![]() ![]() "Does the imperfection still allow for the piece to be functional?" she asked. Ashwell's favorites were those with character - such as a beautiful doll with a cracked face or some fingers missing. She learned that lesson in her childhood when she went to flea markets with her mother, who bought and restored antique dolls and teddy bears. "What is lovely is when you find old pieces that are made so well that if you tried to duplicate them today they would be very expensive."Īs you go along, you'll learn to appreciate what Ashwell calls the value of "imperfect beauty." "Workmanship is kind of a given when you are buying something old," she said. Weight is also important - the heavier the wicker, for instance, the better. Signposts of quality in furniture include sturdy construction and tongue-in-groove joints. When you do, Ashwell suggested making it beveled to add extra detail. If your image looks distorted, she recommended passing it up unless the frame is spectacular. ![]() Let's say you're looking for a mirror at a flea market or antiques mall. "If the piece is rickety, it's too far gone." "There is a fine line between fine and used and funky and junky," she said. Some of the hallmarks in fabric are worn damask, faded velvets, tea-stained florals, washed-out cotton prints and slightly tattered lace. Many of the objects she selects are worn but good quality. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |