Do you ever get that feeling…the sudden urge to look at Craig’s List? You just know in your gut that there’s something there for you. Sometimes I get that urge and come up empty. My awesome-deal-on-a-piece-of-furniture-sensor must be picking up a reception from another region or something. When I got the urge the other day, though, I found a beautiful French sofa with cane sides for a great price. I bought from this shop before, so I jumped at it and bought it over the phone, hoping it would be nice in person. It was. It was even better…
The cushion that looked a little iffy and lumpy in the CL picture is actually one long down cushion. Score! It’s so comfy. The sofa is pretty deep, so you can sink into it and really cuddle up.
…and the detail on the carved legs. Sigh. You know how I feel about legs.
…and the cane arms? They’re double-caned, meaning there is cane on both sides with about one inch space between. It’s beautiful.
The upholstery isn’t bad, but I do plan to “mustard-ize” it a bit. Come on…what do you expect?
So, it was time to pass the old daybed along. It was given to me by some friends and I want to give it to someone else who would enjoy it. It needed some work and I didn’t want to tackle it again. I removed the grain sacks from the seat to use for another project and put it up for free on Craig’s List (without the pillows.)
So, this afternoon, a very sweet lady and a couple of guys came to pick it up. I explained a little bit about it and why I was passing it along. The woman nodded and smiled and finally burst out, “You know, I know who you are!” I laughed and the men rolled their eyes. I learned a lesson at that moment. Take a shower and put a little makeup on before having people come to your house to pick up free furniture! We had our picture taken together and one of the men brought a copy of my book and a pen out from the truck. The daybed is featured in a few places in the book, so I signed it on one of those pages. It was a surreal moment that made me feel so special and happy that the daybed was going to a home where it would be enjoyed.
Aside from my little red carpet moment on my back deck in my sweatpants, I had an uneventful day catching up on e-mail and milk paint stuff. Tomorrow, we’re working on (and hopefully finishing) the custom range hood in the kitchen. Almost done…
59 Responses
Great story! How and why did the guy have your book with him? Some people have the knack for Craigs List–the ability to see a deal, paint it, fix it up, get it to their house…I tried looking after being inspired by your painting tutorials. No luck–just not my thing. I even went and browsed antique shops one day. Again, not for me. So what I find best for me–checking out one of your sponsors–Coach Barn. Love some stuff on there! We all have our talents, right? A beautiful score on your French sofa. I can’t wait to see how you finish it off!
That is a fantastic story!! What a wonderful find. I have yet to find anything on Craigs list:(
I don’t have a ton of time to read blogs (or anything really) anymore, but I love coming and see what you’ve been up to lately. Love that the buyer knew who you were… very fun moment. God bless.
That’s a pretty funny story, I would say be proud of the no makeup look. Shows you are more human! Besides I’m sure they were just so happy to meet you and own one of your pieces that they didn’t even care. I love the double cane, do you mind sharing how much a sofa like that runs? Thanks! It’s going to be incredible when you are done.
🙂
It was $170 and I think that was a great bargain!
Oh my gosh! How exciting for that lady and her guys to meet you in person, have you sign their book AND most importantly to have a piece of furniture that you have worked on…for FREE! You are very generous and kind! They will talk about that experience for years. I still feel a little bond with you when I wear my Miss Mustard Seed t-shirt while I am painting so I have an inkling of how excited they are. Love your “new” sofa…so much personality!
What a fantastic find! My husband is the craigslist searcher in our house! He likes looking at the “free” stuff and would have been all over that day bed! I am happy for the lady who got it, though. Marian, you are such an inspiration to so many people including me! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your blessing with us!! 🙂
That is a real beauty Marian, your radar was right on point this time! It is way beyond cool that lady and gentleman knew who you were and had their book at the ready to be autographed.It was so sweet of you to pass it on.
Great story! Love the new couch!
This is such a cute story! Next time you post on craigslist please post on your blog 🙂 unless you list as miss mustard seed on craigslist… I’d be there in no time 😉 Beautiful new couch!
Regards,
May
Last weekend I found TWO of the EXACT chair that’s in your bedroom. TWO for $25 each! I responded an hour and a half after it was posted and someone else had already contacted the seller. I’ve been looking for two chairs in that style for over 2 years and I wanted to cry. I’ve never seen the classic french chairs you find all the time out here…it’s very discouraging.
