Vintage Chic Furniture Schenectady NY

NEW SHOWROOM adding 600 sq foot totalling 1200 sg ft

2012-01-04T22:30:00.003-05:00

OMG!! It's been a lot of work but we are quickly transforming this new addition. We will open up a doorway to the next door space adding another 600 square feet of showroom totalling 1200 sq foot to display all my wonderful shabby chic cottage furniture creations. I am so excited!! Here are some pics of the renovation / transformation. More to come :-) yay!!! hugs Donna

Merry Christmas From Jeffrey the store kitty and Vintage Chic Furniture

2011-12-27T21:00:00.003-05:00

My store kitty, Jeffrey is the best. i bought him this kitty size Santa hat and beard and i got this one pic but then He posed for this Christmas picture inside this silver Christmas wreath. it was just there sitting inside the store window- and there he was, just looking cute inside it. He always gives us the best pics :-) He's a kitty model and He's just the most awesome kitty I have ever had. So glad he is in my life. He is the talk of the town here on Union Street and everybody loves him :-) hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday

A Princess Bedroom For Hanna in Florida Shabby Chic

2011-12-21T23:08:00.003-05:00

This is a bedroom that i designed. i made almost everything you see including all the furniture, bedding, curtains, Ice cream parlor table and chairs and chaise lounge. I was contacted by Hanna's mom to create for her, a dream princess bedroom for her christmas present. Her mom found me on the website www.houzz.com . and on etsy.com . All the painted distressed furniture are my creations. They include a canopy bed, vanity and chair, dresser, all white distressed. the antique display cabinet was painted a blush pink and I added glass shelves and a light. The side table by the chaise was an antique plant stand that i shortened and painted a pretty lavender. The vintage chaise lounge was covered in vintage chenille bedspreads with pretty floral fabrics. I transformed a vintage ice cream parlor bistro set by painting the metal in a lavender the top in a white and made lovely cushions with lavender fringe trim and long bows- so pretty! I made the curtains with a blush pink opaque fabric including all the canopy bed curtains, huge bow ties and bed skirt. The curtain toppers are the white shabby floral fabric with vintage lavender pom pom trim. Here are a bunch of pics, some when the pieces were in my shop, some when the room was being set up, and finally when her mom finished added all the final touches. hope you enjoy. Please contact me to create your dream room. www.vintagechicfurniture.com happy holidays, hugs, donna :-)

Fab Furniture I found and transformed Shabby Chic Style

2011-11-16T20:52:00.003-05:00

OMG!!! I have been very lucky lately. I have been able to find and buy some super pretty antique furniture pieces. Here are two fabulous finds that are incredible wonderful and rare. More to come as I transform them....
First is a low antique buffet that is perfect for a flat screen tv stand. I searched for 2 whole years to find the first one for my own home, i still have it, this is the second. I have to say, this one is nicer ! I have painted it a french gray or gray with white accents and an antique glaze. This is one of my secret paint finishes that makes it look as though it had been painted 100 years ago.
Second is a GORGEOUS antique wrought iron bed frame. It is full size, solid cast iron, super heavy and by far one of the nicest ones I have ever seen. It is Very tall at over 5 ft. Very grand.Has a wonderful medallion on the head and footboard. When i got it, There was so much rust and chipping paint. My 2 interns and I scraped all the old paint off then painted it in a wonderful light pink color. OMG, it seemed to suck up the paint!!! i had to use 6 cans for this project. but it looks FABULOUS!!! SO YUMMY !!!! I WISH I HAD THE ROOM !! I WOULD DEFINITELY KEEP IT!!! see it in my Etsy shop www.vintagechicfurniture.com

Bradley Cooper was my neighbor "The Place Beyond The Pines" schenectady ny

2011-11-14T22:40:00.002-05:00

So, can you believe that Bradley Cooper was my neighbor??!! That's right!! He lived 3 doors down from me for 7 weeks during his filming of the movie The Land Beyond The Pines. Shot right here in Schenectady NY . In fact my neighbors also saw Ryan Gosling walking Bradley Coopers dog Charlotte. I live in the Historic Stockade section of Schenectady and this is by far, one of the prettiest areas in town. So many people knew he was here, yet we ALL kept it a secret and respected his privacy. During his stay here, He was blessed with NO PAPARAZZI, No teenage girls, and no crowds of people at his door- CAN YOU IMAGINE??? I am shocked that all of us were able to keep him a secret. I hope he enjoyed the solice and peace that he most likely doesn't get in Hollywood. I just wish I would have had the opportunity to have a glass of wine with him in my friends garden, which was right next door to where he was staying. YOU ARE HOT BRADLEY !!! and to think, i got to live next door to a movie star, one of the hottest ones as well. I am so lucky :-)

