2013 ReCap

2013 is coming to a close and 2014 is on it's way. I am so grateful for all of my clients who have intrusted their treasures for restoration this year. I have tallied the number of chairs, stools, and other items that have come through my workshop this year and the total for 2013 is, drum roll please: 204
Holy. Moley. I had a total of 1 day in 2013 without a chair waiting for me to work on and topped off at 42 in line at one time in my storage room - my busiest year yet! I'm excited to see what will be coming through my door in 2014. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, busy, and prosperous New Year!

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2013 - In the works

I was recently interviewed by Peter Tonguette of Columbus Monthly Magazine for an article about antique ownership and restoration options here in Central Ohio. (I was so nervous!) What a great way to cap off a year! Check out the February 2014 edition for the article.

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2013 New Material offerings

I am constantly looking for ways to offer the most variety in materials and weaves for my client's pieces. This year I have expanded my material offerings for rushing as well as added new weaving options for runged chairs.

Real Rush- A natural, seagrass material that varies greatly in color from green to tan to rust. A great choice for adding a rich texture and interest for runged chairs.

Smoked Splint- Beautiful variations on it's own or a good base for stains and finishes. Can be woven on most runged chairs.

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Best of 2013: Before and afters

It is not easy to trim 204 chairs down to just a handful of my top favorites. I chose these 8 for uniqueness, technically challenging chairs that I most proud of restoring, and sentimental connections clients had with their chairs (one of the best parts of my job). Click on the images for larger photos.

Mid Century Modern Saucer Chairs
(1 of 2 shown)
These chairs belonged to a client's parents and were stored in a mildewy basement which ate through the 60+ year old cane binding. They were total re-dos all the way down to the bamboo structure. Many hours of work, but soooo worth it. Beautiful set I'd love to own myself.

Close Weave Teacher's Rocker Seat
Another family piece- this time a teacher's rocker that had been used by my client's ancestors to grade papers. A beauty and a rarity- I've never seen another like this rocker. Many, many, MANY hours to re-weave this seat (and some really sore fingers), but what a beautiful restoration.

Original Wegner Wishbone Danish Cord (set of 4)
Such lovely chairs for even more lovely people! These chairs had not ever been re-woven and I was able to exactly replicate the original wrapping and weaving.
"We cannot thank you enough for the lovely job you did on our Wegner chairs – they are as good, if not better than the originals. Thank you again- Andrew and Jette"

Hand Cane Bentwoods for the Wexner Estate
These are 4 of 8 bentwood chairs belonging to the Wexner estate and are in daily use.. I was thrilled to do them and to be on file for future restorations.

Hand and Blind Cane Prague Chairs
(set of 2)
I replaced the hand cane seat and almost 100 year old back with a blind caning technique to preserve the integrity of the bentwood back. Prague chairs are a little more rare than their other caned Bauhaus counterparts, are very collectable, and their clean lines mix well with any other furniture styles.

Original Thonet Hand Cane High Chair
This is a client's family high chair in use for many generations. With a new addition to the family and a new generation new cane was needed to make it functional again. (I also covet this piece- a rare piece and visually stunning)

Real Rushed Ladder Back Chairs
(set of 6 total)
I am grateful to be intrusted with restoring this family set and to be doing them for the head of restoration for the Thurber House.
"Emza saved my grandmother's dining room chairs. I remember sitting on these as a little girl. Now that they are beautifully rushed, my grandchildren will use these! Thanks, Emza!"-Judy Hoffhine

Radio Net Barrel Chair
My client had this chair completely redone for her daughter-in-law as a gift. I restored the Radio Net Paper Cane back which is a continuous panel that wraps the arms and back of the chair. It was a nail bitter and probably my biggest challenge of 2013 in that I was working against all of the ways in which cane naturally wants to act.

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Last, But not least...

...A BIG thank you to all of my clients this year- especially those who took the time to write a testimonial or who reviewed me on Angie's List or other review sites. For small businesses there is no greater compliment than kind words and a good recommendation. It keeps us small business owners going and growing. I'm flattered and immensely grateful.