Wicker repair- not a bad project to attempt!

I took in a 1930s era wicker Heywood Wakefield/Lloyd Loom rocking chair a while ago.  It needed some repairs and new seat upholstery.  When I bought the cane for the rocking chair, I picked up some reed to do that repair as well.  The original wicker is not even wood!  It is twisted paper.  Crazy!  I set up shop while I was binging on Netflix and started to recreate the weave in the broken area.  It was not a bad job at all.  The reed needed to be wet to be pliable so I just soaked small pieces in a bowl of water while I was working.  My next step was to blend this repair in with the original aged painted finish.  I hit AC MOORE and picked up some acrylic Liquitex.....sadly, I have somewhere in my house but it was from college so who knows if it is even still good.  So I picked up the 2 colors I figured I'd be blending to get to the color match.  Low an behold, I did great!  I mixed the base color and then added some orangey splashes over top.  It came out great!  I will be spraying the entire chair with a clear coat as well, to seal that in. 

Before the repair, after the weaving and finally with the paint applied.

The repair is on the right arm.  Can't even tell!  <3  I choose not to repaint  the chair.  Shabby is in and so many folks faux finish things, here is the real deal aged finish!  Drab orange with deep red accents.

My next task was to rip apart the old upholstery.  Now, here is the thing....this chair was pretty gross.  It came from an attic in a Reading row home.  It smelled like mildew and the dirt was permeated into the cotton.  Just plain gross.  My plan is to rebuilt the entire seat so everything except the wood and metal is new. 

I just selected fabric for the seat,  it is a deep red textured indoor/outdoor fabric by F Schumacher.  For as much as I was hoping to use a Wild pattern, I went with the solid which is the safer option.  

While I wait for the fabric to arrive, I will be getting the new muslin over the springs and doing my cotton and foam stuffing. My plan is to have the fabric patterned so my friend and I can sew it in another week when I visit.  I am looking forward to getting this piece finished! It really is a nice chair. I also have a book coming regarding the Lloyd Loom Company, if I learn anything of interest I will share.  

Holiday updates. 

Furniture can take 6-8 weeks to receive via white glove shippers. If there is something you love, order now so you can receive in time!  Layaway?  If purchased via etsy, I would gladly accept a deposit to hold a pricier item. Reach out to discuss.   

BLACK FRIDAY PROMO: once again, I was able to purchase a little something to pack with all orders shipping out this holiday season! Starting around Black Friday, I will be including a special gift with your order. ✌️ I have plenty but will disclose WHILE SUPPLIES LAST just in case I break some sales records! If you place an order before Black Friday please send me a note that you would like the holiday gift! I certainly don't want you to wait to make your purchase! 💕

Etsy is setting up some new features. Some things to look for are GIFT WRAPPING options.  I did not set this up as I do not feel it goes along with what I sell but I am always open to making a gift special, which I do not charge for. You just need to let me know. My main goal is to get your item to you safely!  There are also new badges for FREE SHIPPING. Etsy is encouraging this and marketing it.  It works well for smaller items but sadly, shipping for most items I sell is very complicated and varies immensely depending on where I am shipping to.  I will continue to offer custom quotes prior to check out and refund overages if you check out with what I have set up.  My best zones are east coast and mid west so keep that in mind.  I take shipping seriously and will price shop for your best rate. SHIPPING IS NOT FREE for any of my furniture nor for most furniture items listed on etsy.  Please read the entire description to determine if shipping truly is included.  This new change has left me and other furniture sellers with little options to control how we appear and my guess is furniture with 0 shipping will be promoted with the free shipping items.  Coupons-etsy may offer coupons for new shoppers.  It should show up on your home screen. This is awesome and a corporate level promo.  Take advantage if you can!

SHOP SALE- I have not determined if I will offer a sale yet, but may have a coupon code later this month for my special fans.  Please check your emails for future blog updates and my social media.  I will advertise it there. 

