blue roof cabin

Must Have Tools for the Newish Upholsterer

2018-12-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

Hello! I thought I'd pop in with a post about some of my favorite upholstery tools. I'm a self taught Upholsterer and I know a lot of you that follow me are as well. When you are self taught you pick up tips here there and everywhere. Hopefully one of these is new for you. They all would make great additions to your toolbox.

note: These are not affiliate links, I chose them because you don’t need a special trade account to order them.

First up

The Regulator.

Regulator

This little tool has so many uses. Here's a few.
-Its great for tucking extra fabric when tufting or pleating.
-Manipulate Dacron or Batting around to smooth out lumps.
-Get that perfect crease after you attach double cord welting.
-Use it to tuck fabric into Plygrip
Before I had one I used a butter knife or screw driver. Hey, they worked but this works better.

Next up

The Plier Stapler

Plier Stapler

I wrote a blog post quite some time ago about using staples instead of pins when sewing. It is amazing how much it can help with keeping things lined up. For more details check out the post Here. Back then I was using a regular old office stapler. It worked but the plier stapler works a lot better. I have gotten much better at sewing over the years but sometimes with certain fabrics like slippery velvet its the best way to keep it from puckering and sliding all over the place. It's great for matching up patterns and most important you won't poke yourself with 1000 pins.

Seam Guide.

Sailrite seam guide

This little gadget is quite handy when sewing up cushions or pillows that don't have piping. Magnets on the bottom hold it in place. (as long as our machine is metal) It creates a nice edge to run your fabric against to help you achieve consistent seams. I just slide it over to the side and it stays on my machine out of the way til I need it again.

Staple Puller

C.S. Osborne Staple Puller

This one is my favorite tools for stripping furniture. I have several kinds for different issues but this is the one I find myself grabbing the most. It has two pointy tips that really get under those staple. I like the handle shape. I started out using a tack puller for just about everything and when I found this tool it made it a lot easier.

Spruce Upholstery & Design Book

Spruce via Amazon

This book is a must have for upholsters. It gives excellent step by step instructions on several different types of projects using modern techniques. It's done in a clear, not to wordy, great photographs kind of way. I have several books and this is my favorite. Its a pretty book with great projects.

And since it's almost Christmas why not just go for it.

Juki 1541S with servo motor.

I know it's a little pricier then the rest but if you are in the market it's one to consider. I bought this machine a couple years ago and I love it. I bought new because I am not mechanical and I didn't want to have to figure our how to use something that probably wouldn't have a manual or might need some work done. If something does go wrong with my machine I can you tube it and there are tons of videos. I don't have a link but I bought mine on EBAY so you can start there.

Well there you have it. A few of my favorite things I have in my tool box. Hopefully you found something useful.

-Michelle

Upcoming Changes

2018-09-10T11:43:00.001-07:00

I have an announcement to make. At the end of November I will be closing my current studio location in Shelton. I'm definitely not closing my business. I'll still be in Shelton I'm just moving back into my Studio at my home. I will continue to do custom work for clients and occasional projects that I design to sell but I will no longer have a retail area. I will be open by appointment. I worked out of my home studio for several years before opening my shop in town. It is in our detached garage. It seems a waste to pay rent when I have this space to use. As you can imagine this was a huge decision for me and I thought long and hard about it. Three years ago I wanted nothing more then to get away from my house and get out into the world again. It was just what I needed then but Seasons change, I'm looking forward to the flexibility of working from home again.

Here's a little background as to why I need to make a move. You may remember me mentioning before that the owners of the building I currently rent space in are retiring. My arrangement with them has been very unique. I rent space in their Antique & Vintage shop. I rent the front retail area as my showroom with upholstered pieces, furniture, home decor items and a fabric viewing area. I rent the back room for my workshop. They run the retail space so I can happily work in the back. They come and get me whenever someone would like to speak to me. They are there for moral support, help with heavy lifting and basically just all around take care of me. It has been wonderful and I feel like I found the perfect set up for me at the time. Not to mention sharing space made the rent very reasonable. Their impending retirement left me with a few choices. I could rent the entire building (3000 sq feet is too big), find a small Retail space (and still double my rent) or go back to my home workshop. Hmm, what to do.

I took the entire month of July off to think and plan and dream. I listened to all the pod casts, read several inspiring business books and journaled about it. Basically I drove myself insane for 31 days. These books and podcast pretty much said the same thing. I need to dream bigger, Work harder, hustle, I am built for more!! That kind of talk can be great except it began to make me not trust what my gut was telling me. It made me feel like moving back to my home studio was somehow a failure. It made me wonder if I'm just afraid of success. Playing small, staying where its safe. Also every time I told one my regular customers that I wanted to move back to my home shop they frowned. They like coming into the store so I cant blame them but it made me question if it was a bad idea.

(current studio on a tidy day)

At first I was convinced I had to open a shiny new shop and make it so fabulous that everyone that walked in would exclaim "Oh my gosh its so cute in here!" But this nagging voice in my head kept saying then what? So you'll have a cute shop but you'll have to be there all the time and keep it fresh. New merchandise all the time, which lets face it you're not that excited about. You wont be able to keep up with running a retail shop by yourself and doing all the upholstery, which is actually your favorite part. So then I thought well maybe I just open more of a fancy design center that only has a few pieces and lots of fabric displays. Again the voice was like then what? You will still have to keep those consistent retail hours and a design center is not necessary to do what you do. Then there's the fact that I'm not that fancy so it would not really be me. I'm really more of a watch your step but come here let me show you this cool piece I'm working on, don't mind the mess. If you've ever come to my shop and visited with me you know this about me. Creativity is messy should be tattooed on my forehead.

Finally a few days after my month of vacation (haha) was over and I had laid off all the inspiring self help materials I was driving to my studio and I just knew what I was supposed to do. It just came over me, decision made, calmness. Go back home. Put your blinders back on. Put your head down & quit worrying about what everyone else thinks. Do your thing. I'm not interested in growing in the traditional sense. I don't want bigger faster more. I want to enjoy every piece not hustle so hard I don't get a moments peace. So this is the my plan.

I have a ton of work to do to clean up the home studio. I have been piling things in for the last three years and it was never really that cute in there. I have lots of plans to make it brighter and more efficient then the last time I worked there. It will make it cute. I will be selling off all my inventory over the next couple months. It feels a little early but time will fly so I thought I'd better get this out there. I have to say I have loved having the retail studio so much. I think it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I learned so much and met so many kind people who have become friends. There is nothing like having regulars pop in to say hello and give you encouragement. I will miss that most of all. The thing I wont miss is the pressure of finding inventory and stocking a store. I know my strengths and that is not one of them. The thing I most love about what I do is working with clients to give them exactly the piece of furniture they want. I can do that from home without a fancy shop. I think I can actually do it much better without the distraction. I am excited for this new chapter. I'll keep you posted as things progress.

