Saturday, January 9, 2010

Farmhouse Dilemma


Look at what Hubs discovered
at the flea market!


This fabulous antique full-size walnut foot-board,
has lost its headboard, also pieces of its trim & its finials.
But the carving, oh my,
the carving is in gorgeous condition
&
to-die-for!

So, here's our dilemma!


This is a project that will be for sale when it is finished.
What should we do with this beauty?
Should we make it into a bench or daybed?
A wall hanging, or use as a headboard?
Should this be painted?
Yes? Then what color?
Paint would really make the carving POP!
We aren't afraid to paint an antique,
but then, should we attempt to restore it instead?
Try to find molding to match or have it made?
All possibilities,
but before we make a decision
we are seeking the ideas, thoughts & suggestions
from YOU, the loyal readers of
Continental Calliope and Funky Junk Interiors.

We value your opinions.
So, please, tell us what you think.
Give us your two cents worth or even three!

We are totally open to all suggestions.
We will begin the make-over after hearing from all of you.
We'll be sure to post the big reveal, before it goes up for sale.



We have linked up this important decision to
SNS #12 @ Funky Junk Interiors
Ok, tell us what you think!
We're waiting.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Farmhouse Track-Lighting

Hubs gave me a wonderful Christmas present this year.
His time, talents,
& some really cool junk we already had here on the property.

We had made a trip to the Bay area in November & cruised past a Pottery Barn store.
We were late for our BART train, & couldn't stop
but we did slow down & tried to suck all their window loveliness in, really fast.
Hubs said, "look at that ladder hanging there with the lanterns on it!"
My reply was "Oh-h-h, Merry Christmas to me"

We have been looking, dreaming of the perfect (for us)
chandelier, light fixture, for over our farmhouse dining table.
We both agreed that we loved the ladder idea.

When we got home that night Hubs made a trip to our barn
with its staggering, overwhelming stash of salvage.
We cannot pass up a cool piece of salvage,
WE. JUST. CAN"T.
Hubs came back from the barn
with his head full of ideas, a big grin & he started to sketch.
Before long, he had his ideas ready & he made a quick trip to Lowe's.
He had everything he needed except
some airline cable & electrical wire
.
While he wired, drilled and measured,
I applied a heavy coat of Libron Wax to the old ladder
The wax really popped the vintage patina and gave it a lovely glow.
A few hours later, I had THE BEST Christmas present ever!

Without further ado I give you what Hubs calls,
Farmhouse Track Lighting!





The ladder was a purchase from our favorite picker, Ken Reed, (our brother-in-law). He has a great eye & has found some of our favorite pieces of salvage.
The lanterns were an auction purchase
from McCoys Auction House in Sacramento.
We weren't sure sure where we would use these,
but we loved their chunky, large size
& the Craftsman style was a bonus.
They have resided in our barn for a couple of years,
waiting on Hubs inspiration.



I love my new track lighting a la Hubs style.
We are keeping the fresh greens through January,
then won't we have fun decorating the ladder with lots of other things
If you have any ideas, we'd love to have you comment!
~Thanks so much for visiting~


Now we are off to see all the amazing posts at the following parties.
Be sure & take a look-see too!
Saturday Nite Special @
Funky Junk Interiors
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day @ A Soft Place to Land
Get your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow
Made it Monday @ The Persimmon Perch
Trash to Treasure Tuesday @ Reinvented
2nd Time Around Tuesday @ A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words
Before & After Party @ Thrifty Decor Chick