"Chair Up"

Console Makeover

2012-01-24T02:36:00.000-08:00

I was going to wait until my kids were back at school next week before attempting any projexts but I have been getting a little restless so I took on this console today. I picked it up from the Tender Centre yesterday and after a light sand, undercoat and fresh coat of paint and I have to say I love it! I would love to keep it around for a while but seriously have nowhere to put it...I had to move a sofa out of the way just so I could stage it for the photos!! I am going to put some small crystal knobs on to finish it off.

BEFORE

UNDERCOAT (I always panic just a little at this point)

Italianate Courtyard???

2012-01-16T01:58:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking for some time that I would like to spruce up my deck somehow and have always loved the look of an Italian Courtyard. I wasn't sure the timber deck would lend itself to this decorating style and still have my reservations but I am giving it a go. I would like to get a new table and chairs eventually and some sort of mat under the table, although this could be tricky as it would need to be weather-proof (any ideas?)

For Christmas I was so excited to receive the 2 lovely urns and the buxus balls.

I am in the process of trying to paint the blue-board wall using a render/texture paint. I am having some success but would like it to go on a little more evenly. I am thinking I may need another coat to give better coverage.

There will be a clipped hedge along the wall either side of the large urn, white pebbles in the platform where the large urn is sitting, possibly an agave in the large urn and some up-lighting so it looks pretty at night :)

This is what happens when you leave candles out in the heat of the day!

Angex

Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T02:56:00.000-08:00

I trust you all have a very Happy Christmas tomorrow. We will be celebrating, just the 5 of us, at home. It is times like this that extended family feels so far away, especially knowing they are all getting together for a time of fun and laughter, but we are thankful to have each other and the presence of God in our home :-)

Angex

Chair Makeover

2011-11-24T01:09:00.000-08:00

I got this project from a client and after beginning to pull it apart realised that one of the coil springs was broken. As I have no experience with things of that nature I got some advice from an upholsterer friend who recommended pulling all the springs out and replacing them with elasticated webbing, which I did. It was quite the challenge, but have to say, it has come up a treat. Sandy painted the woodwork. She always doea a great job!!
The fabric is a lovely navy and white stripe. (Was fun getting the stripes all lining up!)

Ange x

Mirror - Before and After

2011-10-03T02:13:00.000-07:00

Mirror in the raw (above)

I drilled a pilot hole and then pushed in the upholstery studs.

A coat of primer/sealer/undercoat and a dry-brushing of top coat.

The finished product.

I picked up a couple of MDF mirrors last week at the Tender Centre. I paid $16 each and was pretty happy with that. This mirror is the larger of the two and a really good size with a 160am diameter.
I am really happy with the end result and will be listing this one on ebay soon. My user name is Grootsww if anyone local (Gold Coast) is interested.

Angex

Cane chairs - Before and After

2011-09-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

Before (above)

After (below)

I picked up this set of 2 cane chairs and small table recently and after a quick spray paint and replacing the upholstery on the chairs, am so happy with the result. Yet another project that I am supposed to be selling but it looks so at home in my living room..... for now anyway.

I am still having blogger issues so thanks for bearing with me!

For anyone interested, I sell my stuff on ebay (username: grootsww) and I have a couple of things at Sandy's store at the Woollongabba Antique Centre at the moment.

Angex

Dining Chair Project

2011-09-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's been a while since I last posted and I see blogger hasn't got itself sorted yet so my text will follow my photos as I can't get it to appear at the top of the post *sigh*.

I picked up an old set of dining chairs a few months back. I think I paid around $30 for the set. New black paint and fabric has made such a difference. The new owner was very happy with them.

I did a pamphlet drop a while back letting people in my neighbourhood know I was available to reupholster their chairs and I have to date had one job which was a set of dining chair slip-covers. The "customer" was more than satisfied and I think it may mean some repeat business which is what you want!!

My camera is out of action so I'm not sure when I'll be back but I shall return.

Thanks for all the supportive and encouraging comments that continue to arrive in my in box. They give me as much a thrill now as they did when I first began blogging :o)

Angex

A Few Bits of Blue

2011-06-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

Below is a gorgeous cushion cover from Thea of http://www.theaandsami.blogspot.com/

Below - ceramic stool from the Tender Centre

Below - a collection of blue china from the Tender Centre

The pictures below are the work of artist extraordinaire Kerri Shipp of Driftwood Interiors. http://www.driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/

Well, it has certainly been a long time between drinks for my blog here. I've been a bit swamped helping out with my church's presentation of the musical Godspell. I will share a post on this as soon as I get some decent photos of the artwork that I produced for it. My camera has bitten the dust :(

For today I just have a few white and blue goodies to show you that I have managed to amass over the last few months via markets, thrift stores, Tender Centre and also from a couple of fellow bloggers.

And sorry this post is such a shambles. I had heard people were having trouble with blogger but this is ridiculous!

Angex

Armchair Project

2011-05-19T22:21:00.001-07:00

Oh my poor neglected wee blog!!!!