Counting My Blessings

2011-09-23T00:14:00.005-04:00

First I want to say that I have the pleasure of creating beautiful things every day. I am surrounded by beauty. For that I am truly blessed. My friends and customers remind me of this often. Their comments of my shop and creations are heart warming. I am so humble in my success and I guess I don't realize Just how fabulous I am ( they keep telling me so) These things I make are for others to enjoy and surround themselves with beautiful things that warm THEIR heart. It is a way of giving back, making people happy, people I don't even know. I recycle and help the planet. Just a by product of what I do. I am truly blessed and feel grateful every day for where I am and what do. Thanks to all :-)
here are a few of my latest creations.
a pink shabby chic daybed
and and aqua chenille bedspread slipcovered sofa and chair set

Chenille bedspread slipcovered sofa in my customers home

2011-09-13T20:45:00.001-04:00

How wonderful it is for me to see my fabulous creations in their new homes. This is my second ruffle slipcovered sofa made with vintage chenille bedspreads in white with an all over rose pattern. the ruffle takes one whole bedspread. I calculated aprox 600 linear feet of ruffle. Then i have covered the cushions and back pillows with the most yummiest shabby chic fabrics in shades of white, pink and blue. I have them shipped from half way around the world, coming all the way from Asia. My customer was a dream to work with and I was able to get it shipped to her in time for her big party, where she was so proud to show it off to all her friends and family. She was proud, I was prouder. I wish I could have been there to hear all the oohs and aaahs and comments on the beautiful new addition to her livingroom. I shipped it across the country to her residence in California.
I know when I had it in my shop, I heard many gasps and sighs, as well as my own. Every time I walked by it I was so amazed at what I made. It was just sooooo pretty. Then I sat in it.....ahhhhhh, it was so cozy.... Was it cozy because it was a really comfortable piece of furniture?....or was it extra cozy because it was so beautiful??? I have to say, I remembered having it in my shop after purchasing it and sitting in it with its original tan muslin upholstered cover and not really thinking much of its coziness. Once i finished the covers, I sank into it and it felt so dreamy, like one of the most comfortable things I've ever sat in before. I think it was more cozy now that it is beautiful :-)
I look forward to the next pieces I create and I am as excited as my followers to see what I make next. Each piece gets better and better. I look forward to making more wonderful slipcovered pieces using cozy and heartwarming vintage chenille bedspreads. Find more of my pieces at www.vintagechicfurniture.com and contact me if you would like me to make a special creation just for you. big hugs, donna :-)

Pink Chairs with Vintage Chenille Bedspread Slipcovers

2011-09-09T23:57:00.000-04:00

Hi to all, here's is my newest creations. I have made these pair of wing back chairs for a new pajama store in Indianapolis Indiana. Amys pjs. How fitting of these to be featured in a pajama store ??!! So wonderful to have warm and cozy bedspread covered chairs to evoke ultimate feelings of a restful, cozy, comfortable slumber. I look forward to seeing them all set up in her new shop, Surrounded by wonderful cozy items that help you rest and unwind from your hectic day. Helping you to ease into your restful night while you recharge and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next day...
I have many more orders for these wonderful chenille bedspread slipcovered pieces and I will be sharing all of them with you.
get your at www.vintagechicfurniture.com
much happiness to all, hugs donna :-)

antique baby crib daybed with wonderful chenille and rose fabrics

2011-08-27T17:15:00.000-04:00

Here is yet another new creation I finished yesterday. This wonderful antique wrought iron baby crib was found at my first ever trip to the famous Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts in July 2011. There I was in heaven. So many wonderful things as far as the eye can see....block after block, wonderful antiques just waiting to be discovered, looking for their new home. This was discovered amongst wonderful flowers and plants and other terrific rusty weathered goodies. I fell in love! The old white original paint..a little rusty and chippy....just a little, not too much. Perfect. I too one look and knew exactly what i was going to do with it. I couldn't wait to get it back to my shop, order a new foam cushion and down pillows, then get to creating something wonderful.
I started by taking a vintage chenille bedspread in pink with a ruffled edge. It had a few spots of missing chenille on the top and was too thin (summer weight) to be used for slipcovers. Perfect for the skirt. The new block of custom cut foam was covered with batting, then I fashioned the cushion using some of my most favorite fabrics in pink and aqua with big beautiful cabbage roses. One side is pink with roses, the other side aqua with roses. I love to be able to change a look in a minute. I had some wonderful wedding ring chenille fabric that matched the skirt perfectly, that became my cushion front. I have finally collected enough vintage chenille bedspreads in a variety of colors and patterns to make all the pillows from chenille. SOOOO COZY !!! See this listing www.vintagechicfurnitire.etsy.com . big hugs to all

