Its Summer Spruce-Up Wildcard time! Tomorrow is the wildcard link party and today, I’m sharing my wildcard project.
This Restored Rocking Chair.
Rarely, do I ever spend a significant amount of money on an item for my home.
I change my mind too much.
We all know this.
This rocking chair was the exception.
I spent $400 to restore it.
Yes, you read that right. I’m still picking up my jaw as well.
If this was any old rocking chair, I would have never spent that kind of money.
But it was not any old rocking chair.
This dilapidated, layers upon layers of paint, broken arm, broken spindles, broken seat, broken back rocking chair was the rocking chair my Hey Bud (great grandfather) went to buy with his father when he was just a boy.
And somehow, I was lucky enough to end up with it.
Now, do you see why I had to get it fixed?
The rocking chair set in a barn for I don’t know how long before I got it.
And then it sat in my garage for a few years.
Obviously, this repair was beyond my pay grade.
I took it to furniture repair shops and none could believe I would actually spend the money to restore it.
Well, obviously they do not know me.
So, the furniture repair shop stripped it, fixed the arm, the spindles, and made a new seat and back for it.
This is what it looked like when I got it back:
A paint job was needed.
No, I did not go with green because its my new favorite color.
Yes, I’m well aware I could be wearing out green with my barstools, front door, lamp, and now this.
I went with green because it appears that green was the original color.
We were a match made in heaven. Green it is. Precious Emerald by Behr to be exact.
You can’t create character like that in a day.
Looking for more great outdoor projects?
12 Outdoor Furniture Makeovers – don’t junk your old outdoor furniture, revive it!
13 Ideas for Sprucing Up Your Front Door & Entry – great ideas to create some curb appeal!
13+ Fantastic Outdoor Projects – a little bit of everything, but all outdoor related!
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Cindy Eikenberg says
Oh my goodness, Jenna, this is absolutely stunning!!! I cannot believe what an amazing job you did on this and I LOVE the story behind it. It was totally worth the time and effort to keep this and you will cherish it for a long time. Sharing on my FB page today, pinning and please, if you have time, come and share this beauty at Best of the Weekend this Friday! Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much, Cindy! I can’t believe how far its come – I’m thrilled with it! Thank you so much for the FB and pin love! You are a sweetie!
Emily @ Two Purple Couches says
WOW!!! Jenna!!! This is incredible. I absolutely love this makeover, and I love it even more because it’s a family heirloom. And I love that you didn’t give up on it, even at its worst.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh, Emily, thank you! I could have never given up on it, I am too much of a sentimental freak for that!
Emily @ Two Purple Couches says
I know what you mean! I have an old steamer trunk that came from someone in my dad’s family. I have no idea what to do with it, or how to restore it, but you inspired me to start googling yesterday 🙂 I’m thinking either coffee table or toy chest for future kiddos.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I think it would be so cool for a coffee table!! I’ve always wanted a trunk as a coffee table!
Heather @ Southern State of Mind says
Very sweet! I love how it turned out!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Heather! I’m in love with it!
TRACEY says
Just a fyi for future reference, you can buy kits to redo the woven seat & back yourself for a fraction of the cost. Its a lot easier than it looks also. 🙂 Beautiful chair!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Really?! I wish I would have known that, Tracey! Thanks for the info!
Leslie @ House on the Way says
Love the color and what an amazing transformation!!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Leslie! I am in love with that color as well!
Elizabeth @ Southern Color says
Totally worth the $400! You can’t buy character like that anymore plus the story of your great-grandfather is one of a kind. And I will never get tired of that green color 😉
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I really don’t think I will get tired of that green color either! Love it! Thank you!
Candace @ Vintage News Junkie says
Jenna, this is AWESOME!!! I have a few ‘Hey Bud’ pieces of my own. This has inspired me to rescue them from my overflowing garage, fix ’em up, and get them in their new home! It’s lovely!! 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Candace! Yay – so happy to inspire you! I love pieces with history and meaning!
Jamie says
WOW! Jenna, what an awesome story! I would totally do the same thing. What an amazing transformation. I can’t believe the BEFORE! I’m sharing on my FB page.
Hugs,
Jamie
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It is a pretty great story! I can’t believe it actually survived! Thanks for the FB love!
Karen says
I absolutely love rocking chairs. They are so warm and inviting. I super love that your rocking chair has such an amazing history. That is priceless. It look beautiful again. Love, love, love.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Me too, Karen – they are so calming! Thank you so much!
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
Oh this is priceless. What an unreal restoration. I love it. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It is priceless, Marty! And yep, I look at it sometimes and think just how unreal it is!
