Not lost..., not forgotten

Seems like awhile since we last posted, then looking back at event dates and photos we realized IT HAS BEEN AWHILE.

And NO we're not lost.., at least our flight itinerary keeps us in check - Florida-Ohio; Ohio-Florida, repeat.

And NO, YOU our antique friends (fondly said) are NOT forgotten.

We're going to blame it on the WEATHER !

Indeed, the weather has been so terribly unpredictable - El Nino, La Nina - less than good conditions for furniture refinishing.

Add to that, I developed a respiratory condition that makes the fine sanding dust my nemesis. The paint thinner and varnishes are no friend to me either.

So the barn has been closed up for months , but we just can't keep away from the Antique Auctions and Flea Markets........., so we'll probably see many of you out and about this "antique season"  - drop by, we still have a few pieces ready for a new home..., and when you head south to, as we know a few of you will, Florida drop on in - there's still a plate of fresh baked yummies and a carafe of coffee close by.

In the Good Ole Summertime

Summertime evokes thoughts of lazy sun-filtered days, sitting on the front porch swing watching the grass grow and waiting for the fireflies to come out at dusk.  Well......................, not THIS summer!   With high humidity, rainy days interspersed with heat and mosquitoes sitting on the front porch must be well prepared for with "Off" mosquito repellant, Citronella candles and a taller than usual glass of iced tea.  Between neighbors passing by to drop off some of the latest harvest of tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers and zucchini, the Ole Barn doors have been mostly shuttered waiting for a mild temp dryer day. So the little Vanity Table waits yet another coat of stain.  

Just Hanging Around

Three different types of wood

 

Cornered
 

Winter Whoa's

Maybe it's wishful thinking, perhaps cabin fever..., but the notion of having the kerosene heater's fire blazing , warming the barn to a comfortable temp and all the equipment humming along with the smell of fresh cut wood and shavings dusting the floor - a midsummer's night dream. FOR CERTAIN!

And so fellow Antiquarians, as you are well aware, we have (again) a c-c-coold winter.  We were preemptive this year with our paints and stains - so as to avoid last year's malady - we now have our surplus stored inside the house - which of course presents a completely different esthetic issue in our Office - but what's a few paint cans perched precariously under the antique roll top.

We did enjoy a frigid Valentines visit to our favorite antique district and while roaming about the shops found a weathered little dressing table - as soon as spring arrives, this piece will be transformed into a delightful find.

Here's a preview of what's to come............................,

Spring Break

Winter Woes..., with Spring Hopes..., that is what we've been experiencing since we are now able to get into the Barn and move about. This winter did us NO favors. From Atlas to Maximus onto Titan and Zenia, the storms got the upper hand wreaking havoc on much of our paint, stain, and primer inventory.  So sad, as many of these lovely colored hues were full cans.  And even though they were stored in a thermal lined case, the constant sub-zero weather proved too much.   AND SO..., we're taking a break for awhile - at least through spring and summer while we can reassess what may need repaired or replaced, and to let everything thaw in the warm sunshine - at least we HOPE we get some of THAT real soon.


gloppy mess of paint

curdled looking stain

 

Check back this fall to see where we are with everything. In the mean time, we'll still be stopping by our favorite Auctions - wouldn't miss them or YOU our restoring friends - we've made such great acquaintances there.  And STILL - stop by, the coffee's probably on and there's usually some sweet treat in the cupboard - even while we rest up a bit - we're always up for a good chat about antiques, the weather and local happenings..

Seeing Shadows

Rime Ice and Hoar Frost
 

 

Here's a photo of the window screen on the "sunny-side" of the Barn.

...., and so fellow antiquers weathering the winter Polar Vortex that has descended on our Barn, we watch the snow flakes fall, and the Rime Ice form on the windows. After the key re-freezes in the lock after finally getting the door open - you KNOW it's cold outside.  Doesn't look like ANY work will be getting done until Spring thaws.

