tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31630867588662220102024-02-19T06:08:50.898-05:00Fay Grayson HomeTaking old, worn down, and discarded pieces and making them new, fresh, and ready for home.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-3792910302530122842015-12-10T01:13:00.001-05:002015-12-10T01:13:10.065-05:00Put A Bird on It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This super sweet chair was a custom piece for a lovely family in Kingston, ON. They weren't afraid of colour or a bold print, so I had a lot of fun transforming this family heirloom!</div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-22764165228009124012014-07-02T16:28:00.000-04:002014-07-02T16:29:00.979-04:00Restoration Harware-inspired Trunk Dresser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my absolute FAVOURITE pieces at the Market right now i this 3-drawer dresser I restored using brown burlap, old louvre door pieces, a leather belt and new hardware pieces. I also created feet for this dresser using fence-post toppers from the hardware store. </div>
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My inspiration was the line of 'trunk' furniture available at Restoration Hardware, like this small dresser: </div>
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<img src="http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod690042_av1?$l-pd1$" /></div>
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But at the Restoration Hardware price of $3,095 (because that $95 will really make or break the purchase, I'm sure) there's no way this is practical! <br />
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The materials for my trunk (including the $5 I spent on the dresser itself at a yard sale a few weeks ago), cost about $60, the most expensive being the new burlap I purchased for 50% off at Fabricland, with the runner up being the new dresser feet. <br />
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The dresser is now available at the Market for $275 - it was a labour of love to get it looking this good!! <br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-17471677980814159562014-06-24T00:57:00.000-04:002014-06-24T01:02:02.376-04:00Find Fay Grayson Home on FACEBOOK!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrQzvH9e8YmWHvvfUeU-zGS1oJ68DM78-Br5l2r1_MVcFe7Bv4nK0k_OJ21jpLyk0_FU1gz50FVl2MAE8yuoIoI4XVrjgXSacEjij_IXItoNc4pKLkGlY1DIpSaL5IDZ28rhbm831tVpw/s1600/Parlour+Chair+with+Cross+and+2+Pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrQzvH9e8YmWHvvfUeU-zGS1oJ68DM78-Br5l2r1_MVcFe7Bv4nK0k_OJ21jpLyk0_FU1gz50FVl2MAE8yuoIoI4XVrjgXSacEjij_IXItoNc4pKLkGlY1DIpSaL5IDZ28rhbm831tVpw/s1600/Parlour+Chair+with+Cross+and+2+Pillows.jpg" height="640" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If this chair looks familiar, it's because I spent a lot of time blogging about the <a href="http://faygraysonhome.blogspot.ca/2014/01/parlour-chair-makeover-prepping-frame.html" target="_blank">process of upholstering it.!</a> </td></tr>
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Dear Blogosphere friends and followers,<br />
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I have been a bad blogger, but don't worry, I haven't stopped rehabbing furniture and things, I've just become really bad at blogging about it! So sorry (again). <br />
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If you're wondering what I've been up to since February, I recommend you check out my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FayGraysonHome" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> (or click on the icon on the top right hand side of the blog). <br />
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I was busy with custom upholstery for a white after Christmas, but also managed to squeeze in a few furniture redos. <br />
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And in other exciting news, I set up a space in a (somewhat) local Antique & Flea Market near Kingston, ON. It's <a href="http://www.collinsbayfleamarket.com/" target="_blank">Collins Bay Antique & Flea Market</a> and I'd certainly recommend a visit! There are some great antique and vintage finds, beautiful furniture, and unique items. The market is also really clean and well-maintained which really matters to me. <br />
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Come and visit....on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FayGraysonHome" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and at the Market. <br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-62855663756411589492014-02-03T13:30:00.000-05:002014-02-03T13:31:31.860-05:00First Time Coil Spring Tying & Padding It OutWell, for better or for worse, I salvaged some old coil springs for the 'new' chair and spent an afternoon sewing and then tying them on. I think I made a bunch of mistakes but I learned a lot. Here's the run down:<br />
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The Easy Stuff:</h3>
Sewing the springs on to the chair webbing. This was, by far, the easiest part of the whole ordeal. You need to make sure your springs are 'right side up' and are facing the same way. If you know how to use a (big, fat, long) needle, you'll be fine. You need to attach each spring in 3 places, with three stitches at each location. <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Reupholster-a-chair-from-the-bones-up/?ALLSTEPS" target="_blank">Here's a great Instructable to work from. </a><br />
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Once you're done tying the springs, you cover the whole lot with a piece of burlap. Stretch it over the springs, but don't make it as taut as you would fabric - it needs a bit of give to move with the springs. Staple around the edge and then trim to a couple of inches, fold over and staple again. You'll notice I forgot this step on the burlap on the chair back. <br />
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Applying the edge roll and the batting is also easy. It's good too, because after the wine (see below) you need a nice easy step.<br />
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Don't ...</h3>
Don't stagger your springs. I shouldn't have done that, but I didn't have an eighth spring, so I improvised. Do what I say, not what I do? <br />
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Don't underestimate how much tying string you need. Get lots. Actually get a roll. <br />
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Don't forget to fold over and double-staple your burlap when covering the springs. <br />
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Don't forget to pick up a bottle of wine. You'll want it later. <br />
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For next time...</h3>
I still need to master actual knot tying on the springs. I don't have that down. I found online tutorials in this area a bit slim, but there's a guide in Amanda Brown's book <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Spruce-Step-Step-Upholstery-Design/dp/1612121373" target="_blank">"Spruce: A Step By Step Guide to Upholstery and Design"</a> (the best, up-to-date book I've seen!). <br />
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Get a long nosed staple gun. It makes all the difference in getting in tight spots, especially at the back of the chair, under the back frame. <br />
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Remember to create a 'crown' with the shape of your springs. If you're tying them right, apparently this happens somewhat automatically....I think that's lies. Lies! You'll need to push the springs closer to the chair frame down lower and tie the string firmly. You want a nice 'mounded' chair!<br />
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So, when you're done with the tying, you'll want the wine. And probably a good stretch. Or maybe a massage...or all three. You know, whatever.<br />
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After the burlap, <span style="text-align: center;">I also used a deck padding material over the springs - it's a modern product, so if you don't have that just use more (and more) padding. </span><span style="text-align: center;">The role of the deck padding is to help cushion the springs so you don't feel them through the foam.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Once you've got the burlap and decking down, </span>attach the edge roll around the seat of the chair. The edge roll softens the hard edge of the frame and prevents your padding and fabric from rubbing against the edge and possibly, over time, wearing out the fabric at this point. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1ADcww6nLwNBKBCqtvqxt-rl5FvonV_MowZm8tDWjlLrBLcJVR6hR7odA8OC5jZawMFxRg_fWHrdZfW3XRhgykr9y39hLgOGMX6EOSKmfjYWfKjINTS9_qU3tm3JPLgtFXARY_piJ9rl/s1600/Chair+Frame+-+Edge+Roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1ADcww6nLwNBKBCqtvqxt-rl5FvonV_MowZm8tDWjlLrBLcJVR6hR7odA8OC5jZawMFxRg_fWHrdZfW3XRhgykr9y39hLgOGMX6EOSKmfjYWfKjINTS9_qU3tm3JPLgtFXARY_piJ9rl/s1600/Chair+Frame+-+Edge+Roll.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made my own edge rolling using old cotton batting salvaged from another chair, and some burlap. This way I can create edge roll in any diameter or size I want - fatter for the front of the chair, and smaller for the sides (which get less wear, obviously). Edge roll is a bit like piping or welting on steroids...more plump, but with the same 'tail' or band. I sew mine on the machine - you can also just hand tack it and then staple it down well. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th5MguPBI7s" target="_blank">This guy makes his own edge roll too and shows you how!</a> His is fancy...you can just use the cotton batting, or thick fabric, or horsehair...whatever. You just need something to soften the edge (but, his is awesome, so for quality, follow his lead!).<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTIjH5WXoRI" target="_blank">This lady with a posh accent </a>will show you how to apply the edge roll. Cheers! (Where she uses shears, you may just wish to use a utility knife, or straight knife). The posh lady forgot to tell you to pinch the front of the edge roll and staple it down, so <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvUJo3VFzPY" target="_blank">this guy shows you how</a>. Got it? <br />
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Once you've attached the edge roll, you'll see there's a dip between the decking and the edge roll. You'll need to fill that in with batting or padding of some sort - I used salvaged cotton. At this step, you can stack up some padding to improve the shape of your seat's crown. Use this step to fill in any low points or dips created by the springs. <br />
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Good work so far! It's starting to look like furniture! <br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-31628504605010200922014-01-29T14:54:00.000-05:002014-01-29T14:54:20.993-05:00Parlour Chair Makeover: Prepping the Frame & Applying Jute WebbingLast week I picked up a chair from from a guy in Fowler's Corners on one of my trips to Peterborough. It looked like someone had started the chair as a DIY project and then lost steam (What? I have no idea what that looks like!) They'd completely stripped down the chair and succeeded in stripping off half of the original finish, but that was it. That being said, that's still a lot of work! I snapped up the frame for $25 and tossed it into the car. <br />