I seem to miss out a lot on CL
Love your new couch…I actually did see one of those on CL here….for like $700
this is the best post I have read all day. I love all the sentiments. wonderful
I love your new find ! That story is so funny. I met a blogger and I was a total gushing nerd. She wasn’t actually working the store that day so she was without make up and a little embarrassed when I told her what a fan I am. I didn’t care a bit. I was so pleased to meet her and tell her how much I enjoy her work.
Maybe one day I will meet you. You have inspired me. I love your book. I loved it so much I gave it away and I’ll get it again. I totally would have had you sign the page too 🙂 !
Your new sofa looks lovely!
What a sweet story to go with the daybed giveaway…she will enjoy her new sofa too!
Droooool…..oh my that is gorgeous!!! Wonderful find!!! 🙂
Great story! The price of fame……sigh! What a wonderful sofa! It’s going to look fantastic!
OH MY! I LOVE IT.But I’m with you ,it needs your touch. Love the color of the wood though.Marion I hope you have a wonderful day. I’m down here in Florida, the weather is beautiful. Beach weather. But I’m stuck at work looking out a window wishing I was home doing my art.Some day I guess. Say a prayer for me , I know you have enough to think about but thought I’d throw it out there.
Mary
Oh how I wish I lived near you!!!
I know exactly what you mean about that gut feeling that there is something waiting for you on Craigslist! We’re putting all our time (and money) into a total kitchen overhaul, and just the other day I felt the need to check CL for a dresser for our guest room. I don’t know why the guest room even popped up on my radar! But I found a fabulous piece that will be absolutely perfect when I refinish it, and it was too good of a deal to pass up. I’m so excited just to go pick it up tomorrow. Craigslist is the best!
And by the way, $170 for a French sofa with a down cushion? SCORE! Nice find. 🙂
-Sarah
I get that Craigslist urge but try to strongly resist it! Beautiful sofa, though! I adore down cushion furniture.
Marian … just love the new sofa and what a great deal. Nice that you passed your free daybed on to someone else. Anxious to see what you do to it.
Blessings,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
What an amazing sofa, I love the whole look as it is right now, but I know you will work your magic and it will also be amazing! How sweet and generous of you to give away your Daybed, they were very fortunate to come across this as well.
Love the new day bed (ummm beautiful) but the story is just so dear on the old one.
Oh Là Là!! :))
Large pieces like this keeps freaking me out but I would love to do such a project.
It turned out really nice!
Love the story! Love the sofa! Love Craiglist, but things are so outrageously expensive here. People think a beat up old dresser with missing drawers and deep scratches and missing a foot is worth $800! Very disappointing! But once in a blue moon, I will find something worthwhile which is fun!
Sigh….it is stunning!!! It is exactly what I have been looking for but so far, no luck. Congrats on both your find and red carpet moment!
Love your newest find! I love the celebrity moment story. It sounds like you made the lady’s day. 🙂 Megan
But you look so cute even without makeup! 🙂 I wouldn’t worry about that a bit!
I can see why you are excited about the new sofa; it has beautiful lines, and I love how deep it is! Have fun. 🙂
You must have been so proud… and maybe a little awkward! I’m a teacher, and generally speaking, my pupils like me… Unfortunately, sometimes I run into them on weekends when running errands and they want me to meet their parents… My first thought is always, “why do I wear those old jeans on weekends?” or something like that!
LOVE the couch! Sweet story too….your famous!
Haha! That’s great! You may be a celebrity here but you’re a queen up there!
Lucky lady! I wish I lived closer to you! I am moving next week, and our new living room could have definitely used a daybed like yours. Guess, I’ll just have to scour the Craigslist ads in my area after we move. Sigh!
I am a big fan of you and Craigslist. We have practically furnished the new house we are still building all with Craigslist finds. Nothing as amazing as what you seem to find though. We do have the Alexander’s antiques auctions right near us and they have amazing pieces every week, but I haven’t gotten up the guts to go yet. I read your tips on auctions so I’m working up my courage. My husband would prefer if we wait till the house is built before we buy more. I have a garage full of pieces to work on and a storage unit with pieces that are ready to go. I just can’t miss out on a deal when I can already picture where it will go. Maybe I should stop looking at Craigslist everyday. 😉
your new sofa sounds divine 🙂
A friend of mine buys and sells on CL regularly and she and her husband bought a horribly challenging house and completely renovated it (except for A/C and flooring) with purchases and free finds on CraigsList! She is truly inspiring!!! I always search there first.
