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28 August, 2010

Another Frenchy Chair...and...A Look Inside My Antique Plantation Desk

IMG_3009 I am sooo excited about my latest find…another frenchy chair! In fact, I think I will call this my favorite find ever! Isn’t it so delicate and feminine? Just perfect for my Parisian master bedroom redo! However…


page …it didn’t start out life looking like that! Here is how it looked after I had  removed one layer of fabric…and there were still more underneath!  I had to strip the cushion down to the bare bones and reconstruct it, too! But can you see its wonderful cane back? Sigh!


IMG_3012 Here it is with its new  cushion…covered in drop cloth! I love it! It looks like homespun linen with wonderful variations in color and texture! And here’s the best part…I found the chair at my favorite flea/antique market for only $36! Can you believe it? It is in absolutely perfect condition. It was originally paired with a roll top desk…also very feminine…which sold separately. The dealer identified it as a Stickley & Brandt chair, which would date it to the late 1800s to early 1900s.


IMG_2985 However, we are not thorough yet! Isabella has a suggestion…how about giving it a sassy, flirty skirt? Here she is checking out my progress! Now here I must add that I am very proud of myself because with advice from my friend Linda at Nina’s Nest, I managed to add piping to my slip cover…a first for me! Woo hoo! I used more of the drop cloth to make it.


IMG_2995 And here is the final result! I had originally planned to paint the chair white and distress it to create my version of the Shabby Chic Darcy chair that I have been wanting, but I think I love it as is! And besides, the antique walnut finish matches my great-grandfather’s plantation desk to a tee…which reminds me…


IMG_2998 Last time, I showed you the outside of my plantation desk, so this week, I decided to show you the inside…after  sprucing up and organizing it, that is! lol Believe me, you do not want to see the before! Let me take you for a little tour!


IMG_2999 First, I want to show you this wonderful frenchy votive holder that I found at Goodwill for $4.00…so Parisian! I love the mirrored sides! It can be used for paper clips and stamps, too!


IMG_3006 I have also added my bouillotte lamps that was previously on my hutch. It looks more at home here, don’t you think? Click here for my post on the history of the bouillotte lamp.


IMG_3000 If you have followed my blog for very long, this ink well should look familiar! This is a reproduction of the one I found for my neighbor Joyce! I found this one on eBay.


page1 And finally, I love the many wonderful cubbies and spaces in my desk, but no modern desk organizers will fit it, so I have to create my own. I raided the pantry for all sorts of boxes and found some that fit. Thank goodness for grandchildren and their cereal assortments! lol I simply cut the boxes to fit, covered them with pretty wrapping paper and added these wonderful tags from the scrapbooking store!


IMG_2998 One interesting note…the top opens to reveal a secret hiding place for important papers! Fun, huh? And there you have it…my great-grandfather’s plantation desk! Isn’t it a real treasure? I am so very fortunate to be the family member who is its keeper!


IMG_2995 And here’s one last look at my new frenchy chair! I have been searching for the perfect chair to go with my desk ever since it came to live at my house eight years ago…and I think I have found it at last! What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my finds!  Please visit these wonderful bloggers and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special...Old
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for Today’s Thrifty Treasures
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday
Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage for Transformation Thursday
Marian at Miss Mustard Seed for Furniture Feature Fridays
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Artie at Color Outside the Lines for Vignette Fridays
Laurie at Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie for A Few of My Favorite Things Saturday
Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia for the Drop Cloth Linky Party
See you next time! A la prochaine!

88 comments:

  1. Oh Deb you have done it again. I am so amazed at your ingenuity. Love love the chair and you made the right choice by not painting it. I am so impressed with the votive holder that now houses all the things you need at a desk and the organizer covers that you made. It looks so pretty with your Bouillete lamp, my favorite piece of all time!!!Great job once again, creative genius!! xo kathysue

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  2. Oh wow Debbie, your chair is fantastic and the new cover is fabulous. What a wonderful idea. I love it. Your plantation desk is just stunning and your boxes and tags that you created are just perfect. Such a beautiful piece and you have it accessorized so beautifully. I love it. Thanks also for linking to TTT. Wow, so pretty. Hugs, Marty