-Michelle

Re Styled Settee

2018-03-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to upholstering a piece for myself. I have been re-decorating my home office for months now. I cant believe how long it's taking me and at the same time I'm enjoying the process. I have completely let our home go over the last few years. My business has taking over my creative energy. Lately I've been feeling the home improvements.

Secret time (not really I posted this all over social media) the settee actually is not finished. I haven't picked a fabric for the cushion yet. I love combining fabrics and I want to use a different fabric on the seat. The settee is against the wall directly in front of my desk and I think having a fun cushion will really make the piece special.

This settee is not particularly old as in a fabulous antique but it is the perfect size and is super comfy. I wanted a piece that I can snuggle up on while listening to music or reading a book. I made a few changes to the style to update the look.

First the wood on the wings was puny. It looked cheap so I covered it up. Second I chose not to to button tuft the back. I almost did, so close, but I'm glad I stopped myself. Third I chose to do one large seat cushion to update the look. That is the fun part of upholstery and why I wanted to share this project. Small changes in styling can totally update a piece.

My favorite change was stripping the finish from the woodwork and using white wax to finish.

The white wax toned down the orangyness that still lingered after two doses of stripper and a good sanding.

I think I might have finally decided on the cushion fabric but I'm in no hurry. For now the plaid Ikea blanket is looking pretty cute.

I want the room to feel calm and peaceful so my color palette is soft grays and creams. I'm almost done just need to sew up the curtains and install a chandelier. Waiting for hubby to do the latter. He's promised 82 times "I'll do it tonight" so we should be getting close.

Black, White, Wool and Tweed Chair

2018-02-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

I think this little cutie is my new favorite. I designed it to sell in my showroom. This is another frame I've had for almost two years and just never got to it. That's seems to be a theme with me lately. It must be the new year. I feel a renewed creative energy and have been tackling projects I've long neglected.

With this one I could never find the right fabric. I needed something amazing that would update this very unique antique frame.

Enter gorgeous Pendleton Wool Fabric. I fell in love with it and purchased it for a project for myself. Then I realized I'm a gray girl. I love the look of black and white but my entire home is shades of gray. Not to worry though it was just what I'd been waiting for for this piece.

The pattern is very bold so for the back I used a black tweed that has a tiny fleck of cream in it. Perfect. I works to keep the pattern from being overwhelming.

Yummy. There is nothing more cozy then wool. Someone asked if it was scratchy and no it's not. Pendleton wool is soft and thick. This is available by the yard.

I decided to run the fabric vertically up the chair and offset the pattern a bit to the right. Definitely a fun statement piece.

Ok and here's the real reason it took me so long to do this chair,

before

These springs just looked like a nightmare to redo. They are tall (except for the front row) and tied together down inside as well. Actually they weren't hard to redo but every time I looked at this chair it looked like it had a million springs. So I was like nah, I'll wait on that one. :) Glad I finally took the time.

Navy Blue Settee

2018-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

This pretty little number was a recent client piece. It has such a great shape and size. It's just about five feet wide.

My client chose this traditional diamond and dot pattern. Its a gorgeous blue.

The dots were a bit of a challenge on a larger piece especially on the back with that curve at the top.

This piece needed a total redo. The support webbing was replaced and new coil springs were tied for the seat. I upholstered with modern techniques using foam instead of the hay and cotton batting it had previously. It's very cushy now.

For fun I played around with staging using some modern patterned pillows that I have in the shop. It's the perfect depth to allow for pillows and still be quite comfortable to sit on.

Dots for days. French Natural nail heads finished it off.

Black & Gray Tweed Chair

2018-01-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

I have a fun piece to share that I recently upholstered. Once in awhile I get to (need to) design a piece for my showroom. It's a great way to be creative with the freedom to do whatever I want. Most importantly it's to show my customers samples of my work. I've had this chair for almost two years. Its got great bones but I just never got around to it.

I loved the arm detail with the piping on either side. Previously it was done in an orange floral fabric. I decided to change it up with two different fabrics. It really makes that detail the star. I was going for a preppy Ralph Lauren vibe.

I used the black fabric for the double cord welting to contrast the gray tweed. It's a petite chair so I kept the cushion low profile. All materials were replaced down to the frame.

I really liked that the finish on the arms was worn. This is not always a good thing but it was working for me on this chair. I lightly sanded to clean it up and applied wipe on poly to give it a little depth and sheen. The legs I touched up with walnut gel stain and poly.

This piece has sold but will be in the shop a while longer until the clients are ready to take it. That worked out for me because it will be a bit before I will have time to get another showroom piece done. For some reason I have pink on the brain but we'll see what I come up with.

Happy 2 Year Anniversary & A Giveaway

2017-11-07T18:04:00.001-08:00

It's my little Studio in Shelton's two year anniversary and I feel like celebrating. Two years ago I decided I needed to get out of my tiny home workshop and be among other humans. In a total stroke of luck (it was meant to be) I found a wonderful couple who are local business owners that had just enough space to rent me in their shop. It allowed me to keep my overhead reasonable and not have to work alone. I rent space and they run the shop while I work in the back. It turned out to be the perfect fit for me. The owners and their staff take such good care of me I know how truly lucky I got. It would not have worked with just anybody. I love our little shop. I love that my customers can not only come in and meet with me on their custom projects but they can also shop the retail space. They often find a treasure or two in my or some other booth in the store. It's been so good.

Now that I've said all this I will tell you that the building is for sale. Who knows how long it will take to sell but I know this great thing will be coming to an end and that's another reason I feel like celebrating it. I have nothing but good wishes for the Owners & I want all the best for them.

I've been thinking a lot about what I will do when the building sells. Should I go back to my home workshop or rent a bigger space in town. I will keep upholstering somewhere I know that much. I have so enjoyed having a retail shop I don't think I could go back to working from home. Ive been dreaming of some cool things I could do with more space. I would really love to offer classes or open shop days where people can come in, use my space and tools, learn and have fun. I know I'll figure it out when I need to.

So to celebrate two years of my little Studio I will be having some giveaways. They will include a custom pillow, a seasonal handmade sign, & a gift certificate. I will also be offering 20% off special order fabric from November 15th to December 15th 2017.

Entries for the giveaway must be done in person at my Studio in Shelton, one entry per person, from now until December 15th. Also if your closer to the North Tacoma area you can enter on Sunday November 19th (only) at Clementine Home in Tacoma. I'll be hanging out there from 1-4pm talking upholstery and chatting with clients. I'd love for you to come say Hi and shop my friends great store.

Thank you to all my customers, blog readers and social media friends for your support. Each and every comment, like or sale has meant the world to me. I cant wait to see what the next two years will bring.

