a pair of library chairs.

Published on by Quandie

To all of my American readers, Happy almost 4th of July!  I can always tell when this holiday is coming because I don’t get any sleep.  The 11 p.m. fireworks keep me up at night, plus I’m getting up at 6 a.m. to get some painting in before the day heats up too much.  So I think it’s fair to say that this is not really one of my favorite holidays.  Regardless, I’m going to celebrate with a giveaway at the end of this post, so be sure to read all the way to the bottom!

When I said I was going to post every day this week, I hope you guys realized that I meant just the weekdays.  Which brings me to the final post of the week.

I brought home a pair of library chairs from a garage sale a couple of weeks ago.

When you get up close and personal, you can see that the finish on the chairs was pretty tired.

But that was a pretty quick fix using some paint.

I cleaned the chairs using some TSP substitute, then I brushed on two coats of Dixie Belle’s Caviar.  Once dry, I sanded to distress the edges and then added a small section from a stencil to the chair back.

I’m always amazed by how much character such a simple detail can add.

I added a topcoat of clear wax to protect the finish and to give them that perfect subtle glow that comes from waxing.

This pair of chairs is no longer tired looking, and they are ready to head to a new home.  So if any of you locals are in need of a pair of library chairs, be sure to check out my available for local sale page.

So tell me, which garage sale makeover from this week was your favorite?

The button box …

The bird cage …

One of the buckets …

Bessie the cow …

The shoe forms …

Or the library chairs …

Let me know which one you liked the best!

And just to make it more fun, and because I haven’t done a giveaway in a while, today I’ll draw a name from all of those who leave a comment here on today’s blog post and the winner will receive a red, white & blue themed prize.

Included is 16 oz of Honky Tonk Red, Antebellum Blue and Fluff (white), plus one of my favorite decorating books, American Style by Country Living.

Thank you to Dixie Belle for providing the paint I’m giving away today!

The rules:  to be eligible to win today’s prize leave a comment on this blog post.  If you can’t think of anything to say, just let me know which of my garage sale makeovers was your favorite.  Your comment must be left on the blog, not on Facebook or Instagram.

I will randomly draw the name of a winner for today’s prize from all of the comments left on this post by Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at the stroke of midnight (U.S. Central time).

The fine print: no purchase necessary, you must be 18 years of age or older to win, void where prohibited by law, the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning, approximate retail value of prize is $90 if the prize is not claimed by Friday, July 10, another name will be drawn at random to win, blah, blah, blah.

P.S.  You do not have to be an American to win my Independence Day themed prize!  I have no idea if they are letting packages across the borders these days, but I’m willing to give it a shot.

Good luck!

188 thoughts on “a pair of library chairs.”

  1. I’m a sucker for library chairs- the time spent in a building full of stories, the seating for unknown seekers of wisdom, just dreaming… And I love the black with simple design added! Thank you for bringing encouragement to create.

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      1. I have one of those old library chairs in my basement. Its really a sturdy, comfy chair. Thinking maybe I’ll need to drag it upstairs for a do-over…plus I really liked the birdcage…my poor pup Rosie is bothered by the fireworks and just shakes when she hears them. The other pup doesn’t seem fazed, but worries over Rosie. Sigh…I am always happy when the neighborhood runs out of fireworks.

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  3. My fav of the week is the button box. I collect buttons, so anything with that theme works for me! Love the paint colors!

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  4. Love all your make overs but my favorite is the button box! It brings back memories of my Nana. Happy 4th!

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  5. You did a great job on all of these, and getting them posted each day. I, too, am amazed at how much character a little detail can add. Thanks for doing these. It’s probably a good thing I live so far away otherwise I’d probably be adding a lot of your items to my home!

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  6. I too love all of your makeovers! You are so talented. My favorite this past week was Bessie the cow. So sweet

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  7. Love your blog. We need inspiration from do overs that are not so complicated but add so much. The chairs are my favorite.

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    1. Thank you for saying that Candy. I often feel like my work pales in comparison to some of the more artistic work being done by the many very talented people out there. But I like a simpler look, so I assume there are others who do as well. I’m happy to get confirmation on that 🙂

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  8. My favorite makeover are the chairs! I have sort of a “non-collection” that I hope to give new life to someday!

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  10. I love that you have posted every day this week….something to look forward to! All those projects were great but I think my fave is that button box. I really like little wooden boxes of all kinds. Happy 4th to you and thanks for all the great ideas and inspiration.