Fleetwood Antique Mall- I will participate in holiday promos at the mall. Also stay tuned as I will announce them as they get planned! 

Thanks for reading! Looking forward to a busy holiday season!  

XO Malissa

Caning, Asian influences, shopping with a friend and good housekeeping practices because it's the LAW.

Greeting! After a busy few weeks, I have just completed restoration of a homemade oak rocking chair with cane seat and back I picked up earlier this year.  I took it on because I have successfully replaced sheet cane early in my restoration career and decided I was ready for another go.  I am happy to report it all went smooth and the chair is now available!  Here are a few pics from the process.

The first pic is the chair as found with a blown out back.  Step 1 was removing the old cane and spline.  The best way to accomplish this is with a $40 steamer.  The steam loosens the old glue.  I would say it took the better part of an hour to work the old cane free.  Then I visited my local basketmaking and caning supply shop (yes, that is a THING!) called the Country Seat and they helped me match up the cane and spline to the right sizes.  The spline has to be big enough to fit in the channel tightly as that what keeps the whole structure intact.  Then I returned home ready to work.  After soaking the new cane and spline in water for about 20 min, I got to work using the wood pegs to insert the cane into the channel.  Working from side to side and and making it taunt.  Once I had it all lined up and inserted as I liked, I would trim off the excess, cut the spline to size beveling my ends for placement.  Then adding wood glue in the channel, inserting the spline, pounding in with a rubber mallet and my peg and wiping off the excess glue.  Overall, this project took about 3 hours of my time.  The chair looks fantastic!  If you have an eclectic style like I do, you may fall in love with the texture of caned and woven goods. Sheet cane replacement can be tricky, but it is a lot easier and less time consuming that outright caning!  Stop by my etsy shop if you want to read more about the chair. CLICK HERE

While I was at the caning shop, I picked up some material to repair a 1930's Heywood Wakefield rattan rocker.  It is shown on my Diamonds in the Rough page.  I am going to get started repair the one arm that is a little dogged up and then redoing the seat.  I have some golden yellow fabric I thought would be a good choice with the aged orange finish of the rattan, but I am open to  using a pattern.  If you want to claim this baby now I will finish it per your specifications.  Amazingly enough, the rattan is actually a very tight twisted paper and not a reed at all!  When I snapped off a piece to take it along to the shop, I was suspicious and the woman at the shop confirmed it!  I will be replacing with a reed in the area that needs repaired and hoping I can do a close match of the orange paint to blend it in.  These kind of details are always challenging and fun for creative types like myself. 

NEW ITEMS.

I just picked up a few new items that I am getting ready to list.  I love to know the history of what I find so being able to select things from the home they lived in is a fun yet melancholy part of securing my inventory.  I was able to visit a home that is getting cleaned out after it's owner recently passed on.  She was a working artist who made her living selling prints and original oils.  I am still trying to get more info on her business but she did copyright everything she sold so there were definitely savvy practices being followed.  Her home was filled with late Bombay Company furnishings in near perfect condition.  I picked up a pair of 2005 era MING style end tables in a black finish with gorgeous burl tops.  I quite enjoy the Asian style and think it would be a great match in an eclectic or boho décor.  This will be photographed and listed in the next 24 hours- hoping for no rain and a little sun! I also picked up 2 very large original oils on canvas in beautiful gold gilt lighted frames.  They are both floral subjects.  One is marked Not Copyrighted DO NOT SELL.  The other has been copyrighted and her notes show pricing and editions for canvas and paper reproductions including her asking price on the original, $4,000.  I am trying to get some more info regarding where her work was being sold and what galleries she had relationships with.  

