Friday, July 11, 2008

Antiques Roadshow Dropout

I walked in Goodwill with the hope of passing time, and walked out with this chair. The lines were OK, the price was $9.99, and the chair was super sturdy and solid wood. I liked it. I could picture it as a computer chair for the media center in the kitchen of the house we don't own (I'm lame). So as we proceeded with the transformation, I unscrewed the seat (or was it David that did that) and low and behold I discovered the secret identity. Stapled to the wood was a little tag that said: Drexel Heritage ca:1982. Sweet! There is not a single piece of Drexel Heritage furniture that I could afford today considering side chairs start at $500 (a piece). Granted, the ca:1982 wasn't doing anything for it's likability, but still, decent furniture.
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The paint and fabric were already purchased, but as I watched David paint the chair, I got a little nervous as my mind concocted a possible future scenario. (dream sequence music playing) Fast forward 150 years, my great, great (great?)nephew and his wife are standing in line at the Antiques Roadshow. The appraiser starts by saying he's excited to see this chair in such good shape. He tells them some mumbo jumbo about Drexel furniture being created in 1903 and joining Heritage in the 1950s and they've been making furniture since then. He folds his arms and says that a chair like this can sometimes get up to $6000 at auction, and the camera pans left to the faces of the nervous couple. They try (unsuccessfully) to look nonchalant and say something about how "interesting" it is, but they won't sell because this chair means something to them. Next, the appraiser says he notices that the chair has been painted, and recovered a few times by "amateurs". He goes on, unfortunately, with the changes, the chair's value is closer to, ummmm, $10. How much did you say your Great Aunt bought it for? The camera pans left again and the couple retain a smile but "crap, now we can't buy that Costco furniture" is written all over their faces.

I think I have an overactive imagination. But I like how my 1982 chair turned out.

Dusk: when we finally get to play outside

Summer bike maintenance

They make their own fun

16 comments:

Kellie said...

That's AWESOME! I love how it turned out!

Miss Sarah in Georgia said...

I agree with Kellie, and who cares if it is worth something some day? Today, it is beautiful and amazing, and you should love every minute of your hard work. Good job!

Tiff and Dave said...

Once again...very creative and an awesome result! I think I need to check out our goodwill. The problem is that I don't have the "vision" and creativity like you do! Once again...awesome pictures!

Stacy F said...

I love the chair!

Its been way too hot here also. Even in the morning. We tried to go outside at 9am a few days ago and almost died!!

Zach 'n' Jack said...

WOW it is incredible!!!!!!!!!!! You are amazing. I don't know anyone who can find such great steals in Goodwill like you - and seriously, I LOVE THE CHAIR! I would buy it off you for way more than $10 :-)

Nicole said...

that looks great! where do you find the time??? i've projects that i've been putting off for months... (i guess i should get off the computer and go do them, but blogging's more fun!)

Missy said...

Jaw dropped.

You are INCREDIBLE! How do you do that stuf? Can you please move to California and be my next door neighbor and give me all sorts of design tips and take me along to the Goodwill adventures with you?

Amy said...

You crack me up! It looks fantastic. You have such an eye :)

Will & Amy said...

You have quite the imagination! What is up, this is Amy Eckerson and I just have to say your kiddos are so stinkin adorable!! Good job on the bargain chair!

Court and Britt said...

I love it, that will look so great with all of your cute stuff

dixonfamily said...

You seriously have talent!! I am impressed!!

meg said...

That chair is awesome! Now I know who can come over and help me overhaul me old crap, I mean furniture. You should have kept your talents under the proverbial bushel!

And you're funny!

Bailey Family said...

Did you get the fabric from 1982 as well??? I think Cindy Lauper called and wants her skirt back (that skirt matched her leg warmers)

Just teasing you! I think it is funky, chic. Love you!

Jill Revell said...

Nice imagination! You crack me up. I love how the chair turned out - good job!

Lisa said...

Good find! I love how you seem so know SOMETHING about EVERYTHING! You are an all around kind of gal.

*K*R*I*S*T*Y* said...

Wow great post and as usual, another incredible transformation by Tara...3 weeks from friday(aug 9) we fly into houston, stay over night and then drive to Galveston to head off on our cruise!Hope you guys have a free moment so we can say hi!