This table is 59 years old. I tried a few things to restore the wood, beginning with stripping and sanding the lacquer. The top had a few knicks, scratches, and one coffee ring that I was desperate to remove.

Looking back I’m sure I made a few mistakes. I would probably use Restor-A Finish instead, a product that does not interfere so much with the existing lacquer. This wood is so beautiful, it just needs to be oiled and polished.

I think preserving the natural wood is key in a job like this. The top is a satinwood, and the legs, mahogany. I liked dealing with this combination and even mimicking the Shaker finishes by sealing the piece in a coat of orange oil and beeswax. Au naturelle, for a change.

From the front, you can see the gold plated, nickel pulls.

The top shines so nicely, it is hard to believe this table is at least 50 years old.

Inside the drawer there are the words American of Martinsville engraved, corroborating it’s authenticity. The aspect that most please me is the top.

These pieces popularly sell on Ebay and 1st Dibs for a pretty penny, but don’t always look this renewed.

If you are interested, email me for a quote.

Stay tuned tomorrow for some timeless Shaker classics.

I have been inspired by this giveaway to send noted to friends all week in an effort to connect to what I value most in life.

The lucky winner Ola was selected at random using the online number randomizer.

I can’t wait to send out these gorgeous cards.

I’m so thankful to all who played.

Coming up soon, Part II of Structured Chaos’ Shop, Swap and Blog.

I will feature my second and international partner, Rita, a jewelry-maker from Latvia.

I came across Rachel Follett’s blog, one day while I was bouncing around the web.

A month later to my delight, I was paired up with her as part of Structured Chaos’ Shop, Swap, and Blog event.

Rachel went into business because she was constantly inspired by all the beautiful things that people make.  She mainly works as a graphic designer and found herself looking for things to do off the computer. That’s when she started making cards. Most of all, she likes seeing people happy when they receive her cards.

Want to spend the day at the beach with someone you love?…

or wish them Happy Birthday from the bottom of your heart.

Based in Maui, her unique cards often express her love for vintage.

In the future, she sees herself branching out to handmade items like sewing pillows and buntings along with vintage housewares. She likes the smallness of it and selling to local stores.

Rachel runs a well curated shop, Lovely Clusters that  culls the very best from the handmade world for all to see. She has many favorite online stores, but one of her favorite sellers is Dani from Oh Hello Friend, whom has a fabulous blog, makes beautiful jewelry and does such a lovely job with styling and packaging her products. Such a great source of inspiration!

Thanks so much to Rachel for sharing with us a glimpse into her world.

I had planned to give away three of her cards today as samples for you to share. If you would like to play, please visit Lovely Clusters and tell us which shop inspires you and why.

You may also enter by tweeting this post using any of the buttons below, don’t forget to tell me you did this.

The winner will be selected at random from all the comments and announced this Friday!

The Designer Tag Sale in Orange County this Saturday was a huge success. I had missed the L.A. event in August so I had no idea what to expect. When the doors opened at 10 a.m. there was a line that literally ran out of the yard and down the street.

I met so many gifted Designers, Stylists, Writers, and Flippers. All of my furniture, along with fabric and goodies were nestled sweetly between a lime tree and a guava tree. My friend, Annie from Yolksy brought along her design stock too.

I’ll be sure to let you all know if and when we partake again. In the between time, we still have some merchandise up for the steal of a the century.

One yellow butterfly cabinet $225 (retails for $695)

Amy Butler fabric $9 yd.

Oil Cloth $5 per yd.

Tomorrow, I have a surprise  from the lovely Rachel Follett, designer, graphic artist, and blogger extraordinaire.

We will be giving away the contents of this package.

Come back tomorrow, when I’ll announce how to play!

As promised here’s a peak at what I’ve been sewing at home. Et Voila!

This pillowcase is for the Designer Tag Sale in Orange County that I’ll be participating in this weekend. Details below.

Another big reveal…drumroll…is this little side table.

I named her Marlene. I hadn’t planned on naming her, but this one just struck me.

She looked very different before. I also found this shade of beige light and totally appealing.

Today while shopping around for other vintage side tables to redo, I found these alabaster candle holders on 1st Dibs.

Green and beige can look pretty sophisticated side by side. More on that soon.

These are the colors I feel most inspired by this Fall….

Clockwise from top left Cicada Studio , Minxden, Hettle, and Namolio offer subtle textiles and accessories for Fall. 

Yellowish Orange like the leaves…this first textile can be purchased as a fat quarter and turned into something splendorous…if that is a word.

I am gazing upon the softness of those green ruffles by Hettle. This pillow reminds of the JCrew t’s that I loved this summer turned into pillowcases for Fall.  The pincushion by Namolio is perfect in every way. The sherbet pink tones smooth like the autumn sunset. Not to mention it is made from linen, (my latest obsession) and features the tiniest of crochet stitches.

Tomorrow, I plan to  show you what I’ve been stitching for the past week.

A special weekend post for everyone celebrating Diwali, a festival signifying the triumph of good over evil within an individual.

To celebrate last night we ate the most delicious South Indian food.

You are supposed to eat sweets, but we at so much Sambar and Paper Dosa we did not make it that far!

I came across the talented work of freelance photographer, Sandeep, on Flickr.

I love how he successfully captures the depth and texture of light on the ceiling.

May everyone’s weekend be filled with light!

Since, I have been rounding up desks for current design projects…I thought what better place than to share them here?

A few ideas for writing desks from classic to modern. What I find great about these pieces is their differences.

Top left is a French antique writing desk that I found on Ebay. A local Carpenter at the Little House of Nude furniture said he could make one to match. Below, the white Anne secretary desk from Ballard Designs, is ultra affordable and could be painted or fancied up with a new pair of knobs.

The middle column has by far the most bohemian feel. The top Flatiron desk from Restoration Hardware is a touch Spanish, one part modern and so minimal. Center stage, the new Hollywood desk from Room Service, is the epitome of retro modern cool. What I like most is the legs. To the bottom pic, a Lucite console table from Cb2 along with nesting tables could definitely double as a desk for a Guest Room anytime.

The last column is for all of you mid-century modern lovers. From the top Cb2’s Swoop Desk, Russell Pinch’s Walnut desk with a leather top, and lastly another fave by Room Service, the Palm Beach desk.

I must say the Russell Pinch desk really got my attention. After a visit to their website, I’ve been dreaming about their super fluffy comfy looking sofas pictured over there. Go have a look!

Tell me which one do you like best and why?

I like this picture because there is so much going on!

The little Rustic Table, which was probably an antique wash table in it’s day…

The antique carved-wood chair, plus the fishing bowl, where I shared samples of other artists from my CCCOE team.

All in all, it was a great day and I made some new friends.

A big thanks to everyone who came out and showed their support for Pink Pianos!

Most of you know how much I love to create. In fact, my indoor studio is bursting with creations that really need to get out into the fresh Fall air.

If you live in Southern California, I invite you to come and see me in Encino!

I’ll have a booth at Taste of Encino, and arts and music festival from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

I’ll tempt you with more good things that I will show tomorrow.

This will be my biggest show ’til date!