Violet Mae Design

Molly's New Chair

2012-01-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a before and after picture of the latest chair I finished. This one came to me from Molly, a fantastic women with ideals close to my heart. She had seen this chair sitting in her neighbors garage for months, she contemplated asking about it but waited. The most important trait of a chair hunter is patience and it paid off for Molly. The neighbor had a garage sale and there was the chair sitting out, ready for the pickin'. Molly got her chair!
One problem still existed, Molly and I didn't know each other. But one day Molly fatefully walked into Art and Antiques on Main Street in Durango and found a chair I had for sale. She bought it, we met and the new chair project began.

This chair had some tell tale signs of internal wear. When you sat on the chair a fine yellow dust fell from the bottom. This is an obvious sign that the foam has dried up and died in your chair! Upon further inspection, the foam was pretty much gone, dry little balls of foam; brittle and crumbling to the touch. So I stripped the chair down to it's wood frame and started over. The exposed arms and legs needed a good sanding. I re-stained the legs in a Dark Mahogony and did a Poly clear coat with a satin finish.

Then came reassembling the chair. Foam on the base and back, layers of cotton batting and dacron to finish. The fabric was Molly's choice (she has great taste) there was a tan diamond print for the back and front band. Hints of red and blue were mirrored on the front fabric, which was a beautiful sink like fabric with an embroidered asian flower print. There are pleating details on the arms and front band which give it a girly charm.

Projects like these are always rewarding. Molly had the vision to save the chair from the landfill and I was able to give it life, great combo! So when you see a sad little chair sitting on the side of the road, pick it up.. have faith and find a really good upholsterer!!!

Evenings Til Eight

2011-07-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Happy to report that I am participating in Evening Til Eight every Wednesday till the end of September. This event is a weekly event featuring all local farmers, artist, food vendors and music. Eighth street is closed down on the west side of Main St., the event runs from 5-8pm. I have had a tremendous amount of success and have enjoyed personally meeting all the wonderful people who have purchased my purses. Below is a link to the blog, facebook and website for Evenings Til Eight. See you Wednesdays!!!!

http://eveningsoneighth.com/

http://eveningoneighth.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/EveningsOnEighth

New Chair - Available at Antiques and Art

2011-07-21T10:58:00.001-07:00

Last month I finished a really stunning desk chair. This chair is a great example of why I love to upholster old chairs... the transformation is dramatic. The chair was found in a free pile on the side of the road. My friend Lori saw it and picked it up for me, knowing it was a jem in the making. The seat was sagging and the fabric worn and dirty. I tore the chair down to the frame and then built it back from there. I finally got to use a asian toile fabric that was given to me as a gift about 2 years ago. I knew the perfect project would eventually come around. Below are the before and after.

Holiday Time!!

2010-11-15T13:07:00.001-08:00

Great news the holiday season is upon us and I have been busting my tail trying to get new purses made. I have about 55 purses created at this point with at least another 45 in production. Follow the Facebook link to see the pictures. I will definitely be at the St. Columba (1801 E. 3rd Ave in Durango) craft fair on December 4th from 8am to 3pm. I'm also trying to organize a public show in downtown Durango before Christmas. I will let you know as info. becomes available.

Carvers Sale was a success!

2010-09-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Spring Purses Coming Soon!

2010-05-13T09:23:00.001-07:00

I'm back in the workshop with new fabric and a desire to create. I am attaching photos of one of the purses to get you in the spring mood. Enjoy!

The chair is done!!!

2010-03-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

Kathy and I finished the chair!!! It is currently on display at the Bank of the San Juan's Main branch in downtown Durango. The chair will be auctioned off on Thursday March 18th @ 5:30pm at the Durango Arts Center. Buy your tickets in advance because it will sell out!!! Advanced tickets are $15 and are available at the Durango Arts Center Box office or the KDUR station. Please go to the KDUR website (KDUR.org) for more information and to see the other artist work. Thanks for your support!

KDUR Chair

2010-03-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

So I am procrastinating because that's how I function. I need to have the chair for the KDUR fundraiser done by tomorrow, I haven't started so we'll see how well I work under pressure! The radio station requested that we try to recycle materials to create our work. I went to the thrift store last week and found some clothing that is past its prime in the fashion world, but will be fantastic on furniture. I will post pictures of my treasures so you can see how they are adapted to the chair. Finished product to be unveiled this week!!

KDUR Fundraiser

2010-02-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

So it's a new year and a new opportunity to create a fabulous new chair for the KDUR fundraiser "Furniture as Art". Like last year, Kathy and I will be combining our creativity and artistic talent to create a fantastic piece to be auctioned off for the benefit of the college radio station. This year they request that the piece have as much re-purposed material as possible... so the wheels in my head are turning trying to think of how to reuse materials for the chair. Burlap coffee bags, plastic shopping bags.... what to use? Stay tuned to see what we think of!