Saturday, June 12, 2010

Paris in the Springtime

This is a set that began as a hodge-podge of odds-n-ends! The chair started out as an ugly, worn out chair with old fabric and a rough, dark wood finish. A very traditional, yet worn out and "dated" look. I knew I wanted a fresh, happy, clean look that would brighten any room. After lots of sanding and Bix Paint Remover, I decided to hand paint the chair with oil based, white paint (after, of course, I painted several coats of primer). I then had to make some structural repairs with the springs and cushion. This step was not easy, but I was fortunate enough to learn from a local upholsterer who taught me a few of his trade secrets!


I found the perfect material, and began covering the chair in coordinating fabrics of sky blue with yellow flowers, coral flowers and touches of apple green.

I decided the chair needed as a soul mate. A padded, twin headboard seemed to be a good match. I cut the headboard out of some scrap 3/4 inch plywood that I had in my garage -- I began the "padded headboard" instructions. I covered the headboard with the same fabrics as the chair but accented it with a tassel, yellow cording and fabric embellishments. The legs were covered in the same fabric and stablized with covered 2 x 4's on the back. The extra, wooden enforcement posts made the headboard a very sturdy piece.

The covered cornice board was also a spare piece that I happened to have in my sewing room from a leftover project. It just felt like an appropriate piece to join the "Paris in the Springtime" theme. Of course I used the same fabrics and embellishments to coordinate with the other two pieces.




After several weeks of planning, coordinating and working toward a 3-piece set, I finally completed "Paris in the Springtime" - a perfect fit in a sunny room with touches of white wicker and lots of happiness! I am pleased to say that "Paris in the Springtime" found a new home when a buyer spotted the set in my booth at Countryside Antique Mall!



4 comments:

  1. Lisa,
    I love this chair...! It does have sunshine all over it! You have inspired me to look into a booth of my own...I live near a Historic down town area which has a couple of large antique malls on main street...Seems like a neat way to test the market... I have a new furniture collection rolling around in my mind.... titled IN FULL BLOOM with just the perfect little night stand to start it off! Colorful bright and HAPPY! Thanks for sharing your inspiring pieces here!

    Deb~

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  2. Deborah Jean, thanks so much for your nice comments! The happier my creations are the happier I feel as I am working on them. I love bright colors and fabrics - they speak to my heart. Your new furniture collection sounds interesting. Hope you can share it soon with your readers. I love little night stands - so much potential! My booth is fun, however it does take a lot of work and patience. So be "ready" if you decide to go that route!

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  3. Hi Lisa,
    Your welcome! Thanks for the booth advice... I will look into the particular's... not sure this is the right " season" of my life to try it, (busy teens and all) but it's on my list of things to do!
    I love small tables and night stands too!

    Happy Painting!
    Deb~

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  4. Those fabrics are so wonderfully unexpected! Love it!

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Thanks for chit chatting! Hope to hear from you again soon!