Wednesday, August 15, 2012

~VINTAGE ANTIQUE WHITE CHAIRS - A SHABBY COTTAGE MAKEOVER~

A few weeks ago my Mr. AGPMan found two of the neatest vintage fold-up chairs I've seen in a long time.  Snagged at a garage sale while on business in another state he loaded up the chairs and hauled them home.
 What a guy!

Just by looking at the chairs they were a little hard to date.  They definitely were handmade and when found were pretty dusty and dirty, too.  No doubt they'd been in a garage or storage shed for many, many years...probably decades.  They had never been painted or even sanded.  Only the metal folding hardware brackets gave a clue to their age.  From what we could find they were made sometime in the 1940's.  
How cool is that?

Originally they each had three holes in the center back that, in my opinion, were very distracting to the look of the chairs.  So, I had my guy attach four pieces of wood (one on each of the fronts and backs) and then painted them out in my favorite soft white paint.  Can't tell they aren't original!  Yeah!
I have several ideas for the chairs, but truthfully can't decide which way I want to go!
 I think the chairs would look awesome with hand painted florals across the front, center and maybe a wee little bit on the back...but then I'm not sure!
 
Equally they would look charming with something less limiting.  Maybe something French...like this chair from a couple months ago...
But then~some sweet roses like those painted on Miss Ginger's Fireplace Screen would look yummy, too!
What do you think???  I'd love to have some other opinions!  Both are destined for my booth space (although because they lay flat they CAN be shipped!) UNLESS I decide they are a must-have for my own front porch!  I hate selling stuff I love...

Today I'm linking up with Kathleen from
for

Hope you'll check out all the other fresh whites when you find time!

Thanks for stopping by...  It's already hump-day.  Can't believe it!

Love to you...


16 comments:

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

Definitely Roses!! As usual Beautiful...

Blessings,
Amy Jo

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

That's tough since both are so beautiful, Rebecca! The seats are definitely calling out for something and the backs look like they have just enough room to add something, too. Sorry I'm no help, but I don't think you'll go wrong with whichever you choose!

LindaSonia said...

I agree - definitely roses!!! Sigh, wish I lived nearby....Double Sigh...

Marilyn said...

Front porch chairs!!! Sarah has some wooden chairs on her's and they just look cute. If you have them stay with you-go FRENCH. If not, roses. No help from me!♥♫

Anne said...

Rebecca,
WOW cool chairs! I cannot decide.What ever you do I know it will look beautiful with your creative touch!
xx
Anne

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Rebecca,
Oh my , I love these chairs and they are even better since they were hand made. Good shopping Mr. GPAMan!
I can see roses for sure and pretty seat cushions. I would keep them....but than I want to keep everything LOL..
Sending you big hugs, Elizabeth

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Rebecca,

Don't ask me as my reply will be: ROSES.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Theresa said...

Anything you do with them will be gorgeous:). Have a blessed evening. Hugs

White Lace and Promises said...

The French stuff is the going thing here but I sure do love the roses. Shabby Chic is my favorite. I simply love them like they are-distressed is my favorite!

Tanza said...

Hello my Sweet ~r~,
YeS !! I AM ALIVE !! Hahahaha .... Had to catch up with ALL your POSTS !! Better then any nmagazine .. I must say !! BEAUTIFUL chairs !! LOVe .. LOVE .. LOVE .. them and you Mr. AGP man .. LOVE him too !! What an eye for lovliness !! OKAY, hands down ROSES !! And REALLY, tell me how much for both ?! Want these, NEED these, WILL use these, and every time my bum is upon them, I WILL be thinking of YoU !! Okie Dokie !! Send me a note and if already spoken for, let me down EASY !! hahaha ...

Love you to pieces girly !! Miss you EvEn more !! Let's chat .. send me a note about details !! Wouldn't shipping just send me over the edge !! Yikers .. Might be cheaper to have the Mr. bring them to TeA !! (maybe, just maybe) in between classes and all !! Hahaha .. Really lmk ...

Love and hugs to you two beautiful friends of mine !!

Huggers ~TeA~ xo

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I like both ideas, I guess I would choose according to what sells better in your booth, how have the the gorgeous flowered pieces been selling compared to the French items. Some times I get bored and would like to switch from whites and pinks....Like go crazy with some thing red in my booth, but I have done that before and they won't sell...So it is all about what sells in retail!

Carol

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Oh, those chairs are so cute. I love the French designs but then again, I adore your roses! They are so shabby chic that either would be perfect. Hope you're having a splendid week.

Blessings,
Sandi

Shabby chic Sandy said...

I think they are screaming for roses!

NanaDiana said...

Oh- I would have a hard time selling those, Rebecca- They are just darling!!! xo Diana

NanaDiana said...

Oooops-forgot to add- I would go for the roses...only YOU can do roses like that-other people CAN stencil- xo Diana

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Roses would be great. I love these chairs. Beautiful blog. :) New follower.

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