Loveseat Done!

Hey!

Almost three weeks ago, I posted here about the slow progress on the loveseat.  Today, I'm happy to say, the loveseat is done!

A reminder of the Before: 

The glory days of the 1980's left this loveseat tired, dated, sad,and stained.  But, I took her home because I liked her "bones", she was the right size and most importantly, the right price.

Reupholstering isn't hard but it can be labor intensive and tricky as I discovered with this wingback loveseat.  I've reupholstered many pieces of furniture before but, I had never attempted a wingback style piece. 

I made a couple of changes from the original design.  I used a different piece of fabric under the cushions and in the places no one can see.  Professional upholsterers often employ this method to stretch the fabric yardage and that is exactly why I did it, too.  I picked a stripe and I really like the surprise and playfulness of it. 

The second change you'll notice is I changed the two cushions to a bench seat.  I like the cleaner line and more modern look.

The After :

Wisdom for reupholstering your piece

• The right tools make all the difference.  The job goes quicker.  I've seen tools at Jo Ann's, Hancock, Amazon and at a local car upholsterer's shop.
• A pneumatic stapler is definitely the way to go!  I can't believe I've done this job in the past with a handheld.
• Buy extra fabric.  Mistakes happen.
• Start with an easy job like a chair bottom and work your way up to tackling bigger pieces. As I gained confidence, bigger pieces weren't as scary. 
• Ask for help from someone who has done it before.  I had help for the first few pieces I tackled.  I learned not to be afraid of making that first cut in the fabric.
• If the piece of furniture smells really bad or the frame is not very stable, pass on it.  Fixing these two problems is usually not worth the cost.

Reupholstering is a great way to stretch your decorating dollars and get a piece that is custom made for your home.  Let me know if you fix up a piece, I'd love to see your "after".

If you looked close in the after picture, you caught a glimpse of my kitchen reveal coming soon.   I can't wait to show you!

I've linked up today with Jennifer Rizzo's Creative Friday Link Party.

Blessings,

Mimi

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."  

Proverbs 14:23 NIV Bible

Outdoor Project Done!

Hey! 

I teased you a couple of weeks ago with this  post.  I'm sure you had no problem guessing what I was busy doing.  Well, I'm happy to say that the first project is done!  

The problem began two years ago, when I got new patio furniture.  Four months later, the cushions looked like this...

 

 I know I live in a hot, humid, sunny climate but, really?!   When I touched the fabric, it just disintegrated into fabric dust -- Gross!  The only option I had because I couldn't find my receipt (don't you hate that?!) was to either purchase new cushions or make them. 

I decided to make new cushions.  I bought outdoor fabric from Hancock's and repurposed the fill and cording from the original cushions.  After only four cushions, somehow, I had run out of cording.  When the manufacturer made the cushions, they must've been magical because I used the same cording. --Go figure.

This year, my plan was to finish what I started.  Unfortunately, the leaves, birds, bug guts and general dirt were showing on the ones I made last year. 

I tried Scotchguard cleaner but didn't have much success.  So, I googled and Martha Stewart came to the rescue!  Fels-Naptha soap.  The soap is apparently readily available at any grocery store everywhere except here.  I searched everywhere -- the grocery stores, the drugstores, the health food stores.  Nobody knew what I was talking about and then, Honey Do made a random trip into Fred's and found it.  Only a couple of dollars, this bar did the job! 

And finally, two years later...

Ahhhh, time to relax...

Blessings,

Mimi

 "Find rest ,O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him."  

Psalm 61:5  NIV Bible

Update on Loveseat

Hey!

Don't you hate when projects take longer than you like?  Some days, I wish that I could snap my fingers and *poof* everything would be finished. 
The reality:  I'm not finished but I'm getting closer each day.  Honey Do and I started putting the pieces back on the loveseat last night.   Honey Do took this picture when I wasn't looking.  I must've really been concentrating!  I tend to be camera shy.

I can't wait to reveal the final product!  I hope its sooner rather than later : )

Blessings,

Mimi

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."  

Colossians 3:23  NIV Bible

Projects in the Works

Hey!

I'm knee-deep in foam, fabric and batting.  I have two big projects in the works.  Wondering what I'm up to??

Project #1

Project #2

Stay tuned!

Blessings, 

Mimi

"We work hard with our own hands."  

1 Corinthians 4:12a  NIV Bible

A Slice of Life: April

A Slice of Life: April

Hey! 

Bringing you a snapshot of happenings in my world over the last couple of weeks. 

New finds from thrift stores:  I think this Drexel dresser walked off the showroom floor into the thrift shop and then walked out and over to my house. 

A few other finds...

Over the weekend, I directed the beautiful outdoor wedding of my next door neighbor's daughter.  I'm not sure who did her flowers but my neighbor refinished those backdrop doors.

The colors were so delicate in the bouquets.

