Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Dressing My Chairs with New Cushions {Inspiration}

My brain is always running, always thinking about 5 steps {projects} ahead of what I am currently working on, which tends to drive me nuts.  My mom told me long ago, while I was still in college and kept getting very overwhelmed with the seemingly endless things to do on my projects, to make a list.  Write down every little thing left to do, then do them one by one, crossing them off as you complete them.  That was the best advice EVER for someone like me.  My mind can focus on just the one thing and get it done, then move onto the next, rather than thinking about everything all at one time.

I still make lists, and they are constantly evolving, crossing things off and adding more to.  My latest list entry is to create cushions for my newly refinished--or rather, de-finished--breakfast table chairs.


Ok, a little history.  My dining chairs used to look like this.  {Pardon the 5-year-old-Thanksgiving-dinner-set table.  This was way before the word "blog" entered my vocabulary so I didn't document every aspect of my house.  O, when things were easy, ha ha ha!}  

My hubby and I totally made hand turkeys for place cards that year.
The table is custom made and the chairs are from Ikea that we stained.  It started to bug me that they perfectly matched the table {which, at the time, thought was SO COOL how we got the finishes just right to look like a set because they were stained at different times with different processes....}, and I wanted a little contrast.  So we painted them.


But then, last Fall, the hubs and I took a trip to Warrenton, and bought these beauties for new dining chairs.

I apparently don't mind the matchy-matchy anymore!

They'll need cushions, too....eventually!

So we borrowed two of the old chairs to use at our breakfast table and got rid of the swivel stools.  But I wasn't feeling the white anymore.  Story of my life.  I can never make my mind up, and I change it probably too often!

What is that saying....the only constant in life is how things change.  Ain't that the truth!!

Anyhoo....
So, I spent an afternoon stripping.  Paint, that is.  :)  And now my chairs are ALMOST like they were when we bought them.  Some of the stain came off too, and some of the white stayed to give it almost a pickled look.  It's pretty cool actually.


But now they are in need of cushions.  A little dressing up.

I actually made these cushions.  It was my first sewing project where I created the pattern, and I was super impressed with myself, ha ha!  They turned out pretty awesome!  But the fabric doesn't work with our getup anymore, so it's on to something new.


But this project is not at the forefront.  I have too many others that NEED to be done, taking priority on "the list."  That won't stop me from "researching" for inspiration, however.  :)

Here's a few ideas I thought were neat.





















090908linen.jpg




dining chair slip covers to sew


Lots of fun ideas out there, and now my brain is running!!  Maybe "researching" wasn't such a good idea!

Although, I can't decide whether or not I want to just do a removable cushion, or if I want to upholster the seats.  Maybe like this:

French Country Chair Makeover {rainonatinroof.com} #frenchcountry #makeover
via
Or these:

via
Or this:

how to upholster a chair at tatertots and jello
via

Upholstering would be easier and not necessarily permanent, but maybe harder to clean....Ugh....decisions, decisions.  

I would love to hear from you guys.  
  • Which do you prefer:  removable cushions or upholstered seats?  
  • Have you recently "cushioned" your chairs?  I'd love to see your projects--just leave a link in the comments.  I'm truly looking for ideas!  And you guys are all so talented!

Well, stay tuned for the finished product...after some other finished products. :)

Have a good one!
TTFN.....


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New Fall Color Scheme! {Copper & Fuchsia}

So, yesterday, I SOLD you guys on how copper is the new gold, right?!  I mean, can you deny how fabulous all those gorgeous copper pieces are??


Well, all that copper inspired me to add a little to my home, and since my home is currently being decorated for fall, I wanted to incorporate some of that copper in my fall decor {and maybe a few pieces for permanent placement}.  And, for whatever reason, when I see copper, I see fuchsia.  And for an even crazier reason, those are now my fall colors.  When I mentioned this crazy new light bulb to the hubs, he was all on board {yay!}, saying how he liked the bright colors for fall instead of the sad ones.  I'm not saying reds, oranges, yellows and browns are sad, but I was ready to update them.


This post may feel a little random, which is probably because my new copper pieces came to me a bit randomly.

