She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Trash to Treasure ~ Thrift Store Chairs

I have been marveling at how many of you take ordinary thrift store objects and turn them into marvelous prim treasures ~ things that I wouldn't have even given a second look during my treasure hunts.

So I decided to try to look with different eyes on my next visit to my favorite thrift. And I came upon these peach chairs for $10 each. Yes, I said peach. Now I'm sure they were just lovely in someone's home however peach doesn't quite fit my decor. But we needed some chairs so that we could all sit on the front porch (at the same time) and also have extra seats that could be moved indoors when friends and family come to visit.



Well when I spied these two "beauties", I really did think they were perfect. I love the shape and how the arms wrap around the seat. They're constructed of very heavy wood and appear quite old with metal support rods and plates. And they feel so nice when you sit down in them ~ like you're being hugged.

So I had Walmart mix up a nice charcoal paint and I went to work on my first painted project. I'm so pleased with how they turned out. Though I would like to prim them up a bit, I haven't the courage to use the sand paper yet. I'm afraid the peach paint would show through too much and spoil them. What do you think?



We have a really long front porch and so I put together a little game area using an old crock as the table. Not 10 minutes after those chairs were good & dry my boys were reclining and playing a game of Chinese checkers. What fun!





While I was out there, I took photos the rest of the porch. It really needs lots of flowers in containers but that was a project that I didn't get to this year. I hope next year it is blooming, colorful and fragrant as well.



The old pot-bellied coal stove was a flea market find that Jeffrey got me for my birthday. I was born in coal country and love this reminder of my Appalachian roots. The man who owns the market has his own old-fashioned blacksmithing shop so he shared a bucket of coal with me as well.



The swing and rocking chairs were a gift from my dad & mom. That swing has brought us hours and hours of pleasures. It is my very favorite place to be. It is so soothing and even Colton will sit with me for hours as long as the swing doesn't stop gently rocking. In autumn, we do our some of our school on the front porch surrounded by God's creation. It is such a joy.

Thanks girls for the inspiration! I have already found a wooden trencher bowl for $1 that I just know will be perfect with a little of my leftover paint!

Be blessed,
Lea

63 comments:

Nancy Jo said...

Lea,
Wow those chairs came out great didn't they?? I love them. Your whole porch looks perfect. I wish I could come over. Really good deal and paint job on those new chairs.
NANCY JO

The Stricklands said...

What a wonderful bargain you found! I love old chairs so much that Randy actually had a "no more chairs" ban in effect for a while
:0) Your porch is beautiful! I don't think I would ever get anything done in my house if I had such a lovely place to sit. And it looks even better with your handsome boys sitting there!

Deb said...

Lea! they turned out lovely! I would leave them as is, although I don't think it would matter much if the peach paint showed through. I love the swing and rockers. The pot belli stove just tops it off. See thats the kind of things I would have liked to have when I had my country den. Great Job! Deb

Wendy/TheCozyYellowHouse said...

I love your chairs Lea they came out beautiful! I love the shape of them as well! Your porch is so homey and inviting...I'll be over for some lemonade sitting on your porch swing!! Have a great day!!~Wendy

Expedition Escapes said...

Love the chairs and what you did to change them. Way to look outside the box. Your porch looks so nice, I wish that the weather up here we could be outside more sitting--but at 51 degrees and rain, we stay insideLOL

Anonymous said...

lea, they turned out great!! I love them:) is'nt it fun & addicting to do. I lovedoing that stuff. have agreat day:)

KKJD1 said...

Well I think you did a great job. They sure look better painted the color you painted them than that peach. Yuck. I think I would have kept right on going. I need to look at things in different eyes myself sometimes. They seem to go perfect on the porch looks like theyv'e been there all along. Blessings, Karen

Wilma said...

That looks so inviting. I would love to be there sitting with you all and reminiscing about old times. You have such a beautiful place. I'm envious of your talents and decorating of your home.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Oh, I do love those chairs Lea! What a bargin you got and they turned out so nicely too. What a wonderful porch you have to sit on and yes, I love chairs too! Great job!!!
*Rondell*

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Lea,

I'll be over this afternoon to sit on that lovely porch with you! I can't be too far from you if you're in West Tennessee! :)

Those chairs turned out great! Doesn't it make you feel good to take something not so pretty and make it beautiful? I love the way they look! If you do decide to prim them up a little and sand them, you could always rub some stain over the peach part and it would probably chain the color to a nice wood look showing through.

