Leopard LOVE!!!

If you've been a follower of mine for any length of time, you know that I LOVE any and all Animal Prints.  It all started with my mother, who always had an animal print of some sort in our home.  My most vivid memory is our leopard print pillows on our long white silk sofa in our living room when I was a little girl.  Those pillows still adorn her living room sofa and I still LOVE them!!!

So today I had to share with you an AMAZING makeover by Jenny of her fabulous Craigslist find, Eames Management Chairs in Scalamandre Leopardo Velvet.

Little Green Notebook

Now, this story is not so much about a fabulous DIY but about her great deal on a pair of Eames Soft Pad chairs from the Management line, the deal she scored on 4 yards of Scalamandre Leopardo Silk Velvet on Ebay and the difficult but fabulous upholstery job completed by a professional.  

I've also found a new favorite quote, "good animal print is a neutral".  Thank you, Jenny of Little Green Notebook!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather

Craigslist Cane Chairs

Like so many DIYers, I peruse Craigslist on a regular basis.  Recently, I scored these great cane chairs and knew I had to have them.  For $50 they had found a new home, mine!

Craigslist Cane Chairs

Craigslist Cane Chairs

Upon closer inspection, they needed a bit more love than I thought but nothing I couldn't cover with paint.  My newest favorite saying is, "If all else fails, paint it".   

I first removed the cushions and bottom seat and then I cleaned with TSP.  Next I used my handy Klean Strip Easy Liquid Sandpaper over the entire chair.  It deglosses and prepares the chair for painting.  LOVE IT!!!

I then took the chairs outside and sprayed them with Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Primer in Black followed by 2 coats of Krylon Spaces Satin Finish in Black.  I feel that spray paint provides the best coverage for cane.

Craigslist Cane Chairs

My next step was to distress the chairs to expose some of the original wood where it may have worn away through normal wear and tear.  I tend to use whatever grade of sandpaper I have handy.  I used a not-so-fine grade this time.  To be honest with you, it was a spare piece and I really don't know what grade it was.  I then finished them off with my trusty wax, Howard Citrus Shield Premium Paste Wax. Bottom line, I was pleased with the overall distressing. 

Now this is where I wanted to announce that these chairs are part of an overall plan to redecorate my Guest Room for expected company at the end of the month.  I have sooooo much to do.  Hint, hint.....black, cream and burlap are a part of the design scheme.

Next, I tackled recovering the cushions and the seat.  The most important lesson I learned while completing this part of the project is to cut your fabric generously.  I did not do this and subsquently, my cushion is sewn a bit too tightly. 

Below is the painted chair with the seat recovered.

And finally, the completed project....  You might recognize the RELAX pillow made earlier this year for my Etsy Inspiration & Giveaway post that featured Graphique.

Project #3 Complete!

Let me know what you think......

PS. Stay tuned for a new giveaway featuring Graphique in the next couple of weeks!

I've joined the Imagine The Impossibilties ,  DIY Club Inc. and The DIY Showoff 

 

Auction Floor to Bedroom

I love attending auctions and always manage to find some great buys.  Recently, I was lucky to score a fabulous little cane chair for my daugther's bedroom.  Unfortunately, I did not take a "before" picture but you can imagine a pecan colored chair with chipped finish, torn cushions and arm rests and you get the picture!

Well, as you all know animal prints are a must and my daughter's room is no exception.  I was fortunate to have a large remnant of a pink ocelot fabric that was perfect for her newly decorated room. 

I spray painted the frame and cane back, black and then recovered the cushion and arm rests. It just didn't look complete so out came the glue gun and a bit of leftover fringe and decorator trim.

Complete with monogram pillow and mohair throw...Voila!

PS. Notice the picture above the chair...yes, it's a calendar print!
http://larissahill.blogspot.com/2011/08/calendar-girl.html

Come see me at....

http://www.domestically-speaking.com/
http://altard.com/altard/makeover-monday-furniture-linky-party-2/

Let me know what you think....