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  11. A very difficult challenge to choose just one of these gems! The library chairs are so comfortable; the birdcage so charming…But I would choose the button box because I can think of a couple great ways to put it to use in my home. I am at the stage where I am talking about downsizing so every item I add really needs to earn its place. However, I still can’t quite “walk the walk” so the birdcage and rusty bucket would also be heading home with me! Since the end of the Taste of Minnesota and the St. Paul fireworks, the Forth of July just hasn’t been the same. This year, with most of the fireworks canceled, an astonishing number of fireworks tents and displays – even a whole aisle in Target! – have sprung up. We are in for a very noisy night I fear!

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    1. Oh boy Kim, I am thinking exactly the same thing. Everyone will be setting off their own fireworks in their backyards this weekend … or dare I say … probably even in the streets. With our recent history here in the Twin Cities, I have to say I’m a bit nervous about the whole thing!

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    1. I ended up selling it to one of my local readers. She emailed right away asking to buy it if it was available, so I said yes. I should note here for anyone reading, I am almost always willing to sell items to people who are local and can come and pick them up. First come, first served 😉

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  13. I love all your work and am inspired to look at so many objects in new ways! If I have to pick one, the button box would be my favorite for this week… thanks for all your inspiration : )

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  14. I love all of your posts! If I had to choose a favorite, I would pick the buckets with the ReDesign Paris Valley Transfer you used on your buckets. I love them so much that I’m in search for that transfer.
    Could you please post the name of the stencil you used on those gorgeous chairs! I don’t see where you mentioned it. I just love those chairs as well. Great job!

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    1. Thanks Dawn! You’re right, I forgot to mention the stencil. It’s from Maison de Stencils and is called Fritz Kohnen German Feedsack, and you can find it here.

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  15. I think all of your makeovers are lovely. Since I have to pick one it has to be the library chairs. I love love library chairs. I have been looking for some and wish I lived closer to you. Thank you for your blog. I enjoy reading it. Have a Happy & Safe 4th.

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    1. I’m always happy when I spot some library chairs at a good price because I love them too. I often see them at prices that are too high to be worthwhile for me, so it was awesome to find this pair.

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  17. You have been busy with projects and blog posts!! Hope you get some relaxation this weekend!! 🙂 I love all of your projects. Choosing a favorite is hard with so many creative makeovers, I’m going to choose the birdcage. It is not something I would have gravitated towards in its “before” state, but you sure made it a game changer!! Thank you, as always for all of your inspiration! Happy 4th!

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    1. I think I will get some forced relaxation in the afternoons because it’s going to be too hot to do anything other than relax this weekend!

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  18. This was such a fun week of inspiration and transformation. Thank you for giving us something to look forward to each day! Though I love each of the projects, the chairs are my favorite. Amazing how a bit of paint and stencil can make such a dramatic change.

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  19. It’s a tie between the buckets and the birdcage for me. For our American neighbours …have a happy but safe July 4th celebration. And just an FYI the mail and shipping continues to Canada. Many US retailers have cancelled shipping to us but I think it’s related to fewer staff working in an area. All commercial vehicles are crossing the borders.

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    1. OK, that’s good to know Janice. I haven’t been following up to the minute news, but last I heard the border between us was closed to people. I wasn’t sure about packages. Here in Minnesota it’s not uncommon for people to head into Canada for fishing trips or other vacationing in the summer, so it’s really put a damper on that sort of thing.

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  23. Love them all but I have a bird cage on my yard sale bucket list so I would have to pick it. As an avid button collector, I also particularly love it! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to your posts.

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  24. I think I have to say the button box-loved all the little bits that came with it too! The library chairs do look very stately though. Thanks for the daily blogs it has been a bright spot in the week.

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  25. Love the chairs and honestly, everything you do. It was a lot for you to post everyday, but know all your readers have loved it!

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    1. Posting every day can be a bit of a challenge for me! There are only so many hours in a day. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say that I only have so much energy per day 😉

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  27. Happy pretty-darn-close-to-the 4th! I’m sorry it’s not one of your favs though! No fireworks here in Western Colorado should be waking me because we are under an extreme drought alert and all the fireworks shows have been banned. I’m sure though some idiots will think the rules don’t apply to them and cause damage. Just sayin’!
    Anywho, regarding your flea market makeovers I would have to say the cow toy is my favorite. When I first saw him I thought, no, don’t make him over…he’s cute in his ugliness. But, as always, you were right to spruce him up and now she is a Delightful Bovine!! Here’s to a good pair of earplugs and plenty of rest!!