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When I got back to the workshop, I stripped off the rest of the lacquer and peeling finish and gave it a good sanding by hand. As per usual, I forgot to take a real "before" picture...so the above will have to do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshk8YgjXDGXEMdWg2fOJjFv1VSUusap95KmtqQgHBolJQ7IXyta5pAhcXp2WLcAKFTkTq3c1mV1eEEHdxDKZO9ZMEtRrDXG6pOQCcHimm3P0AD8ZBWVCweVZUeB2zi_SKCRQ3y9za_xvl/s1600/Chair+Frame+-+Right+Arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshk8YgjXDGXEMdWg2fOJjFv1VSUusap95KmtqQgHBolJQ7IXyta5pAhcXp2WLcAKFTkTq3c1mV1eEEHdxDKZO9ZMEtRrDXG6pOQCcHimm3P0AD8ZBWVCweVZUeB2zi_SKCRQ3y9za_xvl/s1600/Chair+Frame+-+Right+Arm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
I wasn't sure how I was going to refinish the wood, but after the sanding I realised it wasn't in the greatest shape to stain and seal, so I opted to give it an aged look with an <a href="http://snovej.com/archives/instantly-age-wood-part-ii" target="_blank">all natural homemade stain </a>and some dry brushing with latex paint.<br />
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The paint dried very quickly as it soaked into the wood and once it was dry I brushed on a quick coat of Miss Mustard Seed's clear furniture wax. I buffed it, and then threw the frame in the car again. <br />
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It's so easy to toss a chair around when it ain't nothin' but a frame! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6FsBBDrGo0SVk7uuPSfYBWcKKMyVDS8ykZh8ABRR0qOcVgWnEBZ8ISQix-Jf4k4Edv4jIYoLPGxkOv4UovDwHGzEUZAyDYNwaw5DAkoZ_8IH2P8G6a4FkCQEYthMKYJ1H6_QKoCXjrdE/s1600/Chair+Frame+-+Left+Arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6FsBBDrGo0SVk7uuPSfYBWcKKMyVDS8ykZh8ABRR0qOcVgWnEBZ8ISQix-Jf4k4Edv4jIYoLPGxkOv4UovDwHGzEUZAyDYNwaw5DAkoZ_8IH2P8G6a4FkCQEYthMKYJ1H6_QKoCXjrdE/s1600/Chair+Frame+-+Left+Arm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
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The next day I applied a second coat of wax and gave it a good buffing. That's when I realised I should snap some photos! In the close ups of the arms you can see the dry brushing effect...it's easy to do and give a weathered and worn look which was perfect for this old and beat up frame. <br />
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The next step was to apply new jute webbing to the chair. The burlap will support the springs in the chair's seat as well as the foam and fabric for the back. <br />
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I was able to put my <a href="http://faygraysonhome.blogspot.ca/2014/01/diy-gooseneck-webbing-stretcher.html" target="_blank">DIY Gooseneck Webbing Stretcher</a> to good use for this part. It's working like a charm so far and I don't have any complaints. <br />
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For an excellent tutorial on applying webbing to a chair frame, check out<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIen6EuGeJA" target="_blank"> Studio Swiss's online tutorial</a>. It gives you all the info you need, plus a Swiss accent! You should probably eat it while eating some Lindt chocolate. Probably for the best. <br />
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I find the stretching of the jute webbing fairly straightforward. You just want to be certain that your webbing is well-spaced and centred (I didn't do an excellent job of that here...always room to improve!), and that the webbing is pulled very taut - it should sound a bit like a drum.<br />
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The webbing on the seat needs to be more substantial than the webbing on the back of the chair. The seat webbing will support the springs and weight of an individual, whereas the webbing in the back will get less strenuous wear and is mostly needed to offer some back support and to act as a foundation for the foam and fabric. <br />
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Stay tuned for the next installment where I'll sew in and tie my springs and get the seat ready for upholstering. <br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-1836897890724413632014-01-22T11:22:00.002-05:002014-01-22T11:22:32.229-05:00DIY Gooseneck Webbing StretcherI like to save money where I can. I'm focusing more on upholstery these days and one of the necessary tools you'll need if you're going to be rebuilding furniture is a webbing stretcher. There are different versions of this tool, but the most user-friendly version looks like this: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BDdSAJOaaslUCyB2f398Esa30992CEhxxw48KRKIrYWRUSdvEnVHXaqKqD3vGupi2H4zK2LDxyZVjbs81iwTUKkoBBg4yYYMKLLNOTvhBtA824g4CQGB-dGnRSI8IA6id_aQ5OSDw58H/s1600/tools_webbing_stretcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BDdSAJOaaslUCyB2f398Esa30992CEhxxw48KRKIrYWRUSdvEnVHXaqKqD3vGupi2H4zK2LDxyZVjbs81iwTUKkoBBg4yYYMKLLNOTvhBtA824g4CQGB-dGnRSI8IA6id_aQ5OSDw58H/s1600/tools_webbing_stretcher.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
This is a gooseneck webbing stretcher by CS Osborne & Co, the muckity mucks of upholstery. And while this version even bears my maiden name (can you see it?), I just couldn't part with the $40 - $60 it was going to cost me to order one of these online. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_E60aEPYOLMnFa04mmLKjIisv-8PnkA3ZuExAmM9HjDRDUMiVyZv_IxrFq_6Te78GqaLGLROxL3jRlFo78m-BOVFlNTkvXYtembQTTyVwGblBYdZ02b_r0ewEDnObdjx7NVqqqBWxjUPz/s1600/WebbingStretcherRubber255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_E60aEPYOLMnFa04mmLKjIisv-8PnkA3ZuExAmM9HjDRDUMiVyZv_IxrFq_6Te78GqaLGLROxL3jRlFo78m-BOVFlNTkvXYtembQTTyVwGblBYdZ02b_r0ewEDnObdjx7NVqqqBWxjUPz/s1600/WebbingStretcherRubber255.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>I found a version like this at a local Fabricland for $37, but still....I couldn't justify it and I felt like there had to be a better way! <br />
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Usually searching online for DIY or 'make your own' versions of things yields lots of options, but in this case, not so much. It took a couple of searches before I found this <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_7492942_make-webbing-stretcher.html" target="_blank">eHow article on How to Make A Webbing Stretcher</a> which was somewhat helpful, but devoid of pictures. <br />
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Then I came across this <a href="http://dansmesmains.canalblog.com/archives/2010/06/23/18401072.html" target="_blank">weird french anime DIY blog</a> which had a couple of pictures. There was also another foreign language site with a couple of other pictures, but I cannot for the life of me find it to share with you now. <br />
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So, with a little scrap wood, some nails and screws I had on hand, and an old paint roller, I came up with this: <br />
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Not too shabby, right? True, it's not going to last forever, it certainly doesn't have the durability of the $60 models above, but this one cost me NOTHING and will serve my purposes for the moment, so I say it's a win! <br />
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Here's what you'll need:<br />
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Block of scrap wood approx. 4"x4" (I used pine, it's soft and easy to bang the nails into)<br />
Wood Glue<br />
4d or similar nails<br />
1/2 inch screws<br />
Old paint roller handle<br />
Power Drill & Drill Bit<br />
Rubber, thick material, leather, or foam scrap<br />
Staples<br />
Staple Gun<br />
Awl<br />
Hand chisel & Hammer<br />
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I cut my scrap of wood to the dimension I needed with my jigsaw. I didn't measure it, just guesstimated the size I needed based on the width of my jute webbing. <br />
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Then I used a wire cutter (or tin snips) to cut the heads off of 14 nails. Maybe wear protective eyewear for this step, those little heads can fly! <br />
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Using my awl, I punched starter holes into the pine block. I put seven nails in the first row and seven in the back row, but I staggered their placement. I put a dob of wood glue onto the hole made by the awl before knocking in the headless nails (pointy ends up, headless ends down!). Yes, the heads get a bit dinged, but you don't need them super-sharp anyway. With the wood glue they feel very sturdy. <br />
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Then I chose a drill bit that matched the width of my paint roller handle. I drilled a hole into the wood about an inch and a half from the top of the wood with the nails in it. Your measurement for where to place the hole could be different, it will depend on how your paint roller handle is shaped. If you take a look at my first picture, you'll see there's a bend in the handle which sits about 1/2 an inch below the start of the wood...aim for something like this and drill your hole accordingly. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyNpOtWPyoKezbtzczLx-wEjHBacYNlCcBeAPCwA0iPu6GrLLk8JNf7WuuhGR9N68gTAc3gkmGVBF9osmeLCcN5PKA_3LG9O5r0_wHE8987Sic3aHmMfPNJ2zh04kKI6IA8R1VXvKIRp0/s1600/paint__roller_handle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyNpOtWPyoKezbtzczLx-wEjHBacYNlCcBeAPCwA0iPu6GrLLk8JNf7WuuhGR9N68gTAc3gkmGVBF9osmeLCcN5PKA_3LG9O5r0_wHE8987Sic3aHmMfPNJ2zh04kKI6IA8R1VXvKIRp0/s1600/paint__roller_handle.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>You're drilling a hold to push the roller-holding part of the paint roller handle into the wood. I used a small 2 inch roller so that the roller wouldn't extend beyond my wood. You should, too! <br />
<br />After drilling the hole, I used a chisel to chip away a divot/groove below the hole. This is for the arm of the handle - to help it lay flat against the wood. <br />
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I filled the hole with wood glue and then bashed my roller handle into the hole and kept bashing the handle until it laid mostly flat into the groove. <br />
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Then I placed 5, 1/2 inch screws into the wood to add extra holding power to the handle. Larger head screws would be ideal here, but I just used what I had on hand. <br />
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The final step was adding my protective piece of rubber (I actually used a strip from an old non-slip, foam type mat) to the top of the wood. I'd say you need about a 3"-31/2" long by 2 1/2" wide piece of rubber or thick material or leather for this. You want to use this to pad the top of the stretcher because this is the part of the stretcher that comes in contact with the frame of the furniture piece you are upholstering, and you don't want to mark the frame (especially if it is a visible, outer part of the frame!). The foam I used isn't what I'd recommend, I'd recommend rubber if you can find it, but again, this is what I had on hand and can be replaced. <br />
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I centred the foam and then stapled it down with my staple gun. Et voila! A free, make your own webbing stretcher! <br />
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She ain't pretty, but she can help you do this:<br />
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Success! <br />
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And in case you're wondering, care of my new idol (and girl crush!), Amanda Brown of <a href="https://www.spruceaustin.com/" target="_blank">Spruce Upholstery in Austin, Texas</a> this is how you use a gooseneck webbing stretcher:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKtRYXddRvnbgtlbvjGyxoVV_1PAmt3buR8JtKHJNBmrj04RUVKGcSrsDSC7PR4_3MViF_U4_ksmINTjfbUBQBZcrLEWNJybjspGZNO6GXcPywAlyWolyRYyLe9MHV8_pYs33uANmuLq-/s1600/Webbing+Stretcher+Through+Webbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKtRYXddRvnbgtlbvjGyxoVV_1PAmt3buR8JtKHJNBmrj04RUVKGcSrsDSC7PR4_3MViF_U4_ksmINTjfbUBQBZcrLEWNJybjspGZNO6GXcPywAlyWolyRYyLe9MHV8_pYs33uANmuLq-/s1600/Webbing+Stretcher+Through+Webbing.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And if you've dabble a bit in DIY upholstery and are looking for more info, teaching and lots of awesome pictures, I highly recommend Amanda's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Spruce-Step-Step-Upholstery-Design/dp/1612121373" target="_blank">Spruce: A Step By Step Guide to Upholstery and Design</a>. <br />