- Michelle

Peacock Wing Back Chair

2017-09-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd pop in with a few photos of recent pieces I did for the showroom. I kept my custom schedule really light for July and August. We had lots of family in town and I wanted to be able to take as many days off as I wanted. It was so nice but I'm glad to be back to a routine.

I decided to have a little fun with color for this traditional wing back. I used a gorgeous peacock velvet and paired it with a patterned fabric heavy on the texture.

The French Natural nail heads have a bronze tone to them and I love the warmth they add.

The wood legs had that old school black speckling so I decided to paint them with off white milk paint and distress lightly.

I decided to spread the color around the showroom with a painted faux bamboo console table and a large ottoman.

I typically stick with neutrals but I am really loving having all this color around. Its always fun to create a collection and I really enjoy having the showroom to play with. Its my happy place.

Reupholstered Victorian Settee

2016-07-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent project I completed for my showroom space. I haven't had the time to blog since opening the studio but this piece was quite the project so I thought I'd make the time. I will give a little update on how the studio has been going at the end of this post just in case any one's curious.

I wanted to do something fun on this piece and give it a more modern feel. I chose cream and charcoal grey faux linen for the front. It has a great texture and is far more durable then linen.

For the back I used a print by John Robshaw for Duralee. I love this pattern. The charcoal on soft white is so pretty and not as jarring as black and white can be. I'm a neutral girl and I typically find that I can live with bold patterns as long as they are in a neutral palate.

The settee was stripped all the way down and everything replaced. I mostly stick to chairs because I work alone and have limited space so I haven't had the chance to re-tie springs on a piece this large. It was great practice. Tying springs is actually kind of fun, well if you're an upholstery geek like me.

The before was a classic velvet damask. I gave the frame a good scrubbing and restored the finish that was on there. It was just so pretty I didn't want to paint it.

And the after. I chose to only tuft the center cameo section instead of the whole back and used a lot less buttons to update the look. (Although I think it would have been so pretty with the whole back tufted too.) I sewed up a down bolster pillow out of the extra back fabric to tie it all together.

It was a lot of work for a showroom piece but it was something I really wanted to do. A good one for the portfolio. Plus I need samples of my work around so clients can get a feel for my style and this ones definitely a statement piece. Most importantly I need to be able to design and create fun pieces in between custom projects for my own creative sanity.

As for how the Studio is working out it's going great. My Landlords are very supportive and the gal that runs the shop has been so good to work with. I realize now that this idea for my studio could have gone so wrong if I hadn't lucked out with great people. I think why it works is because although we are sharing the same building we each have our own business and we respect each others space. If you remember I share a space with an art gallery, antique vendors and two local artists. For the most part customers have loved the unusual mix. There truly is something for everyone. Inevitably I have had a few people tell me that they didn't think it was the right place for my business. Three people to be exact. I decided instead of getting upset I would ask them why and what they thought I should be doing. They all pretty much said the same thing. You need to be in your own store and have it be full of Home Decor stuff in a perfect location, in a bigger town. Fancier. My response to that is nope that is not what I want right now. I want to have a place to work, showcase some of the pieces I've designed and to work with clients to transform their own furniture into something they love. Throw in a few home decor and re-purposed items because they make it look pretty. That's what I want it to be. I did make one change that someone suggested which was to get a proper table for clients to sit and look at fabrics at. That required me to rent more showroom space which helped give me a bigger presence in the store and actually worked out great.

Whenever I start thinking Bigger, Better, More I try to bring myself back to why I do this and what makes me happy. There are going to be a few changes coming up but for the most part it is working for me and my clients have been so amazing.

-Michelle

Upholstery Studio

2015-11-23T14:31:00.002-08:00

Well I did that thing, that thing I said I never wanted to do, I opened a little shoppe. Or rather an Upholstery Studio. It is located in the back of a new local Antique and Art mall. I have a retail area and a workroom where I can do upholstery and create. It's kind of an unusual place for an Upholstery business to be but that's what I like about it.

When I first started thinking that I wanted to have a retail space to work and meet with clients the main objective was to get out of my house. I have been working from home for over 3 1/2 years and it's been great. It was a season of my life where I wanted to be alone with my work and just learn my craft. Then something changed. I started to really miss working around other people. You know being able to have coffee breaks and a chat. Talking with customers. Experiencing those occasional random and wonderfully strange people walking in. I love to laugh and well you can't just laugh by yourself all the time, it's weird. I started to look at locations in my town and realized if I rent a location by myself I'll be working alone again just away from my house. At this point I don't have employees and I don't need a lot of space. I have a home studio so adding a huge expense of renting a retail location seemed silly just to get out of the house. After thinking it through I just kind of figured it wasn't going to work out.

But the dream wouldn't die. I just kept thinking about it.

Then I walked into the store my new landlords own. I've been shopping there for years.(btw I bought Ben from them, if you know what that means you get a cookie)I was telling them about what I wanted to do, just to put it out there in the universe you know, and he said "hey I bought the building next-door and we were thinking of renting spaces and turning it into an antique mall. Maybe you could do something with some of the space." So we went over and took a look and I thought, this could work.

Here's why I think it works. I have the ability to go behind a closed door and work and still be available when someone wants to talk to me about upholstery. Either by appointment or walk in. I also don't have to worry about the walk in traffic that doesn't want to talk to me. Like if someone just wants to buy a pillow there is someone else running the mall that can help them. Another benefit is I'm able to rent just the space I need not a whole building. Being in a mall gives me more foot traffic then I would get just being a stand alone upholstery shop. That gives me an opportunity to sell smalls, which do add up and help pay the rent. Of course best of all is I'm not working alone all day. When I need some social time there will always be someone around to play with.

Just to be real I realize that of course there are a few things that may not work out. Like if I get enough traffic that I cant get anything done. (or I cant stop chatting with people long enough to get anything done) Another thing is if you have a creative business you know it's a lot about branding, location and knowing your customer. If I'm in a mall I don't have control over the look and feel of the entire space. Right now that's not a problem the other vendors are great. There is art, gift items like cards and candles, lots of great small antiques. I literally have bought something every day. It's different then what I'm used to but since my main goal for this space is custom work I think it works. Things may change down the road but even if you rent a whole building you never know if the owner could sell and you have to move or who could move in next door, right? So I'm not worried about it.

Right now I've got the showroom portion of my Studio complete. This is where I have pieces on display/for sale to showcase my work. I will be selling some vintage decorative items, pillows and special order upholstery fabric. I will also sell supplies like foam, batting, burlap by the yard, nail heads, etc. that people can purchase for there own DIY projects. My main focus for the studio is custom upholstery work but since I have the retail space as well it'll be fun to be able to sell different things. It will probably take me a while to figure out what sells but I will figure it out.