So put on the tea kettle, steep a cup of your favorite blend and grab a good book - it's going to be at least six more weeks - or so sayeth Phil. 

All's Old is New Again

Greetings fellow antiquarians and I welcome the deltiologist in this new year as well as the ephemorite - are you scratching your head yet?   Well, those of you who collect "postcards"  and a hodge-podge of discarded items of days gone by know to whom I speak - and the really inspirational thing is that we all met over a box of what some would call "junk".  I however prefer the term " slightly used and eclectic".  

Actually if the truth be-known, a local Estate Sale harbored several storied rooms of an old cir. 1830 Greek Revival home where the sale was held just prior to Christmas (really kind of sad).  In a room just off of the Conservatory, there were tables laid from one end to the other with boxes of odds-n-ends. Of course you would be bidding on the entire box, even if it were only one or two items you might be interested in. Alas, myself, and two other interested parties hovered over the same box; returning to it time and again, trying not to draw an inordinate amount of attention to any of our interest in it. 

When finally after having passed by one another several times the deltiologist had the fortitude to speak up - saying " I am only interested in the postcards from this box, so if any of you might delight in a friendly cooperative and mutual bid, we all may come out the better for it".  The two ephemerites chimed in with " well, we really had our eye on the antique drawer pulls, and maybe the quill pen-set".   I listened, knowing that none of these items mentioned were of interest to me, and considered that I had never endeavored with such a business proposition, figured I had little to loose.  My response to the three of them was " I favored the tea cozies and the strainers so it looks like none of us are interested in the same things".

 

And there in lay the making of new associates and the sharing of unique ideas that each had for their spied items.  I was able to share my blog and the Florida table (May 2013 - Not Your Average End Table) repurposed last year using antique postcards and how the drawer pulls could adorn several items we'd previously completed. Lively conversation ensued with exchanges of business cards and invites to come visit our shops.

It was a truly unique and charming way to make bidding different - and I didn't feel quite so sad to remove the belongings of the former deceased residents personal possessions - I felt like they got three good homes.

 Happy New Year to you all - and may 2014 bring more great antique finds and new associates to you all.

Antiques, Traditions & Friends

The Holidays.       Those two words invoke so many memories.  Like cherished antiques often hold memories too.  The extra dining table leafs that are only placed when family gathers around the table for the holiday meal.  And isn't unwrapping the delicate ornaments from days long past such a special a memory maker - the handmade grade-school ones; those that survived the move across country.  The special occasion ones. YES, these are antiques too.

Often in the restoring of antique furniture we can remind ourselves that the piece we are reviving will be placed in a home or office and it will most likely display something or be used for a special purpose. With this in mind, I look around our own home and rekindle the memories of furniture pieces and the collectibles we display.

This year our Christmas wish for you our antiquing friends and associates is that you will also take a moment amid the hurried holiday happenings and think about the history and tradition all around you in your own home.  And so....................., a wonderful early surprise Christmas present arrived this year from a dear friend, and it has stirred quite the lively conversation that naturally brings forth the re-telling of  a German Christmas tradition  - some of you may know of it                                         
 

THE LEGEND of the CHRISTMAS PICKLE.

Long ago in Germany the pickle legend began. The where's and why's are unknown  - perhaps it represented the three Wisemen's search for the baby Jesus -  for now, it is a tradition passed down generation to generation and enjoyed by the entire family. The last ornament placed on the tree is a small green pickle ornament and is done after the children are tucked in bed. It is hung with care and is hidden amongst the other ornaments tucked within the tree.  The search begins on Christmas morning as anxious eyes search through all ornaments gazing again on ones handmade, as gifts given, those marking anniversaries or travels and the ones lovingly handed down by parents and grandparents in the search for the lone pickle.

 The lucky person to find the pickle ornament can get a special treat. Perhaps they can be first to open a present or get the place of honor at the Christmas table.

