Rocks in the Dryer

Craigslist Curb Alert :: Finished Project

I don't know how many months this ugly, criagslist "curb alert" chair has been sitting in my house. 

Poor chair, It was suffereing terribly from cat scratch fever. Can't count the number of time Big Daddy has wanted to cart it off to the dump, but I held on tight.  "Just wait", I said.  Picked up some realtively inexpesive fabric ($10/yard) and sent a photo off to a friend for her thoughts:

She, whose advice I always respect, was unimpressed.  Poor, sad chair sat even longer.  Two weeks ago, I finally decided to myself: "too bad if the fabric is not fabulous, it's only for the boys bedroom, and the price is right - and they need a chair".  Push through.......

Push through I did.  Good Gracious, behold the profile:

An old beat up chair, left on the curb - but with a great classic profile.  Here's how it boils down:

Chair Frame  - Free

Fabric - $10/yard by 7 yards = $70

Upholstery Labor - $300

All Done = $370

 

I love these projects on so many levels!  I didn't go to a big icky retailer (and hence buy something manufactured over seas and shipped and trucked all over this land), I supported two small businesses (my upholster and local small fabric shop).  It's recycled and reused - nothing in went into the dump and it's perfectly fab (in my humble opinion) - what a great day indeed!

 

 

Upcycled Vintage Postal Bag from Guadalupe

I wondered what it would be that would be bring me out of my blogging hiatus.  Is it proof that my posts come from the soul?  Not everything inspires me.  I don't find everyday blog worthy, and then today happened.  I often give credit to strokes of luck or divine inspiration to a little something I call accidental genius.  There are been a few this week, but documentation of them is going to require some time and preparation.  Today's bout of wonderment is so exciting I couldn't wait and and documentation time is minimal.

I ventured out to an estate sale with my good pals Betty and June.  June, I am afraid, can be a bit flaky sometimes. Turns out we had the address right, date wrong, no sale today.  As we were leaving the vacant no-esate-sale house June did recall reading an article about a new shop in our local paper that was in the vicinity and thought we should check it out.  I do love June.

We checked out this lovely shop { Darby Road } that is full of wonderful treasures, many antiques, many reproductions much to see, love and drool over.  I found all sorts of things for some design clients, some friends (who always give me their shopping lists) and of course myself.

Behold:

The vintage up-cycled (it's old material used to to make a new bag) mail bag from Guadalupe.  Aren't we all a little sick of the overdone french words scantly screen printed on linen and textiles.  Yes, we are.  What we are NOT sick of is authentic mailbags that have an authentic aroma and have been carefully crafted into a perfectly sized shoulder bag complete with blue ticking fabric lining.  I am in love.

June admitted had I not been with her today she would have probably picked it up for me - rather screams my name - even though my name is not Jose Maria Arteaga, as printed on my new bag.  My ability to spontaneously purchase this new-favorite-thing-on-the-planet comes, again, from coaching from the Happiness Project.  Invest in a modest splurge.  $45 seemed about right: modest splurge, check. 

My new best friend, Jon Ames, the owner of Darby Road had 2 more of this bag and a few other varieties splayed out on a handsome and sturdy harvest table.  Drop him a line {jon dot darby dot road at gmail dot com} if you must have - you won't regret it!

Have a great weekend!

Brimfield Re-cap

Oh my aching back.  Two long days of strolling through the beating sun at brimmy can really wreck the body, but as always, pure joy!

I had been given a few personal shopping missions, I had a list myself and as always I came home with virtually nothing I went there for.  In the many years past I have taken to acquiring vintage Christmas decorations and as Big Daddy will emphatically express;  Our Christmas collection is absolutely complete.

Once on the fields as I was trying to divert my eyes from all things Christmas I decided why not spread my love for holiday decor to all the holidays.  I have been reading "The Happiness Project" and really enjoying many little nuggets and resolutions that can be made to strive for a happy life.  One that sticks is (and I am paraphrasing) to make your home a treasure trove of happy memories.  Tis my mission with Christmas, why not spread it out.  I can now proudly say: all holidays are represented, but these collections are far from complete.  Two more brimfield fairs to go this year, I have my work cut out for me.

