One Little Chair....

I love yard sales, garage sales, antique/vintage stores, auctions, attics, spring and fall cleanup and good ole hand-me-down items. I also love to paint, sew, bake, rearrange furniture and create.  That’s when I am in my comfort zone – free from the same ole routine of daily living.

So, here’s the thing……

On the little dead end road where I reside there are ten awesome cottages - usually vacated after the Thanksgiving weekend leaving me to exist solo until their return the following May.  I didn’t, and still don’t, mind being on “the Bay” by myself – I have a million projects and a to-do list that never seems to end.  Winter is “my time” to hunker down and try to accomplish something – anything!

The first winter, six years ago, I was at a point in my life where I needed my soul need a life simplified.  A place that reflected who I was. Up to that point I had been a pack rat – hanging on to everything from my past like those possessions defined who I was.  The more I had, the happier I was – and the more impressive it seemed – to me. How very wrong I was. So, slowly – very slowly, my transformation began. I was going to start fresh - declutter and live simply.

I sold all of those so-called "treasures" and kept only what I needed - not what I wanted, but what I needed - otherwise I never wouldn't have gotten rid of anything!  I had decided I was going to upcycle, recycle, reinvent and repurpose.

This is my story.  The journey, over 6 years, of how one little chair has opened the door to new experiences, new adventures and a new life.  I hope you will check back often, leave comments, ask questions, subscribe and follow me as I take you through tips, techniques and tutorials on everything from refinishing and reupholstering to sewing, decorating and interior design - it's going to be fun!

I chose Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and waxes to get started. Following Annie’s tutorials on YouTube and searching the web for inspiration - I was quickly overwhelmed, yet filled with enthusiasm for tackling the endless paint project possibilities. I was like a steam roller and ended up painting everything in site – seriously!  If it had a flat surface I was all over it.

My very first project, back in 2011, was brought to me by my biggest supporter and best friend.  Thankfully he understands my need for creativity and he will search pretty much anywhere - No word a lie, this little chair was rescued from a dumpster.

Pretty sad!

Pretty Awesome!

I restored this beauty in Annie’s Versailles, clear waxed and accented with dark wax.  Although it was in reasonably good shape it had to be re-glued, re-caned and the bottom of the legs sanded so it would sit level.

With pride I displayed my first refinished piece of furniture in my cottage. It eventually found a new home – more on that journey later. I never, in my wildest dreams thought I would ever share these pictures so you will have to forgive me for not having “staged” these photos. It is what it is.

In the future I will include more detail about the process but in the meantime please let me know if you have any questions. Do you have a piece of furniture you don’t know what to do with?  Send me a picture and I will provide a free consultation for you!

 “Life isn’t about finding yourself.  It’s about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw

Until next time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth