December 22, 2009
Over the summer Gadora scored a weighty coffee table with burly, turned legs. I stared and glared at it, even made an attempt to refurbish it. Twice*.
Coffee Table ~ BEFORE
Gadora first mixed a supply of glaze and paint to coat the entire surface, having sanded it first. Once dry, I dry-brushed (careful to mimic the grain of the wood underneath) a coat of black/brown.
Glaze mixture ~ halfway
November 4, 2009
Post yoga Monday night, Gadora sifted through a nearby Goodwill for a few items on her list: the right woven basket for that still-in-progress egg-carton tentacle light, a suitable coffee table for a “crackle finish” commission, and anything that “wanted” refashioning. Soaked in sweat, I decided to come back Tuesday for a closer look.
The next evening, clean and clear-headed, Gadora returned for a pair of simple copper planters which read “Made in Turkey” underneath. I wanted the pine coffee table that could pass for an exact match to the one I’d refashioned last spring. Once there, only the planters remained. Noticeably upset, a worker approached and asked if he could help. Not unless you can locate that coffee table, no.
Piano bench ~ BEFORE
He disappeared for a moment, and returned with this here piano bench. Hmmmm, not on my list. But with the deal we struck it was practically free, so Gadora now has a lightweight piano bench to refurbish.
October 2, 2009
This week marks the 42nd annual Round Top Antiques Fair, which sits between Carmine, Texas, a town of 230, and Round Top, population 84. Gadora and a new Lady friend, Annie, made the trek an hour(-ish) East from Austin and looked for the promised Big Red Barn sign. While both towns come alive during these antique weekends, it is the original Round Top fair folks come to see.
Not the place for bargains, three large circus tents were filled with well-edited antiques, collectibles, art work and furnishings. There were booths with scoops of a thousand vintage buttons, booths showcasing impressive carved cane collections, cases of turquoise jewels and rows of bakelite bracelets. Spots so full you had to inch in sideways.
48-drawer cabinet at Smokehouse Square
Hard-pressed to choose my favorite thing, and I wanted to drag something home, there was a recurring theme throughout the day. Besides the creepy doll parts (and what is it exactly about a swap-meet that brings out the odd body parts?), which I’ll blog later… apothecary cabinets were key. This salmon-hued 48-drawer, one-time card catalog, cabinet is the winner. The owner, Cindy from Smokehouse Square Antiques in Amana, Iowa, gingerly offered, “it’s got room for all your things, ribbons, yarn… it’s great if you’re a hooker!” We both snickered.
August 31, 2009
Recently Gadora traveled to Tulsa to see about her Mom. I like Tulsa (and love my Mama!). T-town is quiet, though Frank Lloyd Wright left an indelible mark with his “Westhope” home. Moments after touch down my Mama beamed, “we’ve got something to show you,” and whisked Gadora off to Mod50s Modern, a busy warehouse shop on East 15th.
Mod50s on E. 15th, Tulsa
July 15, 2009
Lest you think the Animal Print business has kept Gadora from scouring the streets of Austin for goodies, think again folks! While I’m happily, superbly, unbelievably busy with the Animal Prints (DAILYCANDY you ARE totally my new BFF), I have one eye on the workshop with its growing reminder of things wanting attention…
Remember that “tie-one-on” post? Let me refresh you… and as luck would have it, some nice folks placed this chair on their sidewalk just for Gadora!!! I’m gathering my ties, all in a similar color scheme, and plan to pick my seat (teehee), then make it happen.
Seatless Chair
Found two killer lamps (not even needing restringing) at an estate sale. Unfortunately, the family of 27 children who hit the sale moments prior to my arrival liked this lamp too, and tore into the shade. No worries people, Gadora and her muse have some CLEAR plans for this one!
Retro Lamp
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