The Chairs that Got the Big Gig

If you've ever painted and refurbished a piece of furniture, and then sold it,

do you wonder about the home it went to?

I do, quite often...

I wonder where it will be used in the home,

how well it fits into the decor,

and just what about the piece caught the new owner's eye,

...maybe the color, maybe the fabric, maybe both.

The chairs below,

...I didn't have to wonder.

I knew from the beginning they were destined for the big lights,

stardom! 

{"smiles"}

They had a humble, not-so-attractive beginning!

{see picture below}

But the pair had great bones and scale,

which was perfect for the purpose for which they would serve.

So for the story behind these chairs...

For the last three years,

I've co-chaired an annual weekend local women's conference 

that serves about 700 ladies in our area.

The conference is held at our local High School Auditorium

after outgrowing our church sanctuary the first year!

How awesome is that, to God be the glory! 

Standing colors for the conference are aqua and green, paired with black and white damask.

Last year,

the decorating team borrowed furniture from the local furniture store,

and among the stage set were a pair of gorgeous damask print chairs.

The wood of the chairs was ebony, and the shape a more modern design.

The chairs were sold to last year's speaker

before they ever left the stage,

and after searching, 

it was revealed they were discontinued and another pair was nowhere to be found.

Our search began for a set of chairs that we could paint and customize

to keep and store for future conferences.

My co-chair found the chairs pictured, at a consignment store,

and a couple of weeks before the conference their new makeover began.

I painted the chair frames with Annie Sloan Provence

and clear coated them with Annie Sloan wax.

The damask fabric was purchased at Hobby Lobby,

and a local upholsterer recovered them.

Below,

the refurbished chairs take center stage...

The other furniture piece and lamps were on loan from 

the local furniture store and a boutique.

A local florist donated the beautiful fresh flower arrangement.

The chairs shared the stage with

Laura Story,

our praise and worship leader for this year's conference.

Laura Story is best known for the song she wrote "Blessings,"

a number one hit on the Christian Songs Billboard Chart,

 that also won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song.

If you're not familiar with this song,

please take a moment to listen to it on YouTube,

it will truly bless you!

 Also headlining the event,

was Kelly Ingram, 

singer, speaker/comedienne, Television host of Friends and Neighbors,

and host of the radio show Sweet Tea with Kelly, from Atlanta, Ga.

Everyone loved her, and she will be back with us next year!

And our main speaker for the conference,

waiting in the wings below, to go on stage to speak.... 

...was Lisa Whelchel,

a former Mousekateer,

"Blair" from the 80's sitcom, The Facts of Life,

and recent second place runner up and winner of the fan award on Survivor.

{Lisa and my daughter, Ashley, below}

My husband was her driver for the weekend,

from the time her plane landed.

...Don't think I haven't heard enough about that! ha!

And since my post has wound it's way around to the conference,

I'll close with the focal verse,

"Search me, O God, and know my heart,

...and lead me in the way everlasting."

Proverbs 139:23-24

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Linking Post To:
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Cowgirl Up Party @ Cedar Hill Ranch
Creatively Tuesday @ The Rustic Pig
Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Be Inspired @ Elizabeth and Co.
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Be Inspired @ Common Ground