The tag at the junk shop read……
“Amaze-Balls Crewel Work Indian Chief”
and just how could I be expected to possibly resist that?
……. so, after a little internal debate (yes, I’m pretty cheap) I brought him home with me.
He’s from a kit.
1975-ish, I Googled him and found an expired Ebay listing. That Faux Bois background should have been a clue to the 1970’s.
These kinds of craft was pretty popular then, but I’ve never seen an Indian before. W-to the-OW
Just look at the detail.
I would imagine that some woman spent uncounted hours working on him. Probably while watching McMillan and Wife on the television that doubled as a piece of furniture.
On the backside you can see all the knotting that went into him.
He needs to be restretched.
Which shouldn’t be much of a problem because he’s held together with loose staples and thumbtacks.
I popped the thumb tacks out and pulled the guy a little tighter…
Then I used some scrap cedar in the garage to make a quick frame for him. Basicly I made 2 frames with the brad gun, same outside width – one slightly smaller, and glued them together with wood glue. I filled in the holes with natural colored putty, and gave the whole thing a light sanding.
I used some flat straps at an angle to hold him in the frame.
Someday, I may have him framed by a professional, but I like the simplicity of the free cedar frame for now.
He works just perfectly in the guest room.
Still need to frame that big cow head……
If there were a fire in the Cavender house, that Indian would be the first thing that I would save.
After Harley, of course….Oooooh and Jamie…
Then the Indian.
Yepp, Indian third.
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
“Amaze-balls” is right! That is one incredible find. And the cedar frame you made is perfect!
I almost didn’t buy him…almost…course I would have gone back a few days later and missed out ….
He’s so perfect! God bless the little lady who put so many hours into stitching it up. Really.
Love him above the bed. Thanks for sharing this.
She had much more patience than I ever had….that’s for sure Mary.
Incredible find! Love him for your place! Nice frame job too!
he was meant to be …that’s for sure
That was made with a lot of love. Looks perfect in that frame.
Looks like it was made for you! Love it.
Sweet!
What a find! I always try and rescue any type of needlepoint I see at the Goodwill. You got a treasure. Love the way you re-stretched it and framed it. So glad that piece found a good home. I bought a twin bed frame yesterday solely because I knew you would buy it. I said, James would love this! Buying it. $25. It has metal cut-outs of cowboys and Indians along the top. Will send a pic. Georgie
Ohhh M God!!! It sounds amazing!!! You better believe that I would have bought that bed!!!
Your Indian is amazing–we’d have taken him home, too. We’ve stumbled into our own collection of 70s needle art, though most of ours are flowers. (You can see some here: http://www.thissortaoldlife.com/2014/01/05/our-kind-of-quickie-a-bathroom-makeover/) Would love to find something like yours.
Those are GREATNESS! Love how modern they feel…(and thanks for reminding me that we have some bathrooms to get to work on ….)
Great find! You are so talented, I wish I were your neighbor. I could learn a lot from you!
Just shop in places no one else would dare step into….that’s the key.
The vintage piece of needlework looks right at home in the bedroom. You guys are so creative and have designed such a warm and welcoming home filled with such unique items. Great find and framing…
Thanks Velia, we do what we can
That is amazing for sure and oh so perfect for you! (Why do I now hear “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama in my head? Yeah, thanks for that. 😉 )
I do love a good 80’s Tune…and a Chief in full headress
My daughter lives in Decatur and I tell her I am coming to visit her, but the second best reason is to go the shops you shop to see these amazing pieces that you buy! Then I want to stalk your house for a real, live, house tour! You guys are amazing! Love what you do!
Stalk away Pam…check out Curiosities, White Elephant Antiques, and Lula B’s…..tons of great thrift stores too in Dallas…
You always give us great information in such an entertaining way; I just love reading your stuff!
thanks Tracie, We try to be informative with out “teach-y”…love to share things that I like with new people…
That Indian is awesome! But I have to say, my favorite part of the post was the reference to McMillan and Wife.
Where could I get the angus sign?
The American Angus Breeders Association! And get this…. they’re FREE. You just pay shipping. Check the shop on the website.