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  3. Hi Debbie! Oh, my goodness your chair is beautiful! I didn't know you could sew! You did a wonderful job on the seat cover and the piping and little ruffle are just perfect! I love love love your grandfather's desk and you had appointed it so Frenchified! Love the cereal boxes made into gorgeous holders! You're too good! Lovely lovely!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  4. Just lovely Debbie...I really like what you did with the ceral boxes too great girl..Love your chair and your grandpa desk WOW!! can't wait to see the whole room my Dear friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  5. Debbie, you continue to amaze and dazzle. Your new chair is fabulous. You have eagle eyes for sure! The new cushion is darling. I agree with Isabella, the sassy flirty skirt is the perfect touch. Kudos to your sewing skills!
    Thanks for showing us inside the desk. Desks with cubbies are the best, and how clever of you to make your own boxes. I think the lamp, inkwell, and the votive piece are the perfect French accents for this piece. This could easily fit into the decor at the French Legation here in Austin.
    Hope you have a beautiful week ahead. Great post! ~ Sarah

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  6. Hi Debbie!
    Nice to meet you!
    I'm playing along too at White Wednesday and Funky Junks SNS.
    I must say that I love everything, your sweet cat, your awesome chair make over, your gorgeous desk with the cubbies and finally what you made of the cereal boxes!!! Great idea and they came out so pretty!
    Sending you best wishes from Germany
    Carola

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  7. Wow impressive!
    Love the study desk and the chair. Very traditional.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Happy weekend.
    xo

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  8. Looks great! Very pretty chair and I love the ruffled cover!

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  9. Love your new chair and its pretty cover. Drop cloth material is so pretty and I'll bet that it is durable, too. Your desk is a beautiful piece. I really like how you used boxes from your pantry to make your own storage containers.

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  10. What an awesome desk, a treasure, indeed! You are so blessed to have your grandfather's beautiful desk and I love the look you have created, what a precious piece of furniture. Look at that chair, I love it!

    Your posts are always remarkable-

    Nancy

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  11. Debbie I love this chair!! I also like how you've "outfitted" the secretary. You've given me wonderful ideas for the secretary in our foyer. I have a votive holder somewhere around here. I'm definitely copying that idea.

    Wonderful post! I am loving this room.

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  12. You are such a lucky girl. And smart too, the cereal box idea just couldn't be better. But my favorite other than the desk itself and chair, is the votive holder. You have to be the best ever at the goodwill thing.

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  13. I LOVE the chair and that beautiful desk, which you have decorated so tastefully. Those little covered boxes & labels are adorable and the perfect touch!

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  14. The Frenchy chair turned out beautifully and it compliments your grandfather's plantation desk nicely. The French votive holder is fantastic and makes an ideal desk organizer.

    I would love for your to visit my new French Rose Garden bedroom. I just finished it.
    http://amusingpotpourri.blogspot.com/2010/08/accueillir-ma-roseraie.html

    Have a great week! La

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  15. Turned out gorgeous! and a perfect fit to your very special desk!

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  16. Debbie, I love the chair and the cute skirt you made for it. Love, love, love the desk and how creative are you using cereal boxes to create those storage files. Sooooo cute! Have a great week.

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  17. Wow! It is all just gorgeous. I love how you have prettied up the inside of the desk. Great ideas. I just may do something new to my desk now.You get us thinking, that's for sure. It's just lovely. Love the chair, too and give that beauty a hug for me, (purr-purr) Love Deb

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  18. Wow! The chair is great but the creative cereal boxes are really impressive and best of all is the mirror votive holder!!! Beautiful!

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  19. Gosh, Debbie...I hardly know what to say! This is such an awesome post because it shows your creativity and ingenuity not to mention your talent for finding such great thrifty finds. I must go shopping with you someday!

    Have a great Sunday, Bonnie

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  20. Debbie, you couldn't have found a more perfect chair to go with your desk...both are just gorgeous. I love all the cubbies your desk provides...that chair is so elegant looking, with the high caned back and cabriole legs, fit for a duchess! You have to be one of the luckiest ladies to find such wonderful treasures. Have a great week!

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  21. Such a pretty chair and I love the slipcover!! Your desk is so beautiful!

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  22. I have always wanted one of those. Once I had a tiny one and gave it to my daughter. My grandmother gave it to me.

    I always enjoy my visits to you so much..thank you for sharing your desk with us.
    And the chair. HOW lovely it is! I think you were right to leave it matching the desk...beautiful!
    You did a beautiful job on it.

    Have a wonderful Sunday...

    Mona

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  23. Debbie...of course I remember the ink well. I mean, who wouldn't! *sigh*

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  24. I am green with envy and so going to "steal" that idea of the cereal boxes. I just tried to modge podge some plastic desk organizers, but I wasn't happy with the result. These are so much prettier. It all looks just perfect!