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Happy stretching! <br />
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-25966289667801264942013-12-18T12:00:00.003-05:002013-12-18T12:00:39.706-05:00New Business Card DesignSo I use <a href="http://vistaprint.ca/" target="_blank">Vistaprint</a> for my business cards. I like it because it's a Canadian company and they're really affordable - plus, they have pretty good editing options, and the website and interface is really user-friendly. Since I don't really have the skills to be a graphic designer, and cheat and use a combo of 'stock' design cards and my own images. <br />
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Have I mentioned how I do everything in Word? Yes. I'm pretty ghetto over here. Deal with it. <br />
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I created the blog header above in Word. Fancy! I decided I liked the design so much I transferred it to the new business card design. <br />
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"But Emily, didn't you just order new business cards a few months ago?"<br />
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Thanks for asking. Yes, yes I did. I love them. They looked like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqzDVcs4FTLF-FZ54wFc2FwiO2G1t4Vc_kT9F47DU2X6TDzcPDI75AS1hHf84jaPeuAD3pA5N380HF-Mzl7zHTA9vUSOhmNfpsqEMfXkH7R4mGt9-tcQPJqHmHHIFIW5lY4gQ0l-sQUn_/s1600/Fay+Grayson+Home+-+Original+Brown+Business+Card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqzDVcs4FTLF-FZ54wFc2FwiO2G1t4Vc_kT9F47DU2X6TDzcPDI75AS1hHf84jaPeuAD3pA5N380HF-Mzl7zHTA9vUSOhmNfpsqEMfXkH7R4mGt9-tcQPJqHmHHIFIW5lY4gQ0l-sQUn_/s400/Fay+Grayson+Home+-+Original+Brown+Business+Card.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I thought they were pretty snazzy...and I loved how I'd managed to place the text <em>just right</em>...<br />
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Then I went to a local craft fair a few weeks later. One of the vendors had chosen the same card style as me! <em> Quelle domage!</em> But I figured, 'hey, what's one similar card?' ONLY IT WASN'T!<br />
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Then we moved to Picton. And the cool coffee shop down the road has business cards this style. *blergh* Then I dropped my card off at an antiques shop that needs some refinishing work done....and they thought they recognized my card (cool!). ONLY NOT COOL! Nope, it was some other <strike>jerk's </strike>lovely individual's card. *double blerg*<br />
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Needless to say, I went back to the drawing board....or, should we say 'chalkboard?' I'm jumping on the 'chalk' trend...we'll see what happens. It's not like I've really got a 'brand' established. Or, like, a real business, so no sweat! <br />
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Yeesh.<br />
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Here's the new style. What do you think?<br />
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It's reversible! And yes, it's kinda purple...see, the stock card that actually worked with the image I wanted to use was sort of purplish...so I adapted. Trust me, I tried a lot of other options. This is the best so far. Also, I can get 250 of these for $30. <br />
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Somebody show me a better deal! I dare you! <br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-36179091404256992132013-12-09T11:34:00.001-05:002013-12-09T11:34:44.513-05:00Felt Flower BouquetsFor my wedding in 2011, I ditched the typical flower arrangements and made my own brooch bouquet. I'm going to let you in on a secret: making a brooch bouquet, from vintage and other found brooches, even when you're frugal, is not really that inexpensive. I probably spent just as much on my brooch bouquets for my sister (my maid of honour) and myself as I would have on fresh cut flowers. <br />
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HOWEVER....<br />
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Felt & button flower bouquets are adorable, funky and much more affordable! I made these bouquets for a friend's wedding for much less than we would have paid for fresh cut flowers. <br />
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We even made felt & button flowers which played double duty as table centrepieces and wedding favours at the end of the night. Each flower had a handwritten 'thank you' note attached with the wedding date on the reverse. <br />
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I'm not going to say these took no time at all...they were pretty time consuming, but it was fun and affordable - and unique! <br />
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And these are my lovely friends on their wedding day (sorry, don't have one of them with the flowers yet!). </div>
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Aren't they gorgeous?! </div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-31939235940053767152013-12-06T05:00:00.000-05:002013-12-06T05:00:00.453-05:00Chairs! Chairs! Chairs!Brace yourself, I've got lots of before & afters coming at you....<br />
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Funky, right? This chair was sponsored by a really eclectic store that sells unique home furnishings and other oddities collected from across Canada & Europe...I guess that inspires antlers? And sweater-chairs? <br />
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Beautiful butterflies! There are two of these beauties, refinished by a colleague of mine, and they're stunners. <br />
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These farm stools are pretty awesome - they even spin! I made it so that the 'stamp' can be customized for whoever wins these. They can choose their own letters/numbers to personalize it. <br />
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Faux fur throw and Hudson Bay inspired print on the pillow - this chair is sponsored by the New Canadians Centre, obviously! <br />
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Not really much to look at when it's 'full frontal' (in buff beige, no less!), but a peek of colour on the back. Surprise! Not so boring after all. <br />
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And I can't remember if I shared this "suit-able" chair before...it's covered in a wool suit fabric salvaged from a charity shop in town.<br />
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All the chairs are rescues and salvages, most from my trolling on Kijiji (good times!), and then lovingly refurbished. They're auctioned off to support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign - auction is Saturday night.<br />
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Can't wait!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-87771957181800873202013-12-05T17:17:00.000-05:002013-12-05T17:23:25.900-05:00So you don't know anything about drafting (and that's OK!)And you don't have Photoshop or any other cool editing program...<br />
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Hey, that's OK! Neither do I! <br />
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I do all my photo editing using a MS program and created these Farm Table table top designs using MS Word. Sometimes, you don't need the fancy stuff (although I've heard it's nice....real nice). <br />
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<ul>
<li>The first step was to turn on the 'grid' function so that I had what looks like graph paper (you can find that under 'View'). I also had to change the orientation of my page to landscape, and change the paper size to 11x14 to fit it all in. </li>
<li>Using the grid lines I went to Insert>Shape and selected a box/rectangle. Then I counted out the size of my pieces of wood...one square = one inch. The light grey rectangles vary in length but are 6" wide. </li>
<li>I made a bunch of 'wood planks' out of boxes and then I had fun playing around with patterns and designs. </li>
<li>Make sure you count out the proper sizes by using the grid as a guide! The pieces in option A are 6"x48", 6"x36", 6"x24" the short are 6"x12". You have to count - otherwise you won't know how long your pieces are, or what to cut when you get to that part. </li>
<li>I added 'nails' by creating teeny tiny circles and then using copy & paste a lot. *Hint* It's easier if you create a row, then 'group' the individual circles, and then copy & paste the rows. You can rotate the rows to get them running in the direction you need (ie: horizontally or vertically). </li>
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That's pretty much it! <br />
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So the farm table I made using <span id="goog_1539118103"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Ana White's plans</a> <span id="goog_1539118104"></span>has been popular, and I have a request for another. <br />
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This time I'm offering a couple of options for table top 'layout.' Here they are: <br />
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<img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlcER9vroE2qwJhHDMRe-m74jyr2KZ3kbIcsxQ994yH18OsVUvkt_7EDN78z3ToAysOyHVYdZ9ley-JUbnU7JLc74lNMksqNu2SFNZbfG-aeoEk4AdgBLRdTMadWeb3IAPDNaC3pp-YSu/s640/Farm+Table+-+Table+Top+Option+A.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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Option A is a little more 'rustic' perhaps, giving the impression of more 'salvaged' wood, while Option B is a bit more 'streamlined.' <br />
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<img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT2WzGWCS_Bud92cxAnGHhnQetl0w1FyIoc_KlZ_zJ7JmOvLxf3Y9GDxSn4fkXAMnODu9zlqSz6AIkx_Lj0qxXwfD8HuxhBpUqQ4LQF2aE_UyKMTCdU-_kCCAIQepA9HcXCLBXmQeuJha/s640/Farm+Table+-+Table+Top+Option+B.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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They're ready to send off now. <br />
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Easy peasy!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-54755020527930282842013-11-21T15:14:00.001-05:002013-11-21T15:14:59.438-05:00Union Jack Chair - sponsored by the UK ShoppeCheck out this before & after! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEqW0CRER9zmqkumRqy9UA2hShXHKt35wq5tKl6KL-bYTG39_mp0CICN5NTZdcbWcUL-WFeVFOKDIZ9wYYmLx1S6KADAhxTKqXrH_n4UkzCrYQENsdHBzZuPjiDFE9eX5j16Gte3aUhLy/s1600/UK+Chair+Before+and+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEqW0CRER9zmqkumRqy9UA2hShXHKt35wq5tKl6KL-bYTG39_mp0CICN5NTZdcbWcUL-WFeVFOKDIZ9wYYmLx1S6KADAhxTKqXrH_n4UkzCrYQENsdHBzZuPjiDFE9eX5j16Gte3aUhLy/s640/UK+Chair+Before+and+After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She's a beauty! This year's YMCA Chairs for Charity event is keeping me extra busy. I love all the chairs, but gosh, they take a lot of time! Hug an upholsterer today - they deserve it! <br />
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My Union Jack chair is made from an old shower curtain (the black & blue stripe fabric), an old velvet shirt (red stripe) and some damask print white fabric. The black fabric is left over from last year's event and is a lovely, thick and heavy, black fabric. <br />