Here is Mr. Thanksgiving:

I love him dearly.

I found these fun rings and scooped them up for everyone who had their name sake represented.  This one is for my BFF Betty.  They were $1 a dozen. 

I almost bought this for my bathroom, there is large cavern in my bathroom where a bathtub is supposed to be (it's a heartbreaking story I won't tell). I walked away and now have to wonder why....

I was on a mission to find a portrait for a friend's mantle... She wanted something "old timey" I was texting her photos all day, to all she said "no thanks"

she almost got this one just for being a pain in my butt:

we enjoyed the endless miles of vintage treasures:

Then finally made our way back for an icy cold beer by sun set on the tailgate.  This is where we dig through our carriages and see all the bounty within.  We never remember what we have acquired until we unload......

Ok so there is a little Christmas, though it pales in comparison to the 7 (count them) vintage ceramic Easter-esque planters.....Big Daddy is going to be soooooooooooooo thrilled!

 

Brimfield Antique Show : Brimfield MA 5/10-15

 

It's Brimfield time baby!  Browse my archives and you will quickly find I am a Brimfield junkie (snarky play on words).  Don't let the name scare you.  The Brimfield Antique Show is a whole lotta everything.  Antiques?  Yes.  Flea Market?  Yes.  Junk?  Yes.  Fried Dough?  Yes.  Miles and miles of vintage splendor?  Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes.  It's everything my heart desires and more.

I've been going to Brimfield religiously for about 11 years now and have learned a lot along the way.  My first visit there was mind-blowing and a bit disappointing at the same time.  Much of it seemed more "Flea Market" than Antique Show to me and that was not what I anticipated.  After going for so many years I have now gotten much of it sorted out.  I have my favorite parking spots, favorite times to attend and of course favorite vendors and favorite fields.

Brimfield is huge to say the least, though that shouldn't detract you if you are a newbie.  You can only do what you can do and rest assured there will be another.  Brimfield happens 3 times a year.  I go to all three, but to each his own.

This years dates are May 10-15, July 12-17 and Sept 6-11. 

For the may show I'll go Thursday, spend the night and leave Friday afternoon.  From Boston you absolutely can do a turn around day trip.  It's truly only about a 50 minute drive from The Hub.  I find that spending the night just makes the whole experience so much more fabulous - I do hate to be rushed.  Departing traffic can be out of this world.  Brimfield is on a bit of a peninsula for lack of a better term.  There is one way in and one way out.  No chance of an alternate route and too many times I have been in a mad sweat, cell phone in hand trying to find someone to pick up my kids.  If you don't need to rush back it's great to just commit to stay late.  The place starts to clear out around 3:00.  Most vendors sleep in their booths so there really is no closing time.  The twilight can be quite calm and charming.

Accommodations are tricky.  If you don't have something booked already, good luck.  My Brimfield companion and I are staying in our favorite flea bag hotel.  It's disgusting, but does the trick.

So what is Brimfield like really?  It's so hard to tell from the low budget website.  Here is a primer:

Here is  a little map of where I avoid some traffic, score good parking and take advantage of the best port-a-potties at brimmy:

On this map - every place you see a little black arrow - that is a "field".  Don't let the scale of this map mislead you.  Each field (black arrow) has it's own name and is operated independently.  They each have their own flavor.  Some charge admittance, some pride themselves in a certain theme.  For example.  Here is a  detailed map of just one of the little arrows from the overall map above:

This is "Heart O the Mart" each tiny little rectangle is a vendor.......and this is one field of over 20 total.  Each field is the size of a football field or bigger and PACKED with individual vendors.  It can be overwhelming to say the least. 

Here's a little list of what you may need to know:

Pack for the weather (it can be cold and rainy and hot searing sun) - come prepared for drastic changes in weather.

