I was so honored to participate in the Chairs for Charity event at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). The event auctioned off 16 custom-designed chairs by local designers, with all proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House in Orange, California.

 

My chair has a great story. I bought it early one morning from an older gentleman who sadly had lost his son at age 7. With my little ones nearby, I explained that I wanted to buy this chair because I was looking for one to refurbish and auction off, he said he felt right about the chair coming home with us. I feel in some ways that this chair was meant to be mine for this project! So, off I went, $10 less in my pocket, and my heart full and excited that I was about to do some good for the wonderful operations at Ronald McDonald House here in Orange County, California.

 

I started by stripping the chair's existing dusty pink colored fabric, and pulling out all the upholstery nails -- what a task! Inspired by a beautiful French linen I saw, I decided to make a chair that would invite people to make themselves at home. When I saw this linen, I immediately appreciated its' phrase: "faites commes chez vous", which means 'make yourself at home' in French. I paired the linen with an exotic Zebra patterned burlap, and chose antique gold patches for the arms of the chair. They still remind me of the elbow patches you would find on an old sweater!

 

Seeing all of the chairs on display at the OCMA was phenomenal! What a great experience -- positive energy and generosity were surging through the building. It was so rewarding to be part of this event, and I was thrilled when my chair received 6 competing bids! Huzzah! A success all around!