Top Picks Jeffrey S. Evans Auction

I just stumbled across this auction while searching for something else for work. They're all the way down in Virginia, so they're not really on my radar. They're having a great auction on June 21st, and the whole catalog is wicked wicked good. You can view the whole thing here 

Here are my top picks~

Antique wallpaper covered fire board

Gorgeous rural landscape

The extra scroll work on this plant shelf sets it apart.

I love all the colors on these antique measures. 

A folky step back cupboard with wonderful chippy paint.

How adorable are these two kittens in an oak tree!

This cheerful still life of cherries would be lovely in a kitchen.

The chartreuse to emerald ombre effect on this piece of glazed earthenware is stunning.

A charmingly naive pie safe.

I suspect this fantastic woodwork sunburst may have been a gaming wheel at some point.

A beautiful and folky weathervane.

I have the perfect spot on my porch for this pair of antique paint decorated pedestals

A terrific piece of calligraphy work

I love the vibrant paint surface on this folk art bird of prey sculpture. 

The scrolled lower shelf on this mid 19th century wash stand is so sweet

An early 19th century paint decorated settee with gold carriage striping. Picture perfect!

I've always thought a wall box near my side door would be such a great way to coral my keys and cell phone

I mean really, this sign is hilarious

This trade sign has really charming lettering that takes it a step above the typical late 19th century sign.

I suspect these heart form andirons are early 20th century. We had a similar pair in the shop a couple years ago.

The tonal warmth of this stack of dove gray band boxes give them a subdued elegance.

Paint decorated boxes of this nature are often European, mid 19th century in origin.

A handsome teal painted cupboard that would be grand for linen storage

Such a superb antique table of impressive scale.

The auction has many incredible quilts, and this is one of my favorites.

And finally this cheeky early 20th century hooked rug is incredible. 

An Antique Work Bench Turned Kitchen Island

It's funny how some things work out. After I started working on this spectacular island I mentioned to my husband that if I hadn't found the antique counter I've just put in my kitchen, I would have kept this one for myself. I love a piece with a history, and this one has a cool story. The guy that I bought it from got it from the Department of Public works. I suspect it was either used as a sorting desk or as a workbench. It's so well constructed, and was the perfect candidate for island-ization.
before and afters below!

A Cottage Coffee Table Set

I made quick work of this set. I snagged it on Saturday at the town wide tag sale, and I'm already done with it. I sanded all the tables down, which was wicked tedious on all those turned legs. I then painted the table bases in my new favorite shade, toasted sesame seed. After the paint I lightly distressed the legs, to make all the fantastic turnings pop, and then waxed it. The tops are pine, stained and sealed.
Before and afters below!

The Antique Kitchen Island Cupboard

I've been looking for an antique counter for as long as I've been living in this house- which is ever so slightly more than five years. They're rare, and they're expensive, but it's been at the top of my wish list for so long, I'd just about given up hope. Then lightening struck. Two weeks ago I drove over to Newington and picked up the most wonderful fabulous perfect piece of furniture for my kitchen, a giant antique counter. It had seen better days, the original top had been covered with asphalt like linoleum, the paint was chipping everywhere, and someone had lined the counter top edge with metal stripping.

First I flipped the counter over (which wasn't easy, it's the heaviest piece of furniture I've ever worked on, and that's saying a lot). I worked on the structure of the underside, and created a framework that elevated the counter from 32 inches to 34 inches- making it better to sit at. I hid this new structure with elaborate base molding, which also dressed the piece up a bit. I then flipped the counter back over, removed all the awfulness glued and nailed to the top, and added a chunky pine board top. The top was then sanded, stained English Chestnut, and sealed. Finally, I painted the counter in a custom mixed color that's an earthy but light shade of spring green. Since I mixed the color myself, I felt entitled to name it- Shire Green. The brass drawer pulls are original to the piece and one of my favorite aspects. I left them exactly as is, with a fabulous warm patina. 

Before and afters below. What do you think?