Shabby Chic Slipcovered Sofa With Vintage Chenille Bedspreads and Rose Fabrics

2011-08-26T19:49:00.000-04:00

WOW!! i just love this sofa. It is the second one i have done for a lovely customer in California. Once I finished, I stepped back and just sighed. How beautiful I thought....aaahhhh. I have another one I will be doing soon in aquas and whites with a matching chair. I cant wait...Also I just finished a wonderful chaise lounge. I covered it with a vintage chenille bedspread in pink and white with an all over rose pattern and a wonderful ruffle bottom. Oh so pretty. That one is listed in my etsy shop www.vintagechicfurniture.etsy.com . I hope you enjoy seeing them...big hugs, Donna

antique chair in hot pink with pink damask fabric

2011-08-25T21:20:00.000-04:00

I made a chair similar to this a few years back. the internet is a wonderful network of storage and ideas. My client found an old etsy ad for that chair and thought it was perfect for her home office alongside her grandmas hot pink antique shawl. Grandma must have been an awesome lady. My kinda gal for sure.
I was lucky enough to have the same fabric and trim in stock, but even luckier to find this awesome antique chair on wheels, like the last. It was perfect !!
I just received pictures from her and was excited to share it with you all. It's rare to see my items in their new home and love to get pictures from my customers. I love the bursts or hot pink colors of Grandmas shawl and the chair looks against her charcoal painted built ins. I was happy to make this for her and to help her showcase a family heirloom. Just lovely.

new mint and aqua chenille slipcovered chair and footstools

2011-08-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

OMG!! been so busy making many slipcovered pieces with vintage chenille bedspreads and the most yummy fabrics and trims. each one is unique and wonderful. I have to share them with the world. I hope you enjoy seeing them. see more at www.vintagechicfurniture.com or contact me to make a one of a kind piece just for you. Big hugs to all, Donna

My Storefront with My Vintage Chenille Bedspread Slipcovered Creations

2011-07-28T20:04:00.000-04:00

I just had to take a picture of my storefront with all the lovely slip covered chairs I made with vintage chenille bedspreads and lovely rose fabrics. Most are for orders from my online shop at ETSY.COM . I will soon be making a few sofas as well. The weather has been beautiful , so I have been bringing them all out to show off the the world (or at least Union Street). The blue, yellow and white pieces on the right were made for a customers 90 year old mom. She is moving into her new apartment next week and these will be a lovely surprise for her. It was my pleasure to make them. A very special endeavour indeed. Her inspiration for me was a wonderful designer, Makenzie Childs. She mixes fabrics and trims in a lovely way. Her upholstered pieces are whimsical and wonderful. When i delivered them today, My client was so thrilled. She said they came out even better than she ever could have imagined. I was thrilled !! The next order I will be making is a wing back chair made from a clients Mothers bedspread. It is a beautiful bubble gum pink wedding ring design with beautiful thick fringe trim. She has passed awhile back and her daughter is so pleased to have this as a wonderful memory of her. Yet another very important and meaningful project, I am honored to have the privilege. I would love to make some thing for you. See more of my pieces at www.vintagechicfurniture.com big hugs to all...:-)

My first time at BRIMFIELD antique show July 14 2011

2011-07-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

OMGOSH !! what a fabulous time i had at my first experience going to the world renowned Brinfield Antique Show. I found SOOOO many thing i would have loved to have bought it ALL. I wanted to take pictures to show everybody the wonderful pieces i found. Boy was this place incredible. miles and miles of wonderful things. Sensory overload for sure :-) I am hooked. I cant wait to go again in September . I have already booked my trip. Enjoy seeing all my goodies and if you see something you like here, you can find them on my etsy store www.vintagechicfurniture.etsy.com
Big hugs t

New Pink Chenille Bedspread Chair Going To Japan

2011-07-09T16:40:00.000-04:00

This is my latest creation made from a pink and white wedding ring chenille bedspread and my favorite pink cabbage rose fabric. It will be shipped to California, then put in a container to Japan . It will be one of the showcase pieces in a new shabby chic store. This is one of my first orders to go overseas. I feel Incredible that my creations are being shared with the world. Chenille bedspreads remind me of my youth. Carefree and Cozy. It gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling. I imagine the new owner snuggling up in it after a long day of work, being enveloped by its cuddly softness. Unwinding from a long day with a cup of tea and a good book?
I have recieved many other orders for these through my etsy shop and I am so excited to make the next one....wait to see....hugs, Donna :-)

super cute chair with white chenille bedspread slipcover and yummy ruffled trim

2011-07-09T16:24:00.000-04:00

OMGOSH!! I just love this chair and the adorable little slipcover i made from a rose pattern vintage chenille bedspread.This chair has some wonderful lines and the prettiest curvy legs. I painted the legs white and chose my newest favorite chenille fabric. it is a thick 100% cotton with the prettiest all over rose pattern. The same bedspread fabric was used on the last sofa I made, which by the way, sold in 4 days. It is getting shipped on Monday to a lovely lady in Arizona. I am also enjoying making ruffles, they feel so soft and pretty. I think it adds romanticism and femininity. i have just listed it in my etsy shop. be sure to take a look. www.vintagechicfurniture.etsy.com . hugs, Donna :-)

