Junk Jackpot Part Two

Yes, indeed.  I had to rent a truck for this haul!  And a second storage unit...  But, hey, when junk calls, I have to answer!

So, I got a call from the gentleman who sold me my last truckload-o-junk.  He was finishing his storage unit clean-out and wondered if I would be interested in taking a look at what he had left.  Hmmm...let me think...yes please!  Here are a few pics of this truckload...

1) I grabbed this great cottage piece for my talented friend and kindred spirit, Kris, of Cricket Acres Studio.  Follow her blog to see how she transforms this piece.  I know it will be gorgeous!

2)  I loved this old work table.  No top, but hey, I can build one!  Great bones, nice and sturdy, and beautiful chippy cream paint.  What's not to love?

3)  This cupboard is a great size and in sturdy condition.  It needs a little patchwork in the back (good thing I save EVERYTHING) and a serious scrub, but it's a great, basic storage piece.  I can see this as a bookcase, pantry, bar....

4)  This little dresser is a beauty!  I love the chippy blue paint (though the pink underneath is making me think it may be a candidate for citri-strip).  It's missing one drawer pull, but I have a matching one in my hardware collection (again...save everything).  But the next image is what sold me...

Do you see the detail on these drawers?  This type of joinery is called a Knapp joint, or, more commonly, a scallop and dowel joint.  Knapp joints were used for only a short period of time, from 1860 to 1890.  This is a really solid form of joinery.  These drawers are just as square and true as the day they were made.  Craftsmanship.  This is what I love about old furniture.

5)  I didn't get a great pic of this piece.  It is HUGE!  I love the original hardware and moldings.  This piece was clearly an upper cabinet, but it's about 4.5 feet high, so it would make a great floor cupboard, as well.  I'm thinking of constructing a low base...  And the paint is a great grey-brown-beige color.  Perfect!

6)  A cupola!  I love it!  Can't wait to clean it up and bring it in to Mill City Antiques!

7)  LOVE this mantel!  Look at the blue and yellow paint!  It is solid, with simple farmhouse lines.  This piece would make a heat headboard, focal piece, or...well...mantel!

8)  I also love this dresser.  I am thinking of covering the drawers in vintage ledger pages.  Hardware?  Not sure yet...

9)  This old toolbox is a keeper.  It's going to get refinished and live in the new workshop.  I know my boyfriend will love it!

10)  LOTS of cool windows and doors...

11)  Don't you just love the WBCN bumper sticker?  Yeah, this piece needs some work, but I love the lines of Empire dressers.  Plus, the antique glass knobs are awesome!

12)  This old trunk is the perfect size for a coffee table.  Lots of storage, great condition, just needs a little lavender oil to remove the musty smell.

 13)  This is a TALL old cabinet.  It barely fit in the truck.  It needs a new back, but the other door is there and it is otherwise in solid condition.  I'm not inspired yet, though...not sure what the future holds for this piece...something beautiful, though, to be sure.

 

What great finds!  Thanks so much TM for thinking of me!  I promise to make every one of these pieces stunning!

Keep following to see how I transform these pieces...

And look out for a new business name and look...I am so excited!!!!

Happy hunting,

Michelle

Junk Jackpot!

So, I'm moving my studio.  Yup, supposed to be out of the Nashua mill space on May 31.  And what do I go and do on that very day?  Buy this trailer-load of furniture for $50!  I know, right?  Who could turn down that opportunity!

How did I come upon this jackpot?  Well, I was filling my car with treasures from my old studio to bring to my new studio.  Up the elevator, down the elevator, etc.  I couldn't help but notice a pile of cool old stuff that was accumulating on the loading dock next to me.  I finally ran into the young men hauling this stuff and, of course, asked what they planned to do with it.  They said, "it's up for grabs, let us know if you want anything."  Anything?  I want everything!  Fifty bucks later it was mine!

So, what did I find in this jackpot-o-junk?

This blue-grey wood (oak and maple) filing cabinet.  Great condition, just needs a little scrubbing.

A small set of workshop drawers.  The sides are not finished, but I like the industrial look it gives the piece.  The drawers just need a scrub and a light sanding, and the top should be easy to refinish.

Not a great picture, but I love this bookcase.  It clearly once had doors and was probably part of a built-in unit.  I love the blue-green color!  The inside was pretty stained, though, so I already started painting the piece a vintage green that will look great with the original paint showing through when distressed!  Perfect for summer!

I almost passed-up this chippy little shelf, but I know with a good scrubbing and some poly to seal the paint, it will be a treasure!

This old foresman's desk is fun!  I can't wait to clean it up, refinish the wood, and refresh it with a new coat of paint!  Color?  Not sure yet...black?...white?...french blue?...

I got two old office chairs.  This is the newer of the two.  I didn't get a pic of the other one.  It is oak, with unique curved arms, a real beauty!  Not much work needed on these!

This piece would make a great kitchen island, buffet, store counter...It is bead board all around.  Pretty good size (2.5 by 4.5 I'm guessing).  Four shelves.  Great old hardware.  Circa 1972 contact paper on the top...yeah, that won't last!  I plan to refinish the top, touch up the paint and add some vintage metal casters.  It will be a beauty!

Finally, I got this old White sewing machine/cabinet.  Why am I so attracted to old sewing machines?  I don't even like to sew!  I know, it is embarrassing to admit it, but I'm not exactly at home with a needle and thread.  My BF had a great idea of turning this into a bar...I'm not sure, yet, but it will become something awesome!

My amazing BF also loaded all of this stuff in his trailer and lugged it out to my new workshop for me. He is the best.  Thanks!!!!  And just wait til you see how the workshop is coming along...!!!

Needless to say, I'm still moving my studio.  Ugh.  Just another few days....I hope...

Happy hunting!

Michelle