You need wheels.  Take a wagon, a luggage rack a wheelie cart (this is what I have & LOVE IT).  There is NO WAY to survive without one, if you intend to acquire anything.  Vendors will let you pay and pick up.  You can pay for a larger or heavy item then return with your car after the show and pick it up.  Most booths can be driven to after the show clears out. 

Bring cash!  I set a pre-show budget and bring that much with me.  I have rarely, probably never, spent as much as I have allotted.

Never pay the price marked - unless you want to.  Sometimes I feel like bargaining, sometimes not.  Most vendors will come down a little - especially if you are getting a few things.

I don't pack lunch - there is too much stuff to lug already, go ahead and indulge in the food vendors some are actually quite good!  Most all of the food vendors are in one field smack in the middle of the show.

Don't walk away from something you like.  You WON'T make it back to that field and booth again.  I have learned this the hard way.  Shopping at Brimmy is NOT like shopping at the mall.  You can't go back and even if you could, chances are what you want won't be there.

Don't expect (even if staying overnight) to see the whole thing.  There are many fields I have never been to and, like I mentioned I have been going for over 10 years.  It's too big to do the whole thing.

Think about what you need beforehand and measure!  If you need a painting make sure to measure where it's going to go.  If you need a bookshelf measure the space!  I have a note book that always goes with me that has the measurement of every wall, nook and cranny in my house - YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MAY FIND!

On that note - I rarely find what I am looking for - go with an open mind to find what you didn't know you wanted!

Don't be sad if you buy nothing, this happened to me often in the beginning - it's just a rookie thing.

Go with friends who you don't need to babysit.  I go with people who can be independent.  You are going to get separated and you'll eventually meet back up (maybe only upon leaving) that is what cell phones are for.  There is no time to waste.  

 

Lots of people ask to go to Brimfield with me and to that flattering request I say this:

1.) I drive my pickup brimfield truck and can't waste precious space on humans.

2.) I'll be there Thurs & Fri come on down!  Hope to see you there! You have my cell # right?

3.)  I did a great blog post that shows you the best place to park & the best place to pee! 

 

Finally, I am sad I don't have many good photos of brimmy.  Many vendors don't allow photos and while I always take my camera I am usually a bit too preoccupied to use it.

here's a couple from my last visit to peak your interest:  Not your style?  Don't fret this is one vendor in preverbial 1000's.

 

I found this great FLICKR photostream from DesignBoston of all Brimfield photos and finds. If this doesn't make you wanna go......Two weeks and counting - I can hardly stand it!

Gift Giving, RDF Style

Yes, you all know that I take things from the Take It or Leave It at the RDF (recycling and disposal facility, ie: town dump), I shop at Salvation Army and thrift stores.  My favorite place on Earth is the Brimfield Antique Fair (coming soon mark your calendars!). Most of what I dive in dumpsters for is for myself.  However, from time to time I do find gifts.  Some of the best gifts I have given have been found items.  Sometimes the recipient knows the source, sometimes I embellish ("I got it at an Antique Store" sounds so much more palatable), most often I say nothing.

My brother and sister in law just remodeled and moved into an extraordinary home on Boston's Beacon Hill.  It is exquisite to say the least.  It's a place worthy of movie sets and big shiny design magazine photo shoots.  Where did I get their housewarming gift?  That's right, the dump. I gave it with pride and I will have you know it is prominently displayed in their fine home.  We had the pleasure of celebrating Easter dinner at their pad and lookie what I say standing erect on the custom built in bookcase that is fabulous enough to lick...

Second shelf from top, first item from left:  A vintage, first edition, hardcover copy of "Joy Street" written by Francis Parkinson Keyes.

The significance you ask?  Well, their home is on actual Joy Street, the Joy Street the book is written about and not only that but their building is in the illustration.

Could it get better?  Why yes it does.  In the jacket flap was a description of the story, and I am paraphrasing, it's about the Boston blue bloods who live on Beacon Hill and all of the scandal that ensues when the Italians move in.  Do you know my surname and that of my brother and sister in law?  It doesn't get any more Italian than that.  Joy indeed! I am beyond thrilled their hearts and minds were open enough to receive the gift no matter it's source! 

