Why would I buy a Church Pew?

Here is what I have been working on. I am sanding two of these old church pews that came from one of the first churches in Burley, Idaho. I am finishing them in a Dark Walnut. I love the way dark wood stands out when you pair it with a light colored wall.

Thrift Store + Spray Paint = New Life!

Today was another cold rainy day. I am grateful for the rain but it sure put a damper in my Church Pew Project. It was killing me all day to see it sitting out there hiding under a blue tarp all day. So I found a few projects to do inside.

 After I got done mopping my kitchen floor I brought the sander inside and sanded my dining table and put a coat of stain on. I know shame on me .... especially just after mopping! And who sands in the house!? i do. I couldn't help myself. I needed to do something to break up the monotony of cleaning and changing diapers.

Treasured Finds

Hello Friends! I did a little shopping this Memorial Day weekend.  There just so happened to be an Estate Sale only 20 minutes away from me! Why was I so excited for that.... because an Estate Sale near me is a rarity. Nobody sells their home around here. Most homes just stay in the family. I usually drive an hour to get where they are held more regular.

Breaking it Down.. a look at the slipcover process

Previously I posted the before and after shots of my slipcover that I made for my couch. I always like to see the in between stages so take a little look at some of the shots I took during the process.

Elements and Patience

Hello Everyone! I write to you  at the end of a not so warm day. I am really getting an itch to be outside and start  in on some paint projects. I have many on my list to do.

 First let me explain my refinishing headquarters. I live in a small house with no garage. Therefore I have no special "hobby room" or garage to paint in that I can just leave things out half way done to pick-up and work on the next day. Wouldn't that be so nice! When I paint it is outside at the mercy of the elements. Now I am not saying I don't ever leave an upholstery project out in my house because I do and my living room sometimes looks like it is temporarily under construction or something. And don't forget all of the kids toys laying around. I love my kids and everything that goes with them and I also love my projects. I get experience the best of both worlds in my house right. Lets just say that at the same time I dabble in the art of furniture I also dabble in the art of PATIENCE. 

Ahhhh... Blue and White All Natural

I read an article the other day that said how Blue and White are the two colors that will flatter any room no matter the size or function of the room. I love the Blue and White combo as it looks clean and fresh and can pair up with many other colors when you want to add a accent to your color palette. So many options! We are fortunate to be able to enjoy these natural colors outside as well.

I was outside today and was overwhelmed by the sweet smell of apple blossoms. The sky was beautiful and the sun showered a perfect light on the orchard. I was able to escape from the house for a few minutes to capture a few shots of this oh so trendy BLUE and WHITE!

Enjoy!!!!

Whats your favorite palette?

DYI Chandeliers

Do you have any old light fixtures looking drabby in your house? Have you spotted any at your local thrift store? Chandelier light fixtures are a fun DIY project that can save you money! Even if the wiring is cut or old there is still life in there. Don't toss it to the curb yet! Coming soon is a tutorial on re-wiring chandeliers and sewing a "chain cover" to hide those links. 

For now here is a few fixtures I found:

Using Rope: What a creative way to re-purpose a chandelier!

 

You can see  how to do this project here

Here is another  DIY chandelier using Mason Jars!

See the how-to here!

SLIPCOVERS: Before and After with a Supply List

I am so excited to have a slipcover made for my couch! I have been putting it off like a few other projects. WHY? Because I was afraid to mess it up! Let me tell you .... You are NEVER going to learn to swim by dipping your toe in the water. 

So last week I decided to just jump in and give it a try. I am giddy with the outcome. It's not PERFECT by any means but I like it much better than before. 

I had fun with this and learned some new things. I have a list of supplies you need to do this as well as a few tips I will be sharing later.

Here are the before and after pictures! Did I tell you I'm so glad to have it checked off my list of 'To-Dos' 

BEFORE......

...... and AFTER!

This is what was on my supply list:

• 10 oz weight cotton canvas ( used about 7 yards)
•  Dual Duty Heavy Thread ( used one plus some of the other spool)
• Fabric Scissors
• Sewing machine .. of course!
• Zipper Foot 
• Denim Needle
• Pins
• Cording
• Measure Tape
• Iron (optional)

Now time for you to jump in!!

SEWING PIPING: WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Piping is used in a few different DIY projects like slipcovers and pillows. I love using piping because it gives a piece more character and definition. It also has a more professional look to it. Piping can match the fabric you are using for your project or for a more bold look you can make your piping in a contrasting fabric color. This requires more skill however because you will see your mistakes easier. But GO FOR IT! You never get good at something unless you TRY. So for those who are interested in saving money by making your own piping or just want a custom look for your project I have made a list of things that you will need to get. That is the worst thing for me is to get started in on a project and I end up missing a key part. Piping is very simple to make! This is what you will need:

• SEWING MACHINE
• You don't need a top of the line sewing machine. I just use a Kenmore.

