My Antique Space at Curiosities Vintage Mall

A lot of you know that I have a love of antiques and vintage fashion. I have closed my Etsy shop to focus on my modern jewelry site Luxe Craving but have been craving to get back into my furniture refinishing! There is such a thrill from start to finish of any project. The thrill of finding that one amazing piece buried in boxes of junk at an estate sale, to the actual refinishing and breathing new life into something that has since been forgotten.

My co-worker Jon, had shared with me his friend was opening an Antique Mall called Curiosities. I have always wanted to have my own little vintage space and was thrilled to hear that I might actually have the opportunity to have a spot to display my finds! If you have never had the pleasure of shopping an antique mall, they are typically one large open space divided into smaller  individual dealer spaces. Each dealer has their own specialty and style so it's a great way to shop for that special one-of-a-kind piece because there is something for everyone!

For Spring, I wanted my space to have a softer, more delicate feel with a pink and pastel vignette. I can't wait to show you my Summer design, big plans!

Here are some of my photos from the grand opening!

Hope you enjoy.....

*All photos by JD of  Steele Photos

DIY Chair Reupholstering with Vintage Burlap

I purchased two lovely French Provincial chairs at auction a couple months ago.

 And when I say lovely......I wasn't seeing them for what they were but

  what these well loved pieces could be with a little revamping.

I know this style isn't for everyone, but I wanted to think outside the box with this one and

try something new!



AFTER



BEFORE



First, I started with what I thought would be the fun part, DEMO!

Turns out ripping the old materials from the chair was more work that I thought it was initially going to be.

The old fabric was faded and stained with Koolaid and who knows what........

Using pliers and a screwdriver to pop off the tacks, I was finally making headway after one hour!

I am a major weakling with hardly any arm strength, it was a total undertaking.

I primed then sprayed my chair with a high gloss blue.

The original cushioning was in great condition, so it was kept.

Plus it gave me a good guide for the French tufting, which I have never tried before.

Using cotton scraps as a liner, I then layered the vintage burlap atop and began the tufting BEFORE stapling down the material.

I thought it was awesome to reuse the pink satin brads for the tufts!

I was so excited I got "Baltimore" to line up perfectly on the front of the chair.

Dig the cute ruffle detail? I do :)

I trimmed the back of the chair with the seam of the burlap bag.

Talk about using all of your resources :)

I think this fun little accent piece would be perfect at a pretty vanity or even a fun desk chair.

Overall, this project wasn't difficult at all. It took a lot of time, but I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Any guesses on what color the other little chair will be?......

VIP Pickin

Yesterday, I got one of the most exciting phone calls a picker can get!

Let's start from the beginning......

A couple years ago I went to a local estate sale hosted by two lovely ladies in their 70's ( I mention this because they are the cutest little sassy cotton tops you've ever seen!) I found some wonderful pieces of vintage jewelry and tins. As I was checking out to pay for my new treasures, I asked if I could leave my name and number with them should they ever have vintage dresses and jewelry in their next sale. **I am sharing insider information with you right now** Leaving your contact info for estate sale services is a GREAT idea. Not only do they call me when they get the good stuff............but I now get to go what I like to call VIP Pickin'.

Yesterday, Shirley calls me to inform me they are hosting an estate sale this Thurs-Sat loaded with pristine vintage clothing! Being full-time, my heart was jumping with joy and also breaking at the same time. I had to figure out a way to shop the sale from the start so I wouldn't miss out on the super fabulous treasures!

So I called her back and simply asked if I could come after work and shop the sale early......

 My prayers were answered!!! Aaahhhh...lalalaaa
Let me just expand on how awesome this actually is. As much as I love estate sales, they are actually quite stressful. People are super pushy and grabby grabby. So being able to shop at my leisure and look first, is a dream.

I got home from work, grabbed my wingman (Charlie) some skilla $$ and I was off! I pulled up to a two-story 1920s home.

The first room I got to shop was loaded with racks and boxes of fun vintage dresses, coats, and super lovely nighties and slips. Everything was pristine. The dresses all had dry cleaning tags attached, and the pretty little slips looked to be brand new. I scored about 12 frilly nighties, 5 dresses and some other goodies.....

 After a one hour pick, here are some of my favorite finds!

Second Hand Decorating

After searching for the perfect pieces over the last year, I finally feel like our master bedroom is complete! As I was laying in bed last night, gazing at my "new" chandelier, I realized everything but our mattress and the curtains are major thrift scores.

A lot of people have the misconception that shopping thrift stores and yard sales must mean that you are poor and your home will reflect that. It couldn't be further from the truth!

Here is how I created my elegant little sanctuary like a thrifty pro.

This lovely piece is an early birthday gift to myself.

I've been searching for the perfect chandelier for quite some time now. We have standard height ceilings in our little home so I have to be sure and find one with a small drop.

I found her on Craigslist for only $25. It was soooooo dirty and covered in dust.  Probably hadn't been cleaned since the 1940's, but nothing a little Windex and paper towels can't clean up!

I have been packing around the filigree light halo for about 5 years,

waiting for the perfect opportunity to put it up.

I think it really makes a statement. Don't you?

Vintage bedspreads give a "bed & breakfast" feel with added ruffle bed skirt from Overstock.

The small cherry blossom oil painting on the left was a yard sale score. The elderly woman I purchased it from (only $15) said she got it an antique store back in the 40s. So who knows how old it is!?

The large one is a vintage print found at only $20

My amazing 1950s upholstered headboard has to be one of my most exciting finds this year! I got it at auction a few weeks ago. It's solid wood and has the most lovely filigree and gold leaf details.

Lamp, yard sale score $10

Side table, refurbished by me, $5