One  of my friends mentioned they wanted me to look for a couch for them.  A few hours later a lovely living room set gets texted to me from an estate guy I buy from. Well turns out my friend was as smitten as I and trusted me to handle his deal. He got my full services including condition evaluation, pick up/delivery and a complete cleaning and sanitization.  He is handling a structural issue with the couch himself.  My Facebook page blew up after I posted the pics so I think lots of people loved it! It is Bassett Premier, often misattributed to Adrian   Pearsall.  It is in amazing condition too! Looks great in his home and I get to visit them. 💕

Speaking of sanitizing, in other exciting news, I decided to apply for a license from my state to be able to tag my own used or restored upholstered goods after I clean and sanitize with one of 2 products the state authorized to be used. I chose Steri-Fab, which is an insecticide, germicide and fungicide.  I will vacuum and steam all upholstered goods and follow with sanitizing all areas I can get to, I am certain that not all places do a thorough job with this especially thrifts, who are required to tag and any other retailer you shop with in PA.  I was letting my mall handle it for me but decided it would be something I would do for every customer I ship to. I am already following procedures but am waiting for my license to be approved so I can order the yellow tags. Buyers can remove them after receiving the item but it is piece of mind for all of us! I welcome local people to use my services! I would gladly sanitize and clean something you found or are selling commercially so you can comply with the law. Message me and we can talk about it!

HALLOWEEN

Just to let you know I have some fabulous NEW Halloween kitchen towel from Primitives by Kathy available locally at my Fleetwood Antique Mall space and currently a few styles are on ebay.  Please stop by and check them out!  ebay.com/usr/madmodworldvintage

This towel available NOW in my ebay shop or locally at Fleetwood Antique Mall!

order now so you get yours in time!  

Thanks for reading, your comments and emails!  XO Malissa

Fall Lookbook- Mad Mod World Vintage STYLE!

I always try to keep up with current trends because lets face it, not all of you want a home that looks like you just stepped into the 1950's!  (Ok, I know there is a chunk of us that would like nothing more!!!!) In reality, not all of us are furnishing period homes.  The good news is mixing your furniture styles is very much IN for the fall season!  That means you can add pops of mid century in with your farmhouse or cottage décor and really pull it off.  Good news for my friends in PA that seem to always end up in farmhouse or shabby chic haven!  Good design is timeless and even if the 'experts' are saying it's tired and ready to move on, I have news for them....there are legions of folks passionate about the era and it's offerings so I do not feel they are on base with that prediction.  Only time will tell.  If you follow my shop, you will see I tend to walk the lines and will always say YES to something that I feel adds an interesting visual appeal or texture to a space, even if it is OUT of the era.  I do have many interior designer clients so having things that appeal to them is very important to me.

Color trends for this fall include BLUSH, which they tend to pair with deep dark colors or let's say my navy day bed!  I pictured this day bed in a space like a nursery or den.  Style that is functional and a great piece for a part time retreat. The cushions are brand new and very thick foam which is quite comfortable for lounging with a new baby or for an overnight guest. Day beds are trending now as well.  This one is better than new!  The beautiful velvety fabric is from Joybird's pet and kid friendly line as well.  All original details were recreated including the piping and tufting. All cushions feature zipper entry and the metal base features sexy hairpin legs.  This truly is a fabulous piece!  Swatches shown below are all fabrics from F Schumacher, which I am able to purchase for you!  Most are available in custom pillows as well if you are not crafty.  I would love to work with you and have access to everything they offer on the website.  I can order samples from them as well, and I definitely recommend that!

I have incorporated some other fabulous trends in this style sheet including VELVETS and FURS which add great texture to a space and are ON TREND for fall and honestly, they have been trending for a while. Mixing textures and patterns is a fabulous way to go and gives a great eclectic, boho or 'jungalow' style. This is another great way to jazz up the standard MCM piece.  Typically, mcm is very minimalistic and can get bland and sterile.  Your choice in popping colors, patterns and textures are really what makes it fit in with other eras and really softens the often hard, sleek lines of the design.  Accessories will really allow you to incorporate these pieces as trends change, and you know, they will!   A new coat of paint on the walls, some throw pillows and even a new area rug can give you a whole different look without spending a whole lot.  This is why investing in refinished vintage goods is the better option than say, Target's reproduction line.  Those things are made in china and not made to withstand 60 years of use.  With some love, these restored pieces will hold their value and will most likely become more valuable as the years go on. 

