I’m pretty set on larger pieces like dressers and cabinets for the Chapel Market show in October, so I’ve been looking mostly for “smalls” and smaller pieces of furniture like chairs, stools, small benches, etc. Remember the theme is French Blue Farmhouse White, so I’m looking for pieces that work with that theme. Here are a few of the small pieces of furniture I picked up while out shopping last week…
I’ve always had a thing for antique baby stuff, which is a little weird, because I’m not what you would call a “baby person.” I have friends like that who have to cuddle every baby in the room and just can’t get enough. I’ll hold a baby if someone asks me to, but I rarely seek it out. But, there’s something about antique baby gear that tugs at my heartstrings. So, when I spotted this antique high chair in pristine condition, I just had to snap it up.
It’s really the wheels that got me. Those sweet little metal wheels…
The turned spindles of the arms and caned seat are so precious.
…and look what it does!
It still folds down to become a push toy or play chair or something like that. The mechanism and latch are so smooth. I was so distracted by the wheels that I didn’t notice the image of the little girl and the initials “JH” stamped in the back.
I also picked up a pair of French caned chairs. The caning is in great condition and it was the kind that was done by hand, which is not easy to come by.
You might think these chairs look familiar and you would be right. I have one that is exactly the same in my living room. I bought it from the same dealer, so my guess is they were a part of a set and she held onto these for a while.
I also found this caned beauty…
I may paint it white or I may just leave it alone. I’ll definitely slipcover the cushion, though. The beige velvet is just a little blah.
As I’m gathering and finishing pieces for The Chapel Market, I now have the luxury of staging them in my studio. I’ve taped off a 10 x 20 space, so I can set everything up ahead of time before we pack it. That way, I can shop with more intention and set up will be quicker. I always have an oh-crap-where-am-I-going-to-put-all-of-this-stuff moment when I get to a fair.
My dad called the space the “Green Zone”, since it’s taped off with Frog Tape. So, this area will hence be known as the Green Zone and the only things allowed in the Green Zone are pieces that are finished and priced and coming with us to the Chapel Market.
I always enjoy setting up, but I usually feel rushed and stressed, so it’ll be very fun for me to work on it over several weeks and make everything look just how I want it.
27 Responses
This is so awesome, Marian. Yes, that baby chair is way cool, but what I love is your green space. My sisters & I are getting ready for our first [barn] sale, and we’ve taken time to set up vignettes and photograph ahead of time as both a preview and to get a feel for setup. I agree, whether it’s in our space in the antique mall, a pop up sale or a garage sale, set up is hectic. As always, you’re finding some beautiful pieces, awaiting to be Marionized.
Rita
Very nice to have a place to set up ahead of time! Love the chairs!!
Such beautiful finds, Marian! I am in love with the details of the chairs.
That high chair is unbelievable! Absolutely stunning.
I’m having so much fun watching you enjoy your new space. What an incredible blessing! I love getting a sneak peak at your Chapel Market set up since I actually get so attend this year! Looking forward to saying hi 🙂
Hi Marian, Love the baby chair. I’m curious though, how do you know that the caning is hand done and how is it usually done?
Take Care
When each strand of caning goes into a hole, it was done by hand. When the cane is pressed into a channel or groove, that means it’s a sheet that was made by a machine.
The baby chair is lovely with those “industrial-ish” wheels. Cane chairs are my weakness – I just love how caning adds more texture to chairs. Good luck preparing for the chapel market.
I love the high chair. I have an antique one for the lone surviving doll of my childhood. Mine doesn’t fold, but I love it. I am pretty sure the chair converts (as in the photo) to a stroller.
I LOVE the French chairs. I have a gorgeous antique wood pegged French dining table and have been looking for chairs to match forever. I’m envious of how easily you seem to find them!
I love the high chair. I have one almost identical to it that was used by my mom and her siblings (she’s the youngest of 8 and will be 86 in January – I think the oldest would have been about 102)). My mom had re-caned the chair years ago and when my uncle passed away last year (he lived in the family homestead that was in the family for 99 years) it was given to me. We have some information on the chair – the one we have was sold by Sears and cost $3.99 new! Enjoy. If you would like, I would be happy to scan and e-mail you the article.