But enough of that..... here is the latest project I have been working on, along with Queen of Furniture Painting herself, Sandy of Paint Me White

This most gorgeous armchair has had a wonderful transformation as a result of blood, sweat and tears (speaking for myself, it really did literally involve all three!). What an awesome result and our client was very happy I do believe.

In the process of upholstering this chair I somehow mastered the art of double piping and I'm so happy about that I could scream!!!! I was at the point of giving up when 'hey presto', it worked :)

The fabric is an exquisite import from USA. How delicious is it?!?!?!

Trust you all have had a great week and are looking forward to the weekend.

Angex

Coffee Table Before/After

2011-04-12T19:34:00.001-07:00

I am so convinced that it just isn't necessary to spend a fortune to furnish your home with eye catching, timeless, stunning furniture and accessories. Take for example, this coffee table. It is solid, has great storage and is a great shape. I will tell you later what I paid for it but trust me, it was a bargain! Yes, those are Kerri Shipp originals in the backgound. Check out more of her incredible art on her blog Driftwood Interiors .

BEFORE (below)

AFTER (Below)

Some nice distressing after a first coat of primer and then dry brushing with a grey/brown water based enamel.

I love how it fits into my decor so I guess it's just giong to have to stay :o)

So how much you ask? Fourteen whole dollars and that includes four dollars of fees so I actually tendered $10 for it!!! Someone must have been really desperate to see the back of it.

Angex

Sofa Before/After

2011-04-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

So here is the culprit, this is what caused me to have a melt-down! I have upholstered my share of sofas over the years and from time to time they have left me, mid-project, sitting on the floor in a pathetic pool of tears! I picked this one up from the Tender Centre for a mere $30, a nice solid Freedom 2.5 seater. Always one for a bargain I decided on a gorgeous brown fabric that was on special at Spotlight reduced from $24/m to $8/m. Brown is quite a departure for me from the usual grey and white but just at the time I was trying to make up my mind I saw a post on Karen's blog Strictly Simple Style which confirmed my decision. Check out her March 23rd, 2011 post Craving Chocolate - thanks Karen!

So here is the beast before....

and looking pretty armless (looks can be deceiving!)

When I first saw this next photo I thought to myself "Hey! Who parked the back of their bus in our garage?!?!" Butt wait, didn't I see something remarkably similar in the Target fitting room just the other day? (gotta love those 360 view mirrors!)

So yea, here I am, hard at it.

WARNING: Do not enlarge this photo. You have been warned!

In case you were wondering how they attach those panels to the front of the arms, there are a few ways I've seen it done but the way I use is to bang in a thin nail through the fabric.....

...and then take the most used tool in my sewing kit (the unpicker) and pop the fabric over the small nailhead. Then hammer the nail all the way in. I put scrap fabric over top before hammering so as not to damage the good fabric. Clear as mud?

This tool (below) is almost my best friend :o)

Next re attach the arms... (my drill needed chargin and I'm impatient so I used this 'thing' (not getting too technical for you am I?)

Another interesting trick with upholstery is the use of what I call hide-a-tack. This is used to give those neat seams down the back and sides of upholstered furniture. I love this stuff. It can look a bit intimidating with all of those very sharp teeth but it really does it's job so well! You just tuck the fabric in between the teeth, fold them over and hammer down.

and you get this lovely neat join.

So here she is in situ. My decor is going to need a few changes but I am so happy as this sofa is uber comfortable and the brown is soooo practical for a family of 5.

BEFORE (below)

AFTER (below)

I almost forgot to mention that I ran out of fabric before I got the seat cushion done (didn't account for the pattern matching, doh!) so I've just wrapped the cushion in what was left over and I'm off to get some more fabric today, (please don't be sold out!!!).

Below is what I want to do for legs. I will be getting these made soon and plan to paint them a glossy black, unless you all have a better idea? Let me know :o)

Angex

Headboard Before/After

2011-04-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to have had my blog nominated to feature on The Decorating Forum What a thrill. So I hope this week to have some posts that will inspire others and show what can be done to beautify your home at a minimal cost. Some of you may remember the 2 headboards I got off ebay. I paid $45 for the pair.

I posted about the pink one I finished...

and now here is the white one...

The fabric is a lovely white velour ($4/m Spotlight)

The buttons were covered by an upholsterer (50cents/button)

Tomorrow I would like to share a project that has seen my muscles bulk up and a few kilos dropped. Here's a sneak peek......

Angex

Dropcloth Headboard Before/After

2011-03-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

I got this headboard for $5 and have just finished covering it in dropcloth and stenciling a fleur-de-lis and black stripes. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Before...

After....

I tried to use the seams on the dropcloth to my advantage....

:o)

Angex

Blog Discovery is Fun!

2011-03-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

How good is it when you get a new follower, click on their pic and discover an incredible blog!

My most recent followers include Terry John Woods

and Jon Hirst

Terry's blog blew me away. This man's talent seems to know no bounds, from his incredible eye for style to his genteel teddy bear making to his masterful art.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

Teryy painted the mural in the foreground (above).

He has a published book and another coming out soon which I am eager to get my hands on!

