Hello Everone! I'm New Here.

Podzol

Hi,
I'm Cecelia and I have done plaster restoration work in ornate buildings such as orthodox churches and turn of the century theaters. I have also worked on the ornate mural painting that decorates these buildings. I'm in Central PA.

I'm self taught, but have worked professionally in bronze foundries, and sculpting ornament, moldmaking and casting, and also installation and repair of ornate plaster work. I'm a decent carpenter when it comes to doing what I need to do to make the plaster installation up to snuff!

I've done custom mosaic work in tile and built and plumbed a few fountains, too.

I'm taking on a new project that involves the complete restoration of a Victorian era home and I'm going to have quite a few questions that are out of my area of expertise!! I'd be glad to help you folks out if you have any questions where my expertise lies in return for your thoughts!

On the side, I do fine wood working . I built a harpsichord and have been restoring violins and cellos, but not for $$$ (yet!).
Great to be here!

Cole

Welcome to the forum!!!

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Glasshousebltr

Welcome Pod, make sure that remods not in a historical zone.

Bob

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Bob

Podzol

Right you are! I know it is in a historic district has a historic address plaque on the front, but I do not know if they have restrictions on the type of remodelling and updates that are allowed. The previous owner put in a 70's style kitchen, but he may have done that w/o approval. I'll check it out.

My plans are to restore it to Victorian period style but with modern materials and modern mechanical.
Thanks!

Glasshousebltr

RUTT ROW!........You'll have to present your project to the local historical commission for approval. All I can say is have your bases covered and I hope you can give a good presentation.

It's like stealing candy for me.

Bob

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Bob

locofoco

Welcome, Your type of plaster craftsmanship is almost a lost art. I watched an old plasterer years ago do the mold in place crown and cornice work at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Il.He was an old Italian, I could barely understand him, but he was a true craftsman.

Podzol

Hey Glass House, I just emails around to get the right contact information to make inquiries about the historical status. I suspect they might only restrict modifications to the exterior that compromise it's period look.
Shall See!

Loco,
I've seen video of guys work like that. Really amazing. For those pieces, I would generally build them in my studio in sections and take them to the site and install them after the plaster was thoroughly dried. It kept time on the site down and lowered my overhead that way. I think many of my methods might be unorthodox because I am self taught, but I've never had any complaints on the results.

Nathan

Welcome to the site. Hope you like what you find.

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Nathan

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

slickshift

Harpsichords Rock!

Podzol

I think so, too.
I just wish I could play it better!