You always find the coolest stuff! Love that high chair! & The “green zone” is genius! I’ve been designing & redesigning my new retail space in my head a thousand different ways, as the saying goes you only get one shot at making a first impression 🙂 I don’t have room for my own green zone(yet) But I can set up my 10×10 canopy in the driveway & hopefully that will save me from having to lug items back home because it doesn’t fit the space. it’s all very exciting! Thanks for all your helpful tips & inspiration!
omg … this site is my “daily piece of virtual chocolate!” So charming and fun to follow … thank you!
Just wanted to mention a note on the AWESOME wooden counter you were gifted (so happy for you!) … think it looks amazing in the rough wood and know you’re smart enough to figure out what to do with the paint run on the side. Just a thot!
til tomorrow 🙂
Hi Marion:
Its so cute, your chairs are adorable, love reading your blog since I’m a teacher I call your
blog my “therapy’ reading about the new pieces and paint is so relaxing. I wish I had more time
to paint furniture by in the mean time I admire you talent. where is the dealer, I live near Boston I went to Pa. and bought a few pieces and I kept everything. I don’t sell yet, I’m thinking about doing it soon. I loved Pa. antique malls.
God bless you,
Martha
For years, my mom had a similar high chair in our dining room as decoration. (In fact, many of your finds are very like hers.) It converted to a stroller. Enjoy your lovely find.
Theses pieces are amazing! You have some great stuff to work with! I especially like the caned chair with the cushion ( but I agree with you and think the cushion should be recovered). Today I have some photos from France and how I used an item I picked up there in the fall wreath on my front door this year. I would like to invite you and your readers to my blog at:
simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com
I just love that last chair! The details are gorgeous, I can’t wait to see what type of fabric you use to recover the seat!! Ill have to tell the hubby we new to get to the chapel market extra early this year 😉
I’m with you when it comes to babies, but I will make a fool of myself it it’s a puppy…or kitty.
After having had four kids in 6 years…I’m over it!!
Don’t forget to photograph the Green Space from diff angles so you don’t just have to remember it all for the Market Space!! Goes up in half the time!
I really like the velvet. Paired with Artissimo it might look formal dining room fancy. 😉
Hello, glad you have all that beautiful space that is shop ready!! Please do not paint the highchair, worth a lot more in original condition! I sold one up in Vermont for over $200 a few years back, they are hard to find in that condition. That may fold down to a walker size like mind did. Hope you come up to New England sometime to sell. We have a fair called Pettengill Farms in Salisbury, Ma. this weekend and in June I think. Cari Cucksley was there one year and I went by to say hi. Happy you found such a great space near home!!
Wow! Such wonderful finds for Chapel Market. Googled you for your Canada A.M. appearance–you were great! The milk paint demo and your other displays looked amazing!
Marian…I have a high chair like yours except that the swinging table portion is still a apart of the high chair. It was my father’s when he was young. I grew up in the same house my dad did and discovered the high chair in the upstairs of the old garage as an adult. It’s finish is almost black in color, but the caning is still perfect and everything functions well. I’m guessing that sitting in the garage attic for all those years was not a good thing for the finish. I wonder what I should do? I’ve cleaned it with a damp cloth…but that’s it.
I loved seeing your finds!
Blessings!
Hi Marian, From one “theatre” person to another, among many things, I like that you have a “green room” for your furniture! Am inspired and absolutely love your blog.
the wheels are indeed, awesome! You have your organizing down…
Love your had to have it high chair of its day. I have my late mother in law’s bow back high chair from the 1920’s. Years ago I took it to Jack the Stripper in Mystic, Ct. and had it stripped. It is a lovely wood and I stained it. Time passes on and no more babies/grandbabies. What to do? I flipped the tray to the back and inserted a well endowed spider plant in the seat. (well protected) Had to chuckle
because my daughter said it was a death trap. I said it was good enough for her thus her twins could use it as well. hehe I am always always trying to repurpose items.
I’m one of THOSE people-if there’s a baby, I have to hold it. 🙂
Love the high chair. What a great find!
I think the other chair would be beautiful painted white.
Feel free to paint that beauty of a highchair and send it on to NY Marian!!! I’m ready to pop this baby out and she is in need of some Mustard Seed in her bedroom : )
Congrats on all your beautiful ventures and no one is more deserving of a beautiful studio then you.
Happy Day,
Alison