bringing out the blues

I’ve got a good old-fashioned ‘before and after’ to share today.  Here is a 1960’s barrel back caned chair.  I love the shape of these chairs and the upholstery is in excellent condition.  The problem was the dark, shiny finish.  It was muting the pretty blue fabric.

chair before

With the addition of lighter paint, the texture and colors of the fabric pop and give this chair a fresh look for 2014.

barrel back caned chair-5033

First, I applied a coat of Artissimo (navy) with bonding agent while carefully getting the paint in all of the crevices of the caning.

barrel back caned chair-

Next, I used the wax puck in a few places around the edges and raised areas to create a resist between layers of paint which is evident in the final distressing.

shutter gray chair leg #mmsmp

I brushed on a coat of shutter gray over the entire chair carefully applying it lightly over the caning so the navy would really peek through.

painted barrel back caned chair-5036

The final steps involved lightly sanding back the wax puck to reveal the navy blue under the gray followed by topcoating with furniture wax.

The upholstered back of this style chair is one of my favorite features.  Such a great shape.

barrel back caned chair-5047

I’m not usually a glitter and gold kind of gal but I’m loving these pinecone branches which are popping up in our holiday displays and juxtapose rustic accents well.  They’re festive and easy to mix into a vase arrangement, mantel or wreath.  What do you think?  Love ’em?

glitter pinecone branches

Here’s a look at how the Circa Dee holiday window display is evolving at Serendipity Shops of Doylestown along with the barrel back chair.  Speaking of Serendipity, I’ll be conducting a Milk Paint Demonstration there on Sunday at 1 pm.  Be sure to join us as this will most likely be the last one of the year.

holiday window display

The Sleigh Rides sign did not last long so I’m off to paint more!  Hope to see you at the demo this weekend.

glitter and rustic holiday vignette

 

chestnut hill, here we come

I have always loved the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia.  It is situated in the northwest corner of the city and boasts lots of historic charm on either side of Germantown Avenue.  I grew up in the suburbs to the north and my first grown up home was in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Manayunk, just south of Chestnut Hill.  To me, Chestnut Hill has always been a sweet spot between the suburbs and the city – literally and figuratively.  The are large, historic homes and mature trees plus its very own flavor of urban flair found on Germantown Ave. which is lined with unique small businesses.

Last spring when I found out that Clover Market would be venturing to Chestnut Hill for one day, I was all over it.  One of my favorite neighborhoods in the area?  Plus my favorite vintage market where I love being a seller?  In beautiful, crisp October?  Yes, please!

Clover

Circa Dee will be at Clover Market in Chestnut Hill on Sunday, October 27th from 10-5.  The market is located at 25 W. Highland Ave. off of Germantown Ave.  For information on this new location and parking, click here.

It is our last market of the season so we are bringing it!  I am talking about the goods we have been hoarding for months if not years.  Some never seen before and some of my favorites from my own collection are going to be up for sale too.

Like this 1940s enamel kitchen table in a rare large size with 4 chairs and 2 cutlery drawers with glass knobs.

1940s enamel top table

My beloved painted antique piano stool.  Tear.

piano stool

This mid-century swivel club chair.

mid-century swivel chair

And these vintage library chairs which sadly I have no use for…

Library Chairs

Can you tell I am itching to do some redecorating this winter?  Or at least make room for Christmas decorating.  Yes, I went there.  Speaking of Christmas, Clover is a good place to get started on your holiday shopping with over 100 art and antique vendors.

Picture 034

Is there anything else you’ve been coveting that I can be talked into selling?!  Not my dog or husband – everything else is negotiable!  Will we see you Sunday at this new Clover Market location?

they found me

Sometimes when I’m simply minding my own business, not hunting for vintage or even thinking about it – ok that part’s not true. I’m always thinking about vintage.  But minding my biz and just running errands, non-vintage ones.  The weirdest thing happens.  Treasures find me!

vintage library chairs

They really do and that’s exactly what happened with these chairs.  They pretty much tapped me on the shoulder and asked to come home.  How could I say no to this cheery aqua fabric?

vintage library chairs

vintage library chairs

Perfect nailhead trim.

vintage library chairs

Birch construction. Mid-century capped feet. Oh and that library book rack!

vintage library chairs

This set of vintage library chairs is looking for a contrasting table to pair with such as a white Saarinen tulip table.  Wouldn’t that be fabulous?

vintage library chairs

Sometimes they just find me.

vintage library chairs

Happy weekend friends and happy hunting!  Don’t forget the last Clover Market of the season is on Sunday.