- thank you Suzan, Merry Christmas

So what was this gift that sparked such lively conversation (?) 
An antique Pickle Castor from a dear, dear friend.


And as noted earlier - among our prized and cherished gifts ; memories, traditions, family and friends. And as with all Christmas's past, the most precious gift -  a selfless act of LOVE from ABOVE.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you !

November's Disappearance

Daylight savings time is now the first Sunday in November - should be no big deal since it only advanced one week from when it used to be the last Sunday in October. But it seemed that overnight the morning was still in darkness, and I was taking the dogs out using my flashlight. It also seemed that the evenings were growing shorter - in just a day's time - and thus it was then that the Barn winterization began a little earlier, and the projects that lay waiting the "next step" began to get stored up for the cold that was encroaching on the horizon.  And  then the c-c-c-o-o-l-d descended upon us.

In one brisk gust of wind, Halloween night blew in with temperatures dropping into the 20's; hammering rains, and impending SNOW.  Yes, snow for Halloween !  

So you ask, I assume, what does this all have to do with November !   Well, my apologies to you dear faithful antiquated reader - because for the first time in several years, we were unprepared for the rapid change of weather. The Barn was in a disarray for what seemed like the whole month of November.  We scurried to move the paint and varnishes to warmer locations. Soiled rags were sent to the bonfire because they had frozen stiff and were beyond cleaning.  The whole scene looked like a morgue of dismembered wooden legs (table legs that is) and droplets of cherry stain could have easily been mistaken for a  late October  All Hallows Eve Vampiric visit.

Thus, November disappeared between two turns of the calendar page - October and December.  Thank goodness the harvest decorations that adorned the walkway leading up to the Barn sufficed through the month, that is, until the deer started nibbling on our pumpkins - yep - right up to the Barn doors they came, apparently also caught off guard by the rapid temperature drops and approaching hunting season.

As I write this post, the antiques are all covered. Disassembled pieces have been numbered and stored. Tools have been oiled and shuttered. Supplies shelved and wood shavings swept into the burn bin. All is quiet and still.

And yet, I still wonder - where did November disappear to?  Perhaps it knew before we did to hunker down and ready itself for a long winters nap.

Ready.., set.., It's Autumn Auction Time

OCTOBER is one of our busiest months.
We lay aside the paint brushes and sand paper, and head over hill and dale; sometimes over the river and through the woods to the annual fall festivals. And  - "yes" - we have our favorites, we're not shy to say.  Not only are there great antique finds, the creative side of life springs into action as crafters showcase their works and sell their very best creations.  The ideas are boundless. And if along the trail you peruse the caramel kettle corn, apple dumplings; beans and cornbread and smoked brisket what's a few calories - we figure we'll walk it off.

A couple favorite's;  Old Thyme Herb Festival and auction on Tater Ridge; Bob Evans Farm Festival; Route 23 Flea Market; Sorghum Festival. 

Want to venture a guess which piece we drove home with - here's a few to help you narrow it down



Since we're off to upper Michigan for more fall finds - you'll just have to check back with us in a few weeks for the answer and surely a few more possibilities -  Yes, fellow Buckeyes, we're headed to the THAT state with the TEAM up north -  but we'll be wearing our scarlet and gray !  GO BUCKS !

  

Heavenly Harvests

A happy harvester received an early holiday surprise.  Remember the old church pew from July " A Wing and a Prayer"  - well it was delivered to it's new home this weekend to the delight of the owners.  Autumn hues of crimson, gold, and bittersweet orange dot the landscape on the journey, as the newly finished mahogany stained church pew traveled the country roads to it's home.A farmhouse amid fields of corn and sorghum, being harvested and sold at local stands.

When we arrived, the owner had already staked out the perfect spot - adjacent the fireplace, slightly offset to the comfy overstuffed chairs. The room filled with autumn décor and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee - a Market Street Cafe' specialty; hazelnut toffee awaited our arrival.  We'd stopped at  the local Scent from Heaven Bakery picking up the house specialty - glazed croissants.             