Susan Townsend says
What a fabulous restoration, it is well worth the money spent to have this chair in your home. I love that you painted it the original color. May you get many more years with this chair as part of your family. Visiting from Homework Wednesday Link Party.
[email protected] RusticReDiscovered
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much, Susan! Yep, totally worth it!
Audrey Zumwalt says
hi Jenna … oh my, what a great thing that you have done. It has inspired me to restore Grandma Suzie’s old rocker. Nothing broken, but lots of nails holding it together.
Thanks for posting this.
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh, that is wonderful to hear, Audrey! I can’t wait to see it!
Denise says
Great restoration. Beautiful Jenna! And that green/blue/teal is my favorite color. 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Denise! I LOVE that color!
Chernee's House says
The rocking chair looks wonderful – and a great addition to your front porch – there is nothing like setting outside rocking watching the world go by – plus the family history is worth the investment – love the color – it is very bright and fresh!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
You are so right – I love my rocking time! Thanks!
MIDNIGHT_RIDER_1961 says
Having seen this chair firsthand I was taken back to the time when my Granddaddy sat in this very chair on his front porch. Jenna, Hey Bud would be proud of you right now. I know I am. Oh & BTW, the original color was indeed green. Great job! Tons of hard work & love was poured into the restoration. Perhaps it will be something my precious Granddaughter will some day cherish. Love you. Dad.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Dad!
Gracie Lathrop says
Jenna this is amazing!! I love the color and the story behind your stunning chair 🙂 I’m a sucker for stories and thank you so much for sharing! I’m going to have to come over tomorrow for your party!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, Gracie! I love pieces that have a story – it makes them a million times better!
Claudia Gronniger says
Beautiful
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Claudia!
Beth says
I love this! I have several pieces of furniture that belonged to my parents/grandparents. My dad wrote a little note about where the piece came from and a little of the history. I do not know which I treasure more…..the little hand written notes from my dad or the pieces of furniture. I am so glad that I have both.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh, Beth, that is so awesome that you have the handwritten notes! That is an amazing treasure!
amy @ commona-my house says
aww, what a special heirloom! love how it turned out. I’ve been thinking of trying my hand at learning how to cane- I think that sort of work will be a lost art in a few years. Good for you for saving this treasure…and how totally cool that you could see the original green paint?! congrats on keeping a special piece alive! xxxooo
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I’m so worried that caning will be a lost art, too! Thanks so much for your sweet compliment, Amy!
Leah says
I love the story behind this chair! Some things definitely have no price .. & the green looks fabulous! 🙂 found you vis 36th Ave
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It does have a great story – and you are so right, sometimes the price just doesn’t matter!
Miranda @ Someday Crafts says
What an A-MAZING transformation!!! I wouldn’t have even attempted this!! We’ll be featuring this over at Someday Crafts tomorrow 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
That is awesome, awesome, awesome, Miranda!! I can’t wait to see! thanks so much!
Scary says
I love this project. I didn’t even know that you could have them make new backs and seats that is awesome.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks! I didn’t make the new seat and back – I paid someone to do it, but someone else left a comment saying you could buy a kit! Wish I would have known!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, Katie! I will head over to link up!
Becca says
Oh Jenna! Love this! I’m in the middle of redoing a porch swing that looks like it’s about in the same condition. I was also thinking about painting it almost this exact same color! Thanks for inspiring me to continue working. The sanding it taking FOREVER! Thanks for sharing. Stop by my Friday’s Five Features tomorrow and link up this post (and others)! diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I’m so happy I could inspire you! That’s what its all about! Can’t wait to see your swing!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much! I just went and entered your awesome giveaway!
Jeanette says
This is an amazing job. Most people would have toss the chair. I added it to my facebook page:)
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, Jeanette! Yep, most people would have tossed it, but I just couldn’t! Thanks for the visit and FB share!
Selene Galindo says
What a neat story behind your rocking chair! I would have spent the $$$ too!!
Awesome makeover, Jenna!! Love that color, too!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Selene!
Paula Parrish says
I hope that this family heirloom brings you and your family much joy for years to come. I agree that it was totally worth the money. Money well spent. ;o) I love the color that you choice to paint it.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Paula! I love that color too and yes, totally worth the money!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Christina! I’m so pleased with it!
Ruth @ Living Well Spending Less says
My mouth literally popped open when I saw the after of this rocking chair!! You did an AMAZING job! Thanks for linking up to Thrifty Thursday!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you for hosting, Ruth and such a sweet comment!
