Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Had just finished the prop, having stained, varnished and fitted Part prop bosses, when I thought I'd give it one more clear coat.
Just as I was finishing, it popped off the cocktail stick and fell to the floor. In my case it's not the carpet monster, instead it's the 'bouncy' wooden floor. Look as I might I couldn't find it, it's not as if it's a small piece. So, arming myself with a torch I looked in all the furthest reaches, and there it was, right at the back under a cupboard, nestling in all the dust, dog's hairs and the rest of it! When I finally got it out the clear coat had dried in places with a whole load of crap in it.
So, I've rubbed it back with Micro-Mesh, re-done the wood effect where I removed too much paint and varnished again. It's not as pleasing as the original finish was, and darker than I intended, but to the eye it's OK.

Ken