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Hours of sewing at my vintage Singer (oh yeah, I finally got a sewing machine that [mostly] works), lots of staples, and all new foam padding inside. <br />
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Jolly good!<br />
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Oh, and the cute little pillow I also made myself using my trusty Mac-Tac paper-and-paint technique. <br />
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Ta-ta for now!<br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-8212564861621999002013-11-14T09:03:00.002-05:002013-11-14T09:05:16.625-05:002nd Annual YMCA Chairs for Charity Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchRHGpi28k6TZSKipqGe3Ttku-NL5bBz56kjoHA_LwrTwUxCRTMNC9SzQK2cpvHZNraEJFnUH0ffBdAluz67LERqAM5tk4ENQ_erFIU_uthkbXgA70G09ZAohIxZaF6-3JUjbtUkVJUjs/s1600/Chairs+for+Charity+Header_Ruslands_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchRHGpi28k6TZSKipqGe3Ttku-NL5bBz56kjoHA_LwrTwUxCRTMNC9SzQK2cpvHZNraEJFnUH0ffBdAluz67LERqAM5tk4ENQ_erFIU_uthkbXgA70G09ZAohIxZaF6-3JUjbtUkVJUjs/s640/Chairs+for+Charity+Header_Ruslands_2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another <strike>excuse</strike> reason why my blog posts have been few and far between, recently, is that I've been pouring lots of my time into the YMCA Chairs for Charity event. Old chairs get new life and are auctioned off in a fun evening event. <br />
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<img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICaKNhb-aPhh-jl9wtbUQJgR-HvwN_XxMdGN_onW3FYtBnERI0HYFzgw8e5Vtids7yw4Wnbn7Sc4hgr3lXID1gIBx-FY5SliYT3hb2_DEglc9YK3fhRC4YC3cPvBxDydJCmcqYtMim5-N/s640/Queen+Bee+-+Before+&+After.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The event raises money for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign which helps to subsidize youth programming for families that need it and kids who want to play! <br />
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I have a couple of 'before and after' photos to post for you, and also think you should check out my post on <a href="http://faygraysonhome.blogspot.ca/2013/01/upholstery-cornersmy-way.html" target="_blank">folding upholstery corners</a> since it's still one of my most popular! <br />
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Local businesses sponsor chairs (to cover the cost of the refurbishing process) and we create chairs that represent the 'feel' or 'theme' of the business. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLphjf44FeuiZCZd0WdsiMXiCBX_vFzTz3u98Sl0OMNobatNbvVahS0J8hLUpHfGzgSqXXMDCEcwjqlF5qfPn4ncHA5F43V2H8vsqfMAT8hxf1Gu6Jp0u6Mu88SSTUvviSx1ZwLVKKm3IY/s1600/Suit-able+Chair+-+Before+&+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLphjf44FeuiZCZd0WdsiMXiCBX_vFzTz3u98Sl0OMNobatNbvVahS0J8hLUpHfGzgSqXXMDCEcwjqlF5qfPn4ncHA5F43V2H8vsqfMAT8hxf1Gu6Jp0u6Mu88SSTUvviSx1ZwLVKKm3IY/s640/Suit-able+Chair+-+Before+&+After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For more pictures and sneak peeks into the refurbishing process, visit the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/406841216110655/" target="_blank"> Facebook event page</a>. Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-30131666053228111622013-11-10T13:44:00.001-05:002013-11-10T13:51:36.114-05:00DIY: Pine Farm Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a loooong hiatus (oh, you noticed that, did you?), I'm back! <br />
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We moved, in a bit of a whirlwind affair, back in August and I finally found a workshop space in October and got the keys on November 1st! I'm busy setting up shop now - and getting ready for another custom table order. <br />
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Here's the first table I built from scratch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr3mipwc03tU111SLTMXdQnohHYMCSYCNSRWmxr8RZqu9ec9UesJCH-KMEyIewQkyohW21KkUcp3zGLM8R3hkf6VKCxLzLNyYsrCXKzNWYkui6n8rF5OvH6nROzWlXV8dFGn9o2Am_rNc/s1600/First+Farm+Table+-+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr3mipwc03tU111SLTMXdQnohHYMCSYCNSRWmxr8RZqu9ec9UesJCH-KMEyIewQkyohW21KkUcp3zGLM8R3hkf6VKCxLzLNyYsrCXKzNWYkui6n8rF5OvH6nROzWlXV8dFGn9o2Am_rNc/s640/First+Farm+Table+-+4.JPG" width="534" /></a></div>
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I used the plans that Ana White offers on her website. She calls it a Farmhouse table and the <a href="http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html?page=4">instructions are amazing!</a> I printed mine out and added inches when I needed to - planning is the most important part! I plotted out all my cuts so I knew what wood I'd need to buy and then I headed to Home Depot to pick up what I needed. Ana's got a whole list of 'materials' as well as 'tools' and even a 'cut list.' Could it be any easier? <em>No, is the answer, in case you were confused.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOnw84HoxNMr7pp1AB5lQ77w0wN0E5NpXrJVHB6OwwNn0LQVCX16dZYYrjP1jCTfJzhurbJI3p_bisRIzm1RxLP04hRDGfIwEuwpsMcY8eTegzt53ieGb2OwjdYqfSxyT9ab99BeLwHTR/s1600/First+Farm+Table+-+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOnw84HoxNMr7pp1AB5lQ77w0wN0E5NpXrJVHB6OwwNn0LQVCX16dZYYrjP1jCTfJzhurbJI3p_bisRIzm1RxLP04hRDGfIwEuwpsMcY8eTegzt53ieGb2OwjdYqfSxyT9ab99BeLwHTR/s640/First+Farm+Table+-+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I assembled the table, filled all the holes, bashed it up with a hammer, and sanded the heck out of it! I stained the top with two different colour stains - Minwax's Espresso and American Walnut. The final finish for the table top was about 5 coats of Varathane Diamond Floor Finish. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O9BGXnXEfwWJe2T32MmHbJovNzIJKMGYaZlOG1QQt8OnyTf6EBgV2VXwoP_q-y9llrMJ08Ota1aQKR5apmYlwT9GyeZNztm_Fyhz7ZMdKkQnWGVejxtmWs5SSkBLozHDvRgYFnsMmjaj/s1600/First+Farm+Table+-+Top+Close+Up+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O9BGXnXEfwWJe2T32MmHbJovNzIJKMGYaZlOG1QQt8OnyTf6EBgV2VXwoP_q-y9llrMJ08Ota1aQKR5apmYlwT9GyeZNztm_Fyhz7ZMdKkQnWGVejxtmWs5SSkBLozHDvRgYFnsMmjaj/s640/First+Farm+Table+-+Top+Close+Up+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_DvcPg-epTTVpfZUAuazffczYTXAF0N1mGeP6dF6nPTHoG0Dacv3H1dCDe7mGmMo1UdZAU1SJqmm4NDQd7H7rzVpTauC6ic-U3ZVRdQLWc1wfhJxN0m6kdgC8spf7-kJr5pSsckOmQIg/s640/First+Farm+Table+-+1.JPG" width="524" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOO5pn_wNqQtqYFQkMjEsMq5Z_5fCFby32KMxEroJEYZzriRnHPB0l4Lbpp9a2III4ZU6vh6LtETRrX5_bRtM6DYDiRIAXWimvtYwFPHnghjV-GL2rWzCwiJ3Bu7LuEjVXR4IG0aPiw6K/s640/Blog+Line+Flowers.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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On a sad note, or biggest little lady, Olive, went missing on October 26th. She hasn't turned up and we miss her every day. When we adopted the kittens, 'Miss Thing,' as we sometimes called her, was a fantastic mother. She had so much love in her little heart, and we hope someone else might be sharing it with her today...if not, we know she lived a life full of love (and lots of cuddles!) <br />
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<img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeaHYvtqBFZ5EKUkkHEaEhSZytWsk3rnS3Co-IehgZ0jT6f-uTXfvqpHhbp5zDnT5gp92eeFV0qx5rdSmcLuiTohOm_Y76pTR5oN8MTp9di1KENQN0_gQxeEtspUldz3roIYVqLLCx826/s640/HPIM4398.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Olive can best be remembered as needing to have everything 'just so,' and demanding to have her belly rubbed with her signature 'stretch and roll' move, at least twice, daily. <br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwnjD_82j17gi1sKnPC4hZj9IyvZXCCr1dlYnDgxpiiZMVd3e-1li8fSuCQqx_R68qtdRf03iVbZZWe-qUmj76D7MoZe1lK4skAIIUr8apX7QotBjlRR_gdK0x4p0W94DBfMkfv9fzjK2/s640/Olive.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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We miss you, Olive-branch.<br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-22406156782122823602013-07-29T21:34:00.000-04:002013-07-30T23:14:19.498-04:00DIY Subway Art Coffee Table SetThis table set turned out just as I'd imagined!<br />
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OK...I'd like to recommend you try this at home, but I've got to say....only try it at home if you have a) loads of free time or b) a Cricut or Silhouette or similar type machine. I'm not blessed with one of those fancy machines so I do everything by hand. I use lots of Contact/Mac Tac paper (the kind you can get at the Dollar Store for lining shelves or covering books) and teeny tiny nail scissors (or sewing scissors - even better!) And I have a really steady hand. If I'd had higher aspirations, I guess I should have been a surgeon. In my next life. You can read about how to create your own stencils when I used them on <a href="http://faygraysonhome.blogspot.ca/2013/01/burlap-pillows.html">burlap pillows</a> or my <a href="http://faygraysonhome.blogspot.ca/2013/01/reproduction-coffee-sack-chair.html">reproduction coffee sack chair</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblcPxtBqDjyfCj4k2-h_RhdpnCPz5G5GYQ8PGhqHmtf9iqYLk0H5nMm7TVZRpcFYgAYUYFuCVAy4GCck__pfjk-sW_27X1s7D9rU0tQKMmkJwDZD9YScGtxb0D3NcdU3O4lE6eKGD-NdT/s1600/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+All+Three.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblcPxtBqDjyfCj4k2-h_RhdpnCPz5G5GYQ8PGhqHmtf9iqYLk0H5nMm7TVZRpcFYgAYUYFuCVAy4GCck__pfjk-sW_27X1s7D9rU0tQKMmkJwDZD9YScGtxb0D3NcdU3O4lE6eKGD-NdT/s640/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+All+Three.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've had a crush on subway art dressers and plaques for a while and wanted to use the style on another piece of furniture, so this little set fit the bill. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpXlB2zEm9u2GfjOxRc0P4uccN0667eZEauoiu0iWmE4HHcJ2cshgiDNstLPhl3wL8IthMZNCkCc1PIt820aWPaNNACv1R-5e9stbQ_59yFiG1ht9sfh9j8-cp2Dvqj5vg82f_aDmsbhZ/s1600/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+Coffee+Table+Top+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpXlB2zEm9u2GfjOxRc0P4uccN0667eZEauoiu0iWmE4HHcJ2cshgiDNstLPhl3wL8IthMZNCkCc1PIt820aWPaNNACv1R-5e9stbQ_59yFiG1ht9sfh9j8-cp2Dvqj5vg82f_aDmsbhZ/s640/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+Coffee+Table+Top+.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I live in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada and decided to make a word map based on our city. I love it! At first I wasn't sure if it was worth the effort, but when I sanded and distressed the lettering I knew it would work out as I imagined (trust me, sometimes it doesn't!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErUcC90TBChS-cbUjwofx65U3TVIxGZZlJP7X07e6RCz7eK9B8rDrC2-pmbprPX8y8pTjj4InNVUuL1Rgd5sM71UE1TJFa_AY0NL45aINOUK6YXnXACqnaDc_BT1yLVprvQ_WQNsgU0ly/s1600/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+East+City+Close+Top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErUcC90TBChS-cbUjwofx65U3TVIxGZZlJP7X07e6RCz7eK9B8rDrC2-pmbprPX8y8pTjj4InNVUuL1Rgd5sM71UE1TJFa_AY0NL45aINOUK6YXnXACqnaDc_BT1yLVprvQ_WQNsgU0ly/s640/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+East+City+Close+Top.JPG" width="574" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissspS4_k7XmZX01OMjoBWeSqcM3xHy3HHf6U9BBIH1Y25ujIKOTZz1483jxQvfhhu0q6ZHmjgd6bSouJtOMG2pydxwCv_ZY1v9WQIhgceqKP6KwhvNnFSqHcMHnPLvCWpnX9IcOIwDeed/s1600/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+Electric+City+Top+Only.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissspS4_k7XmZX01OMjoBWeSqcM3xHy3HHf6U9BBIH1Y25ujIKOTZz1483jxQvfhhu0q6ZHmjgd6bSouJtOMG2pydxwCv_ZY1v9WQIhgceqKP6KwhvNnFSqHcMHnPLvCWpnX9IcOIwDeed/s640/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+Electric+City+Top+Only.JPG" width="470" /></a></div>
