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!