This Paper for This Table

I've painted my yard sale find with leftover Farrow & Ball Shaded White but am thinking about using this Renato Crepaldi french curled marbled paper from PaperMojo.com to cover the top and lower two shelves. The idea for doing this came after reading this post on designer Capelloe Kincheloe's blog. However, because patience is not one of my virtues, I've already bought the paper without ordering a sample. It's beautiful but it's a bit darker than it appeared on my computer screen. My daughter liked it though and thinks it will work in my bedroom so I'll go ahead with it this weekend. Wish me luck! Oh, and any advice for attaching paper to wood and applying polyurethane is welcome.

Yard Sale Buys & the Price $ Thing

I've been on a recent lucky streak with yard sale finds. Here's a Trumeau style mirror purchased at Arlington's Civitan Community yard sale for $40 (it's the same place where Jenny of Little Green Notebook sold her truckload of amazing stuff).

When I saw the mirror, two women were eyeing it and the seller said it was $40. They walked away and when I approached and asked the price, she replied $50. Well, since I had heard her original price of $40 I offered that - which she relunctantly accepted. Still not sure why it was $40 for one person but $50 for me...? (p.s. the other women were dressed better than me)

It's very-very gold and I plan to tone down parts of it w/some grayish paint. As you can see I'm currently moving things around in my dining room/library. I'm thinking the acanthus leaf sconces will stay although I need a way to better deal with the cord. The concrete antique french trough is is from Flat Earth Designs and it's on my to-do list to plant something in it!
Saturday we stopped by a family-run estate sale and bought this dresser for $30. It's a Henredon piece and the drawers work beautifully - I'd already removed some of the hardware when I took this pic. I thought $30 was a very good price and the seller seemed happy that I simply said, "Yes, I'll take it."
Then I asked how much for this great end table. The very nice woman said $5 and as soon as she said it, I could see she was a bit disappointed with herself. So I asked her to let me pay $10 for it. I really felt $5 was too cheap, wasn't a fair exchange at that price and would have left me feeling guilty. **I hope this story doesn't come across as self-serving. Feeling guilty sometimes make me do the right thing. Plus, she was a really nice person. If she hadn't been, maybe I would have just paid $5.

So 3 situations: (1) one the price was higher for me than somebody else and I offered the lower price, (2) price was good for buyer and seller and (3) price was too low and I would have felt a bit cheap and guilty for paying the lower price.

Has this kind of thing ever happened to you?

p.s. - In a burst of unusual productivity, I've already clean, sanded and primed the furniture. Please send me emails if I haven't posted the results by Friday. I get more done with people looking over my shoulder!

Zinc-Topped Tables & More: Warehouse Finds in Atlanta

The last few years a business trip hasn't been complete without time away for something design related. Last week's behind-the-scenes visits in Atlanta are all thanks to Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs (you may remember him from the post It's not leather, It's concrete!) who was very generous with his time and gave me a tour of some great design sources, including his own warehouse. First up is furniture designer Dave Lennard, whose warehouse is located right next to Richard's. Dave handcrafts large scale zinc-topped tables that are beautiful in both finish and proportion. Many of his designs have that sought after Belgian aesthetic. I also happen to be swooning over those chairs too!
This table with the rivets has more of an industrial edge to it.
Particularly love the patina of the zinc on this table. In addition to furniture, Dave carries industrial antiques and unique accessories. Good news is that his work is available to both the public and the trade. More info here.
A number of artists share the space with Dave and I couldn't help but notice this secretary desk in-progress.
Next up was a visit to the shared warehouse of four talented and friendly women - Margaret Bostick of The Silk Purse, Inc., Lisa Burnett of Inner Pieces, and Glenis Rose and Marlene Buckalew of Birts & Grits. Their gorgeous finds from trips to France and Belgium are available to-the-trade and to the public via Scott Antique Markets (North Bldg., A-6, #162-165). They had just come back from a successful weekend at Scott's and their warehouse was still full of unique things - I can only imagine the before-Scott's version.
Beautiful urn. Why can't carry-on suitcases be larger?!

Gorgeous marble topped tables that would look smart with many different decors.

Thought this was quite creative - boxwood balls resting on iron scrolls.


I love these two metal containers to the left.

