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 ! 

Irish Post Script

Post Script from Ireland .................,

Looking back on my initial research and google-traveling the information highways, post-it tabing pages from library books and tablet downloads, I failed to consider one important factor that came to me on the flight home - culture, lifestyle, and tradition.

I observed a very different lifestyle while there, and frankly it was reminding.  Reminding of a time when we preserved rather than disgarded. When what we had was built to last and we kept it longer. A time when we purchased what we needed and surplus was not thought of.  Traditions were revered. What our grandparents brought over was cherished, retained and handed down.  These represented our culture - the years of hard work, saving and vision that included yester-year in the tomorrow.

That being said, I think the reason I found few pieces of furniture is because they are retained. They aren't salvaged or discarded. Although I would have liked to have found a nice piece to send home, I like more that the old pieces are resting in homes and amidst the decades of family history.