OMG! My New Sofa Creation Slipcovered in Vintage Chenille Roses Bedspreads

2011-06-30T21:58:00.000-04:00

WOW!!! This one is my best yet!! I love creating these slipcovered pieces. I use chenille bedspreads mixed with lovely roses fabrics in shades of white, pinks and aquas. I love brush fringe and have just scored 7 rolls of thick white fringe on ebay. I bought all they had, found in some warehouse- new old stock. awesome. i am already on my second roll (at 72 yards each, lol!!)
The fabrics are just yummy with beautiful roses and scrolls. there are 3 pillows included with luxurious down inserts, the center pillow is an awesome and rare needletuft chenille with a pretty flower design.
I was lucky enough to collect two beautiful white vintage chenille bedspreads with an all over rose pattern. They are some of my favorites to work with. They are so thick and durable. The ruffle trim is 600 linear feet long and took one entire bedspread. You can find this at my etsy store along with many more lovely things to beautify your home. Big hugs, donna :-)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66375846/shabby-chic-sofa-chenille-bedspread

King Jeffrey

2011-06-20T23:37:00.000-04:00

Hmmm hade trouble uploading pics...retrying..

Jeffey The Store Kitty King of Vintage Chic Furniture

2011-06-20T23:06:00.000-04:00

OMG!! This is the GREATEST cat ever !!! He actually let us put a crown on his head while he posed for us. He is the best and coolest cat I've ever had!! My friend Thea Couglin fabulous baby photographer http://www.theacoughlin.com/ , does some wonderful newborn photos. She has used many of my furniture pieces for her shoots. After the last newborn shoot at my store, we placed Jeffrey on the set , put a crown on his head, and he happily posed for us. Can you believe a CAT ??sat there and posed??? AND let us put a crown on his head ??? while he sat there ??? As far as cats go, that's almost unheard of !!! He is just the most awesome kitty EVER!! Also, in my older posts, you will see that he was on the front cover of April 2010 Life At Home Magazine. He is a local celebrity. He could be a professional Kitty Model :-)

www.vintagechicfurniture.com

new wonderful french gray pieces

2011-04-18T23:47:00.000-04:00

With the start of the new year I decided to do some new and different styles with my furniture painting, and voila I introduce to you my french grey or gray and white distressed pieces. i have done a special technique with an older paint finish / style that makes them look like an old world super shabby chic finish that you would find on real antique painted pieces from France with a really old finish that has aged as gracefully as the piece of furniture itself. I have sold my of these rather quickly and one of the best things is that grey or gray and white matches everything!! they are both neutral colors. here are some of my creations- i hope you love them as much as I do!! Here they are , I hope you love them as much as I do.... see more at http://www.vintagechicfurniture.etsy.com/ big hugs to all my followers.... :-)

My New Slipcovered Sofa Chair Loveseat Ottoman covered with Vintage Chenille Bedspreads and Rose Fabrics

2011-02-12T23:25:00.000-05:00

OMG!!! I just love each and every one of my newest creations. I have found my new niche. these are my newest endeavour- an entire living room set. A sofa, chair and ottoman done with roses chenille bedspread fabrics with pom pom fringe trim and different rose fabrics in lovely shades of aquas and pinks. cozy down pillows. this set makes decorating effortless, just add some end tables and a coffee table. perhaps in white or aqua distressed?? i have a wonderful round Victorian table that i think will look great with it- i will have to paint that this week to display with it. I have some club chairs and wingbacks i will nee to get covering soon as well. I will need to make some custom ottomans and footstools as well. I just want to fill my whole store with fabulous chenille bedspread slipcovered pieces. I need more room, lol!! see there and my other pieces at http://www.vintagechicfurniture.com/ thanks for looking :-) hugs, Donna

OMG! Antique Sofa Chenille Bedspread Slipcover Shabby Chic Wonderful

2011-02-01T20:38:00.000-05:00

WOW! I am amazed every time I make a new slip covered sofa with lovely vintage chenille bedspreads and wonderful rose fabrics. Each one is just so pretty and unique. I go a little crazy with mixing different patterns of fabrics, each with a different lovely sprays of roses, swags and scrolls. I find I am most loving the white pink and aqua combos. I love to use a bunch of different vintage trims; bedspread fringe, pom pom, and brush fringes.

One of the things that makes them so wonderful is you don't have to live with just one fabric that you love. You can always change around the cushions and pillows to get a whole different look. It keeps us interested and we don't get bored with something we really love.

