PhotoHunters #98 Wooden
This wooden rocker was the first thing that popped into my mind. It was given to me by my grandmother about 35 years ago. (At the time, my grandmother was in her 70’s, and this chair was given to her when she was young by her mother in law, so it is probably close to 100 years old.) Perhaps given is the wrong word — her exact words were, “it’s a mess, but if you want it, you can take it.”
So I took it and she wasn’t kidding — the caning was ripped out, it had 4 or 5 different layers of paint on it (one of which was red — almost impossible to get completely out) and one rocker was off. I took it and stripped it, sanded it, glued it, polyurethaned it to within an inch of it’s life and then learned how to cane so I could cane it. Very hard on the hands, I don’t recommend it. The wood is maple (birds eye in spots) and the color was very light when I first finished it. The color has aged quite nicely and it’s a gorgeous chair now. I just love to look at it.
It’s also the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever sat in. So I don’t.
Thanks anyway, Nanny.
I love your post. Rocking was a great pass time for me when I was younger. So, I look at what you’ve done here affectionately. I would never have guessed this was a thirty five year old chair. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful chair with us. It is certainly a keepsake. Have a nice weekend. Happy Photo Hunt~
I love that rocking chair! I remmber my grandpa has that one before..Happy Weekend!
Uncomfortable maybe, but how clever you are to have done such a wonderful restoration … well done and Thank You for telling the tale!
Uncomfortable, but defnitely worth the trouble – it’s gorgoues!! Your hard work paid off, it really looks great. The story just adds to it’s charm. And keep it, I bet it’s an antique someday. *smile*
i badly need your wooden rocking chair for my baby hehehe..lol..wow keep it safe,it’s a treasure.
I have a wooden Harley Davidson motorcycle you should check it out too
Wooden Harley Davidson motorcycle
Seems like a life lesson in here somewhere. . .you did an amazing job of restoration!
You did a beautiful job of bringing the chair back to life.
I teach Caning.
You did an amazing job !
Did you learn form a book, and which one, may I ask?
You GO, girl !
Amazing restoration !
ohh that is really neat rocking chair..wonderful entry for this week theme.Have a great weekend..;)
My so called life
Life’s Impression
Ach… one of my beloved pieces of furniture. Nothing lulls me better
Have a nice week!
That is a work of love. We call them bentwood rockers, and they are highly valued.
Jan, I don’t remember the name, but it was a pamphlet that I used, mostly with pictures — this was 35 years ago, don’t forget — and thanks for your kind words.
What an absolutely beautiful chair! Shame it’s so uncomfortable – but I suppose those looks are worth the discomfort!
Wow – I have a rocker exactly the same except for a border of little spindles at the top. I also had to take lessons and recane my chair – what a job getting that curve at the back right! We hardly ever sit in it, but it looks great in a corner of the living room.