March 21, 2012

Come Fly with Us!



Have you ever just wanted to get away from it all? Well, our Adirondack lamps will make you feel like you’ve taken a trip - both in time and away to your own hidden lodge by a lake. 
We have a matching set of table lamps and a standing floor lamp that have hand-painted shades and frosted glass lamp covers. The scenes depict a goose flying home to a pine covered lake island. All original paint. The table lamps are available as a pair; the floor lamp may be bought separately. I’m feeling refreshed just looking  at them now!

 
Paint, Varnish and Gesso. Three mediums or finishes, each having different looks and uses.

Our Cottage Furniture selection has a new addition with a turn of the century writing desk. Made of oak this compact piece has the original drawer and drop lid hardware, nicely turned legs and convenient storage shelf. It has been painted a soft green/blue, hand waxed and detailed. A nice little wood applique adds a bit of flourish.

Varnish is often my go to finish of choice when refinishing a piece that has suffered damage to its original shellac finish. Usually this damage is from alcohol or water and sometimes just plain hard use. In the case of our newest compact server/buffet, dating from the 1930’s – 1940’s, it had all three problems on its top. After some time in the Redeux Spa the damage has been corrected and the new varnish and hand wax finish should provide many years of beautiful use.  It measures 34” in length so will fit in many areas of a home.

Gesso is an old formula mixture of plaster and glue often used to coat carved wood pieces before painting them. The Victorians often used gesso before gilding an intricate carved piece. Our newly found Victorian carved mirror is a good example of this type of artistry. Carved leaves, flowers and other details adorn this piece.

What a Crock!
An interesting pottery find is a covered crock. Made by the New York Stoneware Company of Port Edward, NY, this piece dates from about 1859-1885. It’s in very good condition and has very nice coloring. The company graphics and other little details are visible on the crock’s exterior.

We’re coming up on our One Year Anniversary! We’ll have lots to celebrate. And, you’ll be invited! More details to come soon.

Stop by. Hope to see you again, soon.

Bill

March 8, 2012

Laura



Laura is the face in the misty light
Footsteps that you hear down the hall
The LAUGH that floats on a summer night
That you can never quite recall…but she’s only a dream.

Yes, she is a dream. But, she is also very real. Born about 60 years ago, Laura had been the center of attraction for many years. She was most at home in the cozy dining room, standing in the corner – seeing everything. She often was adorned with little niceties – nothing too flashy, mind you – she was at heart a country girl. As the years passed Laura just wouldn’t change with the times. People who once admired her looks as being simple, yet elegant, began to look at her as “cute’ and then, finally, just tired. That’s when she met The Redhead.

The Redhead loves to shop. Or, better put, she loves to poke around looking for little treasures. In the oddest places, sometimes.  Often, we meet very interesting folks in these out of the way places. Laura was one of them.

Laura explained to The Redhead that she was there not so much to shop as she had nowhere else to go.  That’s all The Redhead had to hear. She is such a softie.
Fast forward a year or so. Laura has been with us since that first meeting. We took her in and cared for - and about- her. She told us some of her past.  And, some of her dreams. She wanted to again be the center of attraction. Could we help?
We asked our new Redeux Spa Cosmetologist, Marion, to perform the makeover. A country girl never looked so beautiful! 
Our Laura is the realization of our research and Marion’s efforts to give new life to some very interesting, yet vintage, gals. Stop by and see Laura. Maybe you’ll take her home with you. She’s a lot of fun!
These past few weeks have been busy at Redeux. The Redeux Spa has been working mostly on our new line of cottage furniture and readying some smaller accent pieces. A small, painted drop front desk should be ready for this weekend. An interesting wall shelf with drawers and acorn style pulls is ready now.

Pottery, newly arrived and of various kinds, both functional and decorative, is now on display in the shop. 
Stained glass. We have an exquisite stained glass window. Dating from about the late 1800's, this beauty would look great hanging in a window or against a wall. The colors and design are fantastic!
Our large (5x3) carved mahogany mirror is ready for your special spot. It can be seen in our front window.

Speaking of large, our oak office-style desk needs a new home and we need the room. It has a file drawer, lots of hand detailing and is available for a very special price!

Also, Redeux is exploring ideas for expanding what we offer in the shop. Our criteria is it must be made in the USA. If you would like to see us carry something, especially gift-giving items, just let us know.

Looking forward to seeing you soon. Stop by!

Bill