I will say it again, the best things in life ARE FREE!

 

 

Recessutating a Mid-Century Coffee Table

Come here often?  Then you know I am an avid dumpster diver, cheap skate, re-purposer, mid-century enthusiast.  (see here and here for example)  The "take it or leave it" section of our town recycling center opened for the season this week - and that can mean nothing other than:  Time to re-decorate.  I am always thrilled to enjoy what others are throwing out.

This weekend, among other piles of treasure, I found a Lane mid-century round coffee table.  I didn't really need a coffee table, though the one we had in our family room was a bit too square and a bit too large (it comes from what I call our "Early Marriage Collection" all the big ass, out of date furniture we bought the year we got married).  I thought I might give it a go.

It was in rough shape to say the least.  Clearly it had been being used as a kids craft table.  It was covered in glitter glue, paint, scotch tape and there were many gouges, scrapes and stains.  I broke out the power sander and got it looking like this (bummer I didn't take a true before photo).

Then I put this stuff on it:

and darn it if 30 minutes and 8 dollars later it didn't look like this:

After a nice rub down with wax, I promptly kicked out the old table and put the new one in it's place.

As usual, Big D is not as in awe with the project as I am.  I always have to sell him (ironic since the stuff is free) on the concept: it's not garbage, it's actually desirable.  Most people just don't have an eye for these things - see how lucky you are?  I showed him this search on EBAY and this one on ETSY to prove that a Lane Mid-Century coffee table in (now) good shape - is a very good thing, and pricey at that.  In the end, what's done is done.  I am sure he'll forget all about by the time I cart my next score home.

Bamboo Dry Erase Message Center

I mostly deprive myself from retail.   I like to be all sorts of proud of how little spending I do.  The reality is, if you don't go to retail stores then you don't buy stuff.  Easy.  From time to time I must venture out to provision for the household.  In these times my deprivation can get the best of me.  Last week I purchased something not on my list. 

Impulse purchase it was and brilliance at that.

This bamboo dry erase desk top message board is my new best friend.  "Needed" a little place to jot down phone messages, aha moments and all the things I am in danger of forgetting on a given day.  No need to look for, then lose or waste a piece of paper.  It's eco, it's sassy and darn it if not rather useful.

A problem arrose very soon after it was put to use at our house.  An un-named person started leaving me daily to do lists on my nifty new board:

After the 3rd day of this offensive mis-use I started leaving some back:

Finally my sassy message board is back to being used for it's original purpose.  The offender has moved on.  Phew, 'cause I didn't want to risk returning to retail to return it and worse yet, suffer another retail driven impulse.  Back to normal we are minding our own business.

 

My Hanukkah Present :: Mid-Century Glazed Lamp

Lucky for me I have a many jewish BFFs.  Even though I am lowly Goy, this year I got to celebrate Hanukkah, or should I say, got to receive Hanukkah gifts.  It is the festival of lights now isn't it? This lamp came from June of the world famous Betty & June.  She won't reveal her source but I have my suspicions . . . .

at press time the lamp, sadly, is not working.  I have purchased a re-wiring kit and it will be my first attempt at such a project.  If I fail I know just where to take to have a professional do the job.  Working or not it might just be the most fabulous thing I own.  L'chei-im!

It's a Vintage Christmas

I don't like to consider myself a "collector".  I'd be hard pressed to say I collect anything, until now.  The time has come to admit that I collect Vintage, Mid-century Christmas decorations.  There will come a time very soon when I need to stop myself, or buy a new house.

The first step in my transformation to a Mid-century Christmas was to convert to C-7 lights a couple of years ago.  I honestly feel like starting a club for C7 enthusiasts, the few the proud.  I am so terribly hooked.  When I plugged in the first set this year to begin stringing the tree I actually got teary.  C-7's are becoming harder to come by (I score loads of them at the recycling center) but in my opinion they are quintessential, Christmas in a nutshell, Iconic if you will, big fat in your face shiny, Christmas.  I am a convert for life!