• ZIPPER FOOT
• Most machines come with one. Mine did but it didn't go on the right side of the needle like I needed it to so I bought one from Jo-Anns.

• HEAVY DUTY THREAD
• Buy a heavy duty thread as you will most likely be using a heavy durable fabric. I use Dual Duty Heavy Tread.

• DENIM NEEDLE
• These needles are best for multiple layers of heavy fabric. They are stronger and won't snap on you. I have learned from experience! (110/18)

• FABRIC
• An upholstery fabric works best  because you want a strong fabric that can take a beating. What a shame it would be to pick a beautiful fabric only to have holes and tears left in it. (8-10 oz weight)
• If this is your first time making something I would suggest buying an inexpensive fabric. Prices can really get outrageous. Get some practice in. 

• CORDING
• I found some cotton cording made by Wrights at Jo-Anns as well. They come in all sizes. I like to use a smaller size (6/32'' / 5.8mm) because it looks good. Use the size that you like. It can come on rolls or in packets depending on how much you will need.

•  FABRIC SCISSORS
• You child's school scissors just won't cut it :) (Fiskars are good)

• TAPE MEASURE
• This will come in handy if you want to measure your piping ... and remember it. I like to make a few covers for things especially pillows. I keep a log so I can just go back and see my measurement there. 
• PINS
• I don't use pins unless I absolutely need to. You can if you want to keep your cording snug without doing it by hand. I just hold things in place as I sew piping.

That is it!  Now make your shopping list. Comment if you ever have questions. I will give you more detail on making your fabric choice later as well as a tutorial on piping. Keep checking in to see whats new. Have a great day!!

"SEW ME A SLIPCOVER!"

I have an old couch I bought at garage sale nearly six years ago. It came as a set with a love seat and recliner. As the kids kept coming and my house started shrinking I had to part with the other two matching pieces.They had a few structure issues as well and I was afraid the next time I had company over one of them were going to collapse. That wouldn't be awesome.

So that left me with a wing love seat. This pic is a 2008 find. 

    I just couldn't part with it and its high back. It's frame was good but it needed a face lift. Then one day it was staring right back at me telling me " Sew me a slipcover". I got to work doing my homework researching fabric stores with the best deals, online of coarse. I ordered everything I needed and  the last shipment came in today including my cording and a much needed new zipper foot. 

WOO HOO! I am excited to start making the piping for the couch!

THE PAINT BRUSH DOMINATES

When it comes to designing a blog and making it reflect who I am I would rather have a paint brush in hand to tell the story. My skills in the blogging world are really lacking. So I am doing my best to figure out the ropes or how everything works. Photoshop would be a handy tool if I knew how to use that too. I know, I know,.. I need to catch up with technology!

On the topic of paint brushes I have a few pieces that are calling my name but I have been occupied with some sick kiddos. I am anxious to post some pics of what I am working on. They will be coming soon for you to see.

Here are just a few inspirational pictures that reflect some of the things I like from Pinterest:

Enjoy!!

I love a white clean palette! 

You can pair any color with a neutral  palette. I love blues. 

Old furniture is another favorite of mine. What is their story?

And Lastly, I finally landed some old church pews that I will be working on. FYI this isn't one of them. I will post before and after pics.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mommies out there!!!

CHASING DREAMS..... MY FIRST BLOG!

Where do I even start here? This is the beginning of a new adventure for me. Those reading my posts will most definitely be helping me achieve a long time dream of mine. I would like to like to center my blog  around some of the things I love most. Sewing and decorating. I want to help, inspire, and motivate readers with this tiny talent of mine that all started with this marvelous woman I like to call Mom.

 

My mom, like all of yours, is the best in the world. This was taken on Mother's Day 2008. As a little girl I remember sewing with my mom. She taught me many things and I thank her for having the patience and taking the time in helping me pin and sew random pieces of fabric into "mini pillows" and  "pockets". Since that time she planted a little seed of confidence in me allowing me to believe that I could do anything I put my mind to. Sewing is an escape of mine I love. I also love to decorate. I can thank my Mom for that as well as she let me have some slack when it came to decorating my room. Looking back at some of the things I did it amazes me she didn't interfere with my arrangement of nic-nacs and 'Beatles' shrines. I went through many decor phases.

So here is to my Mom on Mother's Day and a dream.