I am the type of person that needs change to keep my brain alive and it’s fun to redo a piece of furniture, a room in my house, etc. and then keep the ball rolling. Sitting still very long is not an option for me, so I am always chomping at the bit. No surprise right? Here’s my latest project and antique rocking chair. To be exact, it’s an 1800’s Cochran Hand-Carved Rocking Chair.
When I first acquired this beauty she was missing her seat. It once held a tooled leather middle and I really was planning on replacing the seat and tooling it myself. (Yes, I know how to tool a bit)
But most veg tanned leather (the thick type of leather that is suitable for tooling) is an awful orangish color. That type of leather is stainable, but I really want a light, contrasting appeal. To begin with, I just couldn’t see the chair with dark on dark. Likewise, I searched and searched for a creamy colored leather to replace the seat, but couldn’t find anything I liked.
THE REVEAL
Typically, you wouldn’t need any extra support if using the leather, but I decided to reinforce the seat with webbing and added a light cover to the bottom to cover all the fancy work inside.
Did you catch the hand-carved part? Eeek!! Oh how I wish the furniture is receives the detail and attention it once was bestowed. Now all you see if particle board junk sitting curbside. Yick.
In addition, check out the daintily turned spindles and the absolutely gorgeous patina.
This lovely lady has sold within a couple days in my online store. Hooray!
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Also, more furniture DIY like my antique rocking chair:
so beautiful!! i hope to hit more estate sales and garage sales this new year to find treasures like this!! because you’re right, they just don’t make them like they used to 🙂
What a great find. You’ve given it a new fabulous look! love it.
Wow, that rocker is stunning – love all the hand carved details.
Marie@TheInteriorFrugalista
I absolutely adore this chair! The seat looks beautiful!
I actually have my great grandmothers rocker. I love it so very special with so many memories. I need to do what you did and get it redone or do it myself
come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Wonderful job on this lovely rocker! If you have a minute, please stop by and share your post at the Everyday Vintage link party at Helene’s Legacy. Your style is the perfect fit!
http://heleneslegacy.blogspot.com/2014/01/everyday-vintage-link-party.html
Hi Larissa, Just love what you did with this amazing rocker! Like you, I love the character and quality of the old wood work. You pay so dearly for it on new pieces today. But nothing is better than giving an old piece a face lift! It looks so good with the nail heads exposed!
Thanks for joining the Blissful Whites Wednesday party!!
Have a lovely day!
Hugs,
Becky
what a sweet and pretty blog you have
and this press back rocker
is lovely
i adore the fabric seat you made
and now the piece is that perfect combination
of old and new
would love for you to share
at Fridays Unfolded this week!
Alison
Nancherrow
Oh the tales this sweet rocker could tell, how wonderful it made it’s way to you, so happy to see it restored and looking loved again….x
You made my day, Janette! Thank you.
What did the chair sell for? My daughter just bought an old hose that had many articles left in it, one being the entire dining room set, consisting of the 8 chairs, table, sideboard and china cupboard, all say Cochran, of Cochran Indiana. We are having trouble finding much info on this or many of the other numerous articles left behind in their new home. I am originally from Indiana and had never heard of Cochran, now I see it is part of Aurora, I wish things could talk, I would love to know what it took to get this huge set all the way from Indiana to Oklahoma in the 1800″s, and the cost of shipping would of been enormous. in those days all by rail I’m pretty sure. None of the pieces will be sold but a history on may of them would be great.
Wow! That’s awesome! I can’t remember exactly, but a couple hundred dollars about 6 years ago. Yes, I always wish things could talk and tell their story. Enjoy it to the full!