I am so excited about these and can't wait to make more. I have been on the hunt for more good vintage and antique sofas, love seats and chairs that i can transform. With that, I am also hunting out fabulous chenille bedspreads to use. Keep an eye out for more of My chenille slipcovered creations in my Etsy store http://www.vintagechicfurniture.etsy.com/ . Custom orders also happily created just for you :-)

Oooh la la silver glam vanity

2011-01-18T19:13:00.000-05:00

OMG! I am in love with my newest creation. A silver Chic Glam Antique Vanity Dressing table. Ive seen some wonderful distressed silver and mirrored pieces in catalogs and magazines and thought WOW, i wanna do that one day.....well now i love it and want to do another. Maybe an entire bedroom suite? Will defiantly do a dresser real soon. I find myself at the new year wanting to try new things. I've done a some french blue and french gray pieces as well. A few already sold rather quickly. check them out at my Etsy store http://www.vintagechicfurniture.etsy.com/ . i hope you love this and I hope to blog a little more this year....a new chenille bedspread and roses slip covered sofa to come soon....

Shabby Chic Chenille Bedspread and Rose Slip Covered Sofas

2011-01-14T20:47:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of making not 1, but 2 fabulous chenille slip covered sofas all done with wonderful vintage chenille bedspreads, different pretty rose fabrics and vintage pom pom and brush fringe trims for a wonderful client in Washington D C.

What a wonderful Etsy customer. In fact, she has been my biggest and best Etsy customer, ever!! She bought a bunch of items from me, 2 custom sofas, a china cabinet, a dresser, and armoire, a Victorian settee, 2 nightstands, 2 mirrors, and a lovely tole roses quilt rack. She is a dream customer, come true.

My friend was good enough to take a u haul to her, deliver and set up all her new lovely items. Since he is also a professional photographer ( Wes Bennett, Albany NY, the same photographer that got me on the front cover of Life At Home Magazine) he photoed her lovely new sofas once they were set up in her living room. How beautiful they look. Its not very often that I get to see pieces i have made in customers homes. What a pleasure. They look so wonderful. It brings me great happiness and is so rewarding. She is thrilled and it thrills me to make someone so happy with the things i make that are so close to my heart and and I enjoy so much creating. I love this new found area of speciality of slip covering sofas and hope to make many more in the future. I hope you love these as much as i do. enjoy looking at them and be sure to visit my Etsy store http://www.vintagechicfurniture.etsy.com/ I would be happy to create something special for you as well. have a happy day :-) Donna Thomas Vintage Chic Furniture Schenectady NY.

My store AND my kitty were on the front cover of a magazine

2010-12-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

we were featured on the front cover of a local design magazine in April 2010 LIFE AT HOME. This is Jefffrey, My store kitty. I rescued him from the streets of Troy NY. He was just so lovable, and sadly, homeless. He is such a great store kitty. His title is "official greeter". When someone comes in, the is the first on to run to the door. His second title is "design assistant". As you can see from the picture, he loves chenille!! also, loves to help me sew and pick fabrics with customers. He has more friends than i do here at my new location 1609 union St Schenectady NY. I always make sure to have a little spot for him in the window, whether on a chair or one of my custom chenille footstools. He really adds a nice element to the window display. took me way too long to share him with the world. please do come visit him when you are in town. He would love to meet you....

my vintage chenille slipcovered pieces

2010-10-29T18:59:00.000-04:00

OMG!!! I haven't blogged in a looooog time. first, I have a new store!!! YAY !!! doing much better here. it is at 1609 Union Street in Schenectady NY. My mom just bought me a great new sewing machine- an early Christmas present- woo hoo!!! I have been making alot of new slip covered pieces using vintage chenille bedspreads and mixing it up with new fabric, vintage brush and pom pom trim. They are just soooo much fun and really wonderful looking. I wanted to share with you my lovely creations. I hope you enjoy seeing them :-)

The Cutest Shabby Chic Dining room set

2010-04-06T08:06:00.000-04:00

I just sold this on etsy.com. This is such an adorable set, that i just wanted to share it with the world before i ship it off to Wisconsin. It is going to a woman that does child photography- I imagine adorable little kids having a tea party, sitting in adorable chairs, each in a lovely soft color, with beautiful fun fabrics. I love this set, and i hope you enjoyed this post. Have a great day :-)

MY NEW CHENILLE SLIPCOVERED CHAIRS

2010-03-26T22:10:00.000-04:00

I have been going crazy this week in preparation for my magazine debut in the local design magazine " life at home " magazine put out by the local times union paper. I have been hanging up frames, mirrors, sconces. also making a bunch of slipcovered chairs with vintage chenille slipcovers. if you would like to see them, I have them all listed on my etsy store- www. etsy.com/shop/VintageChicFurniture.com . Here are some of the ones I have made so fer..... more to come- then I will blog about the magazine, of course.... cant wait to tell you all about it- have a great night

Vintage Chic is now International

2010-02-18T21:19:00.000-05:00

I have a new and thriving Etsy store. You can see it at www.vintagechicfurniture.etsy.com . if you create anything, like i do, I would have to say - you should be here!!!! They have great search engines which help people all over the world find you, In my opinion, much more effective than a regular website!!!! I have had many more people find Me and My store through the Etsy site, Wayy more than through my website alone.
So one day i have a lady from Israel interested in buying the wall sconces. I gave her a shipping quote- $35.00 for a medium sized box, She decided, even with the higher shipping rate, That she just had to have them!!! So....voila- I am now officially an International company!!! However, this is not the first person to find me Internationally through Etsy-- I have heard from people in Germany, Spain, Canada , and I am sure it wont be the last time. I hope everyone has a great night, and be sure to visit my totally cute Etsy store......

