Lincoln Rocker Finds its Second Chance

I stopped by one of my favorite second hand stores – Second Chances (located in Petite Riviere, on the South Shore).  The shop owner, Dana, is totally awesome and always has a great inventory, stocked with gently used furniture, among other vintage and antique accessories for your home – and well priced. Whatever it is you are looking for – there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.

So, here’s the thing….

I found a gorgeous Lincoln rocker while on “the hunt’ for a new project - $20.00. This was in really great shape, missing only a spindle above the wicker section on the back.  The cane on the seat and back was in perfect condition, which is a blessing in itself as it can get rather spendy if it’s a project for resale. 

Tools, Supplies (and a friend) you'll need for this project:

Annie Sloan Paint, Waxes and brushes

Sanding Blocks and Steel Wool

Cotton Gloves and Cotton Rag

                                 

A friend who can turn a spindle!

The first step was to replace the spindle. I took the rocker to my friend. Justin, at Windhorse Woods (in New Germany - part of Windhorse Farm) and he turned a new spindle – presto – problem solved.  A great coat of chalk paint and I am off to the races!

I had decided this rocker was going to be painted in Annie Sloan Paris Grey, lightly distressed and clear waxed with a bit of dark wax – just because I like dark wax! 

Painting around an already caned rocker and the holes is time consuming but I took my time and it was looking great! I was working on this beauty when a friend of mine popped in for a visit.  I was proud of my recent accomplishment and excited to show her what I had done to this awesome rocker. She was impressed and fell in love with it and all the details – to the point – she had to have it.  Only catch – it had to be blue – she’s a blue girl! “Not a problem!” says I……

Back to the drawing board I go and repaint the rocker in her favorite color – Annie Sloan Louie Blue!  Around the wicker and holes again!

I wanted the beautiful curves in the arms of this rocker to stand out. Before painting the arms I lightly sanded and waxed with Annie's clear wax then buffed the inside curves to showcase the wood and detail. 

After the paint was dry I applied one coat of Annie Sloan Clear Wax and distressed using a 400 grit sanding block and fine steel wool.  One coat of Annie Sloan Dark Wax and a polish wearing my cotton gloves. I always wear the cotton gloves - they allow me to feel the wood while doing the final step. When it came to the corner details in the joints and arms I used a cotton rag by holding it on both ends and pulling it back and forth over the surface and into the corners.

I’m really glad my friend dropped in that day.  Sometimes we see a piece that stops us in our tracks and we just have to have it.  If It’s not the right color or is missing something fundamental – remember, it can be fixed.

The rocker looks fantastic and I am so pleased it has found its second chance in my friend’s home.

Beautiful Louie Blue!

Love the detail in this arm!

Tomorrow I will share how, with a little creativity and patience ANY chair, no matter the condition, can be rescued!

Please let me know if you have any questions about this project. I’m happy to share! 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!

           Fill your day with joy and good friends!

          Until next time – Live Simply!
                     Mary Elizabeth