The guest registry table...

My neighbor made all of these teacup lights.  The center of the flowers had a battery tea light and a glove with a spoon helped the cup hang from the hook. 

Honey Do installed a new dishwasher.  Replacement parts were no longer available for the old one.  Why is it appliances die after 18 years?  Shouldn't they last a lifetime?!

This cabinet is getting an overhaul but you'll have to wait for a final reveal.

We tried out Edie's Honey Garlic Pizza and homemade crust. Very tasty!  Click here for the recipe.

And last but not least, I started leading a new bible study on  Covenant  by Kay Arthur.  I did the Precept Covenant many years ago and loved it.  This workbook format is just as good.  I highly recommend it.  The understanding of covenant is so foundational to the Christian faith but rarely preached.



Now that you've seen what I've been up to; what's going on in your neck of the woods?

Blessings,

Mimi

 "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  

John 10:10b NIV Bible

Seashell Mirror Project

Hey!

I have dog eared, ripped out and/or drooled over seashell mirrors in magazines and books for years.  Finally, I have my own.  I can't wait for you to get to the after picture of this project!

I made this mirror specifically to go over the sink in our pool house.  I know that sounds really grandiose to have a pool house, but trust me, this room is only a very, very, small bathroom.   I have to be careful what I put out there because the house is not heated or cooled and shares the space with the pool pump and equipment.  Not to mention, sometimes critters get in there.

I started this project with a thrift store frame.  I think I paid about $1.  I bought one that had a flat surface and then spray painted it white in case some of the frame showed through the shells.

Next, I added the mirror to the frame (with Honey Do's help).   Do you remember the mirror that I had cut for my side table for free?  If you don't, you can see it by clicking here.   This mirror was cut out of the same original piece.  Bonus! I got this piece cut for free, too.  The last step was adding the seashells.  I have been saving seashells from our beach trips for several years for just this purpose.  I used a glue gun to attach them to the frame.
And here is the wonderful after!

I'm including this front view shot so you can see the mirror straight on, but I'm not crazy about the angle or the lighting of the picture.  It's so hard to take a picture of a mirror and not be in the shot!

I think the mirror turned out perfect.  What do you think?  And if you'd really like to see more, you can click here to see the start of our pool house renovation.

I'm also linking up with Jennifer today.  Drop by her site and see all the other wonderful projects! Click here.

Blessings,

Mimi

"I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore..." Genesis 22:17  NIV Bible

Table Flip

Table Flip

Hey!

Mental Clutter.  Yes, that's what I'd call it.  This project stayed on the back burner for months, maybe even a year.   I'd always look at it and think *ugh* I've got to take care of that.  Every time I saw it, I'd feel stress because the table was ONE MORE THING I hadn't finished.    Have you felt like that about a project?

I found this cute little brass side table with a Greek key motif on the side at a local thrift shop.  I think I paid about $3 for it.  The table had no top but I knew I could remedy that with a mirror I had picked up at another shop for $1.  The problem: the mirror needed to be cut. 

I hauled that heavy mirror to the hardware store hoping they would cut it for me; only to discover, the mirror was tempered glass and they didn't have the capabilities to cut that type of glass.  I needed a windshield shop.  So, I took the mirror home that day and the mirror and table sat and sat until today...

Honey Do took my mirror to the windshield guy who cut it for FREE!  Nice guy : )

And finally, one mental clutter project is completed!   Molly, my tabby, was so happy she wanted to be in every picture I took.  She is such a diva!

I linked up with Jane@Finding Fabulous's Linky party today.   Check out the other fabulous finds on her site!

Blessings,

Mimi

"Commit to the LORD, whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." 

Proverbs 16:3  NIV Bible

Quick Holiday Projects

 Quick Holiday Projects

Hey!

I thought I'd share some quick holiday projects that I've made over the years.  All of these projects were made with inexpensive materials that were either purchased new or found at my local thrift shop.

Transform an ornament with spray paint.  I bought these nutcrackers at Michael's and sprayed them this year. 

Hot glue old brooches, earrings, necklaces, buckles into a Christmas tree on a canvas and frame.  I used black velvet from an old dress I picked up from a thrift shop as the background.

Sew buttons to a pillow in the shape of a tree.

Spray paint and stencil an old outdated or beat up tray or cookie sheet into a new holiday tray. 

Hot glue candy onto styrofoam shapes to make candy balls and topiaries and seal with clear acrylic spray paint to preserve.  I decorated this table for a Ladies Night Out at my church.  

Make a wreath out of old Christmas ornaments.

Decoupage and seal pictures on tile squares to make Christmas coasters.  I'll be posting a tutorial on this craft in the future!

What kind of Christmas crafts have you been doing?  I'd love to hear about them!

