Archive for the ‘Decorating’ Category

I’ve mentioned to you before that I like junkin.’ Whether it’s a garage sale, thrift store, antique shop – you name it, I’m there. And every now and then you find a treasure that was just meant for you. Here’s one of those…

About two years ago I bought this curved rocker at a garage sale in Charleston, S.C. for about $90. It reminded me of a rocker my grandmother once had, so I had to get it. Soon after getting home I tried unsuccessfully to find it online to rundown the history and what it might be called. I didn’t look extensively but have searched casually a couple of times but with no luck.

What I do know is that it’s solid oak and the bottom has a sticker with a man’s name from N.Y. who “Remade and Renovated” the chair with the original interior stuffing, plus a little extra, dated February 2, 1970. Anyone antique experts out there? Or do you have one of those antique specifier books handy? Or maybe you’ve seen one of these before?

I dig the curved back and craftsman style lines. And while it looks a little awkward, it’s actually quite comfortable – one of my husbands favorite spots to chill.

I enjoy finding old functional pieces that have been well loved. The wood is a little worn in places but I like it that way – it always makes me wonder about the former owners.

Who were they? Maybe it was a new mother who rocked her child to sleep, or possibly someone’s favorite place to read. Whoever sat there before I’m sure they enjoyed the rocker as much as we have and will continue to for years to come.

Is there a favorite piece of furniture you’ve had in your family for a while? Or maybe you’ve a new found treasure that you plan on keeping forever?

And if you have any info on this rocker, I’d love to hear from you!

A few months back we dismantled a piano. And again, when I say “we,” I mean my handy dandy hunk of a husband that I love so much. Anyway, I wanted to recycle some of the pieces left over from the piano.

The piano keys were given to my sister for Christmas. She plans on putting them in a large apothecary jar or vase on top of her piano. I can’t wait to see how it turns out – she’s nifty like that.

The main panel sat around here for a few weeks. Isn’t it beautiful? It’s walnut – we think.

I decided to just hang it on the wall between two windows in my dining room that’s been empty since we’ve moved in a couple of years ago. I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect mirror or artwork for the space but nothing ever caught my eye.

So while the piano panel isn’t ideal, it fits and it was free. I hung it as is, with the knobs still attached.

It’s kinda fun to have it on the wall of the room it used to be in and has already been a conversational piece. For the time being, it’s found a home. Later it may make a great headboard or sofa table. Who knows…

While you’re here, let me tell you about the plant below the piano panel. Piano panel plant. It’s an oak leaf ivy. And it’s is my favorite houseplant ever.

It’s my favorite because I’ve yet to kill it.

I don’t understand, I can start plants from seed and a grow a whole jungle of a garden outside, but indoors, not so much. But this plant, this plant is different.

I think it likes me.

It was purchased a whole ten months ago, and look, it’s still happy as can be. These tendrils and new growth are sprouting out all over.

It’s good to see something so green and vibrant in the middle of winter. Maybe I’ll go find another one of these so this one will have some company.

So tell me, have you repurposed anything lately? And is there a houseplant you can recommend to one not so skilled in that area?

Last September I had one of my first giveaways here on She Wears Many Hats. It was for one of these hand drawn nests. Since I’m already thinking of spring and warmer weather, I thought about giving away some more. And while I’d like to be able to give everyone one of these (my eyes just couldn’t take it!) 2 winners will be chosen.

Each drawing is an original – different from the next – drawn by hand in pen and ink. The drawing itself is fairly small, about 2×3.” While they’re certainly no masterpiece, I’ve enjoyed drawing them for family and friends and would love to send one your way. The number of eggs can represent the number of chicks (children) you have in your nest. They make a great gift for any mother, grandmother or anyone who likes birds nests.

Two (2) randomly selected winners will be chosen. Each drawing will be customized to the number of eggs requested. The drawings will be matted but not framed. (Keep in mind that a nest can only hold so many eggs. The maximum I’ve drawn so far are 7 eggs in a nest.)

To enter tell me how many eggs you’d like in your nest if you win and answer this question…

First thing come spring, what will you do to freshen up your nest?
Will you be painting a room? Choosing new drapes or pillows? Or is spring cleaning enough to get you all fluffed and ready for a new season?

I’m already thinking of ways to spruce things up around here. (Don’t tell my hubby though.)

Deadline for entering will be Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Midnight PST. Winners will be announced on Monday, January 25 as soon as I get around to posting it – I’ll hurry as fast as I can. Promise.

~ Don’t forget to tell me how many eggs you’d like in your nest.

Have a great day!