Just before leaving I noticed these three oil paintings and fell in love with the two on the ends. Margaret had mentioned she found these in Ghent, Belgium; part of an original set of 11 by an amateur painter. I love the quality of the light and have found the perfect place for them in my house.
A bit more - here's a look at Richard's work in the raw, pre-staining stage. His pieces are made with the more expensive and higher quality white concrete (as opposed to gray). Below is a finished Watts Pot - amazing difference; although the unfinished white pieces have their own appeal too.
I meant to take more pictures of his warehouse as I found the whole place fascinating & so much larger than I imagined it. There's different sections devoted to creating rubber molds, casting pieces, and experimenting with new designs. Plus, on one wall of large scale shelves there's a huge collection of design magazines - any blogger's dream!

Sources:
Dave Lennard 941. 232. 2925, Margaret Bostick, The Silk Purse, Inc. 404. 431. 5422, Lisa Burnett, 404. 808. 7135, Brits & Grits, Glenis Rose 678. 656. 5973 and Marlene Buckalew 770. 815. 2696., Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs (to-the-trade and at Round Top)

Flea Market Finds & Tips with Eddie Ross

Go on a flea market tour with Eddie Ross and you'll never see things the same way. Case in point: we got there early before the tour started and I didn't "see" much. Actually felt a bit disappointed. Then started the 2 hour tour with Eddie and realized all the hidden treasures and deals that were there. (plus had a lot of fun!)

Eddie and Jaithan scope out the flea market ahead of time in order to bring to life all his ideas and tips. Here we are at one dealer's booth where Eddie spotted these mauve velvet slipper chairs. To transform this $450 pair, Eddie suggested:
- Remove the skirt and the button tufting
- Reupholster in linen. Consider making your own custom striping with 2 colors of linen, broad stripes on either side.
- Add polished nickel casters to the legs. That suggestion was unexpected and I think really takes those chairs to a very high end.

In addition to tips on what to look for in terms of markings on china and silver, Eddie gave helpful advice on how to spruce up and care for your purchases. Eddie recommends:

- Gorham silver polish. Remember not to polish out all the patina in the relief.

- Don't put silver and stainless steel into the dishwasher at the same time. It will damage the silver.

- A small dab of Lestoil can work wonders on stubborn stains. Just don't use too much as the smell is strong.

- For painting furniture, use Zinsser primer to block out all stains.

Eddie also differentiated between options for higher end items versus lower end items. For example, for these high quality vintage broaches he suggests shadow box framing them for a custom piece of art. A few stalls later we came across bags and bags of lower end vintage jewelry - those can broken apart and used for magnets and decorative accents. Other great ideas:

- If you love a "onesie" buy it! Eddie recently fell in love with one glass and bought it. A few weeks later he found 5 more in the same pattern.

- Upgrade common mats you may find vintage artwork or prints in with linen and spray adhesive.

- Always look at the vintage clothing booths for great fabrics that can be used to make a one-of-a-kind pillow or for upholstery. A plaid wool or tweed coat can transform an accent chair. A brocade top becomes an awesome pillow.

Here's Meg of Pigtown Design and Jennifer Sergent of Washington Spaces checking out feedback sacks. Jennifer scored 3 great ones for only $10 total!

I love vintage linens and was thrilled to go back after the tour and find the $40 London Map linen table cloth Eddie had showed us there still available. Eddie's suggestion - find a way to keep this treasure in view. For example it could be used as wall decor in a child's bedroom or playroom.
The detail is great. How cute is that - You Are Here - The Westbury!


Green linen napkins, $1 a piece, 6 blue napkins w/a Made in Belgium label $15, 6 monogrammed yellow napkins $15. Keep in mind Eddie's advice - don't worry if they're not your initials.
I'm very excited about these 2 tablecloths. The one to the left is cotton with a raised white design $15 and the Fantasia permanent press golden yellow and gray one was $15. (All these linens came from the nicest dealer, Debra Morman of Back In Time Antiques. You can find her beautifully laundered and pressed linens at Old Town Manassas Antiques (703.361.4510) andTwo Guys Antiques (703.221.9669).
I've got plans to set a table using both of these and the gorgeous Paris Gray Creative Candles that Eddie and Jaithan gave me. It was a really fun day at the D.C. Big Flea!!