A Louis XIV walnut armchair, French, late 17th century

This armchair has obviously been restored, with hand coloring on the silk by me using crayola markers and vinegar water.  Okay seriously, this chair was such a messy project I felt like I was making smores the whole time!

Chaise in front of George II carved pine fire surround and Louis XVI Giltwood Mirror

Queen Anne walnut domed cabinet

This cabinet has hinges made of string and a working bottom drawer.  I plan to make little dishes to display on the shelves, inspired by my sister’s wedding china.  Why do the legs always come out crooked?  I guess that’s part of the charm? 

Painting furniture fabric with markers and vinegar water

I got tired of upholstering my miniature furniture with pink silk and decided to start coloring fabric myself for variety and beauty.  I ordered fabric dye but till it arrives I’m experimenting with markers and vinegar.  I love how the green lines fade to blue tips as the color separates out.  Hopefully  the fabric will have an antique look, like it was colored with natural dyes.  It is very funny how the second I started working on this I was filled with so much happiness, the same strange transported feeling I used to feel when I would paint in art school.

Harpsichord with Stool

This has real strings inside and little foot pedals.

Cute set of chairs

Today I finished my set of chairs… I made little padded cushions, just enough batting inside to make them a tiny bit squishy to the touch.  Went a little overboard with embellishments, still not sure if I should restrain myself a little over the fancy details.   But something inside me says they are delicious the way they are!  One of them tries to fall over backwards   Too much cushion on the back.  I can’t wait to add to my growing family of furniture!

Furniture sculptures

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Here are some sculptures inspired by some old Sotheby’s auction catelogues I collected at the Strand.  I love the tin foil mirror on the vanity, the strings in the harpsichord, the drawer that really works, the cushy silky chairs, and the chandelier that took me three days to bead!