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