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I'd love to sell these tables as a set, but I already have someone interested in the coffee table (seriously, minutes after I posted it for sale!), so I'm happy to sell the separately. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVgXoz5KCorOlwSLR0OdRoJoqWieIhwoVM4QCLRFd8684h8dxeUzjhbrjtO_3_KSs02_f-vqhM9hAG8waiW8GQ3NKrL9iXMma6tSR1iydP-YAjI5k7yMBpWzJmleuSIo9bPecosJOXjRD/s1600/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+End+Tables.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVgXoz5KCorOlwSLR0OdRoJoqWieIhwoVM4QCLRFd8684h8dxeUzjhbrjtO_3_KSs02_f-vqhM9hAG8waiW8GQ3NKrL9iXMma6tSR1iydP-YAjI5k7yMBpWzJmleuSIo9bPecosJOXjRD/s640/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+End+Tables.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB0SLU-V1Uklvv2lmNHUr-vnP74IxO1sQpfOxTo7KL3KVo4xPRZ9FlNCKguwVjHLzaHwpj4iibIMr6fANDwiNC1myT8g-uUM97pwBM__j6hIqd6FoRnWIoYX39AhI_cjow6pIhwVdzs86/s1600/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+Tops+of+Three.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB0SLU-V1Uklvv2lmNHUr-vnP74IxO1sQpfOxTo7KL3KVo4xPRZ9FlNCKguwVjHLzaHwpj4iibIMr6fANDwiNC1myT8g-uUM97pwBM__j6hIqd6FoRnWIoYX39AhI_cjow6pIhwVdzs86/s640/Peterborough+Table+Set+-+Tops+of+Three.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The two end tables are $65 each, or $120 for both. Get 'em while you can! <br />
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I'm linking up here: <br />
<a href="http://adiamondinthestuff.com/"><img scale="0" src="http://adiamondinthestuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Button-featured.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.madcapfrenzy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Madcap Frenzy" src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv187/madcapfrenzy/LinkUp_button.jpg" /></a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-10422421924159064422013-07-12T19:48:00.000-04:002013-07-12T20:15:29.428-04:00Make room for something newI finally pulled it together to clean out my garage last Sunday. I've been putting it off since the spring. You'd be amazed at the creative excuses I could come up with to avoid it! <br />
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<em>"I couldn't possibly clean the garage, it's going to be dark in three hours!"</em></div>
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<em>"15 degrees is still too cold to clean out the garage. It's freezing!"</em></div>
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<em>"Right after I finish Season 2 of 'Game of Thrones.'"</em></div>
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At any rate, it was getting out of control, and I have a custom order for a harvest table to work on, and it would no longer fit in the sunroom. So, I bought a new lock for the shed, moved the bicycles out of the garage into the shed, and then started moving furniture and stacking wood! <br />
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First, I moved this amazing bureau I got for free a few months ago:<br />
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I can't wait until I have a chance to work on it. I've fixed some of the inner workings already - it needed a new drawer slide so I cobbled one together from some scrap wood. I still need to plane the drawers a bit...and then painting! Any colour suggestions?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9ykqcNxWSwDVq1HOWeKS_hiQ2mQppwyWhsLl7DIGyvZTUGn-rncJB_aMWvRxHgLpO7yYeDHaeNY6MlktWQWiLCrFQeQetNG7SLokJk8e3r2BcB6He2mCUE8Cek4QvCd4KkRmhpJpzcn9/s1600/Fifty+Shades+of+Grey+Armoire+Before+Front+View.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9ykqcNxWSwDVq1HOWeKS_hiQ2mQppwyWhsLl7DIGyvZTUGn-rncJB_aMWvRxHgLpO7yYeDHaeNY6MlktWQWiLCrFQeQetNG7SLokJk8e3r2BcB6He2mCUE8Cek4QvCd4KkRmhpJpzcn9/s640/Fifty+Shades+of+Grey+Armoire+Before+Front+View.JPG" width="416" /></a><br />
Then I got some help to move this huge vintage cabinet into the house. <br />
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I work from home and have been storing my work equipment and folders in an old plastic tote. <br />
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This is a much better solution!<br />
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Originally, I wanted to make this into a '50 Shades of Grey' cabinet, but I stalled out on it in the Fall and then the winter hit....and I was living in a landscape of shades of grey and wasn't inspired to finish it (plus it was freezing in the garage in minus 20 degrees!). </div>
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I finished the coats of paint after it was moved inside (although most of them had been done in the garage), sprayed the long mirror (which has smoked over the years) with blackboard paint. <br />
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I still need to do something with the smaller square mirror, but maybe I'll leave that to another season!</div>
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I've collected quite a stash of scrap lumber on pallet wood and was finally able to finish these signs for a wedding later in August. Just making things happen and getting things done!</div>
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And if you're looking for a unique, ultra feminine dresser and bedside table set, I've got what you need! These lovely pieces are for sale for $295 (for the set). </div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-39348746159095493482013-06-02T20:13:00.000-04:002013-06-02T20:13:19.315-04:00Vins et Spiriteux SetI worked on a custom order a week ago. The end of the story is fantastic, the middle....not so much. It started out strong...I refinished a long coffee table and two side tables, sanded the tops, restained the wood, and drew the 'Vins et Spiriteux' graphic on the coffee table, and sealed everything with durable Varathane floor finish. <br />
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Parfait!<br />
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Then I was asked to do a similar treatment to a pine desk and a 50s magazine holder. The desk is where things started heading south. I thought I'd strip the top and sand away some of the uneven paint on the legs of the desk and that would be the end of the story. Not so. <br />
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I should have sanded EV-ER-Y-THING down right from the get-go. I have no idea why I didn't. So, in a make-work project for myself, I finished the desk...but it wasn't right! It looked pretty awful (or at least not as good as it could) and in the end I had to pull it all back to the pine. I went through a lot of sandpaper. <br />
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In the end...she's a beauty! <br />
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The [very patient] customer was happy...she said this: <br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Emily, thank you so much for the lovely job you did on my "garage sale" find! </span></span><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We have received many compliments on the desk and are very happy with</span></span><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> it. I</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> will be sure to recommend you to others. Mary Lou R. (Ennismore, ON)</span></span></div>
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Ain't that grand?!<br />
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And here's where she's sitting pretty now<br />
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Au revoir!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-44022929559546817472013-05-13T09:21:00.000-04:002013-05-13T09:21:03.240-04:00Vintage Grain Sack and Antique Enamel-Inspired Nesting TablesI didn't get a chance to blog about these gorgeous, adorable (gorgable? adorgeous?), tables before they sold. I absolutely love how they turned out - just like vintage grain sacks and aged enamel washbasins rolled into one! <br />
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The pictures below are what the tables looked like before I finished them - a little distressing and some ubber-durable floor finish to seal everything in. <br />
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And as I said, they're 'nesting' tables...so I'll leave you with a shot of everything pulled together!<br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-75374619290398726432013-05-02T18:59:00.002-04:002013-05-09T13:41:13.925-04:00Land of the Silver Birch: Entranceway SetI had a Queen Anne style table hanging around in the garage since last October when I was collecting chairs (and tables, apparently) for the <a href="http://faygraysonhome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/ymca-chairs-for-charity-before-and.html">YMCA Chairs for Charity</a> event. I didn't have any chairs to match (they were used for the charity event!) so I held on to this table for a while...<br />
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A week ago it hit me - I can separate the table top and use each half for a different project! Duh!<br />
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Separating the tables was super-easy, just a few screws to loosen and remove et voila! The table skirt came off with a couple of whacks from my mallet, and we were in business. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0XO-0JykwIKEPP520-oYxAwb2iHqamfhCFS8OYEJWKlOsci7hoqQfvdcDvx0_pbg7yOfjiaKRfidiB9ANv2qQ7qGvnc7FfDv_49wpXwqelaBGkOVaSzHWbpQie8RDg0xA6fJXjg8Lm6N/s1600/Birch+Tree+Coat+Rack+-+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0XO-0JykwIKEPP520-oYxAwb2iHqamfhCFS8OYEJWKlOsci7hoqQfvdcDvx0_pbg7yOfjiaKRfidiB9ANv2qQ7qGvnc7FfDv_49wpXwqelaBGkOVaSzHWbpQie8RDg0xA6fJXjg8Lm6N/s640/Birch+Tree+Coat+Rack+-+Before.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I primed the table half (and I really should have primed it in white, not grey....but I wasn't thinking), and then painted two coats of off-white latex paint over top. After these dried, I set about painting over the base coat with the blue-grey paint, and creating the birch-tree effect. <br />
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Painting a string of birch trees is easy - I free handed the trees in, painted the 'background' behind the trees with the blue-grey colour and left the tree trunks white. To create the bark effect, use your blue-grey paint and paint in lines of various lengths in random locations along both sides of the trunk. Easy!<br />
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I sealed the paint after I was finished and then I used an awl and hammer to tap in the nickel-plated upholstery nails one-by-one. Once I got the hang of it, it actually didn't take as long as I expected. The final touch was adding the coat hooks and the chalkboard banner at the bottom. Too cute! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JPRaTwdVuB8xdq7taJeif9Z-GTZEXmP6T3_PHhrmtdjjOR_kgHobwibsUYfnk0WmCTItT6fbCV9h8nHwR1binXeH89WpT1qh5qSdCo1pEZW-3HIfNGBou3TRVoDPpDDG8Oljteqelb1P/s1600/French+Coffee+Table+-+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JPRaTwdVuB8xdq7taJeif9Z-GTZEXmP6T3_PHhrmtdjjOR_kgHobwibsUYfnk0WmCTItT6fbCV9h8nHwR1binXeH89WpT1qh5qSdCo1pEZW-3HIfNGBou3TRVoDPpDDG8Oljteqelb1P/s320/French+Coffee+Table+-+Before.jpg" width="320" /></a>For the bench, I gave it a couple coats of off-white chalk paint and bought some 1-inch thick foam to pad the top. Once upon a time this bench was a coffee table. *gasp!* (OK, it's not rocket science but it's the first time I've done it). I stapled down a double-thick layer of batting over the foam to give everything a nice smooth feel. I stapled down the fabric, pulling it as taut as I could as I went. <br />