Next came my undying love of chalkware (sometimes called Nabco or Ardco if you feel like searching - they are really inexpensive and plentiful on Ebay & Etsy  - see here is one still at $5). Started with the wisemen scored at an estate sale last spring:

They were joined by a set of carolers found at Brimfield this summer:

Another set of carolers from Etsy:

and finally the sweet musicians from Ebay:

The little vintage gold tinsel tree and the gold merri-craft balls came from the Salvation Army thrift shop last summer, greenery is the scraggly clipped branches from the tree. I have one more set of dreamy colorful Nabco Angels that are supposed to be a gift . . . if they get pried out of my scroogy hands and into their gift bag . . .

My friend Kerrie scored these wisemen for me at an Estate sale, they were my Christmas gift.  Oh my:

These carolers were a gift from Kerrie (my vintage Christmas partner in crime) last year.

Decoupage plate (made by moi), found the image on a vintage Christmas album cover scored at the recycling center this summer.  It hurts.

Stuffed some berry sprigs in Mr Owls head to give him some holiday flair, the vintage tray, candle holder and tree came from the recycling center.  It's my dumpster diving center piece . . . .

when in doubt place santa hats everywhere....

Who says plastic light 'em up santa needs to be outside.  This jolly ole guy and the little tree also came from the recycling center, complete with working light) this summer.  I was dragging home so much Christmas stuff this summer I thought Big Daddy would nearly kill me (again) - I think it all paid off.  He was trying to give it all away as party favors at our last party ..... He did not succeed.

I haven't even gotten to the smokers yet.  My friend Miss Anna turned me on to smokers a couple of years ago.  They are my biggest Christmas splurge, though even I have limits.  I search Ebay and Etsy for them all year and only buy when I can get them for less than $30.  Do you know these guys?  They are incense smokers.  Their bodies come apart, you put and incense stick in, light it and put their bodies back on - the incense smoke comes out of their mouths.  They might be my favorite, favorite.  My boys can't believe the glory.

the tray is from the recycling center, the framed post card also from Kerrie.  Most of the Christmas stuff I like is vintage Japan.  The smokers and many ornaments are Vintage Steinbach (if you are interested in a search) This smoker was found on Etsy.

Best tips for searching on Etsy and Ebay for Vintage Christmas?  Use those tags (vintage Christmas) plus, Japan, German and let yourself go wild. It's just paypal money and that is not real right?

Ok - well, I am not done but should be.  Other favorite vintage goodies adorn my Christmas cottage, but I think I should save that for later.  There is much still to be done.  Though I will say this.  This year I suspect I will cry when it all has to come down and I suspect my house will look boring and drab come January.  How many more days?  I plan to wallow in it.

Up-cycing the Ugliest Chairs in America

I think I did it.  I think I purchased the ugliest kitchen table and chairs in all the United States of America.  I had a vision.  My vision has been realized and I might add, all of my dreams came true.

Remember a few months ago when I entertained you with the story of my dead upholsterer.  He died with my unfinished ugly chairs in his possession.  I had to go on a mighty journey to rescue the chairs and start anew.

The chairs are finished now.  They are in my home and experiencing great use.  My boys (of the child variety) love them, couldn't wait to sit on them,  use them constantly.  My husband thinks they are the ugliest things in our house, still.  I'll let you be the judge.

Here is where they began. 

I purchased this table and set of 4 chairs, straight out of 1963, at an estate sale.  The "set" cost $60.  This was one of those moments when I thought big daddy might actually kill me.

I purchased fabric from Hable Construction - where I should really be cut off.  I love their fabrics, though even I can now admit I really shouldn't use anymore, anywhere in my house.  I chose charcoal /checker - end of bolt, discontinued dye lot.  Score!

Here is how they turned out. Thank you myself.