MY COUCH SLIPCOVERD IN VINTAGE CHENILLE BEDSPREADS

2009-12-30T15:51:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my slipcovers! It is almost 2 years in the making. First it took me almost 6 months to collect enough bedspreads with all the different patterns for the cushions, then it took me another 6 months to find enough material for the body of the couch. Then consider how difficult of a time I had finding vintage white pom pom fringe trim- all not so easy. I have a total of almost 20 hours of labor for the cutting and sewing. Then all the time searching for all these different beautiful vintage bedspreads. Once I finished them, I stepped back, took a look at my labor of love and let out a big sigh with the biggest smile on my face. Aaaah , I finally finished them!!!they looks so super fantastic!!! I LOVE THEM!!!! I just had to share them with the world. I think these are the ultimate in vintage chic design :-) hope everyone has a happy, healthy and prosperous new years....

MY HOUSE DECORATED FOR CHRISTMAS

2009-12-26T08:48:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! i know i did! I have also decided to take a few days off and spend it with my husband. Owning a store is so wonderful and rewarding , but it is also hard work. I find myself working 7 days a week and i have almost forgotten what a day off feels like!! Let alone what the weekend is!! So here i am taking a snow day. We are having an ice storm and expecting possibly a foot of snow. I couldn't think of a better time to rest at home and do some blogging.

This is my home decorated for the holidays. it took me 4 months to pay off this special white garland that i ordered in august in preparation for the holiday season. I wish i had the energy and the money needed to set up the whole house in august and try to get into a holiday issue of one of the wonderful home magazines I've been dreaming of being in. Now that i have my garland- i will try for a holiday issue next year for sure!!

i hope everyone has a prosperous , happy and safe new year.....

www.vintagechicfurniture.com

MY NEW HOUSE

2009-10-03T12:04:00.000-04:00

So i have moved a few weeks ago to an idyllic little neighborhood in Schenectady called the Stockade. I JUST LOVE IT!!! it is a beautiful area with homes built from 1665 to the late 1800's. You may remember me blogging about the stockade town-wide yard sale in my older posts. Well as it turns out, many of the pieces i have bought there found there way back there, now painted, and happily in use in our new home. The greatest find was the lovely bench i blogged about and also a wonderful set on mahogany end tables that are perfect scale for our large bed. As many of you know, it is my dream to get featured in a magazine.In fact there are two big dreams I've had over the past few years- one , to have my own store, the second to be in a magazine!! Well I now have a successful store that will be open 1 year on October 30th. I am gearing up for a photo shoot real soon but i figured i would share with you all, the progress I have made - all this after just 3 days of moving in. Its amazing how, when something is right, it is really right!! All my furniture and pieces fit together so wonderfully in the new place. Ahhhh, how wonderful it is :-)

Funky Lime Green and Zebra Antique Loveseat

2009-07-01T09:13:00.000-04:00

What a fun project this was. It was commissioned by a young girl and her Mom for her newly designed bedroom. They we both just thrilled when i delivered it, and I have to be honest, so was I. I just love the fun funky colors and the zebra fabric. it started out as just a frame that i purchased on ebay (for $10.) but the drive to get it took me over an hour each way. I will defiantly have to do something with this zebra fabric again soon, i just love it!

MY FABULOUS $10.00 BENCH & A FUN DAY OF BUYING GOODIES

2009-06-22T08:39:00.000-04:00

How beautiful is this bench?? I am a new upholster, all self taught. I take on projects one at a time and somehow figure out what to do. This was purchased at a town wide sidewalk sale on June 20 th in the stockade section of Schenectady , NY - sidewalk sale because hardly anyone had a driveway or garage. The homes date from the late 1700 to early 1900's along side of the Mohawk River. They were so pretty. I went to this sale with my friend Jen from Tennessee who has a shop similar to mine http://www.vintagehomeinteriors.com/ - We walked around with our pink wagon in tow and filled up the truck repeatedly until we couldn't fit any more. So many people we're staring at us and all of our good finds. We we're so excited and proud of ourselves. So, back to my bench...It was very beaten up looking with springs popping out of the seat and tattered material- but WOW only $10.00, what a great buy, I thought? I think i just found my next project! The very next day pulled it all apart, started painting it, and as the paint went on I thought- oh how fabulous! I just received a white chenille bedspread in the mail just as I finished the distressing. I said, OH YES!! this is perfect!! I happily finished it and placed it on my showroom floor. I gradually fell in love with it and realized- I just can't sell this- this must come home with me!!! I thought, when will I see a piece like this again??? It now sits in my foyer and looks so fantastic! It looks very inviting and the perfect piece for that spot. I hope everyone has a great day.

