July 11, 2012
July 5, 2012
Wicker Armchairs
A couple of weeks ago I spotted a pair of these priced at $30 each at one of my local haunts, so I jumped on them!
The covers are pretty special, aren't they? Besides that, the amount of dust stuck in the weave of the cane could have probably padded another cushion (yuck!) I am finding the air gun attachment for my compressor is so useful for lots of cleaning projects, and this was no exception. The airgun got rid of all the dust bunnies in no time!
I removed the old covers, turned them inside out, and used them as a pattern for my new covers.
I used my (current) favourite fabric to make new covers for these, but didn't have quite enough so had to use a contrasting fabric for the back of the backs.
I have only done one chair so far, here it is...
I am going to leave the frames unpainted at this stage...who knows how long that will last though ;)
...they would look cute in white...
The first time I used this fabric was on a cushion, which I showed here on my Facebook page, and which also made an appearance in my last post. I grabbed 4 metres each of the blue and cream versions when it was on sale a few months back, not knowing what I would use it for
(isn't that half the fun when buying fabric?)
.JPG)
The red gingham I used as the backing for the cushion is sold out and discontinued also, which I am not happy about...I have used it to make lots of things over the years, including these cute little aprons for my daughter's 5th Birthday in 2009, a cupcake party.
It was only 3 years ago, but these girls all look so tiny...wow they have grown lots in that time!
Of course I had to make a matching apron for myself too.
I think I might be the only one that still fits mine ;)
Wow, that was quite a tangent, even for me. Getting back to the subject, this photo shows the most true-to-life colour of the fabric. I like to put zippers into all my cushions for ease of removal for washing. Yes it takes longer at the time but sure beats unpicking a seam later on, or using buttons or velcro as far as I am concerned.
Here are both chairs, sitting on my back deck where they will live. I still need sort out a better table to put in between the chairs, that little Ikea one really isn't the look I am going for. I have something on the go at the moment that will probably end up there.
So I still have more sewing to do to finish the other cushions, but I am pleased about how the first one has turned out...it is a nice little spot to enjoy morning tea!
Do you have a favourite fabric you have been using for years? What do you do when you run out of it, or the shop no longer stocks it? Console yourself with a shopping trip to the fabric shop?
Yeah, me too ;)
June 26, 2012
June 24, 2012
June 22, 2012
Better After Feature
I have just sat down for a cup of tea to find that Lindsay at Better After has featured my French Country Sideboard...thanks Lindsay!
If you don't read Better After, you should - not only does Lindsay feature a great range of fantastic projects, she has the most witty way with words, and never fails to make me smile!
Have a great Friday!
June 6, 2012
Furniture Makeover: Vintage Green Kitchen Dresser
Here it is the bottom half of it, along with the cupboard doors on my back lawn production line after getting a several coats of primer sprayed on.
I knew I wanted to do this one green, and I had a particular green in mind, to me, it is 'vintage' green, hard to describe but just the shade you find on old items, often mixed with pale pink. A real 50's pastel green. I think I found it!
I painted the inside of the cupboards (top and bottom) with a lovely warm cream - Resene Pearl Lusta - which goes really well with the 'vintage' green - Porters Paints Glossodia. The cupboard fronts are the same cream. The fake leadlight glass doors just had to go, replaced with chicken wire.
Inside the bottom cupboard sits a couple of my handmade cushions, and a lovely shabby chic double bed cover I recently found.
I re-used the original hinges, after giving them a good soak in hot soapy water.
One of the original handles was broken, so I replaced the two top handles with painted wooden knobs.
The hutch alongside the matching kitchen chair.
I love the scalloped edge.
This piece is just lightly distressed, all done by hand to get the effect I wanted. Lots of calories were burnt in the making of this piece ;)
This piece has sold.
Sharing at
June 1, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 29, 2012
May 28, 2012
May 13, 2012
Market Stall Update
Firstly, Happy Mother's Day to all the Mums out there, especially mine, who I love dearly. She is a super hard worker who gives tasks 110% all of the time. Even when she is tired and over it, she keeps on going till it is done. Then when she is finished, she does the ironing, lol ;) She is the best cook and now she is 'retired', she enjoys spending time trying out new recipes...just wish we lived closer together so I could taste test them for her more often! There is nothing in the world more comforting than Mum's cooking :)
My mum often has a paint brush in her hand, usually for the purpose of painting part of the house, but she has in the past few years painted some furniture, inspired, I think, by me doing it. I am very proud of that. She won't distress it though, or paint it crazy colours...I have work on that ;)
Happy Mother's Day, Mum!
xx
A while ago now, I mentioned that I was going to launch myself head first into the market stall world, and I have been doing just that. I am absolutely loving it, my furniture is finding new homes quicker than ever, and I am busier than ever, which is awesome! Something has to give though, which lately has been my blog. I have completed so many projects that have already sold and I haven't blogged about them...sorry! I may still get to work my way through some posts but if you want to keep more up to date on what I am up to, my Facebook Page is the place to watch, I am much better at posting on there on a regular basis.
Enough words, here are some photos. These are from the April and May Foreshore and Artists Market in Port Macquarie.
 |
| April 2012 |
For the market stalls, I have teamed up with my very talented friend Suzi Pye, who is a very clever seamstress, designer and visual merchandiser. Our products look fantastic together and it is always much more fun to do this together...plus we each get to sneak off and get something to eat and check out the other stalls...can't do that when you are on your own!
 |
| April 2012 |
 |
| April 2012 |
 |
| April 2012 |
 |
| April 2012 |
 |
| April 2012 |
 |
| April 2012 |
 |
| April 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| Suzi and the fitting room - May 2012 |
 |
| May 2012 |
 |
| Me and my furniture..wearing one of Suzi's tops - May 2012 |
 |
| Suzi and her dresses - May 2012 |
 |
| This gorgeous girl bought this outfit, it looked so cute on her! May 2012 |
 |
| Another happy customer - May 2012 |
 |
| And another one - May 2012 |
After my super lazy mother's day today, I am straight back into the studio tomorrow, building up stock for the next market, which will be the Vintage Car Swap Meet at the Port Macquarie Racecourse on Sunday, June 3rd.
If you are local, and saw something yesterday that you'd like another look at (if I still have it!), my studio in Lake Cathie is open by appointment for viewings, just call me to arrange on 0404 240 255.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)