Last week, after I dropped my son off for school, I found myself with many hours to kill and no desire to stay home. I had a ton of errands that needed to be run, so I packed up the car with all the things I needed to either return or mail, and got all the boring stuff done in about an hour. Then, I headed to my favorite spot, Faith Farm.
Since I’m trying very hard not to buy big pieces of furniture because we have run out of room in the garage, I headed up and down the isles of “other stuff”. Not much was catching my eye, until I saw this.
I think I laughed for about five minutes… Seriously, who thinks of these things? I didn’t buy it, but if you are interested, I’m sure it’s still there 🙂
I was just about to leave when I spotted this.
I think I heard the angels singing, and my heart stopped for a second or two. I’ve been looking for a tool chest for forever, but they are all so darn expensive. This one was $89, and even though I tried to haggle with them, that’s what I ended up paying. I’m not complaining. After all, most of my tools are sitting in the bottom portion of an old secretary desk. I know, it’s furniture abuse – I should be reported. The gentleman who helped me get it into the car asked me if the chest was for my husband. Ha! Silly man. He thought it was the funniest thing he’d ever heard – a girl who wanted a tool chest! Obviously, he hasn’t met my friends! 🙂
When I got it home and in the garage, I found a bunch of little tools, screws, and random parts – BONUS!
Then I headed home. On the way, I saw a garden shop that is going out of business, so I stopped to see what kinds of plants I could find. Little did I know, but they also had tons of artwork and all kinds of awesome fun things.
I love that chandelier. It’s hand carved. I saw something sort of similar on the High/Low Project, in white, and fell in love. This one needs a little love and it will be fabulous. I know it’s more rustic than what I usually like, but I will find a place for it.
And how freaking amazing is this guy? I am in awe of people who have talent like this – to create something so amazing out of a bamboo root. Best of all, he was $5. He is currently hanging out next to our front door. Makes me smile just to look at him every time I come home. I think I might go back to find out if they have more so I can have a few as outside wall art.
I also picked up some plants and trees while I was there, and this bird bath for $10.
As I was paying for everything, I saw this chair out of the corner of my eye.
I knew I had seen them before, but I couldn’t quite place it. The owner of the store said it was an “original”, that he had papers somewhere for it and that it was really expensive. Hmmm… it was really beat up. The chrome was all rusty, and the leather had seen better days. So, I left without it. When I went back the next day to pick up the chandelier, I saw that it was still there, and asked about whether they knew the history on it. No, nothing except they thought it was an original. After everything was loaded into the truck (including a bentwood rocker), I asked what they would take for it. I ended up paying $30 for it. Even if it wasn’t worth anything, it matched the couch in our family room, and it was kind of neat looking.
I took it home, and cleaned it up a little. Then I looked online and found out that an original Wassily chair can go for thousands, and the knock offs, which I’m pretty sure this one is, go for hundreds in used condition. Unfortunately, I can’t figure out who made this one. And even so, the rust is pretty bad so I’m not sure if it’s worth anything.
By the way, did you know that using balled up aluminum foil will remove rust from chrome? Check out the small spot I tried it on…
I’m debating on whether to keep it or sell it. I will have to give it a good cleaning, and get rid of the rest of the rust, but it is a pretty cool chair. What do you think – would you keep it?
So, that’s my thrift store adventures for this week. What about you? Have you found anything particularly awesome lately while thrifting?? Tell me about it!
Eliesa
scottiev says
Wow- Go you!! INCREDIBLE scores!!! I’m SO envious! That tool box is amazing! $89 is a ridiculous steal too (I know you know that). That chair is awesome and I love the tip about rust on chrome. One of the many reasons you’re so awesome!
A Pinterest Addict says
You are quickly becoming one of my favorite readers, Scottie! Thanks for always taking the time to comment – it really does make my day!
That chrome trick is pretty cool, huh?! I found it the other day, after I bought the chair. It works great, but with all that chrome, it will take a while to finish. I’m thinking it will be a Netflix project.
Amy smalley says
I love odd little chairs! Ikeep buying them even though I don’t have any more places for them. They add such character to a room.
