accomplished a heck of a lot in just two days. I am the type who will push and about kill herself and then crash and burn to recoup. It is worth it- I want this thing done! I have lots of sewing projects waiting for me.
I think the top might be harder just because of the inside. Also I am hoping that it was truly made at the same time and that the wood looks as good as the bottom does. I am pretty sure that they were built at the same time.
I will have to use the heat gun on the glass doors and cross my fingers I don't brake the glass. I really don't want to have to take the glass out. Oh and the pulls on the drawers look like they are brass-so cool! Anyhow I will take more photos as we get along on the top piece and of course when it is all done and in my home. It will be fun to compare the "old" and the "new" look. I can hardly wait to load this gal up with all my stuff!
It kind of reminds me of something out of an old fashioned general store and I love that.

My husband and youngest son have been really wonderful helping me get this done and that means a lot to me. I couldn't do it without their help!

Well kids thanks for stopping by and reading my up-date! I haven't been online like usual so if you all haven't heard much the past two days -it is because of this project. Hope you all have a wonderful week!