My workroom is getting close to being finished. I'll be painting this week. It will be my place to do upholstery work and create. I plan to be there three or four days a week and work from home the other days. I will have to see how that plays out. I am kicking around the idea of teaching classes or possibly one on one time that people can pay by the hour for me to teach them. I'm not sure when or if that will pan out. We shall see.

Shelton is a small town. I wanted to open my business where I live and be part of my community. With that said, I have amazing custom clients in the Tacoma WA area, and I still plan to work with them and also continue to sell my pieces at The Modern Cottage Company. I love the girls of MCC. Alison, the owner, Amanda (Ferpie and Fray) & Devon (Bride on a Bike). They have become a dear friends. You just don't find those kinds of kindred spirits that often in life. They support me, inspire me and make me dream big. Plus I love seeing my stuff it that store it's just gorgeous.

It's funny how dreams start so small and you didn't even know you wanted it and then it grows until you can think of nothing else. I'm excited for this new chapter. I think it'll be great. If it doesn't work out I'll just keep going until I find what works for me.

The Studio is located inside The Off The Wall Gallery & Cota Street Emporium (new name) at 114 W Cota St, Shelton Wa. Hours currently are Thurs-Sat 11-5 but will change to include Tues & Wed soon. I am not working there until the work room is finished but am available by appointment. My showroom/retail space is open during mall hours.

One last thing, I have to say thank you to everybody who's been so supportive of me from the beginning. My friends and family who were my first customers that let me practice on them. My former coworkers who bought those first little shelves I made, the people who let me sell my things in their stores. All the people who have bought my stuff or let me work on their own special pieces. Those who follow my blog, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you. Every nugget of kindness is like a little brick that help build my confidence and gave me the courage to keep going. So thank you!

- Michelle

"Deconstructed" Chair Transformation

2015-08-24T19:11:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love the look of deconstructed furniture. I love using burlap, little exposed tacks, webbing, all of it. This piece was perfect for it because of the chunky exposed frame.

It was at this point after I stripped all the fabric and old foam that the idea struck me.

So I promptly ripped the caning off. I know I took off perfectly good caning but it looks so much cooler with upholstered arms. I chose to paint the frame because the stain had the tell tail seventies black speckling. I used General Finishes paint in the color driftwood. It's a gorgeous grey but its coming off purplish in my photos. Grey always does in my workshop.

Another element of deconstructed furniture is exposed webbing and burlap.

The linen fabric is attached to the frame with tiny steel upholstery tacks. Tedious yes, but so worth it.

Same thing with the arms and upholstered seat.

Such a difference I love this one so much.

Matching Patterns in Upholstery

2015-06-28T16:21:00.001-07:00

I recently found a unique high wingback with a carved wood frame that screamed for something different. I lean towards neutrals because that's what I like in my home but I really wanted to step away from that. I loved the shade of blue in this bold HGTV Home fabric but knew doing the whole chair in it would be too busy for me. So I tried something I have been meaning to do for quite awhile. Inspired by a photograph from Traditional Home I decided to sew two different fabrics into a stripe pattern for the chair. I have to laugh at myself sometimes because if I had just chosen one fabric I would have been able to do this project in half the time. My goal is to make money with my pieces after all. It seems I'm always trying to reinvent the wheel but trying new things is what keeps me going.

The difficulty in this piece was elevated because there was a separate seat cushion. I not only had to match the stripe but also the pattern.

I decide I wanted my stripe ten inches wide. I cut my patterned pieces at 11" and sewed them to the white fabric with 1/2" seams. I sewed another stitch right next to the first stitch just for extra strength.

I find the best place to start when matching a pattern is to sew the cushion first.

I started with the boxing. It needed to be four inches so I cut my piece at five inches for seam allowance by 11 inches making sure my pattern was centered. The back of the cushion does not need to match up because it has a zipper and wont be seen.

Next for the top and bottom pieces find where the pattern matches and don't forget to allow 1/2" for the seam allowance. I actually left a little extra on both front and back to give myself room for error. Once those pieces were cut I sewed my patterned fabric to bands of white fabric to form a square. Then I laid the old cushion fabric as a pattern on top matching up where the front needed to be, pinned it, then cut out the shape I needed for my cushion.

I used tons of staples (yep staples not pins) across the front to make sure everything stayed lined up when I sewed the pieces together.

Once the cushion is done I do the bottom under the cushion. That you kind of just have to eyeball the pattern. It's more forgiving then the cushion. Only the front 6 inches or so has the pattered fabric the rest is just white. Next up the back. Tuck in the sides and bottom then place your cushion back on before you staple to make sure it all lines up.

The frame is painted with driftwood milk paint and sanded back. The white fabric is a Hemp Canvas that I have used several times now. It has a heavy linen texture that I love but it's kind of like wearing white jeans. You can see every lump and bump. Kind of maddening being the upholster but in the end it always looks good.

DIY Sawhorse Console Table

2015-04-23T15:09:00.001-07:00

I'm back. At least that part of me that wants to build things is. I thought I'd lost her for a minute. Truth is I have been so busy growing my business this past year that I kind of lost that thing that makes me, me. Building things out of discarded other things and also wood.

Recently I decided to build myself a console table. I have been looking for something for awhile but although I have seen a lot of cool pieces nothing was quite right. Plus I just wanted to build it. I have seen a lot of great DIY versions of this table it's not something new I came up with all on my own but I still love it.

I started with this oak door I picked up at a salvage yard for $20. It is solid wood with panels and I thought it would make an interesting top. To make it work for my table I cut off the top panel and a little of the bottom to make it symmetrical.

Then I went about creating the sawhorse legs. My dimensions are unique to my table so I had to wing it to figure out the angles and lengths. There is a great tutorial out there for a similar style standard table which I will link to at the bottom of this post for those of you that would like more info on how to build your own.

I started with standard 2 x 4 lumber. I decided to rip the curved edges off my 2 x 4's with a table saw so they would look less 2 x 4 ish. This is not necessary but I like the look of the square edges better. I took 1/4" off each side so now they are 3".

Then I figured out my angle for the legs was going to be 13 degrees. This made the legs open up to 16" on the bottom which looked good to me. They are attached to a 2 x 4 at the top. Then I cut the support for the bottom using the same angle on both sides. Then the 2 x 2 stretcher that goes between the two supports. I also added a little chunk of wood to the make it look like a peg was holding the stretchers. Well maybe it kinda looks like that, I like it.

To attach everything I found it easiest to first glue and brad nail with my nail gun all the pieces together. I let that dry overnight and then pre-drilled and used screws to attach everything together. That is an extra step but it makes it easier to handle things and make sure everything is straight and square before screwing. 2 x 4's are not the straightest lumber. I filled all the nail and screw holes with wood filler.

I attached the legs to my top from underneath and then figured out the angles for the cross pieces. That was by far the hardest part since I don't use math I use the eyeball and cut 10 times method. I got it eventually. For the cross pieces I used 2 x 2's.