I do not think it's possible to love them anymore.  They are accompanied by my friend, Hoot:

Hoot came from the recycling center.  Can you believe he was being thrown away?  It is a crime what people throw away.  One man's trash is most often my treasure. Finally, this room is complete with the Heywood Wakefield China Cabinet scored on craigslist last spring.  Mint.

We don't eat at this table (hence the Hable fabric).  This is our family room, activity room, right off the kitchen.  We do homework, puzzles, games and drawing at this table and it's serving it's purpose well.  I almost feel like this room has been curated, it's a flashback. 

It may come as no surprise that I don't much like "new" stuff.  There are a whole host of reasons why, mostly because I think new is quite boring.  It has taken me nearly a year to pull this area together, great stories, silly antics, hard work, near death experiences, but behold the result.  I wouldn't trade it for anything Restoration Hardware could dish out.  Big Daddy, on the other hand, may disagree . . . still not a fan, but as always I suspect he'll come around.

 

Find of the Week :: Vintage Spirograph

Remember your Kennar Spirograph?  Was it not the finest thing ever invented.  No, they don't make them anymore.  Hasbro has a ridiculous knock-off that is utterly, modernly, neon and lame.  My friend June from Betty and June (purveyors of fine vintage goods) dropped off an incomplete Spirograph for my boys last week.  Lucky me, if it were complete she would have it for sale in her ETSY shop.

Our "new" Spirograph has seen non-stop use.  For two little boys that are reluctant, at best, to do anything requiring use of their fine motor skills, this has been a smashing hit!

Out of curiosity I did some quick research on line.  Complete, original Spirographs go for anywhere between $40 and $190 all over the web, depending on condition:

See here and here, here's a listing for 5 - one for everyone on your list. 

Need a truly great gift for kids this year?  Might be worth a trip or two to the local thrift store or salvation army.  Bring back the Spirograph!!!  I realize, just now, I should have saved it for Christmas . . .

 

 

Vintage Flocked Wallpaper :: Closet Makeover

Yesterday was the first full day of Kindergarten.  This meant it was the first time in months where I had 7 straight, kid-free hours.   Bliss.  I did a whole heck of a lot yesterday, even have a sore shoulder to prove it.  The accomplishment giving me the most joy and no pain, is this one:

I wallpapered my front hall closet with vintage, regency, gold flocked wallpaper from the 1960's.  Isn't it dreamy?

Here's the deal.  I have lived my sweet house (the love of my life) for nearly 10 years.  I have redone and redone again each room in this house.  Though there are still little nooks and crannies I have yet to tackle.  One being the front hall closet.

It is so sweet and tiny and really can't be, shouldn't be, used for anything except guest coats.  I have always wanted it to be surprisingly pretty and empty, just waiting for my guests to arrive.  The problem is, since I have never made it cute and sassy it has been reserved for holding a bunch of...crap  (the following image may be disturbing for some viewers).

There was little in this closet that was worthy of saving.  I can hardly believe I have been abusing my real estate this way.  That is a bonefied unused square foot!  Opportunity knocked, as it normally does, in the form of someone else's trash.  Go figure someone was throwing this away, blasphemy.

I asked my dear old friend Annmarie for the left over wallapaper paste from her recent project.  I was on my way.  That's right friends, the cost for this little make over $0.  My favorite.

There was only one real hang up, well maybe two.  1st, this specimen of vintage gold flocked wallpaper truly is vintage.  The paper is deteriorating and was not what I would call easy to work with.  I had to come to very quick terms that this was not a project that was going to have a pefect ending.  The paper is just too old.  I got it up, but upon close inspection anyone would see that it is possibly the worst paperhanging job, ever.  It's a closet, the paper is fabulous, who cares?  Perfection is one of the many things of which I can let go.

The second little issue is that once hung and wet, I realize the paper smells. Hmmmm.  I put an incnese diffuser in there, it's not quite coat season yet, and well I think it looks good enought to have a few flaws.  Even big daddy, who has the best smeller on the planet thinks it's just dandy.   I think he is just beyond thrilled I finally conquered the front closet.