A BIG GIRL BED FOR A HAPPY LITTLE GIRL

2009-06-16T13:16:00.000-04:00

When a client sent me pictures of her happy little girl Lucy, i knew i had to blog about it and I realized how long it 's been since I had. One of the first sales i made on etsy.com was this bed . When I got these pictures it made me so incredibly happy. This makes what I do SOOO worth it. What a joy to bring a smile and happiness to a child. I will blog again soon because I just really have to show off my new antique loveseat i made. I love it so much that I'm not sure i will be able to art with it- it may just have to come home with me....

GREAT OLD BLUE DRESSER

2009-05-01T11:19:00.001-04:00

What a great dresser this is ! It is really old circa 1820-1830. Since opening the store i finally decided it was time to paint something in a color other than white. I love white distressed furniture and every piece in my home is white. People were labeling me as the pink and white store, so i figured lets just shake it up a bit and allow some men to comfortably enter with some colors other thank pink and white. Not to mention I wanted to show the range of my painting abilities. I am very proud of the way this came out. I love the distressed look to it. I hope you enjoyed seeing it today, too!:-)

Happy Easter To All

2009-04-12T08:40:00.000-04:00

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day . Enjoy all that life has to offer . Surround yourself with beautiful things that make you happy. The most beautiful being the love of friends and family. May your lives be filled with love, happiness and all things beautiful.

The new favorite corner of my store

2009-04-06T10:07:00.001-04:00

I love this area of my store. I rearranged a few big items, as well as taking down some of the inspirational window art i had done using all the magazine clippings of loved rooms that I have saved for years. I felt it was time. At first I desperately needed then to take up some wall space in my store when i first opened in November. Now, I had collected a bunch of terrific mirrors that I wanted to bring down to eye's view. As luck would have it- I found a matching pair of vintage chenille bedspreads that i have fashioned into slipcovers. They have wonderful thick fringe. At first I wanted to take them home, but with a teenage kitten\Dusty-cat I should say, He's bigger than my older cat boo boo bear who is 5 now. The bedspreads have tufted loops so i re-thought that, as my Dusty loves to sink his claws into some things. He's a good kitty, but I could visualize these getting a little tattered looking real quick. They are so wonderful and I really love them. I am currently on the hunt for more chenille spreads. I love each chair I do and cant wait to make another. I hope everyone has a great day :-)

Cute Little Pom Pom Stools

2009-04-05T07:57:00.000-04:00

I've had these little stools for many years. I purchased them at a discount design store. In there first life they we're black with furry zebra fabric.I would put them around my coffee table and they we're great for friends to gather and talk. I decided, after painting the metal bases, that I would be bold and cover each one in a different favorite fabric. I collect trims, especially vintage pom pom fringe trims. The hardest ones to find are these really large ones i used here. The turquoise is one of the hardest colors to get, and when i took it out of it's storage bag, i realized i had just enough ,plus 3 inches left over- perfect!! I've also wanted to do the same with my dining chairs. Sometime i fight myself over going to the wild side because it just seems a little too crazy to mix all those different colors and fabrics. When I did my moms couch, I went through the same inner fight, and when i was done, it looked SOOO fantastic!!!! Which means, I should get going on those dining chairs . My biggest dilemma is: all lime green bush fringe , or mix'em up depending on the fabrics I decide to use????? Hot pink, light pink , lime green, yellow , bubble gum pink, and.... um? I would have to think of what other color brush fringes i have..... Oh!! of course-turquoise!! I hope every body had a great day :-)

A FABUOLUS FIND!! vintage wrought iron trees

2009-03-26T09:29:00.000-04:00

I look at some of the fabulous things people have found and I wonder how they found something soooo great??!! Then, it happened to me!! These were custom made for BLOOMINGDALE'S in NY . What year, I do not know? What I do know is that they are solid wrought iron. They are 9 feet tall. Had holes where crystals hung. We're from an estate of a lady 96 years old. They were made for a display then sat in Bloomingdale's storage until they were almost thrown away. She rescued them and had them in her home for many years . When they were disposing of her unwanted things, these once again were rescued from a dumpster by a fellow junkin friend of mine in Long Island. They were bent and in great need of my love to make them fabulous again. A pair of pliers, a trip for one to the welder (it was bent on one stem, beyond my ability to reshape) and 34 vintage iridescent crystals that I've been hoarding for any future goody i find, and wow!!! they are just so stunning. I am imagining they are unique. I don't think any other exist in the world like it and if I didn't have a old home with 10 foot ceilings , i don't know where i would have put them. I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THEM! now i am wondering? Do i leave them chippy and rusty or paint them ?

