Monday, February 25, 2013

T's Ten, Week of 2/24

Here in Oddfellows land we are eager for spring to arrive. You can really tell, too. I think we are all doing lots of pre-spring cleaning, because our dealers are not only sprucing and tidying, but also adding new things to their booths daily. That said, this post is long overdue, particularly since there really are so many fun things in the shop right now. Many apologies for withholding the goodies. More for me, I suppose!;) Check out my favorites this week and be sure to keep in touch!

 1. Let's start with this great piece of industrial history. This is an Edison dictograph, complete with wax cylinders and a speaking tube. Here's a  link to learn more about these cool pieces of history. They were predominantly used to dictate and record information for transcribers. It doesn't work any longer, but what a great prop this would be! Dealer #NYA, Edison Dictograph, $175. 
 
 2. I'm always thinking of creative ways to hide my clothes, purses, etc.from Ethan, and this rusty locker unit would be perfect! I love, love the finish on this one with the holes. It has such a great aged look, doesn't it? Dealer #02, Single Locker, $100.

3. This Edwardian oak server is by far one of my favorite pieces in the shop right now. It's becoming harder and harder to find them, and this one is a beauty. I especially love the carved wood doors, and this is an all around great functional piece. You could use it for its original purpose in a dining room, but I also think it's a great size and height to use as an entertainment unit. Dealer #150, Edwardian Oak Server, $795.

 4. This pair of framed vintage prints are really sweet, and I especially love the ribbons they hang from. Such a classic, sophisticated look. I think these would be lovely in a nursery or in a dressing room. Dealer #OMD, Pair of Vintage Prints, $30.

 5. Isn't this Louis XVI settee great? The fabric's ticking really makes it work for me. So simple, with so much understated sophistication. Hang the pair of vintage prints above close by! Dealer #444, Louis XVI Settee, $495.

 6. How fun is this star!? It could easily be rewired back to working order, and I think it would be the perfect compliment to my home. Or possibly yours. I just love the bold look, and imagine how fun this would be lit up at night! Dealer #150, Fun Star, $125.

 7. Look at these beauties! This set of J.L. Moller chairs arrived over the weekend and are a perfect, iconic example of Danish design done well. They are teak with natural cord seating. Love! Dealer #83, Set of four Moller Dining Chairs, $795.

 8. I've been pre-spring cleaning a ton, which for me means weeding through the many smalls and artwork that can tend to clutter our house. I'm on a mission to swap out some of my thriftier art pieces and prints I've held onto from my college days for more quality pieces. "Adult art," if you will. This Jewish folk art painting of a brass band is definitely on my radar. The lively band, juxtaposed with the rich colors makes a great little piece, don't you think? Dealer #133, Jewish Folk Art, $495.

 9. I'm also craving a little leather in our home, much to Ethan's dismay (the only material he absolutely despises, for some reason). This chesterfield club chair would be perfect. I love its golden mustard color, plus the seat cushion is the softest, buttery leather I've ever felt. I always say this, and it's true; you can't go wrong with a chesterfield. Dealer #150, Chesterfield Club Chair, $695.

 10. Customers have been raving about this pair of mid-century chairs (only one pictured), and for good reason. They definitely have a bit of a French feel to them with the fabric and little carved legs, which is great. Perhaps the best part about them, though, is that they swivel! How fun, right? Dealer #150, Pair of Mid-century Chairs, $495.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Oddfellows on the Chair Repair Blog!

A few days ago I had the pleasure of finally meeting Brandy Clements, one of the experts behind local business Chair Repair. We've kept her business cards in our shop throughout the years, and yet I had never had the pleasure of meeting her until the other day. Brandy mentioned that she wanted to feature Oddfellows in an upcoming blog post. Her blog is an excellent source for learning about chair repair. My favorite part are the "Cane-Spotting" posts, in which Brandy features caned chairs spotted in photographs, such as in a photo of the Obamas at the Inaugural Luncheon. Also be sure to check out the repair tutorials, which are super helpful. Brandy and her business are a reminder of all the wonderful resources we have at our disposal here in Asheville. You can really tell she loves her work! Thanks again for featuring Oddfellows, Brandy!

You can find the blog post by clicking here and read more about Brandy's business at gochairrepair.com.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Week In An Instant-San Francisco Edition!

Earlier this week I got back from a mini-vacation to San Francisco! I stayed with my best friend/college roommate Stella, and she showed me a really great time. It was my first time on the west coast, and I have to say the weather spoiled me. While it snowed and rained in Asheville, I was experiencing sunny t-shirt weather in California. Here are a few photos from my trip. If you like them, be sure to follow me on Instagram for more. Search for "oddfellowtarleton."

Images Left to Right:
1. The Rockies!! The only fun part of a 5.5 hour flight.
2. Spotted some fun vintage textiles (my weakness) in a shop on Valencia in the Mission.
3. By far my favorite shop on the trip, this is a shot of all the taxidermy beauty to be found at Paxton Gate. Seriously, if you ever visit San Francisco, this shop is an absolute must. Lots of beautiful plants, jewelry, and weird taxidermy and bones. Perfect!
4. This was a house in the Mission that looked extra cute because of the car in front of it.
5. Quick view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
6. Another house I fell in love with, this time because of the yellow door and ivy-covered facade. I couldn't get over all the fun architecture in the city.
7. We took a day trip to Point Reyes, just north of San Francisco. By far my favorite part of the trip, Point Reyes had the most beautiful rolling hillsides with wildflowers and cows grazing.
8. And then suddenly, after a little hike, there's the Pacific Ocean! It was such a beautiful day to be on the beach.
9. Another shop I fell in love with, The General Store in Sunset was beautifully merchandised.

Images Left to Right:
1. A view of the city from atop Twin Peaks.
2. Yep, another house I fell in love with.
3. This poster was in a shop in Richmond called Park Life. I loved the graphic quality of the print with the fun colors.
4. I was able to catch a few mid-century and antique shops while I was there. I wish I could've brought all of it back to Asheville with me!
5. Instead, I brought back an air plant nestled in a piece of driftwood. Almost every shop we went in had them, and seemed a perfect token to remind me of my first visit. Also I got a palm reading chart...I'll start reading your palm!! Kidding...
6. And a shot of the subway on my long journey back to Asheville!