Perfect for a cool autumn morning.

Take a look at the finished product. The pillow added a nice touch don't you think.

 

Happy Fall Ya' All !

 

Fait Accompli'

   Ever hear the old adage " the Cobblers children go unshod" - or in a more modern version " the Plumbers wife always has a leaky faucet" - BASICALLY -  we tend to accomplish things for others more often than we do for ourselves; CASE IN POINT:  April 2012 the blog entry titled  "Ladies in Waiting ". 
     We purchased these lovely side tables. My original thoughts were to restore them, keep one for ourselves and auction or consign the other.  They both made it to the disassembly and stripping stage; one made it to the sanding and finish sanding stage. The other lay in parts nicely arranged on the work table. Throughout the year other projects scootched them farther and farther toward the back tables in the Barn.

Then one lovely summer day that proved to be "relatively"
(no pun intended)  humidity free  (and for the summer of 2013 - that was saying something) and while other projects were in holding stages waiting for one thing or another - a' moitie' fini'. The first stain was applied, then the second, and by evenings approach - "fini".  Take a look and dust off the memory - or for convenience sake - just flip back through the blogs.                         
                                                                              But isn't she just lovely !

A Wing and a Prayer

Special new finds often come from some of the most unlikely places and events. Take for instance a routine dentist visit.  Not necessarily a time for prayer (unless you are like me and have high anxiety). So to calm my nerves and soothe the inevitable, our favorite dental assistant chatted with me about this and that in an attempt to distract me from what lie ahead. Funny how topics of conversation evolve.

"Since you've both retired, are you able to keep up with refinishing projects and get out to antique a little more?  she asked.  " Indeed we are, even with the daily humidity and rain we've had".  Drool bib centered on my chest, leaning the chair back, she continued " do you think you might take a look at an old chapel bench I've had for decades"; gloves and mask now donned. " It's a bit weathered, but it was from my dads church and I'd love to have it restored".  "Sure, we'll come around one Saturday afternoon and take a look..........,"  one filling later, I mumbled from numbed lips " I'll call you next week".

After a week of torrents of afternoon and evening rain, and a 4th absent of any firework spectaculars, we headed to our favorite Saturday Flea Market, knowing full well the it might be a slim venue due to the holiday weekend and weather.  Of course, after years and years of frequenting this locale - we were correct.

Might be tricky here

Quick thinking and being nearby, we made a call, and headed to look over to examine the church bench.  What a charming little chapel sized pew bench.  A good amount of sanding, some repair needed, but certainly salvageable.   A "before the holidays requested completion" was determined and worked for us with our present inventory schedule.  Loaded up it headed to the Barn.  I'll bet it's heard it's share of church hymns raised on Sunday mornings and Wednesday church meetings - and so   "In the Sweet By and By" this pew bench will be restored.  Don't forget to check back on this when the weather is cooler and the leaves are turning, and of course stop by the Barn anytime to see all the work in progress - there's always coffee on.

Dovetailing in need of repair

Nice detail

Original color - maybe ?

 

Round To It

I know you've heard the expression..., or maybe you've said it a time or two yourself  " I'll get a round to it".

This time though, the expression is two fold. First the table we're featuring this month is one that we said " when the weather breaks, we'll get a round to it" and second; the table is actually ROUND.

Found at a Charleston, South Carolina outdoor bazaar type market that featured crafts, local baskets, seasonings, and some very unique items made from sea grass, there was also an area that hosted antiquities, attic treasures, and auction selections. Some pricey, some reasonable. This table had a cracked glass top, so to make the price a little more enticing and to save the travel issues associated with transporting glass, the dealer made me a deal I couldn't refuse.  As you can see, the delightful little table is probably best considered for a coffee table used in front of a love seat or chair-and -a -half is being prepared for touch ups, stain and a top. 