Blessings,

Mimi

 

In that day the LORD Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. 
 Isaiah 28:5  NIV Bible

Pears Podged with Paper

Pears Podged with Paper

Hey!

For the first Thanksgiving with my children and their new spouses (see here and here  and yes , I'm shameless and proud!)  I wanted to do it up right  with something special for the table. 

Michael's came to my rescue.  I found exactly what I was looking for: paper mache' pears for $1 a piece. The store had pears, apples and cherries but I liked the pears for Thanksgiving. 

To Podge Pears with Paper:

The basic supplies needed are glue, a paint brush, a pear and strips cut from an old book.  Oh, and a movie to watch while you work : )

I like to use the gloss Mod Podge because the result is a shiny finish but you can also use a watered down Elmer's glue or Tacky glue. 

To apply, brush an area of the pear liberally with glue, then place a strip of paper onto the area and then brush glue all over the paper to seal the strip to the pear.  Repeat and repeat and ...

Daughter in law:  "Did you just take a picture of my one painted thumb?"   Guilty!

Once the pear is covered in strips, let it dry for a few hours. I suspended it with a clothespin.

I chose to keep them fairly plain with only a twine bow and a florist leaf so I could use them in many different ways but you could add clear glitter which would be very nice or podge with strips of Christmas wrap.   I would suggest adding a light sprinkling of glitter while the object is wet with Mod Podge.

If you like to cut, glue and paste, you will love this project!

Blessings,

Mimi

"You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit --- fruit that will last..." 

 John 15:16  NIV Bible

Youtube, Seriously?!

Hey!

Last summer, I posted about decorating my daughter's dorm room in the sorority house.  Doodlebug's room was a favorite as the potential new members toured the house for rush.

Here is how the room looked on move-in day, August 2011.

In April, the Residence Hall people came to take pictures.  Doodlebug mentioned it but she was sick that day and I was preoccupied with trying to get her better.  I had forgotten all about the room being photographed until a few weeks ago when Doodlebug pulled it up on the internet and casually said, "Mama, do ya wanna see my room online?"  I was like.. What?!
(I thought they were just putting a picture in a brochure.)

Her room was chosen by the university to feature as a sample room for residence hall housing. You can see the virtual tour here!
I guess I'm famous now....I'm on Youtube : )

Blessings,

Mimi

"LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD."  

Habakkuk 3:2a  NIV Bible

Spray Paint Transformation

Hey!

I put off fixing up this chair for far too long!!!  In fact, I have three of them.  I bought them several years ago at a shop here in town.  I had great intentions to fix them up right then.  But, they got dumped in my  yard and there they sat.  Why, oh why did I put it off?!  

Before

After

A fresh coat of paint makes all the difference!
Come on, Spring --- I'm ready for you!

Blessings,

Mimi

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;"

Psalm 98:4    NIV Bible

O Christmas Trees

Hey!

We finally got our tree up and decorated this year after a slight change of plans.

I have been mentioning to Honey Do for several years that our 21 year old artificial tree was looking a bit tired and we needed a new one.

In fact, it shed more needles than a cut tree!

And as we were putting it up this year .... the tree gave a sigh and fell apart!

Honey Do, therefore, took a chainsaw and cut down a tree in our yard: a cedar.

If you've never had a cedar tree, then you're not familiar with their quirks as Christmas trees.  Cedar trees tend to be wonky but smell wonderful.

Here's a sampling of our Christmas trees through the years.

Red bows and popcorn balls in cellophane --- (I decorated with non breakables when my children were small.  Less stress!)

 My mother, brother and I made these God's eyes one afternoon when I was young with popsicle sticks and yarn.   

Crocheted snowflakes, pinecones and candy canes

This tree had garland made from packing peanuts, fishing line, and colored cellophane wrap.  What was I thinking ?!  I must've had A LOT of time on my hands that year to make that garland!!

Pretty tree with ornaments we've collected and the children made for us.

Last year's tree, I decorated with brass house numbers and brass letters that I found at a thrift store for next to nothing.--- love that!

And this year's tree in all its wonky glory!!

Each day is bringing us just a little closer to Christmas!
Are you ready??

Blessings,

Mimi

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."   Luke 2:10,11  The Holy Bible

31 Drawers of Change

Hey!

When you were a kid, did you ever think about what was under your bed at night?  I remember thinking  there were alligators on the floor and how I was going to get out of my bed if I needed to.

These days, I have a drawer lurking under my bed... on purpose.
Without further ado, I present Drawer #31...

I had Honey Do repurpose my find from the side of the road for storage under the bed.  He added wheels to the bottom so I can slide it. 

I hope you've enjoyed my October Challenge of 31 posts of 31 Drawers of Change.  If you read any or all, I'm really glad you stopped by!!   I hope you'll check back again!  I can't wait to show you what else I've been working on!!

Blessings,

Mimi

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God 

has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:14  The Holy Bible