Next step was to stain with Minwax Puritan Pine. I plan to do a wash of off white milk paint over everything eventually because I have too much wood in my living room. It will also help blend the two different wood types. The grain in 2 x 4 lumber can be a bit random. This piece is supposed to go behind my sofa but I am enjoying it right now too much in my dining room so it may be awhile before I put it there.

I really love this style of table. It is a easy DIY that can be done in a weekend. I spent $20 on the door for the top and less than $20 on the rest of the lumber. The most important part about the whole thing was that is it was great to build something just for fun. Here are some links that inspired me Here & Here and of course everything that is Pottery Barn.

For plans for a similar table check this out Build a simple sawhorse table by Ana White.

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Kitchen Makeover Reveal

2015-03-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

Oh wow. This kitchen remodel has been in the works for over three years. It all started when I found enough granite at a garage sale to re-do my tiny kitchen counters for $20. Crazy deal. That got me started with the plan. Notice there is no granite in the kitchen. By the time I got to the point of changing the counters I had changed my mind.

The first thing I did was paint the cabinets a custom mixed medium gray color. Previously they were maple and had yellowed something fierce. For the paint I used Benjamin Moore's Advance Paint in satin finish. It's made for cabinets and worth every penny of the $60 a gallon it costs. The sales person recommend satin finish because it won't show as many imperfections and I'm glad I went with that. I did not skip any steps in the prep. I washed down the cabinet with tsp then lightly sanded with 220 grit. Then I used liquid sandpaper after that. Then I applied two coats of primer and two coats of paint. I purchased a sprayer for this job because I figured I would use it again on furniture projects. The sprayer I bought was an airless made by Homeright. The finish came out great and it was easy to use.

Next I built a shallow pantry on the wall across from the stove. To see the blog post on that click here.

Then months went by.

Then back to the counters because we were going to be having guests over. Since we were changing the counter top I decided to add a small cabinet to the side of the four drawer unit we already had.

I built the cabinet out of 3/4" birch plywood. It doesn't hold much weight so I built it with only one side and attached it from inside the drawer cabinet. I then made a face frame out of 1x2 clear pine. For the door I used one I had in my stash that was the right height. I cut it down then put it back together the width I needed.

This space is so much more functional with that extra six inches of counter and the cabinet is perfect for cookie sheets and the cheese grader.

Next I made a small change to my DIY cabinet and took the plate racks out. I like it so much better without them and it holds more dishes. To see how I built the Cabinet click here.

Then came the sink. I love apron front farmhouse sinks. My sister asked me why I wanted this sink so bad. I was like cause it's pretty and I love it. Enough said. Well I will also say I know it was a total splurge that I did not need. I thrift, salvage and DIY a lot of the things I bring into our house and really don't buy new very often, by choice. I just wanted to treat myself to something pretty. Oh and I love the shiny new faucet too. It's Lindley by Moen from Home depot.

The new sink meant we needed a new sink cabinet. Our old one was way to twinkie to support the weight of the sink. I built one out of 3/4" birch plywood. The new face frame had to fit around the sink so I built that out of 1 x clear pine. I was able to reuse the old door but it needed to be shorter. To accomplish that I cut the bottom off then glued a piece of thin trim on the bottom to mimic the paneled look. Once painted and it looks good as new.

Next up finally installing the counter top. I mentioned earlier that I had found granite for $20. I had planned to have my husband and I cut it but three years later it still wasn't done. So I checked with a local Granite shop and they wanted over $500 to cut it!!! See how small my kitchen is? I could have looked harder for someone to cut it but I had really fallen out of love with the idea of sparkly black granite once I painted the cabinets gray. It would have been to masculine looking for my taste. The butcher block I chose really warms up the gray and blends better with the casual vibe I'm going for. My husband loves it so that makes it even better.

The counter top is American Cherry from Lumber Liquidators. Is was quite a bit less expensive then having the granite cut and it is beautiful. I sealed it with Waterlox which is a penetrating oil based sealer. It does darken and warm up the color of the wood so keep that in mind if you use it. I am happy with the finish it seems like it will hold up well.

I changed the drawer pulls too. I like these chunky bin pulls, they keep it casual looking.

Butcher Block really is a great option for the DIYer. I made all the straight cuts using a skill saw and a straight edge clamped to the surface. My husband cut the sink hole out for me with a router and a straight bit. That part is a little tricky so I had him do it. He is more meticulous and patient then I am with things. That's kinda how we DIY. I do all the stuff I want to do then call him in to do the things I don't. Seriously though he saves me all the time when I get frustrated.

I am happy with how things came out. I still need to do something about the island top. It is a different wood and I either need to sand it and re-stain it a color that blends better with the other counter or paint it. I was thinking of painting it the same as the base to look more like a piece of furniture. Maybe a fun color.... I will figure it out eventually.

Upholstery Tips & Tricks

2015-02-11T21:31:00.001-08:00

I have been doing upholstery work for a few years now. I started with a $5 chair for myself and have built it into a business. People ask me all the time how I learned how to so this. I always say I learned by doing it. Tearing things apart will tell you how to put them back together. Take pictures. Make notes. I have learned so many techniques by looking at how the person before me did it. I have also learned by reading everything I could find on the subject and watching tons of You Tube Videos. They have been a huge help. (Well not all of them some are better than others.) Now that I've been doing this awhile I watch videos not to see the technique they are demonstrating but to hear the little tricks they throw out that they don't even think are important. I love it when people start rambling. That's when the little nuggets of gold come out that you learn from doing. Tricks of the trade. People sharing information. It's a beautiful thing. Oh and last but not least I learned from the employees at the places I get my supplies. I used to just ask for what I thought I needed but once I decided to use them as a resource I got some great info.

I decided to write this post for those people out there like me that haven't had the luxury of formal classes but are learning as they go. All the tips I am sharing here are small things but so helpful. Little Nuggets.

Upholstery Sewing on a "regular" Machine

If you don't have an industrial sewing machine and are using a regular home sewing machine use the longest stitch possible. For some reason I thought when I first started upholstering that a smaller stitch would be better. After talking with an expert she recommended a longer stitch to avoid bunching and pulling of the fabric. It makes a difference. I have since upgraded to an industrial machine to read my post about my machine go here.

Removing Hot Glue from Fabric

Sometimes it happens. You're attaching gimp or welting to finish off your masterpiece and a little spec of the dang hot glue drips on the fabric. Or perhaps the trim slips and some hot glue gets where it has no business being. Here's a tip to remove it.

Lay a piece of clean cloth on top of your hot glue spot. Warm the glue with your iron and the hot glue will transfer to the piece of cloth. You may need to do it a few times to get it all off. Make sure you use a clean location on the cloth if you move it so you don't transfer the hot glue to another spot on your piece. Always test on a scrap piece of fabric before using an iron on your finished piece. Results will vary depending on the fabric.

