Thursday, July 2, 2009

One of MANY Projects!

I am doing about 10 different projects right now ~ all having to do with what I need to start showing again this Fall.

Since I will be showing sidesaddle, I am trying to gear everything toward the era of the late 1800's. This is my antique Steamer Trunk...

..that I am going to refurbish hopefully to look like this!

This is a solid brass lid lift I am going to attach on the front of the trunk.

These is the hardware that keeps the leather handles on.

..and these are the new handles I ordered.The total + shipping was about $38.00. I need to buy some copper colored paint for the tin. I have the black paint already. It should be a fairly simple project and add some character to my stall decorations at the show.

8 comments:

Hosanna said...

Oh that is just to freakin' cool. I wish I could be there to see the whole finished product at the shows!! I am enthralled. Keep the photos coming!

sunvalleysally said...

See comment on ridingaside too. I meant to add about the steamer trunk, there are also closet-type or armoire-type steamer trunks that can still be found in fleamarkets here and there but are also in reproduction probably from the same folks from whom you're ordering replacement accessories. One spectacular trunk that I saw at a big open show years back (oh, for the return of the all-breed all-discipline shows that lasted a full week!!!) was about 4 feet tall (guessing here, measured my arena jumps informally by where may belt buckle or top button hit). It had a clothes hanger bar for hanging jackets or skirts, drawers beneath, and a side cabinet which stored hat boxes. Almost the best part (and this appeared to be original to the antique as opposed to retrofit) was that the trunk had wheels so you could trundle it from the trailer to the tackroom without having to hire muscle. It even boasted a "secret" compartment where valuables could be stored.

I know I was born half a century too late - would loved to have experienced cross-oceanic travel via steamer or luxury liner, and experienced firsthand the development of the American Saddlebred the early part of the twentieth century.

Someday I'll do a book....

Sometimes It's Good said...

That trunk will look so cool!
Hugs, Susan

Ginger said...

What a neat project you have going. I bet it turns out great.

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Nothing like a good project!

oxox
Jennifer

Debra@CommonGround said...

I love your idea for this display. Trunks make the perfect prop. I use them frequently and really hate to sell them. You'll have a lot of fun with this.
Debra

Unknown said...

Ohhhh Julie!!! That is sooo beautiful!! WOW! I cannot wait to see it when you are done, I know it will be fabulous!

Hugs,
Amy

Neabear said...

Wow! Interesting project you have going here. I am catching up on your blog again. Love your new haircut. I just cut my long hair too this week.