But I'll do my best to make it somewhat cohesive.  (:

First, I decided I would probably just turn some of my existing fall decor copper.  I don't have a ton of fall decor, and I don't want much more, so I just figured I'd work with what I got.  Therefore, I needed to find the best copper paint.  My initial thought was "best spray paint," since that's generally my chosen material, but apparently, where I live, copper spray paint--the shiny-new-penny shade--is NOT easy to come by.  So I ended up with only 3 choices, one of which isn't a spray paint and, actually, not even a paint.

Option 1:  Found at Lowes, Valspar's copper metallic (not hammered), which is more like a slightly used new penny


Option 2:  Found at Hobby Lobby, basically the copper version of Krylon's "Looking Glass"


And Option 3:  Found at Home Depot, Martha Stewart Metallic Glaze Copper Penny


Needless to say, I was pretty bummed.  Rustoleum has a hammered copper that looked close to a new penny but I really wanted to stay away from the hammered finish.  But I went ahead and commenced with my test.


On my test board, I liked Option 1, the Valspar, second best.  It is within the range of color I wanted, even though it is a little darker, but the shine was nice.  It does have more of a satin finish however.


Option 2, Krylon's Copper was my least favorite, on the test board.  It didn't appear at all like I was wanting for a finish.


I liked Option 3 the best, Martha's Copper Glaze, but because it is a glaze, I wasn't sure how it would end up working with what I was going to be painting.


So, I had these three paints.  Now to put their copperiness {totally a word!} to the test.

I had these two candlesticks I picked up from Target's One Spot, which I knew one day I'd paint them.  Too much cream going on.


Because they are glazed ceramic I knew I would spray paint them.  No Martha glaze.  So I went with the spray I liked best:  Valspar.

Um, no.


Once I had them sprayed and sitting on my table, they were not working.  That satin finish actually made them look closer to a bronze than copper, which is not at all what I was going for.

So I repainted them with the Krylon, and O MY GOODNESS!  How perty!!  It looks so much better on the candlesticks than it did on the test board.  Crazy, right?!


Remember that fuchsia I mentioned?  I found some really pretty peonies and updated my cornucopia with them and some cotton stalks, and I really love the compilation with the copper.


Ok, random transition....

When I knew I wanted to go in a copper & fuchsia direction for my fall decor, I bought a few fuchsia flowers and some fall greenery that had fuchsia tones in it.  Together with a few cotton stalks, I put together my new fall flower arrangements for my table.


I also took some embossed felt and wrapped it around two tall glass cylinder vases.  I then used the Martha Stewart copper glaze to paint the felt.  Confession:  I've never worked with a glaze before, so I had no clue as to how it would behave.  And while, in the beginning, I wanted a solid copper vase showing the embossing, the end result is much better.  The glaze actually soaked into the felt, but sat on top of the embossed part.  The effect is really, really neat.


After I applied the first coat and saw the effect, I decided I would try an ombre effect with the glaze.  And I had it going pretty good.  Until my 14-month-old nephew watched me apply a coat, then proceeded to apply his own coat when I left the room.  Lesson learned:  never leave an open jar of paint and brush in the reach of young children.  {Can you tell I don't have kids, he he he!}  But, I was actually really honored that he wanted to paint with me.  Or paint like me.  He's quickly becoming my craft buddy!


Anyhoo, so it kinda ruined any ombre effect, but it's kinda there.  Kinda.  I'm trying to decide if I just want to paint it evenly all the way...


And again, I love the copper and fuchsia and white.

In the middle of all the painting projects, I managed to come across these cute little buckets in copper and fuchsia (the design gods again??):



And this super cute lil copper owl.


As it turns out, I didn't actually paint any of my existing fall decor copper.  I debated it, but in the end, I just didn't use it.  As you all know, I am a renowned mind-changer, so next year may bring a whole new fall color theme.

So, there it is.  A new fall color scheme.  Kinda like how black and white fall decor is in right now.  Ok, not really because black and white is classic, and this copper and fuchsia not so much.  But I like the different look than the traditional red/orange/brown/yellow.