Oh, and I'll bring the lemonade when I come...and a lemon cake! :)

Tammy

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Oh, and I forgot to say I LOVE your whole porch! Very welcoming...it has family written all over it! :)

Tammy

Anonymous said...

What a great looking porch and chairs too...love the swing & rockers, what a place to hang out. Lucky you :)

Carrie said...

LOVE It!!!! Oh I'm going to have to go scouring thrift stores now! You have inspired me!! Those are really beautiful chairs!! Great job!! I never would have guessed that was your first project! Now I want a first project!!

KATHY OF SWEETHOME GARDENS said...

Lea,
Isn't it exciting to find great deals ...the chairs look great and I don't think it would look bad for the peach to show through...adds character:)
The boys look as if they are enjoying them.

I agree with the others your porch looks inviting.
Have a great day and enjoy those chairs!
Kathy

Kindra-At Home With K said...

I would sure like a porch like yours! Wow!! Your trash to treasure chairs turned out great! I see some fun times in that game spot! I'm glad you were inspired to get some paint out and transform!! Can't wait to see the bowl!

Primitives By The Light of The Moon said...

What a warm inviting porch. You have inspired me to look for some old chairs for our porch. The pot belli stove is awesome and adds just the perfect touch.
What a wonderful place to enjoy with your family and friends.
:O)Ginger

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

See--you have previously untapped talents1 I think they are super. A little sanding would be nice. If you have paint left over, maybe you could sand them and repaint if you don't think it.Just a thought....I adore the swing. Ours is not so comfy as yours looks but we love it anyway. Your porch is wonderful-so big.

Julie said...

Love your chairs and porch. I'm sure many wonderful memories are made right there. I would love a porch like that... Have a great day. Julie

Colleen/And Baby Makes Five said...

Wow! What a gorgeous transformation! I love how your chairs turned out. And your porch looks SO inviting. Enjoy it!

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

Oh, those chairs are AWESOME! They had great bones to begin with and getting them for $10.00 was a wonderful deal! The paint job you gave them really enhanced their beauty! Good for you!
They look great on your porch. In fact the entire porch looks great to me!

Elise said...

Wow, I love your chairs!! You did a great job.
And am I ever lovin' your porch!!
Elise
Do you mind if I add you to my favorites??

Chanda said...

I think you know have the treasure hunter's bug. It's a hard one to shake too. Beware. YOur chairs look really great. You did a fine job. I think, just use them and let those boy's be boy's and they'll "prim" up all on their own in due time. Trust me with two boy's, I know.

Toby Parsons said...

Oh Lea! What a find! I love them. I wouldn't prim them, I think they look 'wonderful' as is!!! :)

Your porch is so beautiful. It reminds me of the house that my oldest daughter designed for us years ago. I have always said that if we ever build, it will be that house. The front and back porches run the entire length of the house and your porch is the visual of what I imagine mine would much look like!

Too many years have gone by, so I don't think we will ever build now. I'm glad you did and that you are enjoying it (and your beautiful porch) so much!!! :)

2 Much Farm Primitives said...

Oh Lea....I just LOVE these. And I adore your porch. You know how I am about porches ;)

CathyJean said...

Lea,
I love how your chairs turned out! and I love your porch ~ so comfortable looking ~ I'd be out there too! :)

A Hint of Home said...

Love the chairs painted. They look so nice on the porch. A great place to gather for family time.

Anonymous said...

Your chairs look amazing! Also, I absolutely love your porch! Your home is so lovely and peaceful. Um...can I come live with you?

Just kidding...maybe.

Katy said...

The chairs turned out FANTASTIC!!!! Gosh...I need to find some new thrift places...LOL!!! I love them! Great job! :)

Kay-The Rustic Cottage said...

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one with a chair addiction!! They turned out great and look like they were made for your front porch!!

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Lea, your chairs turned out amazing! I love black furniture, although I don't own anything black.

Thank you for stopping by to visit me...I appreciate it!

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

LOVE those chairs, Lea! Ya did great! The best picture there, though, was the boys hard at work trying them out!

It's amazing what a little paint will do!!!! It just finished off your porch perfectly! Another job well done!

Cora

Memphis Mimi said...

your front porch is just beautiful Lea.

Blogger said...

You made them there chairs happy :)

Nice to meet you:)

Bella

Toni said...