A Pinterest Addict says
I’ve got quite a collection of odd chairs – when we have parties, everyone has some place to sit! I’m so glad that I’m not the only one!
Michele says
Oh Eliesa, don’t sell that chair! It could be so beautiful with all the magic you come up with. The chrome part that you cleaned off looks wonderful. I’m absolutely jealous of all the finds you come up with. I can’t ever seem to find those kind of deals.
By the way, my burning question here is… What kind of car do you drive that you can fit that toolbox in? Getting stuff home is always my biggest concern when I see a deal. I have a big trunk but I can’t imagine any trunk being that big. What’s so secret?
A Pinterest Addict says
Thanks, Michelle! I’m telling you, it’s feast or famine for me for finding great stuff.
I have a Rav4 – the seats go down in the back, so it slid in with no problem. For bigger stuff, I have my husband’s F150. And if it’s bigger than that, I’m kinda out of luck 🙂
Michele says
Well that makes sense. I have a 4dr sedan and while the trunk is big and the seats fold down the angle just doesn’t work for anything with any width at all. Having the husband’s truck is a good thing. Maybe I need to change my mind about needing a new husband… hmmmmm.
Have a great day!
Michele says
Ugh.. what’s YOUR secret?
Melissa Crochet @ The Insane Domain says
Keep the chair! I have used foil to remove rust on chrome and it works great. What an amazing day of junkin’.
Aline McKay says
I love the things you found, especially the bird bath. I would keep the chair if it sat good, otherwise I’d clean it up and sell that puppy. You did really good, I can’t wait to see what you do with the chandelier, very cool! Oh and the face with the plants is way cool. Good day of junkin!
Judi says
I bet that after you finish the crome and use a good leather cleaner on the rest it will look great! Very cool! Let us know what you decide to do with it!
smallhomelove says
Wow, looks like you had an awesome day of thrifting. I love that chair, I think you should keep it at least a while, enjoy it and then sell it when you get tired of it (that’s what I would do :)).
A Pinterest Addict says
Thanks! I am going back and forth on keeping it. Right now, it’s in the family room. It’s the only chair the cat’s don’t like, so at least there is one fur free place to sit around here 🙂
Her Daughter says
WHY did you not buy the head chair?! Of all the things I’ve seen at Faith Farm, that is one of the coolest, funniest things that I may have ever rest my head upon…missed out on magic right there. love you
A Pinterest Addict says
You might be surprised by what is in your Christmas stocking this year… LOL!
Paula J says
Definitely keep the chair. Or you can give it to me. Thanks for the tip about removing rust from chrome. Going to try that one.
Sherry Cohen says
My parents have two of the same chairs in black. There at my fathers office. I love the chairs. Clean them and then keep them. That chair will look great in your house.
Barb Rizzio says
Hi, I believe your chair is an “original” it looks just like the one I have and I paid a lot of money for it new. Thanks for the rust removal trick. Do you know what to use on the leather to clean it? Thanks!
A Pinterest Addict says
I was given some leather saddle cleaner to clean it. I looked and looked online and couldn’t verify that it was the real thing. The ends of the chair arms were not smooth, there was no signature, etc 🙁 it completely bummed me out. But it is a pretty cool chair anyway. 🙂
Barb Rizzio says
Thank you for the information, I appreciate it. Barb
Karen says
Love your blog! I have good shopping karma too and we should never go shopping together because we’d be in competition! I’m glad to stumble upon your blog researching my new chairs. I picked up two Wasslily chairs for $20 total, just last night. Being a fan of mid-century modern, I knew before I bought them that even the knockoffs go for minimum $250 brand new (i.e. at Sear’s of all places). What I learned earlier today is that if it has caps on the end of the tubes, or any visible screws, it’s not an original which makes sense when you read the original design concept (on Wiki). But who cares for $20, right?! Unlike yours, my pair are pristine having sat in the waiting room of a small law firm. I’m stoked and hope you are too! Enjoy your groovy mid-century modern chair and thanks for the tip about tin foil on chrome!