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  25. I love, love, love the beautiful chair {Isabella does, too!}. I would love to sew like that! It's perfect for the gorgeous desk. Hooray for you!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  26. Beautiful! Beautiful!
    You are so creative!
    I just love it!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Leticia

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  27. Oh my!!! Your chair is beautiful and yes leave it the way it is! It goes so nicely with your desk! Love the idea with the cereal boxes!

    Have a wonderful week!
    Jennifer

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  28. The chair is perfect; and of course, the desk is a real treasure!! Have a great week. Sally

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  29. Deb, this perfect! my dear just perfect.

    Lee-ann

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  30. Wow Debbie...I love it! The chair is so perfect and frenchy and YOU! I adore the slipcover you made it is the perfect little touch for your chair! The desk is stunning...the way you have it accessorized...perfection...LOVE IT!

    Happy Sunday!
    Cathy

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  31. You nailed it Girl!
    That chair was a wonderful find and your new cushion is gorgeous!
    Kudos to you for sewing it yourself!
    And that desk, what wonderful goodies you have added and the cereal box/organizer boxes was a super idea!
    Debbie you are just so creative!
    Have a great week and enjoy your grandson, it sounds like a lot of fun!
    Cindy

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  32. The chair looks great - nice job on the slipcover. Love the votive you found at Goodwill. Such a bargain!

    Atticmag has started a new Link party each Friday called Giveaway Friday!, a convenient place for bloggers to come post about their giveaway(s) each week.

    It's simple; after you put a link up to your giveaway, link back to Atticmag/Giveaway Friday on your blog. I hope you'll join us the next time you have a giveaway!

    We're kicking it off with a giveaway of our own - kitchen backsplash material. So if you haven't already left a comment to win, drop by!

    Swinging by from BNOTP,
    Allison
    Atticmag

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  33. Debbie....I am speechless! Oh, my goodness! That chair is fabulous,the chair skirt is perfect, the desk is gorgeous, and all the trimmings are outstanding. The cereal box organizer just takes the cake! This is one of my all-time fav posts! C'est formidable!!! A demain! Linda

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  34. It's perfect, Debbie! How lucky for you to find the perfect chair for your gorgeous plantation desk. Love the desk too, I am drooling all over it. And how innovative are you to create those pretty organizers from cereal boxes...love the labeling too. The votive holder is beautiful! Everything is beautiful....Christine

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  35. Deb, that chair is gorgeous. I love the way you've covered it, especially that cute little skirt. It's perfect with your desk. Love the organizers you made, really clever. And thrifty too, those things are expensive! You room is really just gorgeous, I don't know if I could make myself leave :) Hugs, Kat

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  36. such a pretty chair, love the skirt you made for the cushion too

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  37. Debbie, wow...this is beautiful! I wouldn't have a clue how to add piping and a cute skirt...you done good, Girl! Love your "cereal boxes"...very clever! Your desk is wonderful...it's just beautiful inside with all those special pieces. Great job on finding such a beautiful chair at a steal of a price. I'm so glad you didn't paint it...it's just beautiful~

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  38. I love your plantation desk and how you have accessorized it with all those covered boxes! The chair looks great placed with the desk and its little skirt is adorable. This room is so perfectly comfortable!
    hugs, Sue

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  39. Debbie, what a sweet chair & I'm so impressed with your ruffly little slipcover. Great job on that! That whole desk spot is so sweet & cozy.

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  40. OOOh la la- I love it. You did a great job on that slipcover and to add piping.
    tammy

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  41. Debbie your chair is beautiful!! I love the chair with your secretary. What a beautiful spot in your home.

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  42. The chair is perfect in that spot, the slipcover is perfectly feminine and looks wonderful with the secretary. Your ink well is fantastic.

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  43. Debbie, You did a great job on the chair cover, I love that desk. A
    real treasure and a delight to the eye! Thanks for sharing.
    Sandy

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  44. Debbie, I am so in awe of this desk and the chair. Every detail is so perfect. I can't even believe the beautiful job you've done with all the accessories and to use cereal boxes covered with paper and the pretty tabs is so ingenius. I love it all. I am so sorry I missed your Birthday. I hope it was one of the very best ever. Love you. Hugs, Marty P.S. Thanks for linking to TTT.

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  45. I am a scrapper and LOVE that you used a cereal box with wrapping paper and book plates to suit your needs! Who needs to spend a bundle at the stationary store when you are creative!!! LOVE IT!

