As I mentioned on Friday, I was feeling a little directionless on Thursday. I have plenty of things on my to-do list, but I couldn’t pin myself down. I needed some time away from the computer, the studio and the house. I lounged around a bit in the morning before I acknowledged I would benefit from an outing.
I didn’t have a ton of time, so I stuck with a couple of shops that are close to home. Here are some things I bought…
I have a little bit of a thing for phonographs and practically ran for this horn when I saw it.
I have no idea what I’m going to do with it, but certain things speak to me and I just know I should get them. This one spoke loud and clear.
I also couldn’t pass up this antique glass display case. Again, no clue what I’m going to do with it, but the price was really good, so I hauled it awkwardly to the counter.
The case is wood covered in copper…
…and it has all of the original wavy glass.
Of course, I picked up some ironstone…
…and a really great camera…
…a primitive wood tote…
… and some linen towels.
I also found a few things on Craig’s List, including another set of French twins.
These chairs have a beautiful shape, but you know I can’t wait to take off that tapestry upholstery! I’m planning on making video tutorials of the whole transformation.
I also need to figure out what I want to do with the frames. I would just leave them wood, but someone added a gold painted detail that isn’t working for me. They may end up painted, but I might try some sanding first.
And I also found this French sofa on Craig’s List for a great price. We were looking for a comfy, but pretty sofa to lounge on in the studio and this one fit the bill perfectly.
The upholstery is a little stained, but in pretty good condition over all and I even like the color.
Someone added gold painted detail to this one as well, so I’m going to do something to the frame and will probably eventually make a slipcover, but it’s fine for now.
I ended up shopping on Friday as well, so I have more fun finds to share…
awesome finds! I have two Ethan Allen chairs like the ones you purchased that also need new updated upholstery. Not sure if I want to tackle the job or just sell the chairs. Can you give me an idea of what they might be worth before updating? Thank you!
Great finds…I just love the curves in that sofa.The display cabinet probably came out of a general store of some kind.
I noticed the poster above (Sandy) mentioned she had two Ethan Allen chairs. Ethan Allen (especially older pieces) really keep their value and are very sought after so she wont have any problem selling them but just make sure you know what they are worth first.
Yes, Teresa, the Ethan Allen chairs were each over $800 new…now I’m trying to get $60 each and no takers…probably because of the baby blue flower upholstery.
Regarding the old phonograph horn: I’ve seen where people have paired them with an Bluetooth wireless speaker. It’s a wonderful combination of old and new technology. Love the yellow. So exuberant!
Those chairs are awesome and I love that glass case. Sounds like you had a few great days of plundering. I am due for a trip myself but it will have to wait. Headed to Phoenixville PA for my beautiful niece’s Valentine’s Day wedding. Hoping for some snow to enjoy while there! My 12 year old son has never seen a snow storm, being born in Alabama. I know y’all have had enough already but…maybe just an inch or two??
Love the Sofa, but the cushion on the one end should be in the middle, so they match the cording. Also I think I would add a feather/down envelope to the cushions to add some plumness to them. If you have never used these, you can get them made from Harris Pillow Supply – 1-800-845-8240 ask for Greg. You will love the effect and comfyness of them.
Love the horn, saw on pinterest (I think) making them into a hanging pendant light. Also, Thanks for shopping at my booth at Rebels Roost!! I recognized the ironstone bowls, 1 coffeepot and tote!! Cant wait for the video, would love to give that a try!
Where in the world do you find these treasures? Love all of them.
Succulent garden for the antique glass case. Totally. Of course, that could be because I am becoming mildly obsessed with them
Don’t know where the rest of my comment went…Have you seen the mini fairy gardens? Fun.
I love that sofa! It’s not quite as “fancy” as a traditional victorian sofa but the legs are so pretty… it looks like it could use a little love though! Just a little bit! The horn is amazing as well… wonder what it will end up as?
OMG you scored on all fronts. I’m scrolling down liking each thing even more than the last and then came the sofa! just beautiful.
That phonograph horn would make an awesome light fixture! An Edison bulb and hung from the ceiling… Love!