MY CHENILLE SLIPCOVERED CHAIR

2009-03-24T08:56:00.000-04:00

How sweet is this???? i made this from a vintage chenille bedspread and added vintage pink pom pom trim, which I've had in my collection of wonderful vintage trims that i have been buying for about 5 years now -i just love trim. I had purchase several chairs that came from a remodeling of the marriott hotel in Long Island, NY ( which coincidentally is where i am from). They were red, but I'm sure you will agree - it looks soooo much cuter in this adorable pink slipcover !!!
This was sold to a wonderful lady named deb- she owns THE PINK PIG in Westport NY. She loved them so much she decided to order more. I went to visit a lady that i knew had some, in fact, she was saving them for me. I was off the next day to her home to get them. Oh they are wonderful - purple and white, pink , and white with little pink and blue flowers , 2 2 cute!! I cant wait to get sewing :-)

my first chenille bunny

2009-03-12T15:21:00.000-04:00

So,I finally did it. I've been thinking about it for a long time. Then (more than) a few weeks ago bought the pattern. Then spent a few weeks looking at the pattern. Finally i decided I was going to be brave and take on the challenge. Not bad for my first try. I figure i had better like making them because i am about to buy 5 more vintage patterns of different animals including a lamb (easter is right around the corner) a hobby horse head, a sleeping puppy dog and a kitty cat. Now....... i cant wait to get them :-)

The cutest french antique pink chair

2009-03-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

WOW! on sunday, a dealer came by from NYC. He has what i can imagine to be a really high end antique store. He decided to bring me some things because his store is a more traditional store with wood pieces and not too much painted pieces. However, he has many storages filled with lovely antique painted pieces ( he promised to bring me a white painted stick and ball victorian mantle next ) This is soooo beautiful!!!!! - well, not when i first got it!!! It was however, painted white and distressed but the paint darkened so much that i repainted it. I decided to use this wonderful rose fabric. I just finished it. I LOVE IT!!! I wish i could take it home , but i have to sell SOMETHING every once in a while, he he he !!!

snow day!! taking pics of my home

2009-03-02T08:33:00.001-05:00

These are just a few rooms in my new and very large house of 2000 st ft, built in the 1860's with 5 fireplace surrounds. I am nowhere near done yet!!! I still need some more furniture, some more mirrors and wall hangings, and some decorative items. Let me also say that i am only renting this house , so the colors are not my favorite (although they are nice) they are not me! If we were to buy it (i really do live this house) i would paint it in lovely patel shades of robins egg blues and pinks :-) I have an eat in kitchen, a large dining room, a big foyer, all the rooms are large and wonderful . It has been alot of fun decorating it. I am waiting for that next wonderful piece to come my way, so i can paint it and bring it home to my new wonderful home. I will surley blog more about my home soon, when i do more things to it. i hope everyone has a wonderful day :-)

my grandmas china franciscian desert rose

2009-02-28T14:13:00.000-05:00

OMG!! This guy just walked into my store with a box of this china. It was his gramdma's.It was the same i remember as a child . MY VERY OWN GRANDMA had this as well. I remember eating from them in her pink kitchen as a young girl. I also just saw this in a magazine and i thought- I WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO GET SUCH A COMPLETE AND LOVELY SET LIKE THAT!!?? WOW , what a surprise. This set is in perfect condition, service for 8, 2 serving platters, 2 serving bowls, 2 sets of salt and pepper shakers , a gravy boat and a condiment dish. I AM SO HAPPY!!! Is'int it beautiful??

My new store vintage chic furniture - i did it!

2009-02-21T10:56:00.000-05:00

I was told by fellow friends in this business to make a blog. Find new people, people find you and share your thoughts and ideas with the world! So, where do i start?? I guess the first and most exciting thing that i would like to share with the world is, that after 4 1/2 years of painting shabby chic antique furniture- I OPENED A STORE!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!! Its always been my dream and i have arrived!! I found a lovely old building at 182 River st. Troy NY, what a lovely old building, on a lovely street, right in the antiques district. It has been hard work, but boy is it worth it! Everyday when I walk through the door I just am amazed at where I am today. The sense of accomplishment is just the most incredible feeling! The next best thing would have to be the response i've heard from people who walk in the door. They gasp, They sigh, they say such lovely things about how much they love it, how good it makes them feel, how happy it makes them, and one of my favorites were "it feels like i've died and gone to heaven with all this white".

I guess i should say now that my whole store is white! The furniture is all white(distressed white), the walls are white, the accessories are white, and even the floor is white. Then of course followed by pink, soft blues, and any other pastel accessories i can find. I have a wonderful workshop area in the back for painting a lovely store front with the two cutest display windows and in the middle a great office/ sewing area. More blogging to come........ i'm hooked :-)