Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Broken chairs and a broken leg?

Recently the lovely Rebecca and I attended a local auction. As the day wore on and undesirable items came up on the auction block we started to do what all girlfriends do, gab! At best we were barely paying attention, but our ears perked right up when we heard "4 antique chairs, over 150 years old". As the price kept coming down and nary was a raised paddle to be seen I decided to throw mine up, without so much as a glance to what they looked like. Obviously the price I raised my paddle at piqued the interest of other bidders and so the auction took off.... until the price was settled at double my initial bid. Yet the winning bidder was not to be found and when the auctioneer pointed my way I looked behind me, around on all sides but we were alone. I did a confused shoulder shrug, slightly raising my paddle in the process and, well, that's how I unexpectantly bought 4 antique chairs that I have no idea what to do with for twice what I thought they were worth.

And speaking of unexpected, yesterday Sean was being a typical boy and wrecked himself! He insisted on hitting the slopes just one last time before the snowboarding season ends and long story short my best employee ended up in the ER. Thankfully it isn't a break just a bad sprain, so I am hoping he will be back on his feet soon!


I will admit, they are pretty cool, but I can already see the time investment they will take!


They almost look as busted as Sean's leg!

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

In no time they will be gorgeous! I mean what else would they be, they got to come home with you...lucky chairs! <3 Donna

Cindy said...

i think they are fabulous, they will look great whited up. i think some fun laura gunn fabric would look awesome on them....

Anonymous said...

Those are beautiful chairs. The detail is worth the bucks you paid. Somebody is going to come along and simply love em.

When you have time Holly come visit I am a fellow Canadian!!!EH!
Melissa
I used to live in Red Deer to boot!

Living It At Home said...

Lovely old chairs. We found our 100 yr old chairs on ebay. Still haven't changed the fabric on them...white velvet. You can see them on my side bar, before and after for my dinning room.

Unknown said...

Lucky chairs! The little casters/wheels should make them worth the effort.

Kacey said...

Looks like a fun project. I'm sure you'll turn them into something amazing. How fabulous that they're 150 yrs old - love that history!

bargainblondie said...

Wow... They are so pretty! Plus they couldn't have gone to a better home. I am sure you will make the absolutely gorgeous in no time! :) Good luck
~Elisabeth

Kristine at The Painted Hive said...

I can understand your procrastination at having to restore them. I recently (actually months ago now) bought a 13 piece dining setting to make pretty. I have started though very slowly and just know it's gonns take forever. It will all be worth it in the end I'm sure.
Good luck.
Kristine
xxx

monique said...

wow i neeed to get myself to an auction, what unique chairs. can not wait to see what you do with them...i hope your hubby feels better!

Randi said...

Great chairs Holly, love the casters!! Get well soon Sean!

Linda @ Painted Whyte said...

I really look forward to seeing those chairs when they are done. They are in bad shape but most can be fixed and the rest gives it the character any shabby chic lover will love. I'm forsure going to have to get to an auction soon!

Anonymous said...

And that is why auctions scare the you know what out of me!

Little Lovables said...

and ps, sorry to hear about Sean! I hope he makes a swift recovery

Little Lovables said...

they are going to be awesome, the wood looks amazingly sturdy and detailed! I can imagine the fabric with a very light silvery paisley (like your wallpaper), or a soft silky stripe, like with soft green/creame/yellow/turquoise, with either a really dark stain or distressed white.

Gina said...

First, I hope Sean is okay! Secondly, are you kidding, those chairs are fabulous! Look at the detailing!! They are just asking for some grey/white paint :) Have fun finishing them!

awal.ny said...

I have seen what you have done in the past and I am sure these are going to turn out nothing short of beautiful. Have fun.

Leslie said...

I just love the headboard, exactly what Im looking to redo right now....

Decor I Adore said...

I'm sure you'll blow us all away with what you come up with.. You are very good at doing that :)

 
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