The chairs look so nice Lea!!Just noticed that you said you were born in coal country.We live in an area of
pa that is also known for coal.Wonder if your hometown is nearby?
Your porch looks so nice!Thanks for sharing!!God Bless,Toni

Dawn said...

Thrift stores and antique stores are the greatest!
I haven't been to any so far since moving but in time I plan to visit a few.
Once we get our final shipment of household goods I have all kinds of stuff I want to donate and then maybe look around and see if I can find something maybe for the outside.

Several of the ladies commented that they are going to go over to your place and enjoy your beautiful porch. I think I will have to join them. Better get more chairs :-)

The hubby and I were at Lowe's the other day and we just adored these to rocking chairs. I think they were $88 a piece and I have always wanted one for the inside of the house but it was just great, me and the Hubby rocking side by side without a care in the world. Too bad we had to go in the store though afterwards. :-)

Just leave the chairs the way they are. They look great!

Oooo come fall you can use those chairs and put a scarecrow and some pumpkins or hay around the porch and make it look more festive.

Well I am just rambling now...sorry...lol.

God Bless,
Dawn

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hello Sweet Lea!

LOL! I actually love the peach/pink chairs!!!! But I am putting more black into my home! They are great chairs and the black looks good! I LOVE your cozy front porch Lea! Perfect for a summer evening!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Raggedy Angel said...

You did a wonderful job....they were meant to be on your porch!
Beth

Ann said...

Those chairs are perfect. What a lucky find. I wish I could sit on your porch it looks so inviting. I am ashamed of my porch, the cats have taken it over.

PianoPlayer said...

I also love your porch. But my favorite thing there has to be the swing. When I was a child - MANY years ago - I loved visiting my great-grandmother and sitting with her in her porch swing. I can still hear it creaking as she moved it gently, her feet barely touching the porch floor. She was a very small woman. The family's name for her was Bigmama. Had nothing to do with her physical size, but the size of her heart.
I have a front porch, uncovered, where I enjoy my morning coffee and Bible time (sometimes just meditation time) with our two cats and very large dog, and loving hubby. Someday I hope for a cover and my own porch swing to share with my grandchildren.

Anonymous said...

Hello :O)
I wanted to stop by and thank you for keeping my son in prayer<><
I will be back to read your blog:O)
blessins'
Shayne Louree

Wilma said...

Hi
Can you send me the site to get to pioneer woman I lost my receipe for those cinnamon rolls and we are having a breakfast retirment party for a co-worker.
Thanks for the wonderful comments and the birthday wishes. And technically you are still safe on the birthday thing lol.

wilma

Paula said...

The chairs turned out so pretty, Lea! Looks like they're already being put to good use!

Anonymous said...

Lea, everything looks so beautiful!

The chairs turned out fantastic - you did a wonderful job and what a great addition to your porch!

I'm so glad that you are enjoying your swing. I have a funny story about mine. I dreamed of having one for the front porch from the time we decided to buy our house. Jeff bought me one for our 24th anniversary and I was so thrilled. When it was installed, the chains were too short, so it was hanging rather high, until we could get some longer chains. I couldn't stand to wait, so I climbed up on a stool and sat down on the swing. Almost immediately one side fell and I fell with it and hit my head on the stone wall of the house. Apparently the screw on one side was not all the way into the stud, but was just along the edge of it. Well, it was fixed (and lowered) and is nice and sturdy now - but I am still really afraid everytime I sit on it! I keep hoping that the fear will wear off and I will be able to enjoy it the way I've always dreamed of, but so far, I am very tense when I swing! Such irony, I know!

I love the idea of schooling outdoors surrounded by God's beautiful world. We try to spend as much time as we can outdoors, when the temperatures cool off in the Fall.

Loved your post! Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
Nancy

Sherry's Cabin said...

Lea,
Your porch is beautiful, and the chairs turned out wonderfully! Boy, it sure makes me feel the need to go clean the spiderwebs off our porch!! A trencher bowl for a $1?????? I'm coming with you!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

I love them just the way they are, as I too would be afaird the peach would peek through, what a wonderful find! And your porch is lovely too, what a peaceful place to relax and watch the world go by! Your goodies are going out tomorrow! Hugs!!

Patty H. said...

Those chairs look great. Love your porch.
Blessings
Patty H.

hobbygirl1991 said...

Good day Lea, I still love your site and wanted to let you know I am having my first giveaway. A ceramics piece I did last year that won 3plc at the Spaulding County fair. Check it out.
Blessings
Donna

Debra said...