Debbie says
Wow! What a darling idea! We’d love to have you share your post at our weekly Saturday Link Party! Deb @ madefrompinterest.net
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Debbie!
Deborah says
Wow…that took some vision and talent to fix! How wonderful that you had a wonderful piece of family history restored. Most would have thrown it on the burn pile. It turned out beautifully and will last for several more generations I’m sure! Thank you for sharing at What We Accomplished Wednesdays!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Deborah! Yep, a lot of people would have tossed it, I just didn’t have the heart! Thanks for hosting!
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
Woah girl! I love that you had the gumption and the vision to see potential in this piece. And you hit the nail on the head with your last line. LOVE this!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Lauren! I had something – vision or either senile set in! haha!
Krista @ the happy housie says
That chair story is amazing Jenna – how cool to have such a special characterful family heirloom. You are blessed to have had the chance to keep it and restore it – few people have such an amazing piece with a story like that. The green looks stunning!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It is really cool! I can’t believe I ended up with it! Thanks!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
Just gorgeous! And worth every penny!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Sharon! Yes, very worth it!
Lisa Bryant says
I found a chair like this on the side of the road about a month ago(in someone’s trash pile) The seat is starting to sag,but otherwise it’s in pretty fair shape.Thanks for sharing yours!It’s beautiful!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
That’s awesome, Lisa! Love roadside finds! I’ve read that fixing sagging seats isn’t that hard. You could look on Pinterest for more info.
Corey @ Tinysidekick says
Wow Jenna! Amazing! That chair looked like firewood before you got a hold of it…I am a huge furniture redo gal, this takes the cake!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It did look like firewood, didn’t it?! I hadn’t thought of that before! Thanks!
Kelly says
She’s a beauty, Jenna!! I love it {even a little jelly}. Hee-hee. Thanks so much for linking up to the part-tay. Pinning, Stumbling and Tweeting 🙂 HUGS!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh, thank you so much, Kelly! Your jealous?! What!? I’m honored! haha! Thank you for always hosting! And all the pin, stumble and tweet love – thank you so much!
Stephany Hyder says
I’m in LOVE with this! WOW! And, the history behind it. WOW (again).
The color you chose – well, AWESOME! I’m loving it so much.
Great work.
I’m new here ~ meeting you from Katie’s blog @ Made to be a Momma! ♥
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I’m loving all the wows, Stephany! Thank you so much! I love meeting new people on my blog! So glad you found me!
gail says
amazing transformation Jenna! We have to know our limits… I say it was well worth the money to save this family heirloom!
gail
ps catching you!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Gail! Yes, we do have to have limits, but this was worth it!
Marlin says
Wow…what a transformation! I love the story behind the rocking chair too ! It’s very sentimental !! Love the color too !!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much, Marlin!
Alexis @ Persia Lou says
What a beautiful chair! And a great story, too. I’d say definitely worth the money spent.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, Alexis!
Nadine says
It’s beautiful! That was $400 well spent and the color is spectacular! Such a treasure to have from your family.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I think so too, Nadine! Thanks so much!
Sumo says
I love this chair, love the green, and especially love the history of this chair. What a great keepsake for you and your family! I’ll be featuring this on my blog tomorrow!
http://www.sumossweetstuff.com
Thanks for linking up!
Sumo:)
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much, Sumo!! I am thrilled to be featured at your blog!
[email protected] says
Really beautiful. I’m glad you had it restored.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, Karen!
Roxanna says
This was déjà vu for me. We also found my Grampie’s rocking chair in the barn in pretty much the same condition. My sister and I both wanted it and I told her she could have it if it was restored.Her husband did the work and my Mom(it was her Dad’s chair) paid for the caning. However it was red and still is! It sits on her porch in the summer and in her sewing room in the winter. My Mom is 93 and she enjoys visiting her fathers chair!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
That is so cool, Roxanna!! I just love having old family pieces like this – they are so special!
Joyce says
I have 2 solid oak Cracker Barrel rocking chairs that my dog chewed the rushing up. Any ideas how to fix seat & chair backs?
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Sorry, Joyce. I wish I could help you on that one, but it’s out of my league. I paid someone to fix my chair back and seat on this rocker.
Beth says
Hi! I would LOVE to recreate this pattern on an old wooden rocker I am planning to restore. Do you know what this caning pattern is called?
thank you!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Hi Beth! I think it’s called either herringbone or basketweave. I hope that helps!
divya sharma says
Great idea. Thank you so much for sharing. Now I can save more things. Thanks again.