Smoothing out Lumps and Voids

Once in a while, heaven forbid, there may be either lumps of batting or small voids where there should be batting in your finished piece. I find it often happens where the arm meets the back especially on wing back chairs. When this happens use an upholstery pin or large needle to gently move the batting to where you need it to be.

Different fabrics may show the hole from the needle so test in a hidden area before trying on your finished piece.

Steaming out the Wrinkles

I swear some fabrics are like a white pair of jeans, they show everything. Some fabrics just lay better than others. To help smooth out wrinkles or areas where the fabric may look a little stretched out use steam. Your iron may have a steam option but if you do a lot of upholstery work you may want to invest in a portable steamer. I purchased a Shark Steamer and I have been very happy with it. Always test on a scrap piece of fabric before using steam on your finished piece. Some fabrics could melt.

Freshening up old Foam

Another great use for a steamer is to freshen up old foam. I give my clients the option of reusing their old foam or replacing with new. Most people choose to reuse what they have if it's in decent shape because foam is pricey. A steamer can freshen up old foam and also sanitize it.

Staples instead of Pins

I have shared this tip before but it is a good one and bears repeating. When sewing cushion covers use staples instead of straight pins to hold your pieces together. The best part is not getting poked with pins. Just be careful not to staple on the line where you will be sewing. When you are finished sewing simply remove the staples with a staple puller. For more details check out my post about sewing better cushion covers.

Keep your Spray Adhesive from clogging

Spray adhesive nozzles get hopelessly clogged rather quickly. Nothing is more annoying than spray adhesive shooting out the side and landing where you don't want it to be. To help avoid this after you done using the spray adhesive simply swipe the nozzle across the foam. This will clean the nozzle off.

Cutting Foam with a Bread Knife and Silicone Spray

I used to use an electric bread knife to cut my foam but when I recently purchased a professional foam saw the salesperson recommended I use silicone spray to lubricate the blades and help it cut through the foam better. It made me think, maybe I should just buy a can of silicone instead of the spendy new tool and stick with my bread knife. I decided I cut foam enough to justify the expense. For those who rarely cut foam an electric bread knife does work. What makes it work better is lots of silicone spray. I have heard about using an electric bread knife to cut foam many times but it never occurred to me to use silicone spray

I hope you found something helpful to make your upholstery life just a little easier.

The Perfect Cabinet

2015-01-21T19:05:00.002-08:00

Recently I purchased a fabulous cabinet from The Modern Cottage Company, the store where I sell my furniture pieces. I've been looking for just the right piece for quite awhile now. If you remember a few months back I even dragged that old green cabinet out of my potting shed and tried to make it work, it didn't.

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That is not my cabinet. It's one of my inspiration pieces. I wanted something with a place to display and store pretties and also storage that is hidden for the non pretty stuff. I also love the weathered finish and muted color of this piece.

Here's the cabinet I bought. It's awesome, almost exactly what I wanted. I just need to make a few tweaks and it will be perfect. The size is right. The doors and sides are paneled and it has great trim on top. I love the drawers and feet as well. It's really well made and was built to come apart. The top comes off then the side panels can be removed from the front and back panels. It had previously been used to hold clothes so I had to add some shelves. To hold the shelves I screwed in 1 x 2 shelf supports. To make it extra sturdy I attached the supports to the front and back as well as the sides so now it wont come apart until the screws are removed. I used my a pocket jig to make the holes.

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To make it just what I want I plan to cut out the top panels on the doors and replace them with glass. I played around with my photo editing software (above) just for fun to see what that would look like. It will be perfect, I'm so excited.

I also plan to paint it once I decide on a color. Here's some more inspiration.

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Of course I love grays but kind of want it to be a fun color.

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Loving this color. Greens and blues are my favorite.

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Or a neutral wash.

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or bold color. :) All I know is that the finish will be milk paint, distressed and chippy. I'm in no hurry, I love the process. First I need to get this kitchen remodel finished. We finally decided on counter tops and will be installing those in the next couple weeks. Then I need to decide on what color to paint the kitchen Island, then I will decide on this piece since it is across the room from the island. I will share it all once it's done. For now I am enjoying it just as it is.

What color are you loving right now? I'd love to hear.

The Schumacher Twins

2014-12-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

I like these chairs so much I named them. These were a recent client project. I have been crushing on this fabric for quite some time now. It's called Garden of Persia by Schumacher. I have had the pleasure of working with this particular client several times now. When she decided on these chairs she wanted a large print in navy and asked if I knew of any that she might like. This fabric immediately came to mind and she loved it. Perfect.

This fabric has a 26" x 44" straight repeat which is crazy large.
(here's the part where I show what a huge fabric geek I have become, I find this stuff extremely interesting to the dismay of my friends and family) I created the image above to show the full 54" width of the fabric so I could convey to you just how hard such a large repeat can be to work with. The green box above shows the repeat. There can/will be a lot of waste with a big repeat. There were only two repeats side by side of the large flower motif. Luckily that worked out perfectly (it was so close) for the backs of the chairs but not for the seats. The seat piece of fabric was too large for the big flower to be centered. The solution was to take the seat portion right smack out of the center of the fabric, shown above by the blue box. It worked and looks like one really large repeat.

Not that anyone would even notice (or care) unless they really know this fabric.

For the paint finish we decided on Driftwood milk paint by Old Fashion Milk Paint. Two coats sanded back really highlights the carved details.

On the outside backs is a medium gray linen that compliments the paint finish and doesn't compete with the main fabric. I think the neutral paint and back fabric really let the bold print be the star, as it should be.

These are such great chairs, and that fabric is just so striking. Another one of my favorites.

Vanity to Two Tone Desk

2014-12-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a piece I finished a few weeks ago. It belongs to a friend of mine. It was his grandmothers vanity and he wanted me to restore it so that he could use it as a desk. He lives in a small space so the size was just right for his needs.

His apartment is one of those converted lofts in downtown with the concrete floors, brick walls, and great view. I wish I would have taken the time to stage the desk up against one of the brick walls, it would have made for a better reveal photo.

The piece had last been used as desk by his son. It had water damage on the top and the finish had darkened and crackled in some areas. He initially wanted the whole thing stripped and re-stained but I told him I don't do that. ;) We compromised on just stripping the top and drawers and that I would paint the rest of the body. I showed him some inspiration photos and he was on board. To get down to bare wood I used chemical stripper on the top and drawer fronts. It took two applications which is pretty typical. I was actually surprised that all the issues came out and how pretty the wood was underneath.