No matter the angle, it's my mostest favorite ever!

 

Ding Dong the Upholsterer is Dead ...

Back in March I purchased some utterly crazy 1960's kitchen chairs.  The ugliest things you have ever seen.  What a score.  They came out of time capsule home where I attend an estate sale and carted home a many treasure.  One being kitchen table and chairs and another being this.

I thought long and hard about the investment to make in the chairs (which I bought for $40, table included) and after much pondering, decided to go for it.  Had some uber sassy fabric flown in from NYC and called up the cheapest and most talented upholsterer I know: Scary Man Bill.

Scary Man Bill has been upholstering for me and many of my friends for a while.  He did these chairs for me last winter and has completed many projects for many friends.  It is true that Scary Man Bill looked like he'd lead a pretty hard life (hence our name for him) but darn it if he couldn't upholster.

In March Bill carted away my four disgusting chairs and one bolt of fabulous fabric and I pretty much never heard from him again.  I started to think Scary Man Bill must be dead.  The problem was all I had was a cell phone.  Bill did pick up and delivery.  I had NO idea where he took my possessions to work his magic, no idea where he lived.  I did know his last name, but it was about as common as his first.  I had me a problem.  I Googled obituaries from time to time, his cell phone had long been "no longer in service".  I had all but given up.

Lucky for me, Bill also had furniture belonging to one neighbor and one friend.  These two vixens started to get rather resourceful.  In the end they tracked down the "last known address" of Bill and had the nerve to pull up a google map and do a drive by.  The house was easy to find, my friend's sofa was in the driveway...   A nice shirtless man answered the door and informed my friend that Bill had died the previous Sunday.  Go figure that one. 

Our new scary friend didn't know where any of our stuff was but would try to find out.  The sleuths walked away with a name and phone number.

Fast forward four weeks plans were made to repossess the goods.  I was to meet new scary friend at his house, he had a key to a warehouse, we would look.  10:00 Saturday morning I met our new friend, 32oz beer in hand (him not me) and I followed him to the warehouse.  I think his truck must have had a hemi whatever that is, I have never driven so fast.   My Toyota pickup truck is not so well equipped.  I was giving it all I had in serious hot pursuit of a man (who was supposed to be letting me follow him) with a key and I could not risk loosing him.

I managed to keep up and we arrived at this warehouse. 

It's about 5 times bigger than it looks here.  He said my stuff was in there somewhere.  He wasn't sure where.  Way on up on the fourth floor in a room/closet we found this:

Bill had taken apart the chairs but not begun to start over. Fine.  My fabric, while smelly, is intact.  I could move on, start anew.  We all got of our goods and got the hell out of there. 

Today we dropped off our projects at a new upholsterer.  2-3 weeks he said.  I won't hold my breath.

Project: Vintage Camp Stools

These little camp stools made there way to me last fall from the "Take it or Leave it" section of our town recycling center.  My most favorite place on earth (at least that's how I feel right at this moment).  They have been patiently waiting for their deserved make-over.  Yesterday was the day.

The man who brought these to the recycling center said they were military issue from WWII - don't know if I care or believe, I just love them. I removed the deteriorated canvas, rubbed the wood with linseed oil, sewed new covers from blue ticking (also scored at the recycling center).  The whole project took about and hour and a half, and now I love them more. 

I didn't have any canvas, and I am rather certain my sewing machine would seize if I tried to run canvas through it.  For now,  the only butts that should grace these stools need to be less than 10 years old - or at least waify thin.  Then again, when they rip I will happily re-do them in a new theme.

The s'mores station is now open for business:

A Wise Man Once Said

Christmas came early this year . . . .I think these wise men statues were custom made for me in Japan in the early 50s.  Could it be?   This week's estate sale find, still in original box having never seen the light of day:

I have been moving them around the house wanting to use them now . . . . but have given up.  Gratification will be delayed until December 1st if I can hold out that long . . . . although now that all of the Easter garb is put away they may look more at home.  I can hardly stand it!