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Then I repeated the same technique I used on the coat rack to paint the birch trees on the fabric of the bench. I used latex paint and after it had dried overnight, I used medium grit sandpaper to soften and distress the fabric. The fabric doesn't feel like cotton anymore, but more like outdoor-furniture fabric. Perfect for a busy mudroom or entranceway. It wipes clean and resists water!<br />
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The coat rack is meant to hang on the wall above the bench if it were in a mudroom or entranceway. You could put this in the bedroom, too and have the bench at the foot of the bed and the coat rack could be used to hold hand-bags, belts, scarves and even jewellery! <br />
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This set is for sale ***$150*** and it's yours! <br />
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I'm also sharing this upcycled project over at <a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">Fingerprints on the Fridge</a>. </div>
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Check it, and lots of other cool projects, out here:</div>
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<img scale="0" src="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/button.png" width="150" /></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-24321009918571590652013-04-22T09:59:00.002-04:002013-05-03T09:54:21.859-04:00Easy Art - World Map MirrorI picked up TWO of these framed mirrors at an estate auction for a price so low, I can't publish it here, because it will make too many readers jealous!<br />
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This project was quick and easy and used a lot of tried-and-true techniques I've picked up over the years. <br />
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For a time I used to make my own tumbler glasses out of recycled Perrier (or comparable No Name brand) bottles. The process to cut the glass and grind down the lip of the glass is complicated, and not what this post is about (plus I don't have process pictures)....so skip ahead to the part where I etch the glasses using acid etching cream. <br />
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I use Armour Etch, but there are other brands out there, too. I buy mine off of Ebay usually since I can get a better deal. I loves me some deals! <br />
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The technique I use is simple - and is similar to how I stencil my pillows. I find a design or image I like, often I blow it up using <a href="http://www.blockposters.com/">Block Posters</a>, and I print it out. Then I glue the image on to Mac Tac or contact paper and use nail or embroidery scissors to cut out the design. <br />
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If it's a large image, be very careful applying the contact paper. Apply it in sections and be certain to push out any air bubbles. Sometimes I have to cut a slit or seam in the contact paper as it can stretch a little during application. I'll do this so I can get most of the image lined up properly, and then fill in the gap that might be left with a small piece of contact paper. <br />
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Be sure to really rub down around the edges of the image - you can use a credit card. Or if you're me, you use your nail (or perhaps, more accurately, stubby nail nubbin). <br />
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I didn't snap a picture of the acid cream application. You can image it though; the cream has a consistency like toothpaste and can also be spread with an old credit card. A great bonus: acid cream is reuseable! So, coat your image with a thick, even, layer, let sit for 20-30 mins., and then scrape off using the credit card and return it to the tub! How's that for value-for-money? After you remove the acid cream, you'll want to wipe it down with water and an old rag. <em>Warning: do not get the acid cream on any other surface than the one you want etched - it WILL mark any other glass surface it come in contact with, even for a minute! </em><br />
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Here's a peek at the mirror in process. I'm removing the contact paper after having removed the acid cream. Nice crisp lines!<br />
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Polish the mirror and you're finished! A functional art piece for your bedroom, office or to create interest in the hallway. You can use acid etching cream on any glass surface - try it! You can make all kids of neat and inexpensive gifts. <br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-88650978133196855482013-04-21T00:26:00.003-04:002013-05-13T09:11:32.524-04:00French Shabby Chic Tables - Hot Stuff!Here's a quick before and after to share with you - this table is already sold. In fact, it sold the day I posted it for sale. These coffee tables are always extremely popular - I can't make them fast enough! Perfect!<br />
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They all start out the same....solid, curvy, and dated. <br />
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But they all end up a little differently...<br />
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I especially like the "Queen Bee" graphic in the centre (as always, graphics from 'The Graphics Fairy!' Google her - she is a goddess!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBuzLlk4gcwpCDBD69N11bSScDg0abAwZSoecMd0bfL-3JD3ixwKXGC20wzji7Sotr-otgr4U4Nz6VF0qhfv5OtT3hyEYEpA3w4p9JvArC1KIn9VJrlBQc_3w_8HrfV0OF274UpIvOFu0/s1600/French+Coffee+Table+-+After+Front+with+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBuzLlk4gcwpCDBD69N11bSScDg0abAwZSoecMd0bfL-3JD3ixwKXGC20wzji7Sotr-otgr4U4Nz6VF0qhfv5OtT3hyEYEpA3w4p9JvArC1KIn9VJrlBQc_3w_8HrfV0OF274UpIvOFu0/s640/French+Coffee+Table+-+After+Front+with+Top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Short and sweet - just like this ol' coffee table! I'll bid her 'au revoir' tomorrow afternoon. *sob* </div>
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I'm sharing this table makeover at The Graphics Fairy. You should bibbity-bobbity-boo yourself over there and check out the hundred (thousands?) of vintage graphics she has to download!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650912723633208114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9veBJ_5XFTMHA2sL_9r-InLGp5HbFEAEGpWe_Q8tbUhSWRtqwxX0Rg-0tJy7U7A9EEbYXu-kZyYm_vMNeTJOEqcW3N7tYF_xQBeva7ejywPoWX8xqL8S23N5djl3WvK2aE6oZaRkkrft/s400/bragbuttonfinalsmall.jpg" style="display: block; height: 148px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 148px;" /></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-71670653730430069802013-04-14T17:31:00.000-04:002013-05-03T09:56:11.271-04:00Barrel Coffee Table ReduxI saw this tubby beauty a few weeks ago for a STEAL (a steal, I tell you!) and I snatched her up as quick as a wink (unless you have trouble winking, in which case, probably faster). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ5jzt-yxCiKXhBrilg7QrHqrGrg1rkq0R_OSNsAd9nko8bggXg99eL0CPxlj9T6_qbYNmhN_B4b8d3Gq49I2W2_yoSSHUT13FGDyZ9PdkzVcWWu1ew0Uk873ZDgdK3v8PAryJFYsleU9/s1600/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ5jzt-yxCiKXhBrilg7QrHqrGrg1rkq0R_OSNsAd9nko8bggXg99eL0CPxlj9T6_qbYNmhN_B4b8d3Gq49I2W2_yoSSHUT13FGDyZ9PdkzVcWWu1ew0Uk873ZDgdK3v8PAryJFYsleU9/s640/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+Before.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The legs and top were what caught my eye. What I knew <em><strong>wouldn't</strong> </em>work was the tacky door and boxy profile. I had a quick fix for a little weight-loss for this piece!<br />
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I [finally] inherited a jigsaw for Christmas last year and I'd been dying to try it out. I found some brand new blades on sale and set off to the basement for a remodel - quick as a jig (Bwahaha. Hahaha. Ha?)<br />
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Using the jigsaw, I cut out the side panels relatively quickly and easily. The door was easy to unscrew and remove. <br />
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I had to patch trim around the legs and lower shelf after I removed the panels. This was probably the most time consuming aspect of the project (<em>well, maybe the stenciling took a while, too</em>), as wood filler needs a couple of applications in deeper rivets. <br />
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I'm sorry I didn't take any process pictures of this project. I think I meant to, but then got distracted by the excitement of the jigsaw and the stencil work on the top. After the wood filler was dried and sanded, a couple quick coats of homemade chalk paint saw the bottom half of this piece ready to go. <br />
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I used a small angled paintbrush to paint multiple layers of colour on the top and then a foam stencil brush to stencil on the fleur-de-lis accents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTkpq4P7w0fWZb1EmE-_l8u4a4513AHUpXaLEXSzF0v0_hqAe_4dcvNVcgwWwjaDfWtw9dshZLdm-94GgRd5Yi190Gy8bfskRstyBsDOKqYwtgFM93x_ULOHWEfJ_Fq4FQM1x6TDSFP24/s1600/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Top+&+Corner+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTkpq4P7w0fWZb1EmE-_l8u4a4513AHUpXaLEXSzF0v0_hqAe_4dcvNVcgwWwjaDfWtw9dshZLdm-94GgRd5Yi190Gy8bfskRstyBsDOKqYwtgFM93x_ULOHWEfJ_Fq4FQM1x6TDSFP24/s640/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Top+&+Corner+View.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I finished it off with a couple of coats of varathane floor finish - my favourite - and she was looking good! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-5_rAl40f9qstJCRK4G2Jg263PCcsRlMvJXSH3EG39oe2k4Kh0AZKS3PUNFFyLEzb_mm1iACqhwc-B3rju7lx-tINST5sUs-1osR4uVQQPZRPLqVXFgHmnzoV2wuYal9-q_8UsCvE0O1/s1600/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Full+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-5_rAl40f9qstJCRK4G2Jg263PCcsRlMvJXSH3EG39oe2k4Kh0AZKS3PUNFFyLEzb_mm1iACqhwc-B3rju7lx-tINST5sUs-1osR4uVQQPZRPLqVXFgHmnzoV2wuYal9-q_8UsCvE0O1/s640/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Full+Front.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had painted over the wood filler with an off-white homemade chalk paint, so when distressing, this colour came through on the decorative feet and legs. I liked how it tied into the check pattern on the table-top. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDZcJufpQBiwO7_U_sctTTeodCcNKvKLPeTb1x_4UZ2WN5YTZPorqI_X1ZT5KRdhm0ikmLXJYzqovahiYndF1OaiVNswfeePqWhX52zUgO_GLUf99Krs3dErhmDyuJIp0DYZ4CusXoeKB/s1600/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Leg+Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDZcJufpQBiwO7_U_sctTTeodCcNKvKLPeTb1x_4UZ2WN5YTZPorqI_X1ZT5KRdhm0ikmLXJYzqovahiYndF1OaiVNswfeePqWhX52zUgO_GLUf99Krs3dErhmDyuJIp0DYZ4CusXoeKB/s640/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Leg+Close+Up.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nnDQBpSrOmZ4QIpEM9i7cGnRHkhiBTC3Ani4EXPkmrtloLDSHLr8HHUieEJvrkZ5u7ai7g409KOkcNBXKWLTg_yv0MJZq-L_wyQ3QYvqNxbg-4fiwk0_unYVy3WGdm6oMQ5RkQhAGLy3/s1600/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Top+and+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nnDQBpSrOmZ4QIpEM9i7cGnRHkhiBTC3Ani4EXPkmrtloLDSHLr8HHUieEJvrkZ5u7ai7g409KOkcNBXKWLTg_yv0MJZq-L_wyQ3QYvqNxbg-4fiwk0_unYVy3WGdm6oMQ5RkQhAGLy3/s640/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Top+and+Front.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