I agree on the light fixture idea! I make lights out of them for our store (with Edison bulbs) – they are very popular!!
Love all of your finds, especially the phonograph, glass display case, and wood tote. They are all so fab. I agree with a few others… that phonograph screams “make me into a pendant light for the studio!!!” I think it’s perfect for you because it’s Miss Mustard Seed yellow 🙂
I cannot believe your “finds”. I would not have hesitated a second on the purchase of that amazing sofa. Beautiful. I can’t wait until you Miss Mustard Seed it!
Marian, you can make a terrarium out of that glass display case.
I am looking forward to the “French twins” upholstery tutorial. I have a great looking Victorian chair that I got a year or so ago, but have been waiting to find someone to reupholster it for me. I am tired of waiting, but am still afraid to tackle the complicated upholstery project, so those tutorials might just convince me to do it myself. 🙂
That horn belongs in the garden!
Please do a post on what stores to shop at to find goodies like these!
WOW – I love each piece. What finds. I have two french chairs that I sanded a little and washed down and just love. I washed in white but I would love to be so bold as to try to upholster. Can hardly wait for your tutorial. You are amazing and we are thankful to have you.
Just bought that same camera at an estate auction! Also picked up a vintage red kitchen scale for $10. I kept looking it over after I got it wondering why no one else wanted it, but my gain I guess. I love to buy those kinds of decorating pieces.
excellent finds!! what a good decision to go with your feelings and go out!!!
My dad owned a camera just like that, but it’s gone now. If I had known my mom and sister were getting rid of all the old things, I would have gone right there to save much of it. Also gone was a favorite of mine, mom’s Secretary desk, that I used to play secretary at when I was little. I’ve since been searching for one, but they are always out of reach for something I want, but don’t need!
Glad to see these items are still appreciated.
I’m trying not to be jealous, but I can’t help coveting those two chairs! I”ve been looking and looking for some like those, but so far, no luck. You did pick up some great finds. Looks llike enough to keep you busy for a while. But, knowing your energy level, maybe only a month or two!
I just love that phonograph horn. I’ve never seen one that is yellow. How cheery. I would use it as a prop sort of like a cornucopia with some of your products spilling out of it. Or dried flowers would be nice too. And that display case is great my friend that has a shop has one that sits on top of a tall plant stand and she displays jewelry in it
Great finds!!! I would make the horn an outside pendant lamp for a covered porch. I love the ironstone pieces! I need a Craig’s list like yours in my area! Enjoy the new seating..
I love the horn! Looks like a morning glory bloom.
Wonder if you could pair it with a large gooseneck floor lamp.
Fun!
Speaking of morning glory bloom, I purchased 2 of these horns and have them in my shed to use in the garden. They usually reside in my daylily patch pretending to be morning glories. Both had been painted, one light blue and the other a tinge of red, very faint. I had thought about painting them. I like the idea of laying on their sides with succulents or other plants spilling out.
love your ironstone piece….is it Wedgewood? I just bought a soup tureen, with the same shape top for $20, Elaine
You always find the BEST things! I’m not a fan of ~blue~ (whispered it because I know it’s your favorite) but I absolutely love that sofa!
Love those chairs, not sure if I would change the tapestry fabric cause I really like it but then of course not everyone has the same taste. That sofa is a real find…wish they had a Craigslist here in Portugal!
if you don’t have craigslist, here’s a suggestion: start a group page for your town for online yard sale. It’s so great to be able to buy and sell without going to far. We have a ‘closed’ group so it’s not open to the public but limited to those in close proximity.
I meant to say ‘start a group Facebook page for your community’ where you can buy and sell with your neighbors. It’s very easy to do and I’ll be happy to help you get started.
Yes, the wooden tote is FAB-U-LOUS! Our Craigslist in DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) is absolutely unreal. A person would have to make a weekend trip to pick up something. There are about 50 towns around the area, including Dallas and Fort Worth! It’s not even worth looking, because they will be 150 miles away — and my husband will not spend the gasoline. It is very discouraging. We do have garage sale websites, though. Some people think their stuff is made of gold or don’t know garage sale prices. I love your purchases, glad you went shopping. Thought about those draperies yet?