8.24.2010

Yard Sale Gardner Rocking Chair - Before & After

We found this rocking chair at a yard sale. It was the first piece I noticed as we pulled up. I loved the spindled details and the dark wood. It was in great shape and not a bit wobbly.
Before
It is an interesting size and our little girl immediately thought this was her chair. She referred to it as her chair and whenever she heard us mention the word "sell" she was quick to let us know that this one was hers. It was not for sale.
After
I love rocking chairs. And just like I think every room in the house should have a clock I think just about every room needs a wooden rocking chair. I think they are endearing and hold a lot of character and stories. Maybe it is because we rock our babies in them to calm and soothe them. They tend to pacify and add comfort.
At one point our little one walked out while Mike was painting the chair. She squealed in delight, "Dad, you are painting my chair. It is beautiful." This particular chair has so many details in all the spindles going up the back, on the sides, and on the legs.
And there you have it. It has found its home next to our fire place. It is not going anywhere. It is funny how that happens. I get asked all of the time - is it hard to let your pieces go? Most of the time I am fine with it. And mostly because we just don't have the space to keep it. But occasionally I am surprised with what ends up staying. And it is merely because once it has been completed it screams at me . . . let me stay! You can catch a glimpse of two of these here. The black hutch and the coffee table. I had no intention of keeping either of those but there is just no way they are leaving. They belong with us sitting next to this little couch with a funny story. I will share more later.


Up next is a black hutch that is available for purchase!



I linked to:
southern hospitality

16 comments:

Rebecca@This Present Life said...

I love how the rocking chair turned out. I am also drawn to old, wooden rocking chairs. Like you said, I just think they hold some sentimental value that is so endearing. And I'm glad your daughter gets to keep "her" chair!

NanaDiana said...

Hi Melanie! I love rockers too. I have two on my front porch; an adult one & for the children. I love the white transformation of this piece that you did...and I am loving the black coffee table and hutch too. Some things just scream KEEP ME, don't they? Other things that you know you SHOULD keep don't have that same appeal.

I also own my father's old bent plied wood chair. I guess not many of them survived but this one is in excellent condition. I just gave it to my son and daughter-in-law for their new/old home. I am its "keeper" until they are ready for it. That would have made my father happy-to know that his grandson inherited it. Diana

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

great chair! I love the slight distressing! it looks fabulous!
gail

Candy said...

this hutch turned out beautiful!

Anne Lorys said...

A ha, it DID turn out to be her chair after all!

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Anne

Cassie Bustamante said...

it is so cute! i am glad your daughter claimed it- it's a perfect size that will grow at least a little with her! i for one do not like painting rockers to be honest. i just did two orders for rocking chairs, and hope no more orders like that come by way! ;) well, i will always welcome orders, but i would prefer that they aren't chairs or rocking chairs!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Glad your daughter got to keep the rocker and it can now be hers. I love to rock. It is so soothing. I rocked both of my girls when they were babies and loved every minute of it. Hope you are having a great week. Love & blessings from NC!

kathie said...

The rocker is beautiful, and it looks like it's always been there :) Perfection!

michelle said...

A beautiful little rocker! Your daughter has great taste! it reminds me of the rocker that we had growing that my mom would rock us in. I actually used it to rock my kids in. I think it is in our basement now, not sure. Might have to go take a look!!

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

That sweet rocker got a very well deserved makeover and now looks totally fab...good for you!!!

Rebecca said...

Great transformation-doesn't it make you feel good when you've saved something and made it look all new again!

LeAnne said...

Please follow my newly created blog - first time home builder documenting the journey! Love your blog - thanks :)

http://booherhillhome.blogspot.com/

Leslie said...

I love rocking chairs too! And this one would look great in my house. In fact, I would love to take a picture of my B's in it.

Virginia said...

I love how the rocking chair turned out…Great job!
Blessings,
Virginia

Karie said...

Love the rocking chair. And what a sweet story about it. I love rocking chairs also, and I would have them all over my house if I could. They are so endearing. The things you do are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

What a cute little rocker! Great job!

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