I think the direction of the wood grain on the drawers is very interesting. For the paint finish I suggested Milk Paint and he chose Drift Wood by Old Fashion Milk Paint. The stain is Watco Danish oil in the color Walnut. I top coated everything with wipe on poly for durability and to give it a consistent sheen. I am really loving warm wood tones right now and I think the walnut color looks rich with Driftwood.

I replaced the original knobs with antique bronze bin cup pulls. I had to hunt for just the right size to cover the holes from the original knobs which were 4.25" apart. The solid brass casters are my favorite part, I'm obsessed with them. It's all about the details right? They also give a little more height so he can fit under the desk. Both the pulls and casters are from www.vandykes.com.

I think the two tone finish as well as the industrial hardware definitely gives the piece the more masculine feel that we were going for.

A Bold Mid Century Chair Makeover

2014-12-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

Half the fun of doing custom work is the story behind each piece. Recently I reupholstered this Mid Century chair for a very sweet couple. It was his grandfathers chair. My client told me his Grandfather had learned the upholstery trade after retiring from the military. He had his own business for years and had actually reupholstered this very chair. It still had a tag under the cushion with his business name on it. It is a special piece to the family and I am thrilled to have been able to bring it back to life for them.

The before was a crunchy avocado crushed velvet with a short skirt and arm covers. It's funny how old upholstery fabric was so stiff and "crunchy" for lack of a better word. Modern fabrics are much softer but can still have all the great texture that the old school fabrics had. My clients love color and selected this vibrant purple. I have used this fabric style several times in different colors. It's very durable with a linen texture to it. It works great on any style of furniture. I get it through a wholesale source.

We decided in order to make this chair a little more this century I would not replace the skirt. The swivel rocker base is a medium tone wood and looks great, no need to cover it up.

Since my clients love pattern and color I decided to give them a little surprise with this fun fabric under the cushion. You don't see it unless you lift the cushion but it's fun to know it's there.

Other then that I reupholstered the chair just as it was. I love the squared off edges and button pattern on the back. It's classic mid century updated with a fresh bold color for a modern couple.

Milk Painted Buffet

2014-11-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

I have been upholstering like a mad woman. When I stumbled across this buffet I just had to stop everything and paint it. My business has changed so much over the past year and upholstery work is what occupies most of my days. I really enjoy it and am so thankful I can make a living doing something I love but some days I just need to do something different.

I knew just how I wanted to paint this piece the minute I saw it. Milk Paint of course. It is by far my favorite paint to use. If you've been reading for awhile

you have probably heard that one million times now.

The top of the buffet was in perfect condition. The sheen of the finish lent itself well to the rustic paint treatment I did on the base so I left it as it was.

I used Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint in the color grain sack. The look I was going for was a whitewashed, distressed finish with lots of depth. To start I applied one coat of shellac to prevent bleed through. Next I painted two coats of milk paint with bonding agent added. Without the bonding agent there would have most likely been chipping due to the shellac sealing the old finish. I did not want chipping. When using a light color like this only applying two coats will not give you solid coverage. Those who like a more clean crisp painted look would probably think it looks very bad at this point. The next step, which is to sand with a medium grit sanding block, changes that. Just sand until it looks good.

I sealed the paint with Maison Blanche's gray liming wax. The consistency is very similar to Miss Mustard Seeds Wax and it's very easy to work with. The gray in the wax slightly changed the color of the paint but it's subtle.

This project was a nice little break from my new norm and I really enjoyed painting it. I have to give myself permission to drop everything once and awhile when inspiration strikes or else it feels too much like work. Heaven forbid. Trust me I don't do it every time inspiration strikes because that would be daily and I would never finish anything. ;)

Victrola to Vanity Cabinet

2014-10-26T18:43:00.001-07:00

I have been looking for some sort of cabinet to turn into a vanity for our small guest bathroom for quite some time. The problem is the space for the vanity is tiny.

Finally I stumbled onto the perfect piece, an old Victrola. I was missing a few parts but that was just fine with me. I love the carved detail on the front, the paneled doors and little casters. I started by removing the top lid, not shown, that was attached with a hinge. Eventually I plan to add a mirror to it and hang it above the vanity. Then I took off the back and the insides.

The turntable came out easily with just a few screws but left a large hole.

My solution was to cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to fit inside the top to cover the holes and add a little more support. This also helped with another issue which was that the only sink I could find that would fit in the space needed to be raised up just a bit. I stained the plywood to match and sealed it with several coats of marine varnish. Once in place I used some silicone around the edges to seal them. Then I cut the appropriate size hole for the sink drain and faucet.

Luckily the only sink that was small enough to fit was also one of the least expensive vessel sinks you can find. I found it at Lowes. The faucet I ordered off Amazon.

I love the little X detail when you open the cabinet. I painted the cabinet with Milk Paint in the color Luckett's green by Miss Mustard Seed. I wanted it to chip so I did not use any bonding agent. I sealed the cabinet with MMS wax because I like the low sheen. The shower in this bathroom never gets used so I am not worried about humidity or splashing water.

Here's the before. Yellowed pine tongue and groove just like everywhere else had around here.

Doesn't it just fit perfect in that space? You can see I also painted all the tongue and groove, which is also on the ceiling, white. The tile is off white so to tie that in I hung an off white bead board picture frame on the wall and have painted a small cabinet on the opposite wall off white. I changed out the base molding as well. I still need to add a little piece to the right of the cabinet though. Next up is to change out the boring hollow core door with a old solid wood paneled door I got from a friend. The size is perfect but of course the hinges don't line up so that's why I haven't gotten around to it yet. Unfortunately I am not going to change the flooring. There is actually a funny story about why there are two different colored tiles. It's part of the history of this quirky little place so I will leave it, for now.

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Deconstructed Chair

2014-10-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to reupholster a chair in this European Wool Army Blanket for at least six months. I love the stripe and it's just so cozy. Finally when I had sorta forgotten all about it, I found the perfect chair.

It has very simple lines with the most fabulous chunky legs.

I have also always wanted to do a deconstructed chair. Once I stripped the old fabric off I knew this chair would be perfect for that as well. It's very well built and very heavy. The thick hardwood frame is pretty, if you are into that sort of thing.

I used tons of old school tacks that are exposed to add to the deconstructed look. I had to be very careful with my cuts around the frame because what is usually hidden is now out there for all to see.

I really enjoyed this project. It just sort of evolved and all fell into place. I love it when that happens. I know it's not every one's cup of tea but as someone reminded me last week, if we all had the same taste it would be a very boring world. ;)

Prim Cabinet in the Dining Room

2014-08-27T17:23:00.003-07:00

I have been thinking for awhile that I wanted to find either a large primitive cabinet for the dining room or maybe build one. Something that screamed farmhouse with tons of character. Then I remembered we had this old cabinet in our potting shed. It is the perfect color green and very rustic. I told my husband my brilliant idea and he was less then pleased which of course only made it seem like a better idea. As we were dragging it out of the shed he mentioned several times that he felt we should be taking it to the burn pile and not the house. Truth is it is in a lot rougher shape than I wanted to admit. Hardly any rot. Only the whole bottom of the back and a little on the sides. I kept thinking it would be okay nothing a little cleaning cant fix. Before bringing it in I hosed it off and bleach cleaned the inside, then used soap and water on the outside so as not to lose the great patina.