And, after all the painting was done, I had to reevaluate my paint favorites
#1:  Martha Glaze
Close #2:  Krylon
#3:  Valspar

And this is just my opinion based on the options I could find near me.  {This is also not a sponsored post.  I am not receiving any compensation for testing out these products.  Just passing on my thoughts.}

What do you guys think?  Are you feeling the copper love?  Do you like the copper and fuchsia?  For fall?

Have a good one, and thank you, thank you for stopping by! (:

TTfN










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Copper is the New Gold!

I am not a gold girl.  I've really never owned any gold jewelry--at least since I've been old enough to know I don't like gold, he he.  I have a couple of pieces now that I inherited from my mom, but that's it.  I don't do gold accessories/home decor or gold appliqued clothing.  I just don't do gold much.  {"ok, ok, we get it..."}

Silver and oil-rubbed bronze have been my go-to metals.  That's pretty evident wherever you look in my home.  But there has been a new metal slowly creeping its way into my life.....copper.


This is a very, very recent happening.  See, almost two months ago my husband and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary.  We are one of those couples that tries to get a gift within the "annual anniversary gifts" list, i.e. 1st anniversary is paper, 2nd is cotton, 3rd leather, etc.  We have a guide that has a traditional list and a contemporary list, which is fun to decide which we want to choose from.  On the contemporary side, 1st is clock, 2nd is china, 3rd crystal....etc.

So, lucky number 7's options were a desk set and copper.  The desk set option was....eh.  We don't work jobs where we would use something like that and our desks at home...well, no.  So copper it is.

After searching the internet for copper gift options and discussions with each other about possible gifts, we decided on necklaces.  He had been wanting a cross to wear, and I've been wanting a bird necklace.  A quick search on Etsy landed us both just what we wanted.

Cross; Bird & Nest
But after all that copper searching, I have become very drawn to the color/finish.  And I think I'm leaning towards the polished and brushed copper look--like a brand new penny--although the patina copper isn't bad, but not hammered copper.  Some of the verdigris finish is ok, too.

So, with all that being said, 
I am declaring that 
copper is the new gold!  

I'm probably all alone on my own island with this, but I'm going for it!  And here's just a few things that would be so perfect in my house.


I am absolutely loving this candle found here.


These rhino bookends are SO fab

I'm in love with this copper globe!
Copper desk globe 10

Great lamp!


I could definitely drink coffee from these everyday!


A gorgeous menorah {just imagine the other possibilities with copper pipe!}
Hanukkah Menorah Copper Industrial Style
More copper pipe ideas found here!


I have the traditional glass varieties of this oil lamp but I LOVE the modern copper take on it!  Adding to my wish list!


Mirror love!


Leave it to Williams-Sonoma to bring us the most fabulous garden tools ever!
Copper Hand Trowel


Aren't these tables fabulous?!


If you're looking for me, I'll just be soaking away in this tub.  For hours.  Wouldn't you??


This tile could be fun in a bathroom!


Ooooooo, aaaaaahhh...love this pendant!
Wiley Industrial Cord Pendant – Polished Copper


My lucky number!  Great accessory, and Nina agrees with me about copper.  (:


The all white with the pop of copper is fantab!
51d19636fb04d6719f003c99._w.540_s.fit_


Such a sweet little bird feeder!
Audubon Brushed Copper Oriole Feeder


Great summery blouse!
Copper Victoria Top




And this is just FUN!
DEEP V-ZIP BACK SEQUIN DRESS COPPER TONE


And of course, a copper pillow...he he he!


Now, I wouldn't add all of those decor items to my home all at the same time.  That would be a little bit of a copper overload for me.  But, one or two, here and there, would be loverly.  (:  Any favorites with you?

Rustoleum-Metallic-Accents

And, the girls over at Shanty-2-Chic claim this is the best copper paint.  They used it in their outdoor lantern project and it looks pretty fab!  Hopefully this will be my go-to when I decide to hand paint a copper project.

Well, all this love for copper inspired me to create a new color scheme for Fall that I hope to share soon, since Fall is finally upon us!  Yay!
ta-ta til tomorrow!










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