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Now this barrel coffee table is much more sleek, modern and stylish - and no longer retro and dated! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqQgPJbOoj24J-YKkvb2XxtZ8sd72rlbp_Cg0l10MOs-il0R7Z1j7auHe_FbgmPVNFP3CDyoSrbencwbJeBww-eP843LfFnnkJL0v92hJHzvWb8JoKjwDsr8dXyu06RExE1DsX3_iVGqY/s1600/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Staged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqQgPJbOoj24J-YKkvb2XxtZ8sd72rlbp_Cg0l10MOs-il0R7Z1j7auHe_FbgmPVNFP3CDyoSrbencwbJeBww-eP843LfFnnkJL0v92hJHzvWb8JoKjwDsr8dXyu06RExE1DsX3_iVGqY/s640/Barrel+Coffee+Table+-+After+Staged.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-31328378045078996032013-04-10T11:20:00.001-04:002013-05-03T09:58:05.977-04:00Retro Ombre CabinetI wanted to get up some pictures of the tables I completed recently, but discovered that a certain special someone happened to take the camera with him to work (out of town) for the week. SO...here's a project I finished last year instead. <br />
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I LOVED this update - and sold it to a friend before I had a chance to list it. <br />
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<img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jMku_2-IWXwXw0nyg_ijEXzfyiNorboTxWmGIKREDH_bADwAwf78prz9vRIolBQD_-GExqdDeY0e8VVep0uy5ukDpgVbeKf93KSf5Sqv-NHIuM7p9rmqpSyKCMPB34kmrdZwwWu_G8Yi/s640/100_2188.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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I bought this dated (let's just say it: *ugly*) old cabinet at an estate auction for either $7.50 or $12.50..at this point I can no longer remember. <br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNh64RphkTcKnk_sU9Khkwa4F73GQIXatSmWai2jP-5-YSr-B6qUUxxtx2Up93IZYdar1s4JEzgToFlb4_2PNwz-3MXKuskRytCBaSCKYh6uiTBRB85m1w7GZGDz1xyyE3FDg3dA1tn-p/s640/100_2189.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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The inside was nothing to write home about. So I didn't. Poor family is still waiting for a letter...<br />
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Now for the '<strong>AFTER</strong>!' <br />
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<img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSAKYZUF9hcCQOzBZnQM1yhvN7VqPb2Wq4ZjRU1vT1gCv7n0ORAg6JUAWPSYTMFWOt9o3QMeAQSao37r_RGEAbgYkEqpvbDVOuAGrliyNYIGxMXgtstsq_HkF8mCFczyk5_tyaMYjE8fi/s640/Retro+Cabinet+-+Front+View.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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Ta da! I didn't want to give this cabinet just any old makeover (because frankly, it needed more than that!). All the 'ombre' furniture makeovers I had been seeing inspired me (and since that fad was a few years old, it was about time for me to jump on the bandwagon) so I thought the cabinet was a perfect makeover. I had a blue-grey paint I used as my base colour and simply added black or white paint to get the colour gradation. <br />
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I loved how it ended up looking like stained-glass!<br />
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<img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73y6lk3c25VHUKIvXATJrqOiikYVT1XC39fNplgqap4ojoedeFEM7u2c0Xz4mwwOZwb3Kl36oA4XQq5Peg-aBsoL9IUJfEjCGtzYbNuWxjJbwQBbLBh7Coz8aYvb2LRDMCe4X82PG8Lci/s640/Retro+Cabinet+-+Doors+open.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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The inside deserved a little attention, so I gave it a fresh coat of white paint. I also removed the hardware and spray painted them from retro-gold to modern-brushed silver. Perfect! <br />
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<a href="http://media.toolking.com/catalog/product/cache/1/image/800x600/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/Z/i/Zinsser_02004_Quart_Bulls_Eye_1-2-3_Primer_Sealer_Stain_Killer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" id="irc_mi" src="http://media.toolking.com/catalog/product/cache/1/image/800x600/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/Z/i/Zinsser_02004_Quart_Bulls_Eye_1-2-3_Primer_Sealer_Stain_Killer.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="200" /></a>Here are a couple of things I learned waaay back then:<br />
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<ul>Semi-gloss 'Painter's Touch' black paint doesn't mix well into 'homemade chalk paint.' I don't know why. It just doesn't. I used a coat of white high adherence primer: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. After the primer dried, I painted it with about 3 coats of the black semi-gloss. </ul>
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<a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/ShowPropertyServlet?nodePath=/BEA%20Repository/imagerepository/public_site/product_images_new/IA_pri_0518//image_197x193.content_en_US" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/ShowPropertyServlet?nodePath=/BEA%20Repository/imagerepository/public_site/product_images_new/IA_pri_0518//image_197x193.content_en_US" style="margin-top: 100px;" width="197" /></a><br />
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To get a nice, smooth finish on top of your paint you can try thinning the paint down with water (this will dilute the pigmentation of your paint - ie: make your paint a bit 'lighter') or with a special 'paint extender' which doesn't dilute the colour but extends the time paint stays 'wet' and also helps it to 'settle' with fewer brush strokes when you're finished. I use this brand from Benjamin Moore. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLlSl64k7iQ566RzK4tpvjiC_KwbhV_T7IGYSE6Qxx58CxQ47g3ljnpxeVEUxlLsEAXlTRgUMhT7uvhlE7tfiboAOf_9cj2zTqW4CmbiLqM3ll9c1fF5pay2RjswIho6M9spZPFiTMY7S/s1600/Retro+Cabinet+-+Close+Up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLlSl64k7iQ566RzK4tpvjiC_KwbhV_T7IGYSE6Qxx58CxQ47g3ljnpxeVEUxlLsEAXlTRgUMhT7uvhlE7tfiboAOf_9cj2zTqW4CmbiLqM3ll9c1fF5pay2RjswIho6M9spZPFiTMY7S/s640/Retro+Cabinet+-+Close+Up.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-13933323445127329472013-03-12T11:52:00.002-04:002013-03-12T11:56:47.843-04:00Tiny Two-Tiered TableToo cute! <br />
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OK, you know those dated, your grandma-had-one tables that you often see at thrift stores or auctions? You know the ones....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPkzpKpRyPdPzyq0Ds-PR0a9nfdXnx6RFQ1_CJranU50STn6TYMjdgZFo_eKxL970G_nnmC8J-EzLXB8yIId-93ME019kDdKsye6724_WkDlF7ui66NEynjs8rk2k5GEbsbZyOpHwCzlB/s1600/Two-Tiered+Table+-+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPkzpKpRyPdPzyq0Ds-PR0a9nfdXnx6RFQ1_CJranU50STn6TYMjdgZFo_eKxL970G_nnmC8J-EzLXB8yIId-93ME019kDdKsye6724_WkDlF7ui66NEynjs8rk2k5GEbsbZyOpHwCzlB/s640/Two-Tiered+Table+-+Before.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes it's hard to find these little tables in solid wood. I was lucky enough to come across one for a steal at one of our local thrifts - along with this tray (with awful ivy stencil. Yikes!). A makeover couldn't come fast enough!<br />
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I've been waiting to do this to one of these tiny, two-tiered tables: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeShaOwC-5_T3ggv27mT4ToFGmRlg4Xpt1-sG3V-Vd2o6bIY5RTO2_NaPKvhpPmqSg-Jvj6PF0cslU_wHqfo1CehDuNlF_CqG3371FGfdVsX_MRU_gsUU7yj2UG-GsW5O5599HC2hL6kD/s1600/Two-Tiered+Table+-+After+Removing+Top+Shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeShaOwC-5_T3ggv27mT4ToFGmRlg4Xpt1-sG3V-Vd2o6bIY5RTO2_NaPKvhpPmqSg-Jvj6PF0cslU_wHqfo1CehDuNlF_CqG3371FGfdVsX_MRU_gsUU7yj2UG-GsW5O5599HC2hL6kD/s640/Two-Tiered+Table+-+After+Removing+Top+Shelf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's right! Remove that awkward 1/3 of the table addition. It's super easy - just a little 'unscrewing' on the underside of the table. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wAVcZ49X0y0RSMrmguL1pjvigxfH2xIH5BiNj6AAdtR1c97ZfXHqnOWFJ8d4GiLoq1g1A86WI4e5exqY7ny1-uBlzDrHkffe-DarbGap4K0wveLDDq1GwgssWkfbxjWMcSp-mM0JWdtU/s1600/Two-Tiered+Table+-+Unscrewing+Upper+Shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wAVcZ49X0y0RSMrmguL1pjvigxfH2xIH5BiNj6AAdtR1c97ZfXHqnOWFJ8d4GiLoq1g1A86WI4e5exqY7ny1-uBlzDrHkffe-DarbGap4K0wveLDDq1GwgssWkfbxjWMcSp-mM0JWdtU/s320/Two-Tiered+Table+-+Unscrewing+Upper+Shelf.jpg" width="320" /></a>At this point I also took the opportunity to get rid of some of the wobbly-ness of the table by tightening the legs. So many people pass up great items at thrift stores because of a little wobbling. This can always be fixed, people! Do not be deterred by the wobble!! </div>
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I wanted to coordinate the tray and the table to have them work together as a set. I see them out in a sunroom or on the porch or balcony this summer! You can prep cool drinks and snacks in the kitchen, carry them outside on the tray, and serve them on the table. Yes, I think SO! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2N0WZ8QUegMKMw_znwI-3xghnFzZ2eO3Qay_CxyTfR4j85k4B7Bc7XD8oLSbK2ZV7eCkU2ij0nyy1gLxEKL5Lcb-NYi6_N30-TyfeQa-vek_kypkVUJs6hZ7N6WYgmi9KMOBDYko0bCEv/s1600/Two-Tiered+Table+-+Mid-Makeover+with+Graphics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2N0WZ8QUegMKMw_znwI-3xghnFzZ2eO3Qay_CxyTfR4j85k4B7Bc7XD8oLSbK2ZV7eCkU2ij0nyy1gLxEKL5Lcb-NYi6_N30-TyfeQa-vek_kypkVUJs6hZ7N6WYgmi9KMOBDYko0bCEv/s640/Two-Tiered+Table+-+Mid-Makeover+with+Graphics.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After I finished both graphics, I felt that the 'At Home' graphic (c/o The Graphics Fairy as always!) needed to be 'bolder' to blend more seamlessly with the frame graphic on the table. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_5fcxogPW5WARDFFRSTZTKUl_VlYx8Mr69nSChnNWCCE_H0LzrT6X1ZTh5aSZjKIA_yoiPR7wiiVD5Qe9_wsa3A8r7Ty2y-EXSMom0HuiyCt5JJ4IDmwKQPEnkhPGGCXPLhF86cbBQrE/s1600/Two-Tiered+Table+-+Mid-Makeover+Table+with+Graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_5fcxogPW5WARDFFRSTZTKUl_VlYx8Mr69nSChnNWCCE_H0LzrT6X1ZTh5aSZjKIA_yoiPR7wiiVD5Qe9_wsa3A8r7Ty2y-EXSMom0HuiyCt5JJ4IDmwKQPEnkhPGGCXPLhF86cbBQrE/s400/Two-Tiered+Table+-+Mid-Makeover+Table+with+Graphic.jpg" width="400" /></a>These graphics are added using the regular technique - I use a projector and permanent marker. There are all kinds of techniques you can use to transfer graphics. I prefer my way because it gives me the most control over my image and I can play around with placement a lot before committing to a design. </div>
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The final step was to dry brush on a layer of off-white paint over the top of the table and inside the tray. This gave the whole thing an aged feel and served to tone down the darkness of the graphic. I also distressed the table legs, top, and tray. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo48x2LdBEIIenTn0n_vkq29obM_oPuBHpYtG6CScN1oBLmvuMWXEB0t_ZwOvLRISCsTVJBvrR2_niylL1fXgnPAsjaDS1pRs-uDUzTJH3KBDl34NJPWh_6SP2TWG0C6C5mqp1QIh5QrME/s1600/Two-Tiered+Table+-+After+Close+Up+of+Tray+%2526+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo48x2LdBEIIenTn0n_vkq29obM_oPuBHpYtG6CScN1oBLmvuMWXEB0t_ZwOvLRISCsTVJBvrR2_niylL1fXgnPAsjaDS1pRs-uDUzTJH3KBDl34NJPWh_6SP2TWG0C6C5mqp1QIh5QrME/s640/Two-Tiered+Table+-+After+Close+Up+of+Tray+%2526+Table.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZmwXQ47aAnJTHxrgQ52jPAAcfrLFmfTm6A7TLnDhu6YHxJH_JPW9Ge4yKKyHa6QLk49-gcMU-eB-4U8UWk-Domgcq07u4G5LC2bWrCCtpxg3LSivGpkAC2AhJq8HzX75YvlrvHzGNXt8/s1600/Two-Tiered+Table+-+After+Full+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZmwXQ47aAnJTHxrgQ52jPAAcfrLFmfTm6A7TLnDhu6YHxJH_JPW9Ge4yKKyHa6QLk49-gcMU-eB-4U8UWk-Domgcq07u4G5LC2bWrCCtpxg3LSivGpkAC2AhJq8HzX75YvlrvHzGNXt8/s640/Two-Tiered+Table+-+After+Full+Table.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG96YSU6Q4lJy5AqO6YFTP05OYHClN2eLyImDkhC7lk4s8gVoYkAr3OLfb5pLKfV0ykZ-BRk7ybocFyp8Wheo8o3itjnxAOcWvv-sbi444TBObdMhIEvNu2XNHixff1c_NveocfVHI6E2/s1600/Two-Tiered+Table+-+After+Table+&+Tray+Tops+Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG96YSU6Q4lJy5AqO6YFTP05OYHClN2eLyImDkhC7lk4s8gVoYkAr3OLfb5pLKfV0ykZ-BRk7ybocFyp8Wheo8o3itjnxAOcWvv-sbi444TBObdMhIEvNu2XNHixff1c_NveocfVHI6E2/s640/Two-Tiered+Table+-+After+Table+&+Tray+Tops+Close+Up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can't wait for summer!! Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-10078623329120773022013-03-06T23:08:00.006-05:002013-03-06T23:08:56.371-05:00Sideboard Makeover - It's A Steal!A few weeks ago, I finished a fantastic sideboard (or the bottom half of a hutch, really) for a friend. She bought it at the local Sally Anne for $45 and commissioned me to refurbish it. <br />