Hi Lea,
The chairs are truly wonderful. I think you're right about not sanding them.
What a beautiful porch, too.
Debra

Picket said...

Great buy on those chairs...the minute I saw them I thought wow...they would be gorgeous painted black! They turned out fantastic and I love your porch...I am a huge porch fan..even if I lived in a tent it would have to have a porch! lol Hope you are having a great day!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Lea that porch looks so inviting. I grew up in a home with a porch like that and I so want one here. It looks like the perfect place for family and friends to relax and just be. Perfect!

Anonymous said...

50 comments? wow, Lea, you are getting popular! and I think the chairs are perfect just the way they are....they'll get worn in time...I envy your porch, always wanted one..we don't have many flowers on our patio either, its just too hot right now..can't wait until fall!

Toby Parsons said...

That was 'so' sweet of you to offer the books to Brooke. She isn't here right now for me to ask, but I do know that she read the Courtship of Sarah McLean and Waiting for Her Isaac a year or more ago. She LOVED them!!! :) She has some calligraphy books already. She may already own the one you are referring to. Also, I
don't know ifshe wants or needs anymore calligraphy books. I have never heard of the Castleberry Farms books, but she may have. She will be home tomorrow (We typically don't do the spend the night thing, but she is overnighting with a family that is good friends of ours tonight) and I'll ask her. She might very well be interested in the latter. She is our voracious reader you know. :) But, on the other hand, her studies will be taking so much more time this next few years, that she may not have too much time for fiction either?

Now that I've rambled, I'll be sure to get back to you with some concrete answers. :)

Juri said...

I am so jealous of your porch...I have been begging my husband to build one for me for the past ten years....your porch is absolutely lovely! I want to come sit on one of those chairs and pass the time with you!! It all looks so welcoming!

Juri

Mary L. Briggs said...

What a great deal! Those chairs are such a nice shape and do look very comfortable. I think the charcoal paint was perfect for them. Looking at the pictures of your porch makes me anxious for ours to be completed! It is just a little too hot to work on it much, right now.

I love the fact that you do some of your schooling out there in the fall. I miss homeschooling!

R~Mary

Justina said...

Love the T2T chairs! See you have it in you- you have to look PAST the paint! Love em! I can't leave ANYTHING alone.

Toby Parsons said...

Oh brother Lea, you are probably thinking I'm such a goof. I misunderstood; Castleberry Farms is the publisher of Sarah McLean & Waiting for Her Isaac! Brooke thinks your boys should 'attempt' reading them. :) She said that someday they will have daughters and will have to read these types of things along with the likes of Anne of Green Gables out loud to them. To think of this as 'practice' for the future. :) Also, she knows young men who have had to read Anne of Green Gables out loud to their younger siblings and have, in fact, lived through the experience! :) Because your oldest son doesn't have a little sister to read to, Brooke is advising (LOL)that your sons bond in brotherly fellowship while sitting in your new porch chairs, reading Elsie Dinsmoore, courtship stories, and Anne of Green Gables.

Brooke 'is' interested in your calligraphy book.

Let us know how much money you are asking for it and the shipping.

Thanks so much Lea!!!

Northwest Dweller... said...

Hi Lea!

I just thought that I would let you know that "Part Two" of my trip to TN is up!
Thank you so much for the calligraphy book!! It will be so fun to delve through it! Have a jolly day!

~Brooke

Anonymous said...

Lea, you just have the best thrift store where you are at. I would never find your great finds at our thrift stores. The antique dealers get them before us poor folk. *smile* By the way you did a great job!! Love the white kettle also. Need some more of them to dye my wool in. *wink*

Anonymous said...

I love your porch! We don't have one, but we have a back patio. It's so hot in Texas right now that we aren't enjoying it much, but I hope to put a roof over it next year with ceiling fans and maybe a mister!!! We are settling in with Aiden and love having him. Emma is such a good mother to him. Thanks for your words of encouragement.
Your blog friend,
Kathy

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

I just love the chairs! You did a great job! I love your porch. I could just stay out there forever! blessings, Kathleen

~~Deby said...

LOVE those chairs..they were a bargain for sure...having a giveaway ALL week..on my blog..
~~Deby

Renna said...

You did a great job on those chairs, Lea, and you got a fantastic buy on them, too!

Your porch is my dream porch!

naomisnotions said...

Those chairs are great!!!! I also love the quilts on the porch!!! So homey looking!!!

(((hugs)))
Naomi