Way back in May of 2012 I shared with you a POST about the antique iron bed I found at a local thrift store for $45... It's been sooo long ago you may have forgotten! Not me! I've been dreaming about the day when this awesome vintage find would make it's way into one of my upstairs guest rooms and I'm happy to tell you today is the day.
The hold-up you ask?
A couple of things.
One...my guy was in school when I found the bed and since it was in need of a MAJOR repair it was put on the back burner. Simmered out-of-sight for a long, long time! After all...we've been super busy with a humongous kitchen remodel and that has honestly taken precedence over almost everything.
OK...so back the the repair. Someone out there in GoogleLand will one day stumble upon this post and be sooo happy to find a way to actually fix a broken iron bed. Repairs to broken iron bed brackets are very expensive and that is IF you can find someone to do it for you!
My Mr. AGPMan promised me he would get to the bed this summer and get to
it he did! Because one of the brackets on the foot-board (that held
the left bed rail in place) was broken off it would no longer support a
mattress. He racked his brain for a long time before coming up with the
idea of shoving a new metal rod up the legs of the bed and then drilling
into that to attach a new bracket. This by-passed the original bracket
and raised the bed up about 1".
Here's another picture/view of the repair (above)... You can see the new rail sits right above the old bracket that was snapped off. The new bracket bolts from the inside into the iron post of the bed so no bolts/screws show from the outside. The new rods that are inside the legs support the new bolts, etc.
Makes sense? Well...it didn't to me either...not until I actually saw it all repaired. Then I understood perfectly! The repair may seem simple, but it wasn't. Took hours upon hours to do and metal shavings were everywhere!
Because I wanted the intricate details of the bed to show up I decided to first paint it with a mix of golden umber, cream and black. Layered one after another allowing each color to dry about an hour. After letting the entire thing dry overnight I went back over everything with my favorite soft white paint. This allowed the darker colors to show thru just a bit so the entire bed looks aged and fabulous. Much safer than led-based-paint, too! It almost looks like it would have looked after years of use and most certainly BEFORE someone painted it bright a gold and green (the colors when I found it!). Finished it up with two tones of clear wax.
This guestroom will soon be transformed. I've grown very tired of all the clutter and stuff in this room and it's ready for a facelift. Since the room also doubles as my office I'm in there a lot. Just ready for something fresh, updated and...well...less complicated.
My plan is to use natural linens and cottons. I'd love to make a wispy tattered linen bed-skirt if I can find the fabric. Found one pre-made that I LOVED, but it was $400 and if you know me then you KNOW that ain't gonna happen!
And so now you know what's been taking so much of my focus. Love working on my own home and finishing half-completed projects. My guy is amazing!
Hope your day is wonderful.
Love to you...
12 comments:
I'm hoping to find a bed just like that for my bedroom....Not broken of course! I heard that vintage beds like that hold a mattress who's size is between a double and a queen. Did a double mattress fit in this one?
Carol
Two creative geniuses live at your house. Sweet bed and you did your "pretty job" business on it very nicely. Did I really read that you might give up blogging? I'm one that hopes that isn't true as I really love seeing things that you share. Now if I lived close enough for visits I most likely wouldn't mind. But as I melt in Colorado summer heat, I don't think I'll be moving in to be your next door neighbor. 'Cuz isn't is hotter where you live?! Take care and have a fabulous Labor Day weekend.♥♫
Beautiful design on this bed! I love how you painted it too. It's Blessings when us gals have a brilliant handyman! Have a wonderful holiday weekend~~~Roxie
Omg! Rebecca that is one magnificent make over, it's such a beautiful bed so glad you and your dear hubby were able to save her and give her a new life ;-)
Hugs~
Mari
You're right! you have an awesome AGP man! So glad the 2 of you were able to make this bed look awesome so it can be put back to it's original use. and, can't wait to see the new guest room/office after it's seen your magic! Love ya, Rebecca.
Hugs, Judy
With all these other projects, is the kitchen still getting worked on in between? You guys are going to work yourselves to exhaustion.
Don’t forget to take things easy now and then.
*Hugs*
LadyBug
I love how it turned out! Can't wait to see your room redone.
Blessings,
Amy Jo
Love what you did with the bed--the finish is amazing! Can't wait to see the guestroom/office when you get it done. Please do show :)
Your AGPman is worth his weight in gold! Excellent repair from him and fabulous makeover from you. What a result!
How the heck did I miss this post? Anyway-Your Mr is a very smart man. He did a great job and I like that the bed sits a little higher than normal. Hope you have a good Labor Day weekend and I am praying for you.
Can't wait to see the whole room redone- xo Diana
Your guy is amazing and YOU are amazing! I have followed you for YEARS, long before I knew of blogging..and before little gorgeous Grandchild was born..and have often just shook my head at all you can do! Sweet friend, you were cerainly not behind the door when talent was handed out! (NOT even to mention being able to sing and play a guitar!!)
Big hugs and my love to you, Rebecca. Thank you so much for all the times you have held out your hand to me.
Mona
Looks great, Rebecca.
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