Broken Cookies & Painted Furniture

When I was a little girl I never used to eat the broken cookies in the package.

(Yes, I know, packaged cookies – my mom didn’t like to bake.  I think we made gingerbread men once.  But that isn’t the point of the story.  The point is these broken cookies that I wouldn’t eat.)

Danielle + Candy 1979
My dog, Candy, and I, 1979

 These cookies weren’t perfect.

 They were mis-shaped, they were cracked, they were split in half.  They just weren’t pretty.

My mom told me, “Danielle, those broken cookies are the orphans, if you don’t eat them they will be sad and lonely.”

I still remember this conversation with fondness and it got me thinking about furniture.  The furniture I love to paint.

The pieces I find were once loved but they aren’t any more.  Like the cookies, they are broken, forgotten and lonely.  It fills me up to  know that by making them more appealing they may get a second chance.  A second time to be loved.

As you all know, I name my furniture.  There’s been dapper George

 

 Meredith – one of my first pieces who lives in my son’s best friend’s bedroom.

I get attached to these pieces.  Even if they don’t belong to me in the first place, like Jameson:

Jameson_Dresser_full

I know they aren’t alive, but to me they have personality, they have attitude and charm.

French_linen_armoireSometimes it is hard to let go of them.  I get so used to seeing a table or dresser in a spot in my home.

Other times I simply can not say good bye.  Like Isla:

Isla_milk_paint_dresser

or Simone:

 

simple_dining_room

This week many pieces have been leaving the Finding Silver Pennies basement studio to be re-loved.  This makes me so happy.  I’m working on many new pieces and can’t wait for you to see them soon.  Just waved good bye to Adana over the weekend!

Adana_Royal_Design_Stencil_dresserI learn so much from these broken cookies and pieces of furniture.  I feel so lucky to share a moment in time with them, however brief it may be.

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Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home

What a great metaphor! You obviously took that childhood lesson to heart 🙂 And off the subject – how do you market your pieces? I’ve been thinking of trying to sell some vintage reupholstered pieces but am not sure how to start getting them “out there!”

Ginger
10 years ago

Some great pieces and names! 😉

Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

I love that you name your furniture, very cute :0)
Seeing your photos inspires me. You’re incredibly talented.
Have a beautiful week,
Suzanne

Robyn @ simply fresh dinners

I can imagine it must be hard to let your pieces go after putting so much time and hard work into them! George is still one of my very favourite – such a beautiful versatile table with so much personality!
Btw, what are you saying to your dog? lol – looks like you’re giving him an earful- so cute!
Have a great week, Danielle. xo

Naomi Grace
10 years ago

A girl after my own heart! Love your pieces! Beautiful! I name my pieces too. Not necessarily proper names, but names like, Little sister, Little boy blue..they have such personality that yes, it’s hard to let go sometimes. New follower on G+