With this said, another great trend is woven and wicker goods!  I can see why!  As I worked on reweaving my Italian Ladder Back chairs I can tell you that I fell in love with the look.  The modernist shape of these chairs and cartoon exaggerated backs was almost humorous and because they have the same farmhouse chic style as a traditional chair, they can morph into a lot of different dining rooms and be accepted.  I left the black chippy finish alone but did add a clear coat over all the wood.  I felt that this aged finish was perfect for today's shabby trends and by all means, I am not an advocate of faux finishes.  In fact, I will be the first one to say there is nothing durable about a chalk paint finish at all!  Before you spend money on this, know that every woodworker I work with thinks it is a crap finish and will definitely cause you strife in the long run.  I made a set of 6 incorporating 2 natural chairs with the 4 black.  I think it also adds interest to the set! 

Woven accents also include textiles!  Just so happens I have been acquiring some fabulous pieces!  My new obsession is rugs....Persian, Turkish.  All hand woven, a bit shabby from age and in fabulous bright hues, they will add an exotic air to your space.  These pieces have been a mystery to me and if you have been following along, can have some maintenance involved.  Of all the things I have bought and sold, I will say that a good rug will cost you. The good thing is, they are heirloom pieces (just like any decent mcm treasure!) so if it is taken care of, it will provide your family with years of use and grace your floors with excitement!  I always here BLOND is OUT! Well, let me tell you, this fall's trends look fabulous with light wood and many natural and light finished pieces are showing in this fall's trends!  A great time to snatch up some Heywood Wakefield, that always presents well in a social setting!  Sleek, curvy and smart, it truly ebbs and flows in and out over the years but one thing is for certain, it is well made and a joy to refinish!  Most pieces found 'in the wild' have issues, but it can almost always be saved!  This collection of end tables were all trashed when I found them and now they are gorgeous!  I collect this brand myself so if you want to know more about it, I would love to help you along.  It is addicting and reminds me of school furniture, perhaps because they did make the old wooden school chairs we remember from our youth!  With all the darks coming back en vogue for wall treatments and accessories, now is a great time to add some lighter woods to your décor! They also look great with exotic designs, textures and bright colors!

Adding a fun bright pop of color to an otherwise neutral room is so much fun! I have selected some swatches from F Schumacher's collection of wall coverings to show you how fun this can be. Featuring some dark shades as the trends are calling for and also some basic neutrals.  We built our home in 2004 and the whole living room is tan and brown.  For me, accenting with bright colors makes my room feel pulled together instead of bland.  Throw pillows, curtains and chairs are my relief!  I choose bright colors for these beautiful Heywood Wakefield side chairs because I know there are many boring rooms that needs some color.  Because I also collect Heywood Wakefield myself, I can assure you I put much care into my restorations.  They are fabulous and fun and I cannot believe they are still here!  The blue pair has well over 100 <3s on chairish!  Because they are smaller, I can totally pack these for the bus and each chair would probably ship for around $60 cross country! 

No matter what your style, color and texture is universal to bringing it all together!  Have fun with it!  I would love to help you along in your decorating either with some new furniture or help you select some wallpapers or fabrics!  I represent Joybird and F Schumacher and can be your go to gal for anything you need!  Reach out anytime to discuss!   xo Malissa

A quick note to the locals!  My furniture featured at Fleetwood Antique Mall is now 50% off!  Come on out and grab them!  Cash and Carry please!  I would love to find them homes and redecorate the space for fall!  Send your friends! WED-SUN 10-6 14129 Kutztown Rd (Route 222), Fleetwood, PA 19522ots of new listings in the etsy shop too! 

This pair of late 1800's Empire side chairs are mahogany and have red velvet covered seats.  That can be swapped out and I would gladly help you with that! Reach out with any requests!