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  28. All the projects turned out charming! But— the library chairs get my vote. Was sad to see they had already sold when I hopped on here this morning- next time!😊 Enjoy the 4th!

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  29. The cow because I have one to paint and never thought about a transfer! Oh and the chairs, buckets, button box, … you get the picture! Thanks for the fun posts this week!

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  30. All of them turned out great!! If I had to choose I think that it is a toss-up between the birdcage and the button box.I love your vision for the pieces that you do. I hope that you have a wonder 4th of July too! 🇺🇸 ❤️

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  32. Well since I’m an accidental librarian, I have to say the library chairs 😉 Remember when we found one (or was it two?) at Arc? Good times. By the way, I made a road trip out to the one in New Hope with my college BFF, so maybe we should road trip to Bloomington! 🙂

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  33. I love how the white galvanized bucket came out. Inspired me to do one just like it. So I pick the white bucket.

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  34. Hi Quandie! My favorite project this week was the button box, then the pails, then I though the cow was a nice idea for a country kitchen. You really have a great eye for picking the perfect things to rehab! So with this comment I hope I win, have some projects in mind of my own I’d like to fix up! I really love your posts Quandie, they make this time more bearable!

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  35. It is probably a good thing I don’t live in your area because I would be over buying something from you every week😉 How fun to have a blog post every day this week and, as always, your creations are beautiful and inspiring! I have a library chair from my college alma mater. Some years after I graduated they tore down the old building and auctioned off the old furniture. In addition to the “library chair”, I was lucky enough to buy several other chairs (that I use at my dining table) as well as a desk. They mean a lot to me but need a spruce up. Thanks for helping me decide what to do with them!

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    1. That’s really cool that you have some library chairs with meaning behind them. I hope you spent at least a few hours studying in the those chairs once upon a time 😉

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  37. The library chairs. I am all about the whites but the glow on those chairs! Their arms are waiting for you to come sit for a spell.
    Thank you for your inspiration with all the smalls. I love seeing your work in the house and garden tours.

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  39. This has been the best week! To start each day with a post by “q” …..just doesn’t get any better. And the giveaway is the perfect ending. Severe drought with fire ban here also. No fireworks. My favorite of the week would be the shoe forms. Wouldn’t you know, my drummer marches to a waltz! Please have a safe holiday and thanks for the beauty you bring in to my life!!

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    1. You’re welcome. Isn’t it funny how some parts are dry, while we got a whopping 7″ of rain the other day. Definitely not dry here, which means plenty of fireworks I suspect 🙂

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  41. I’m having a hard time choosing 1 favorite! The cow turned out amazing, as did the bird cage and the white bucket! Actually all the makeovers are great but those appealed most to my taste! I love your style, Quandie!
    Amanda

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  43. It’s hard to pick a favorite…love them all! I’ve been an avid follower for years and have enjoyed each and every post, keep up the wonderful work. Happy 4th!

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  44. Hmm, the button box and bird cage are jumping and saying, Pick me! I guess the bird cage, since I do have a bird addiction. Always enjoy whatever you create.If I win the paint, send some motivation, please.

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  45. First, thank you for sharing all the small makeovers. I sell lots of updated smalls in my shop and your pieces totally inspire me. Just because I love cows, Bessie would be my first choice as a favorite. However, all your posts this week are fabulous make overs. And I love that yours are simple and very appealing – just my style.

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  47. Hi,
    My favorite thing is that you entertain me when there’s not much good entertainment out there for me. Whether it’s a button box or a bird cage or a pail or shoe stretcher or chairs, they’re fun and beautiful and they take my mind off other things that I’m supposed to be doing. So my favorite thing is that you took the time to do this all week and share it, ad free!!!

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  49. I’d have to go with the chairs, and I love your chairs – have bought a few from you! The buckets are a close second!
    Happy 4th of July and hopefully you are able to get some rest !

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    1. I actually thought about you when I decided to go with the black on the chairs Suzy. I know you have purchased a few in the pale green/blue color and those were gorgeous too. I almost went that route with this pair, but in the end black won out.

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  50. Dang Miss Quandie! Look at all the comments! People just LOVE free stuff! (-: (-: (-: Hahahaha! Let’s see…….which to choose which to choose……….I love the chairs. And the shoe forms and cow. But, really, everything you do is cool…………

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