While the original stain was a cherry blend, it has lifted quite nicely.  We're thinking a medium teak or bamboo colored stain will breathe new life and inspire a new home.  It is responding to sanding well so we're doubtful that remover will be needed. Also considering alternative mediums for the top. Something southern in style - reminiscent of tall lemonades on the verandah or embellished iced tea with a sprig of mint. 

Given it came from the south, I am looking toward a clever application with a textured technique that when finished will resemble a steamer trunk top.  Altered Art is a form of applying different mediums - sometimes fabric such as Toile' and then distressing it to appear aged. A special paste is then applied that gives a thick glazed finish.  The only drawback - the weather needs to be humidity low in order for it to dry - alas, we've had a rainy June.

But doesn't the idea of a coffee table situated in front of an over-stuffed love seat with some southern charm and detail sound like a relaxed summer afternoon. So prop your feet up, grab a good book and a tall glass of something cool and tasty - but be sure to check back and see how this turns out.

    

 

Not your Average End Table

Every now and again you should take a step to one side and look outside the box.  The box being that little rut we sometimes get into doing the same things, the same tried and true way - and while this is "a good thing" to be reliable, consistent, and predictable, it can also be a tad bit b-o-r-i-n-g. So when I was approached by one of my favorite customers to get creative with a bamboo side table I acquired, I was ready for the challenge.

I headed to my trusty files, folders, and albums to search for unique ideas - magazine clippings, penned notes, a snapshot taken of an idea (permission obtained of course) and given that the customer requested a nautical tropical theme with cool colors I was able to combine two separate ideas into one FABULOUS finished product.  With a little help from the "Podge" - a 1960's favorite glazing technique, success was achieved and inspiration renewed.

Take a look at the  ..........,   BEFORE 

In sad shape, but salvageable

Bamboo was in good condition

Laminate top - what were they thinking !!!

 ....., and the AFTER .....,



    

Florida themed side-table - vintage map top

This was a fun project, and out of my "norm-zone" - but tapped into my "creative-side"

Bottom Shelf - vintage postcards

 

There's No Place Like Home ...,

So sayeth Dorothy.

With March winds briefly past and April showers ushering in the spring, our weather thus far has been slightly more than "unpredictable". Last year this time temps were in the 60's with no humidity - perfect weather to apply paint remover or to varnish and seal. But no such luck this year.

Rising early I ventured "not far from my own backyard".  Boneyfiddle Antique District, Portsmouth, Ohio. Located along the Ohio River, this quaint section of town is a favorite of summertime visitors arriving on sternwheelers or party barges to tour the shops, enjoy lunch and stroll along the historic Murals.  I just enjoy antiquing here.

Upon opening the old squeaky door of my first stop, as the little greeting bell rang, I was surprised to see an old friend.  Look familiar ?   Rewind to July 2012 " July Brings Out the Beach In All Of Us ". Perhaps a "cousin" to my Florida customer's little side-table now painted lively in Caribbean colors.  Ideas sprang to mind as I recalled this being one the easiest projects we'd ever tackled. Hmmm - still more shops to see.

Vintage isn't my cup of tea, but you've gotta admire the arrangements. Attractive and stylish.  Moving on to the next shop which I am confident has furniture, it started to snow. SNOW - APRIL - not unheard of, but not the norm.  I grabbed a cup of coffee and continued on.




I found several little side-tables to my liking, and while we have a couple of unfinished projects in the Barn waiting good weather, it's like shoes, you can never have too many.     Here's a couple I passed on - but it was a struggle to pass them by.
                               
                                               

Clicking my heels three times, I was back home in a flash (well 20 mins at best). Scooping the mail from the box, I settled into a comfy overstuffed chair with a warm cup of cocoa. Shuffling through the advertisements, solicitations, and such - ah - the new issue of  The Magazine Antiques.  While the snow continued to fall, I was warm and cozy and could still do some shopping among the magazine pages. Like I said..., there's no place like home !