YMCA Chairs for Charity - Before and Afters

It's been (and continues to be) busy around here!  With the countdown on...just two days to go...to the YMCA Chairs for Charity event, I'm up to my eyeballs in chairs! 

Take a look at what's been going on.

For Brio Gusto, a fantastic restaurant in downtown Peterborough.  The pillow is handmade - I used contact paper on which I traced a pattern I'd printed out.  A little latex paint and a stencil pouncer...and voila! 

A chair for the New Canadians Centre, a place for learning, playing, and helping in the heart of Peterborough.  A second hand printed pillow - this one less boozy and more patriotic! 

 

A chair sponsored by Joie de Vie a gorgeous clothing store full of special items with something for everyone.  It's a feast for the senses - they even have specialty soaps and other niceties! 

Two matching chairs for the Peterborough Examiner, one of our local newspapers.  I love these chairs! 

 

This one is one of my (and my husband's) favourites!  No sponsor, but full of character and extra-fun to create!  Inspired by Robin Hood (and will be auctioned complete with tiny Robin figurine).  I used all kinds of recycled materials here including a previously loved leather skirt and a solid leather belt. 

 

Refinished for the Silver Bean Cafe "your waterfront cottage in the city" and a relaxing place to enjoy delicious homemade food and drinks, riverside.  More than worth checking out in the summer, and open especially for the Peterborough Festival of Trees Nov. 28 to Dec. 2.  Grab a hot drink!

You've seen this chair before!  The first one I did and sponsored by Hi Ho Silver a jewellery store offering unique pieces - they've also carry accessories and a large selection of special greeting cards.  Worth visiting!  Pick up something special for someone special this holiday season.  ;)

Meow!  This hot little number is decadent and edgy, just like Bloodline Parlour, a hip hair salon located in downtown Peterborough.  A team of talented stylists help to bring the vision of two sisters to life - I get my hair cut here and nowhere else!  Great cuts, great girls! 

I love this chair!  It was one of the earlier chairs I completed and I adore the hand stitching and button accents.  You can see more info in posts below (plus a close up of the back support where all the action is!)

 

The 'before' photo for this adorable chair is disasterous and not worth seeing - the after is sweet and perfect for a nursery or playroom.  A child-sized rocker made over by our very own artist, Shannon Taylor.  Love it!

 

Chairs for Charity - Cowboys, Robin, & Rock(er) Stars

The last post gave you a glimpse of one of the near-century old parson-style chairs that once belonged to the Granite Club in Toronto. 

The first of the four chairs is finished - in fine cowgirl style! 

 

The chair was recovered using denim and the chair was sanded and then painted a rich red using homemade chalk paint, with a final coat of straight latex paint.  I trimmed the bottom of the chair with part of a faux leather snake skin belt.  I used a similar belt to create the 'cowboy boot' embellishments, adding some rhinestones for extra 'bling'. 

Now this chair is ready to rock and rodeo!

I've got a number of other chairs on the go at the moment...here are some 'before' pictures.  Hoping to have some 'afters' available in a couple of days. 

Can a chair be inspired by a Robin Hood action figure?  I think so!  This chair has come substantially further than the photo below and I can't wait to post the finished photo.  Perfect for a little boy! 
 

 

There are two of these super-solid chairs, above.  If I can get the sponsor I'd like for them, they're soon to become 'Newsies.' 

 

 Four of these pretty Queen-Anne inspired chairs below.  One is being sponsored by the New Canadians Centre.

 

This cute bistro set is getting an awesome custom makeover.  Below is a sneak peek...still lots to do on these two!

 

 Between a rock(er) and a hard place? The chair on the right is getting special treatment from some YMCA staff. The chair on the right is up for grabs...and may be staying 'naked.' It looks great!