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  46. It looks fabulous. The chair came out great, and I love the desk! And how clever you are and thrifty with those boxes. It looks perfect!
    And thanks for allowing me to turn off the music. It allows me to linger on your post and see all the beautiful things you have created w/o YKW yelling! :) You are a marriage saver!
    I remember your booty lamp!

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  47. What a beautiful redo you did on your chair!! I love the skirt, that just makes it. And your grandfather's desk is AWESOME!!! How special to have that.
    Lisa ;-)

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  48. Oh, that chair is perfect, just perfect!! You did an awesome job.

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  49. I discovered your blog at Linda's Coastal Charm and I'm so glad that I did.
    Your blog is beautiful and your board members are adorable! Baby looks like my Gizzy!

    I am in love with your chair and ruffled covers. I haven't tried piping yet but you have inspired me to do it!

    I am following you now and will be back often. If you get a chance stop by and see me.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  50. that desk is awesome!! and you've added the perfect chair. beautiful!

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  51. that desk is awesome and I love the little mirrored organzier, I'd love to do some side tables like that in my bedroom. You did a great job sewing up a skirt for your chair, i like the use of drop cloth.

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  52. So many pretty things and great ideas in one post!!! Thank you for sharing!

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  53. WOW! We are really loving your bedroom redesign! And your great-grandfather's plantation desk....sigh, what beauty and so precious!

    I think that you've done a fine job on the chair. However, without such fine assistance it might have been touch and go ;) Us cats are good at suggestions and quality control, oui?

    I hope you have a great holiday weekend!

    Purrs!

    Romeo and "her"

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  54. What a truly wonderful job you did with both chair and desk!

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  55. What a truly wonderful job you did with both chair and desk!

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  56. I just love the way this turned out Debbie!!! It's really beautiful, and something I think I can do too - which makes it even more inspiring! I hope you'll consider linking up to my Vignette Friday post with these pictures! They're great ... oh, and I love that desk, too! Thanks for sharing, and as always inspiring!
    Artie
    P.S., stop by and let me know what you think of my little video I did of my house. I hope you like it - would love to know what you think!

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  57. Absolutely fantastic !!
    Every thing is just lovely.
    Blessings,
    Virginia

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  58. Hi Debbie! Wow - what a beautiful job you did with that entire vignette! Love the chair slip! Love the Goodwill treasure! And that cereal box idea is fantastic! I'm taking home some very creative ideas from you - hope you don't mind. :) Happy WW to you!

    xoxo laurie@heavens-walk

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  59. Great find and makeover! Looks perfect with your desk! Great idea with the cereal boxed too!

    Jody

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  60. Awwwww, maaaaannnnn, somebody pick me up off the floor, will ya'? This just knocks the starch oughta me! How utterly, utterly PERFECT!
    The skirt & the piping look wonderful & your desk is such a treasure, along with all those Frenchy finds! You truly have a wonderful eye for unique items.

    Would you believe I had a GORGEOUS French dining room set with 8 cane back chairs & velvet seats, BIG breakfront & a sidebar with a top that slid open for serving...I let my DD talk me into selling it when we moved to FL. "Oh Mom, nobody likes that old stuff...buy new when you get down there" Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! I could just cry every time I see cane back chairs. :-(

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  61. Dear Debbie,
    How absolutely magnificent your chair and desk are! I have a roll top desk that needed a chair and I found one setout by the street that matches perfectly. Only trouble is it has no seat,none whatsoever, nd I have been picturing just such a cover. Is there any way you could email me more info? I will need to start with a seat, before I can slipcover it. lol You always inspire me and your creativity is a joy to behold!

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  62. Hi Victoria! Just send me your email address at mine:
    confessionsofaplateaddict@yahoo.com
    and I will tell you how I did it. It really wasn't hard...just tedious. I'm so glad you like it!....Debbie

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  63. The chair and ruffled cover are simply exquisite. The desk ~ absolutely sublime. But, I am sorry, never share the spotlight with cats - they will win every time.

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  64. I am so excited to be back reading blogs...I love your chair! It goes with the desk so well. That desk is so beautiful. Great job.

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  65. You did a great job with it. I love the ruffle! Your kitty looks impressed as well. Are pets wonderful? Now I'm off to get a drop cloth, everyone is raving about them. Thanks for sharing and Happy White Wednesday.