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It needed a little love...one of the doors needed regluing and the drawers needed some extra attention, not to mention the whole thing needed a facelift - it was looking a little too 'wooden.' Ha!<br />
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<img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYyUpifNR5kQnsK55fATWJJZJ_7rLqvwwdJnnUKt-ffv_DEwrc2MOwcm2ClVOqAgC-RDazdLhIZewW5ix98xdVBllbPv9IRqkX-0ng77O4I51XDGSQmzC3lKV2r9Rxq07_Jo2_XwqETAX/s640/Melissa's+Hutch+-+Before.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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I had great bones to work with so the first step was to give the whole thing a once over with TSP to remove the ancient grime. I turned it upside down because I knew I would be stripping the top and turning it on it's head made painting the legs easier. <br />
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<img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FIhb-zBLpeZ9QqW_LpPGY5Fguv8dxW0fpZgQEc4DIGsj6PWuoQkOPglbEaPljswF5xOBSxETBZR174tJ_ljKd6ffyWtOIrDaUFeE5iZRAOcrCDd_9ckalE2umPop4S2aEzfn7cJZwRsw/s640/Melissa's+Hutch+-+Before+-+After+TSP.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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I removed all the knobs from the two upper drawers and the two doors. These were painted, distressed and waxed and reattached in the final stages. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmdZ81xrL5qf1KLVxlh_3m92QYk4qLJQNpFKdoNrRlx8mOJXCnpPzuDmouk0H83HOgtHl1_K3RUJgu5hegdF7VlMYb4ah6iR5Gph8XqthKLoOhAQnhuTYs5bjusBRZtPW603UirL0_5TF/s1600/Melissa's+Hutch+-+Knobs+Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmdZ81xrL5qf1KLVxlh_3m92QYk4qLJQNpFKdoNrRlx8mOJXCnpPzuDmouk0H83HOgtHl1_K3RUJgu5hegdF7VlMYb4ah6iR5Gph8XqthKLoOhAQnhuTYs5bjusBRZtPW603UirL0_5TF/s640/Melissa's+Hutch+-+Knobs+Before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I painted the lower half with homemade chalk paint and used my Wagner paint sprayer to quickly apply two coats - I finally got the right viscosity! Worked like a charm this time. When it was dry, I finished it with MinWax Finishing Paste. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVwuc1RTSByZAjTcNT84LualrzLtvoWSEsOGadLAuu-wak972ndVjNEDboj0EeTBaUjMqMX0KPTOiUGlvPJD_v7qiZglccYFFqmvJp7UBLveXfXAAEAkS8P_Et_5x3QnA3cBc_cJt1tLZ/s1600/Natura+Stripper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVwuc1RTSByZAjTcNT84LualrzLtvoWSEsOGadLAuu-wak972ndVjNEDboj0EeTBaUjMqMX0KPTOiUGlvPJD_v7qiZglccYFFqmvJp7UBLveXfXAAEAkS8P_Et_5x3QnA3cBc_cJt1tLZ/s200/Natura+Stripper.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I stripped the top using a low VOC, water-based stripper that I love and can get readily and inexpesively at Home Hardware. When using stripper, save yourself and WAIT for the product to work for you (that's the hardest part!). Waiting is honestly the best thing you can do and makes the stripping process [almost] enjoyable. <br />
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Once I removed all the stripper (using a scraper, water, steel wool and an old cloth) I let the top dry overnight. Then I sanded it down using medium-grit sandpaper and a final sanding with 320 grit to get it nice and smooth. Before applying my finish, I always wipe down with a tack cloth! This is a sticky cloth that attracts and removes small particles and dust that can ruin the finish. I've started using floor finish recently and love it! It brushes on easily, dries hard and durable, and won't yellow. Love! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFujX0MG5AC1eCVCy7xjNSYoFNYm4m3PFYdXXH9QXAx1D30JQOztfrQGHvmbL1KVlYAeqPjNOIMZ3ULvpSlmIptgVIQly8Iqn51HxyTH1YxM_tGimMMC6NLuCNrmf-2XkhJxgKqneFIonj/s1600/Melissa's+Hutch+-+After+Front+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFujX0MG5AC1eCVCy7xjNSYoFNYm4m3PFYdXXH9QXAx1D30JQOztfrQGHvmbL1KVlYAeqPjNOIMZ3ULvpSlmIptgVIQly8Iqn51HxyTH1YxM_tGimMMC6NLuCNrmf-2XkhJxgKqneFIonj/s640/Melissa's+Hutch+-+After+Front+View.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDqub9eft9Iq7_IWV2s7gniuwPInP2Xhoi69nii8j2P9Ihazv23ATBosAwiGy8G0BmdsVoUI5DImypFquLYVh3ECWCSIRDkOMqWLc1SXR_y-yD9Xma_PZh9wA390I_nlxjvOPZVl2BIB_/s1600/Melissa's+Hutch+-+After+Side+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDqub9eft9Iq7_IWV2s7gniuwPInP2Xhoi69nii8j2P9Ihazv23ATBosAwiGy8G0BmdsVoUI5DImypFquLYVh3ECWCSIRDkOMqWLc1SXR_y-yD9Xma_PZh9wA390I_nlxjvOPZVl2BIB_/s640/Melissa's+Hutch+-+After+Side+View.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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This piece looks fantastic and I was sad to see her go...</div>
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but know she'll have a fabulous new 'second' life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2zsVicQU9wv5L8-qTJ3db1_YkdaGpDMdT8dDtbGMkfS6lt8tOZ9BvBiPkHypR1Kta1u3qP6OdN4xmFZtbqvHdM1lbmsz8_TlOR3BFApCMTTJtHbgE4eNacp23B1KtAWHO-vgHnOkqJG5/s1600/Melissa's+Hutch+-++After+Decorative+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2zsVicQU9wv5L8-qTJ3db1_YkdaGpDMdT8dDtbGMkfS6lt8tOZ9BvBiPkHypR1Kta1u3qP6OdN4xmFZtbqvHdM1lbmsz8_TlOR3BFApCMTTJtHbgE4eNacp23B1KtAWHO-vgHnOkqJG5/s640/Melissa's+Hutch+-++After+Decorative+View.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163086758866222010.post-91379705135264235522013-02-27T11:50:00.000-05:002013-02-27T11:50:01.552-05:00Union Jack StoolBefore the snow arrived last night and this morning, I was able to pick up a few treasures from St. V de P (they're calling St. Vincent de Paul's in our town 'Vinnie's.' Is this being done anywhere else?). I can't wait to get to work on them...<br />
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For now, here's a peek at a cute vintage stool I picked up at an auction a few weeks ago. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4ekTgOKdkyiXo7Gyfyfp1F_h5lbERp0Kawd-XAWt3BgaHHjvw1y9YsTIK-iz_FFuAKklI-zo-JLr1mygLwuoRQnYGLa0xAHfNPWNlSu4KKNqEn5K-bwurg7OObkyvnFGqWQcIxeNLBcF/s1600/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Before+-+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4ekTgOKdkyiXo7Gyfyfp1F_h5lbERp0Kawd-XAWt3BgaHHjvw1y9YsTIK-iz_FFuAKklI-zo-JLr1mygLwuoRQnYGLa0xAHfNPWNlSu4KKNqEn5K-bwurg7OObkyvnFGqWQcIxeNLBcF/s640/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Before+-+Front.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd like to say that this stool is an antique, but there isn't enough information for me...however, the lid was padded with the ol' horse hair and the covering was real leather...so if you want to live on the edge, call it an antique.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QKJpy_2Gj4xMJWPLJzETPmebbuzlMH9_e8gBycOdRRyDiBQsWrNdBzrE-xTOmBWmc3NoC9gUImqEgWZsZeqYv1ocjQSw1W9ptjVTFtEe65EABll_hNL9uthguW76sebtximSEfywEu2C/s1600/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Before+-+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QKJpy_2Gj4xMJWPLJzETPmebbuzlMH9_e8gBycOdRRyDiBQsWrNdBzrE-xTOmBWmc3NoC9gUImqEgWZsZeqYv1ocjQSw1W9ptjVTFtEe65EABll_hNL9uthguW76sebtximSEfywEu2C/s640/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Before+-+Top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ripped off the top and replaced it with new foam and fabric. You can read about how I fold upholstery corners at <a href="http://faygraysonhome.blogspot.ca/2013/01/upholstery-cornersmy-way.html">'Upholstery Corners...My Way.'</a> <br />
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I used a heavy cotton with a tiny neutral stripe, masked off the Union Jack flag with tape, and sponged on muted red & blue-grey paint. Be careful not to water down the paint too much; this will cause it to bleed past the tape lines and this won't do! Use less paint on your sponge pouncer (or stencil brush)...less IS more in this case! After the paint dried, I scuffed it up with some rough sandpaper. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYa_pbApdvMtOYwDhxwfomcwf-8Zti6REsWRP-bBvovZkYmm6VOiZEFYFuNXR_uG6KmydI17rJMg1q6DATfjJkHp7KPRMo0AMDIU-tStRqlxkMQ3kHwFoyLzfSudSNg_twv5_Rl-ckhPT9/s1600/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Close+Up+of+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYa_pbApdvMtOYwDhxwfomcwf-8Zti6REsWRP-bBvovZkYmm6VOiZEFYFuNXR_uG6KmydI17rJMg1q6DATfjJkHp7KPRMo0AMDIU-tStRqlxkMQ3kHwFoyLzfSudSNg_twv5_Rl-ckhPT9/s640/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Close+Up+of+Top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bottom got a couple of coats of off-white chalk paint and was gently distressed using water and a green dish scrubby...yes! That's it! A green dish scrub is all you need. No sandpaper...it's overkill. The paint softens when you apply water, and the dish scrub roughs away the paint in a jiffy. <br />
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Here she is now:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP23krQGiM65LVEDWBCLhVH785zl-tjsebN8wEtEMuSWTXBxHmYZqlXgBq_FLqIs3dnJPvqagvIZ1xhls8IJ_8MKzcFZRZyzfTuSfnR-u78edIw_54wmBKJLNmQAYmFqoooB-_QivD1lo/s1600/Union+Jack+Stool+-+After+Front+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP23krQGiM65LVEDWBCLhVH785zl-tjsebN8wEtEMuSWTXBxHmYZqlXgBq_FLqIs3dnJPvqagvIZ1xhls8IJ_8MKzcFZRZyzfTuSfnR-u78edIw_54wmBKJLNmQAYmFqoooB-_QivD1lo/s640/Union+Jack+Stool+-+After+Front+View.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KsdFFv1eSivUIPV2ddY0zxpCQI54bfoR5KnrjFiJHyPzbKpgn0kY9ZzDwNivoGbft_XloNT0otZvueSLqHyv6EfndE9xEpH5EXfrIZTe13MktU3uR5_qMVZH-dTtqivBA7y6FVUQpcYS/s1600/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Full+Front+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KsdFFv1eSivUIPV2ddY0zxpCQI54bfoR5KnrjFiJHyPzbKpgn0kY9ZzDwNivoGbft_XloNT0otZvueSLqHyv6EfndE9xEpH5EXfrIZTe13MktU3uR5_qMVZH-dTtqivBA7y6FVUQpcYS/s640/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Full+Front+View.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4YQD-cAp_L4NZoGHHdQnXP86F6eiKVG2F7JZo2B_YR-ajJDL6lKcANPi4WJv3dGeJOOXtRTSok6WJR_czf2Iam-wPtZf9IuM_Jg9m-ekD35ovR8NT02fGN13RRn2eql8wegR2F5SRhxZ/s1600/Union+Jack+Stool+-+After+Side+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4YQD-cAp_L4NZoGHHdQnXP86F6eiKVG2F7JZo2B_YR-ajJDL6lKcANPi4WJv3dGeJOOXtRTSok6WJR_czf2Iam-wPtZf9IuM_Jg9m-ekD35ovR8NT02fGN13RRn2eql8wegR2F5SRhxZ/s640/Union+Jack+Stool+-+After+Side+View.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Surprise! The lid lifts off for some incognito storage. It's painted and I added a little paper liner. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc1XZkQHh39c4Np1GqT-4eGJX1YGoAEvZTVj3Pcv7U4t_lUofo_V7VDK9h_hyphenhyphenWgRpE5z-WXcPURhO1n3cmTYVPsQaCksUT8yeFd3fosMzMMOa-IqoBnqwkmIpZmCWeR15xTXtS2jdewq3/s1600/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Inside+the+Lid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc1XZkQHh39c4Np1GqT-4eGJX1YGoAEvZTVj3Pcv7U4t_lUofo_V7VDK9h_hyphenhyphenWgRpE5z-WXcPURhO1n3cmTYVPsQaCksUT8yeFd3fosMzMMOa-IqoBnqwkmIpZmCWeR15xTXtS2jdewq3/s640/Union+Jack+Stool+-+Inside+the+Lid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little guy is for sale - $50. Check out the details <a href="http://peterborough.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-furniture-chairs-recliners-Union-Jack-Vintage-Stool-w-Storage-W0QQAdIdZ460377847">here</a>. Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334714821810421407noreply@blogger.com1