In the house it went. Immediately I realized, without mentioning it to my hubby, that it's not gonna work. It's not just the fact that it is rotten and wobbly. It doesn't work with my wall color. I decided to just think about it for a few days and see if it grew on me. It hasn't. Oh well at least now I know how much I like what was there before. Which was my little farm house table with the DIY letterpress tray above it. My husband is going to be so thrilled because just as last weekend I had to have it in the house right now, I need it out immediately. Back to the potting shed it goes.

One last thing did you see the antique baby scale sitting on top of the cabinet? My sister found it for me. She knows I have been collecting unique old scales. I love it! I think it will hang out on top of the little table once the cabinet is gone.

P.S.

Did you see the easter bunny is still hanging out on my living room mantle? Ha.

Introducing the Modern Cottage Company

2014-08-07T21:49:00.003-07:00

I mentioned a few weeks ago that some changes had happened with where I sell my furniture creations. I thought I would show you were I ended up. It's funny I feel like I have talked about it a million times but then I realize that I did on facebook & Instagram but not here. I know not everyone who reads my blog follows me on other social media and even if you do you might have missed it. I wouldn't want that cause your gonna love it. Before I show ya here's some background in case you forgot. For just over a year now I have been consigning my pieces with Alison, owner of The Modern Cottage Company, at a store she was a co owner of. Recently she decided to open her own store and I am so happy to have come along for the ride. I adore Alison. She has been so encouraging and supportive of me. Always acting as if every piece I bring to the store is gold. Dontcha just love people like that? It's inspiring to be around people who are not only passionate about what they do but want others to succeed just as much as they want it for themselves. She has worked hard to build her business and brand and it is a joy to see her dream realized.

Two other fabulous gals are also consigning their pieces at the shoppe, Amanda of Ferpie and Fray and Devon of Bride on a Bike. Both are insanely talented furniture painters among other things and I learn so much from them. I could go on and on about these girls but I think you get the picture. I heart them.

Okay, on to the store and some photos. Most of these photos I borrowed from The Modern Cottage Company and Bride on a Bike so photo credit goes to them. The store has been open a few weeks so many things are sold. If you are local and see something you like check The Modern Cottage Company's facebook for availability.

Green Buffet by Ferpie & Fray, Pink Chair by Me.

The storefront is adorable. It is located in Historic Old Town Tacoma a block up from the waterfront.

Here's the view out the back window.

It's an amazing location. Trains go by throughout the day and you can smell the bay. I love that smell it reminds me of good times on the water. It also reminds me of high school because we used to come here to cruise ;)

I love the window display areas. This is my Hot pink tweed wing back, I loved that chair. It sold to a sweet gal who now has three of my chairs and soon to be two ottomans ;).

When you first walk into the shoppe you run smack dab into Devon from Bride on a Bike's cart. It is a constantly changing source of awesomeness. Devon is known for her fabulous picking skills.

Marigold Dresser by Bride on a Bike, Table by The Modern Cottage Company,

Love Marquee by Mike's Marquee's (he's Amanda of Ferpie and Fray's hubby) , Chairs by me

Lets just look at those chairs again since they are mine and I like this photo ;). Did you see the built ins?? The wood has a gorgeous patina. They, as well as the wood floors and crisp white walls really compliment the painted pieces.

Cottage furniture by The Modern Cottage Co, Drawer Cabinet by Bride on a Bike.

I love the way the store is always beautifully staged. Alison is constantly moving things around and it is a gift to be able to bring my pieces in and know she will find the perfect spot to show them off. Everyones pieces are mixed together based on color story and what looks best together.

I Love Junk Marquee by Mike's Marquees, Table by The Modern Cottage Co,

Vanity by Me.

My one painted piece in the shop that isn't a chair is the hot pink vanity with rustic wood top.

The Marquee signs are made by Mike's Marquees. He also makes speakers out of old suitcases. You should go check them out here. The sound is awesome and they are just so cool. There is one in the store and we have played lots of 80's pop music on it. Shout out to Pandora's Paula Abdul station.

Buffet and Vanity by Ferpie and Fray, Dresser by Bride on a Bike, Chairs by Me.

I wish I had a better close up of Ferpie and Fray's work. She does just the right amount of distressing on her pieces. Click here to see what I mean.

Buffet and Dresser by Modern Cottage Company

fun finds by Bride on a Bike

I asked Alison to describe her store and she said " It's a little bit Cottage, a little bit Farmhouse, and a little bit Modern all pulled together with color, attention to detail, and the love of anything antique."

Buffet by Ferpie and Fray, Table by The Modern Cottage Company

Tables and Desk by The Modern Cottage Company

dresser by Bride on a Bike

Shelf and Buffet by The Modern Cottage Company

Primitive Cabinet by The Modern Cottage Company,

It's my happy place away from home. I take no credit for how amazing the store looks I am just proud of my friend and wanted to share. I hope you enjoyed the tour. If you are local you should definitely stop by, you will be inspired. If you'd like more info and to follow along with the stores progress check it out on The Modern Cottage Company facebook page.

Mid Century Chair Makeover

2014-07-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

The universe keeps finding me Mid Century pieces. I blame it on the fact that I've been watching Mad Men on Netflix all summer. I just finished the last available episode what will I do now? Naturally the chairs name is Don Draper.

I recently re upholstered this classic Mid Century Arm Chair in a Tweed fabric that I am just crazy about. It's the same fabric that I used on the hot pink wing back I posted a few weeks ago. I buy it through the wholesale source I get all my supplies from.

The reason I'm sharing this makeover is because I think it's fun how with just a few changes the chairs went from dated to current.

Here's the before, a pair of cream boxy chairs that were just not sexy. You know what I mean? Boring. They were in great shape though so I felt it was worth the effort to breathe some new life into them. I got them from my friend Alison, the owner of the Modern Cottage Company where I sell my pieces. She said "hey I picked up these chairs you might think I'm crazy but they have good bones." She was right they do have great bones but we had a good laugh when she showed them to me.

After doing a little thinking on it I decided to change the shape of the back cushion, use thicker foam for the seat cushion, bounce the skirt, and change the piping detail on the arms.

Just a few easy changes totally brought the chair back to a classic Mid Century Style that is so fresh right now. That is one of my favorite things about upholstery work, you don't have to put it back together just the way that it was. You can play with it. Bring the sexy back.