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  66. Gorgeous!!! It all looks wonderful! You did a great job with the chair and I love the cereal box idea for storing papers! I'm going to try this for my magazines:).

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  67. I love, love, love your chair and slipcover! I think I need to go buy some drop cloths. I love linen, but it is too pricey and this is a great alternative. The chair looks perfect with your desk!

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  68. Debbie I'm so happy that you posted this on Vignette Fridays! I love that desk, and your transformation of the chair! It's stunning! Thanks for joining up with Vignette Friday's this week. I really appreciate it, and hope to see you again next time! :)

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  69. I usually use drop cloth too. I even did a slip cover for my settee using drop cloth. For the first time, I purchased eighty dollars worth of real linen at half price to make a shirred skirted table cloth. I was hoping you were going to tell us how you made the ruffle/shirred cloth. Can you pass on some ideas on how to do it?

    xoxo,
    nancy

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  70. What a beautiful transformation, Debbie! What I really, really LOVE, though, are those desk organizers. That, I would love to copy. xo Lidy

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  71. How pretty--that skirt makes such a difference. I might need to copy that skirt idea. LOVE the drop cloth idea!

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  72. I "REALLY,REALLY" Love both of these treasures! and YES DO leave the chair in that color to blend with the desk! It's Perfect, or as Isabella would say "It's Purr-fect"!!! She looks SO comfy there... Did you get the Stickily desk too???
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs, Donna

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  73. Very nice! I love your desk and what you did with the chair! Thanks for posting--great stuff!

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  74. You are blessed to be the keeper of that beautiful desk. You were so inspiring to make it organized on the inside. Your chair turned out perfect. Thanks for sharing.

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  75. I love the chair and love it more with the slippy and love it even more with the kitty!

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  76. You did an amazing job on that chair, Debbie, and I get to swoon over your desk again! Double treat! I'm in love with the inkwell. You are so clever to use the cereal boxes -- I would never thought of that -- and you get the added bonus of the heavenly smell of chocolate and peanut butter wafting through the air... Now I'm hungry :)

    The drop cloths are fabulous finds aren't they?? I use them as curtains!

    Happy weekend
    xo Isa

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  77. Hi Deb,
    So thankful for your visit, and your congrats.

    Love the transformation to the chairs cover:) its a keeper.

    You have such a "Pierre Deux" look! and style in in the language of French!
    Thank you dear one for your visit.
    xoxo
    Dore

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  78. Merci belle, tu es une femme à l'amour.
    xoxo
    Dore'

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  79. What a gorgeous chair! I love the flirty skirt!

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  80. Debbie, I'm stopping back by again tonight to see this fabulous room again. I think your makeover is truly magnificent. I can just imagine how wonderful it is to spend time in this room.
    Hope you have a fun holiday weekend. ~ Sarah

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  81. Hi. Visiting from Show & Tell Friday.
    Love your style!!! What a beautiful desk area. Look forward to seeing more. I also love French Country.
    ~ Julie

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  82. Debbie, I loved this desk the first time I saw it, but now that I've seen the inside, I am truly coveting this beauty! What a work of art, and how fortunate you are to have it. Your pretty (and very thrifty chari) looks perfect with it. Every time I come to your blog, you've gotten smarter and craftier. Love the little ruffle around the seat cushion, and the drop cloth is the perfect fabric for a French chair. And using that pretty candle holder for desk necessities is another stroke of genius! This is going to be the prettiest room ever! Can't wait to see the complete room. Thank you for linking up. laurie

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  83. simply beautiful. You did a wonderful job.

    http://froufrugal.blogspot.com

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  84. This is beautiful. I am hosting a 50 dollar CSN Giveaway on my blog. I would love for you to stop by. Thanks Anu!

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  85. Commenter #86 here today! ;) Deb, this post is fabulous! The chairmakeover is awesome and just love the dropcloth affect! How great is that? Totally! And your desk is so adorable...and the idea with the Cereal boxes made my mouth drop! Your creativity is "OUT OF THE BOX" girlfriend! OR, should I have said, "IN" the box! ;) haha! Seriously though, great share! What a totally French transformation by using the paper to cover them and then the scrapbook vintage attachments with the words written in French! Merci Bon Amie~ ~CC

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  86. Every little detail of your desk, chair, and accessories is perfection. Happy to have found you on Miss Mustard Seeds.

    Jami

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  87. I love this desk! And your cereal box organizers are so smart! I think I will try this project soon. Great idea!

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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I appreciate my wonderful readers!... Debbie