BEFORE & AFTER ii

before

This set of 4 deep-buttoned diners recently passed through Bottoms' End.
(Wish I'd counted the buttons on each before I quoted. 38 x 4 = 152.)

after

BEFORE & AFTER i

This curvy little number (workshop name "Cheeky") was a roadside find for my client.

CHRISTMAS TRADING

Rapt! is taking part in the following 2 markets in the lead-up to Chrissy.
What great opportunities to get all your Christmas shopping done in one hit - at the same time as supporting small business and local artisans. 

OLD BUS DEPOT MARKET
Kingston ACT
Sunday 1st December
10am - 4pm





MADE IN KIAMA - handmade night market
Kiama Pavilion, Showground Rd Kiama
Wednesday 18th December & Thursday 19th December
5.30pm - 9.00pm

Suzani Makeover

Here's the latest job off the workbench, a little old diner (?) made over using remnant fabric from a Grandfather chair previously done for the same client.

Harris, the Wingy

I've been so looking forward to finishing this chair!  

I had a wonderful holiday in Scotland a few months ago, and discovered the incredibly beautiful island of Harris - where not only are the islanders still making traditional Harris Tweed - but the industry is going gang-busters.

This, I'm sure, is largely due to the excellent management of the brand (apparently the Harris Tweed is one of the world's best known brands) by the Harris Tweed Authority.  

The bulk of tweed is still hand-woven by islanders, usually on their own farms (crofts) from their own sheep, using traditional looms and equipment - it's literally a cottage industry. However, what's really causing the surging world demand for this cloth is the fact that no longer is it just the domain of leather-elbow-patched jackets for old gents, it's now produced in a stunning array of modern colours.

I had a delightful time trying to choose what to bring home in my limited luggage allocation (Geoff was very patient!) - but consoled myself with the list of suppliers who'll I'll be buying and importing fabric from in future.

Here are a few shots of the first Rapt! chair done in Harris Tweed, followed by some of my time on the island.

If you're interested in learning more about Harris Tweed, I strongly recommend a newly published book titled 'FROM THE LAND COMES THE CLOTH'.  Written and published by Ian Lawson, it's basically a photographic 'documentary' showing the link between the land (islands of the Outer Hebrides), the islanders, their sheep (and sheepdogs!) and the way the fabric is produced. It's a magnificent publication largely because the photos are astounding.

SHOP OPENING

Finally!  Rapt! has its very own online store (see SHOP tab on this homepage).
Not all products in stock have been loaded yet  - this will happen over next week or so.
I'd love your feedback if you see any glitches - and - thanks for looking.

MID-CENTURY MOD MEETS YR.2013

Here's the latest custom-made Featherstone Wingchair (reproduction) just completed. Covered in clothfabric's brilliant Banksia design, on hemp.

These, (and many other chair designs made from scratch by Rapt!) are available to order in your own choice of fabric or combination of fabrics.

Just ask!

raptups(at)me.com

Want to know more about the Australian designer Grant Featherstone, internationally famous for innovative furniture starting in the 1950's?  
Here's the link.

DADS' DAY COMING UP!

What's your Dad getting this Fathers' Day?  Same-old socks and undies? 

   Do you think it's time he got something REALLY SPECIAL?

   What could be better than a totally unique, hand-made, fully Australian, gloriously     

   comfy chair for him to relax in?

   Here are a few suggestions from Rapt!  All are currently available, and ready for 

   dispatch or pickup in time for Sunday 1st September.

   Email for more info. or photos -  rapt ups(at)me.com

MARKET UPDATE

NEW WEB-LISTING
Rapt! now has its very own page on the Old Bus Depot Market website.  Here's the link.

MARKET DATES
We won't be back at the market till later in winter.  Please watch this space (and the Facebook Events page) for next market dates.

Salvotore's Salvation

A few months back I had a call from a friend who suggested I hot-foot it down to a nearby Salvos where she'd just seen a chair that she thought was right up my alley.
She was right - I found this poor old Grandfather chair (maybe an antique? not sure) in a very sad state of repair upholstery-wise, but perfect structurally.
He came home and after pondering for a while what his new image should be, I came up with this over-the-top, lush, mediaeval style. 
After refinishing the timber to a darker colour, and complete reupholstery - from the bare bones up - and even new shoes - he's finally finished.

Miss Snupeson finds it all a bit of a bore

Salvotore is now looking for his new forever home (i.e.: for sale).
Price $1,650.00
Contact The Chairy Godmother (Kate) for more info.
raptups(at)me.com