Friday 28 September 2007

Chi-Chi's Fabulous Find

Last weekend my husband and I packed up the crew and headed down to the Annapolis Valley to attend the Wolfville Antique Show. This proved to be no small feat. Navigating two very active and curious toddlers through an auditorium crammed with precious, fragile and expensive objects could have easily spelled disaster! We have both been avid antique collectors for years and continue to indulge in this hobby, despite the fact that it is becoming more difficult with a growing family. Gone are the days of spending countless hours in musty shops and barns - poking, dreaming and losing all track of time. We have learned to be more efficient in our shopping techniques, as we are now faced with the challenge of working around the limited attention spans of Chi-Chi and Muffy.

Perhaps our passion for antiques is beginning to rub off on the little ones. Despite the fact that Mommy and Daddy are the collectors in the family, Chi-Chi was the one who walked away with a fabulous find at the show. He eyed an adorable antique upholstered chair that was just his size. The chair measures 22” high by 19” wide and we were told it dates back to the 1920's. Being a bit of a nostalgic, I have a soft spot in my heart for children's antiques. This dear little chair was simply irresistible. I envisioned it nestled into a cozy little reading nook for the kiddies. Not wasting any time, the boys and I dropped it off at a local upholstery shop this week to give it a much-needed makeover. We chose a cheerful, bright red fabric that is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear it will undeniably experience. Decked out in its new attire, the little chair is a charming addition to the living room and accents the décor beautifully. What a wonderful alternative to a gaudy, furry purple “Dora” chair parked next to my sofa!

I regret not taking a "before" photo of this piece. It was definitely well-used and well-loved throughout its life. For close to a century this sweet little chair has been bringing a touch of joy and comfort to children’s lives. It warms my heart that we are providing it with a loving and caring home where it can continue its journey. I have no doubt Chi-Chi’s fabulous find will be around for generations to come!

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