Oh I just love your red carpet moment story! Your new sofa is beautiful! Gotta love Craigslist!
How generous of you and how sweet to pass your no longer needed furniture to someone who would appreciate it! you actually taught me a lesson today: pay it forward! One man’s junk IS another man’s treasure! I just know you will be blessed again and again for that simple act of kindness! What goes around, comes around… I would almost bet the person you gave your old piece to will again pass it along when it not longer serves her needs. This world needs more people who know what is truly important in life and it is certainly not things!
What a fun story and gorgeous new sofa!
Hugs,
Mallory
That is a great story!
I am picking up a similar one tomorrow that I also got on CL for $125 . . . those bargains are out there, you need to be persistent! Yours is gorgeous!!!!
I am so kicking myself! I can’t tell if the back of yours is caned also, but saw one just recently on Craigslist Seattle for $175. It was all caned and the cushions were shot, but I knew it could have been gorgeous painted with new cushions made. I have no way to get the big pieces home currently, but I’ll find away next time or balance it on my little red wheelbarrow and walk it home! Won’t that be a site!
What a terrific find!! I just can’t wait to see it Mustard-ized.
I don’t have much luck with my local CL and when I do, the stuff is sold out from under me. So I get to be envious of all your great finds & live vicariously through MMS. 😉
I love Craigslist for buying and selling. Craig has been good to us!!
Lots of my customers come from Craigslist and I’ve never had one complaint about them, they are the best.
I’m not famous like you are but they treat me like I am, although I’ve never been ask for my autograph. lol.
Love the sofa!
You are adorable and make me smile. Love your posts!
The next thing you know the paparazzi will be following you around….
Wow! This french chair is gorgeous. Smiling…..
OK, just admit it everyone, we all are going to jump on Craigslist RIGHT NOW to see if we can score something as fabulous as this french couch or, better yet…… Miss Mustard Seed’s daybed ( FOR FREE! )
I would freak a freak if I went to pick up a free sofa and you opened the door… hehe.
Marian – you don’t realize it yet but to those of us who follow you, you are a *STAR*. I’ve been waiting for SoChickadelic to open in Stirling and I’m going to the preview next Sat for the select few. And why have I been waiting so breathlessly you ask? Well because they are carrying Miss Mustardseed paint. I will be making my first purchase, doing my first paint project (of many, I’m sure) and I CAN’T wait!!!!
How exciting for that lady..You made her day..What a beautiful piece of furniture..
Great story!! I so love the red carpet moment! 😉 And the new sofa!! You scored…love when that happens!
Lucky people got a great daybed AND got to meet you!! They scored too. 🙂
Hope you have a wonderful weekend Marian!
I constantly troll CL but I struggle with prices and if the pictures are accurate. (They aren’t always!) I recently picked up a free chair that has tons of cat hair under the cushion and I’m allergic. Gloves and lots of cleaning before I tackle my first re-cover project. How exciting for the folks who got the daybed!
You’ll probably think this is a weird comment, but I thought it was a funny coincidence to read how you gave away a loved piece of furniture! I had a bit of an inner struggle the other day when I felt God put it on my heart to give a favorite book away to a friend as an encouragement. Guess which book… yours. It has blessed me so much and I know it will bless my friend. I felt a little sad, but also happy knowing how she will be encouraged. And then I read your blog… which put a big smile on my face!
Love your blog. Love your style. I can’t believe your luck on CL. I’m a leg girl, too, and then the cane arms and then the down cushion!!!! SCORE!! I get lots of inspiration from you and really enjoy your humor. Till next time.
Loved this post the pretty and the real life…a lucky score for both you and the person with a pic your may not want posted….love your new piece
What a sweet story…it’s all about paying it forward!
It’s WONDERFUL! What an amazing find!
Cindy
I agree”What a find”l love your decorating style. Where did you get your family room slipcovers made? They are just what I am looking for and I am in your area.
Doreen
Hi, Marian!
I love your couch and I found something sort of similar online and went to check it out. I’m not sure if it’s over priced for the amount of work that must go into it, but I’ll send an email to you for your opinion. Thanks for sharing! : )
I’d love to find a little daybed like that for my office. I know the feeling you’re talking about when searching Craig’s List. I had that feeling when I found my identical match to a Ballard secretary with chicken wire door that I had been eyeing in the store. I think I was speeding the whole way to the person’s house to pick it up because I didn’t believe I was really taking it home with me!