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.

Irish Eyes R Smiling

 

Perhaps I should have titled this entry - Irish Eyes R Droopin.  After the trans-Atlantic flight across the "Pond" over and back, I am truly droopy.  There is no doubt that it was WORTH IT !

Ireland has been in my top five places to visit, and I would visit again in a heartbeat.  Before I tell of the antiquities I spotted I will share a few photos to set the mood.    



In Ireland, they say everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day - while I was not there on THE day - it was close enough. The shops and town folk were busily readying their stores, pubs, and polishing the tea carts for the 17th of March.   







I was not aware that tea in Ireland was such a mainstay. So a "Tea" I had to try. A lovely tea it was.      

  I was now ready to explore Dublin and the Antique shops I'd researched. But wait ....,  I maneuvered through the cobblestone streets and alleys orientating myself to the grid- system, and learning to look a little higher on the building corners to find street names. Signage is in Gaelic and English (thank goodness).  My first stop was at the Grafton Street shops.  I was delighted to find so many shops in one location. Browsing the first few shops I enjoyed the complete organization and neat rows of antique china, statuary, jewelry, hats, stoles and vintage clothing..., but no furniture.  Around the corner I made my way to some more shops, and spied a small curved chair - ornate in design; velvet stuffed seating and backing - THIS I surmised was the place I'd been looking for  - alas- its the ONLY chair in the shop - but it was adorable.  I carried on weaving my way around corners and on the "Lift" taking me to the second floor of the Powerscourt shops. Aha ! Furniture !

                   MASSIVE FURNITURE

Taller than me - you can't tell it, but I was standing waaaaay back and using my zoom to take this picture. Maybe that's why Ireland calls them the "little people" - the furniture is so BIG. But it is

beautiful. Just look at the intricate detail on this piece   Loved shopping in Dublin - but really no luck with furniture. 

On to Killarney.

   Not much furniture in the shops, but I did chance upon two antique cash registers in perfect condition.  A small stool caught my eye, but alas, the proprietor informed that it wasn't for sale.  Euros in hand, tale tucked, I did what any red-blooded American gal on a shopping trip would do ...., I headed for the pastry shops.