Poppy: A chair lives "Mappily Ever After"

Some time in 1987, according to people who know, the world's population topped 5 Billion. A map was produced showing how continents and countries weighed in on the total. I took that map as inspiration for Poppy the Chair.

While this chair has been in my possession for a few years, it doesn't go as far back as 1987.  However, I just didn't see potential for 2nd Chance work in it.  Than I ran out of things to paint and found new eyes for the serviceable chair.  I'm so glad that I did because the final product makes me so happy.

Working with maps more and more, I love finding new ways to feature them with my painting.  While a bit cheesy, I can't resist the idea of the map and the piece living "mappily ever after".

Yes, Poppy is for sale.  Let me know if you're interested: 2ndchance.functionalart@gmail.com

Celia the Circle clock up for grabs!

I'm spending more time on Facebook. No use denying it. And I'd love to have you and your friends join my page. To sweeten the deal, I've got an offer:

Win the colorful and cunning Celia, the Circle Clock. Share this page with your friends. Message me with the name of each friend who "Likes" 2nd Chance Designs and I'll place your name in a drawing. To qualify, messages must arrive before midnight (Pacific Standard Time) January 31st. You may share the page as often as you like. I will verify that names match new "Likes" and contact the winner for a mailing address February 1st. I will mail Celia to any address in the United States in time for Valentine's Day! Not in the U.S.? I'm happy to send Celia as a gift in your name to a friend who is.

Jewel box: Andy Warhol

Little jewel boxes with interesting lines are such fun to work with. This piece looked forlorn with a missing pull and scuffed edges. The original paint looked cheery but I think I made the piece a lot more distinctive with labels from my kitchen and pantry.

Interested in something off-beat? Andy Warhol, the 5-drawer jewel box may be just the thing.

White is for snow

Yesterday I spoke with another furniture painter.  It was kinda exciting.  She has a booth at one of the Riverside antique stores and happily told me how well she's doing.  She finds interesting pieces for pocket change and then spruces them up for resale with paint.  Usually white.  "That's what most people want to buy.  And I use this wonderful paint that works really well.  I can paint a desk and wax it in just a few hours."  She told me she might ask $89 for such a piece.

Well.  I wasn't sure what to think. All sorts of ideas came to me including her repeated advice, "Paint what you know people will buy."

But what about joy?  I paint furniture for the sheer delight of seeing a total transformation and to create usable art.  I paint to express and spread joy.  While I like white, I can honestly say I don't own one single piece of white furniture.  Not. One.  I appreciate the zen of white.  Covering my currently orange-ish cherry wood kitchen cabinets with a bright coat of white paint definitely appeals to me. But painting furniture white or other neutral shades just to ensure a sale...

Nope.  Not ready for that.  The painted piece that some crank out with one color in a matter of hours, I ponder and love on and happily produce after 20 or 30 hours and ten different colors.  Call me stubborn or impractical.  But I believe not every shopper wants white. 

Shout out if you too love living in color.  I'd like some company.

Nancy 9-Drawers is for sale

I found this sweet piece at the thrift store on a mid-week run.

Aside from a splatter stain on one side and a small structural flaw I could fix, it was in good condition.

Bright pink seemed like the right compliment for the vintage fabric I chose for this darling

.

Once all the painting was done, I moved to the bold fabric and trusty ModPodge.

I replaced the homely original pulls with chunky ceramics.

Nancy 9-Drawers stands 9 inches tall; she's 12 inches wide and 6 3/4 inches deep.

Here's a clear view of the black and brown '60's vibe paisley print on top.

I cut the fabric for the front of the drawers from a single piece.

This weekend I'll take Nancy 9-Drawers out for the first time.  Here's hoping she wows and woos.  If she isn't snapped up, I may just have to start my Etsy shop.  

Be the change

Michele Collins, a creative I've never met, posted this sign.  I'm sending her shout out to each of you, dear readers.  Think about it: you have the power to cause change by changing the way you shop.  And I'll bet I'm not the only independent artist/merchant you know.  Who can you support besides impersonal on-line vendors like Amazon and Monoprice or big box stores? 

If you'd like to commission a 2nd Chance Design for holiday giving, or select something from my small collection, drop me a note: 2ndchance.functionalart@gmail.com.

Be the change you wish to see.

A good home

 Like a lost puppy, each piece I rescue and transform has an emotional hold on me. Something about cleaning it up and dressing it in pretty colors creates a relationship.  Plus, while my work, like a new puppy, brings a smile and makes a house feel more like a home, it never needs shots or leaves a puddle on the floor. 

Needless to say, I'm thrilled when someone else takes notice of one of my strays and goes beyond a compliment. I'm happy to announce that the winsome four-drawer dresser goes to a new home this week. Yay! 

Why not consider adopting a 2nd Chance original of your own?  Each lively piece brings its own combination of joy and colorful use.  I'm gearing up to find good homes for even more of my 2nd Chance Designs.  With the holidays fast approaching, let me know soon if you'd like a one-of-a-kind "puppy" to keep or put beside the tree.