Summer House is Terry's yet to be released book.

The other blog I am pleased to introduce is that of David Long Designs
based in York, UK.

Their head designer, Jon Hirst left me a comment which was very humbling.

Take a look at the images below and you will get an idea of this man's design talent, CRAZY!

How awesome to have these 2 talented people following and appreciating my humble wee blog!

Angex

Ornate Headboard Before/After

2011-03-07T01:34:00.000-08:00

I made a successful tender on this Queensize headboard yesterday. Couldn't believe my luck! (Kinda don't believe in luck so not sure why I use that phrase).

I go to the Tender Centre each week and basically I put really low dollars on anything and everything that catches my eye, not really expecting to have much success, so it's always a nice surprise to win something from time to time.

First up we had to get it home. We loaded up the trusty Daewoo. My seat was pushed so far forward my breath was condensing on the windscreen, and it was reclining in a less than 90 degree angle but comfort was not a priority, I just wanted to get it home!

Although I have an appreciation of art and the work that goes into creating a masterpiece, I have never been a huge fan of folk-art so had no qualms in sanding back the floral adornment in order to revive this beauty.

And here is the after...

I happen to quite like the crackle effect so was content to leave it as is.

After a coat of enamel Pebble Dash I highlighted with a lighter shade of grey.

I was intending to sell this piece, but I have fallen in love!

Trusting you are all enjoying the beginning of a new week.

Life's such a funny thing and can have us revelling in it's opportunities one minute and spinning our heads the next. So whatever you are dealing with at the moment, I hope you can take time to breathe and be thankful for small mercies and great blessings :o)

Angex

Home Grown Art.

2011-03-02T17:32:00.001-08:00

Tidying her bedroom was a worthwhile venture for daughter No. 1 as it unearthed some treasures that would otherwise be sandwiched in an art folder in the dark recesses of an overcrowded wardrobe.

These are sketches she did while away on her Year 7 Sydney/Canberra School Trip in 2009.

Note the ferry in the foreground (below).

The Sydney Opera House.

I think there needs to be one more picture to complete the set, so a family trip to Sydney may be in order :o)

I don't think I will be able to leave the black table here in the hallway as I don't think hubby will be too thrilled about having to walk sideways around the corner to the bedroom!

Angex

My Recent Art

2011-02-20T20:09:00.001-08:00

This is what's been keeping me amused lately.......

I love putting paint canvas. I find it very therapeutic when I'm feeling stressed.

I am thinking of framing these 2, maybe with a dark grey painted timber... or not. What do you think?

I recently asked a new blogger I had discovered if she would mind me mentioning her blog. I have sadly forgotten the web address and name of her blog. If you are reading this and it was you, please leave a comment, thanks.

Angex

White Spray Paint :o)

2011-02-04T23:18:00.001-08:00

I had fun with my can(s) of white spray paint last week although I don't particularly enjoy the overspray up the nostrils, but enough about my nasal orifices (that is the plural for orifice. It is pronounced orificees - I know this is true because I googled it).

Moving right along.....

This urn was $8 at my favourite treasure store.

Here it is before in all it's green grecian glory (love me some alliteration)

... and after

A pretty timber mirror before....

and after.

Actually I just realised I didnt spray this mirror. I painted it grey and then dry brushed lightly with white paint.

Another pretty white painted mirror alongside my $10 tureen.

This beauty (below) has been awaiting a coat of paint for quite some time. Finally it's day to shine has come.....

I have propped it up in the living room. I would love to know what you all think. Do you like the white mirror....

or the one below????

I am leaning towards the white.

Notice I still have to finish painting one of the lamp tables. Oh and I bought new shades for my ginger jar lamps and added a navy trim to them.

Angex

FINISHED!

2011-01-31T20:02:00.001-08:00

I have a new best friend! Stephen the upholsterer from Burleigh Upholstery covered enough buttons to do this and another bedhead - 58 buttons all up. He was also more than happy to impart his upholstery knowledge when I quizzed him about deep button tufting. I told him I wanted to tackle this skill in the near future. I may need to have him on speed dial during the learning process!

So here is the reveal of the headboard I have been working on. I had missed out on 2 matching bedheads on ebay ($45 the pair) but was DELIGHTED when I was contacted and told that the winning bidder had defaulted and that I was now the owner of the bedheads should I still want them....duh yes!

BEFORE (below).

AFTER (Below).

I don't have a suitable single bed to display this on so I have it propped up at the end of my bed.

I intend to do the other matching bedhead in a white velveteen with white woodwork. I will be selling these so if anyone is interested, drop me an email.

I have a couple of blogs to recommend but will leave that 'til my next post as I need to get to school now, bye.

Angex

Just A Tease

2011-01-27T02:03:00.000-08:00

Just to pique your interest haha.

I should have this project finished very soon. There are 29 buttons to cover which I considered doing myself for.....oh...... 2 seconds!

The upholsterer can do them for 50 cents a button - Great!

Finished project to be revealed very soon, I promise.

Angex

Junior Master Chef Cake

2011-01-23T22:09:00.000-08:00

With all the excitement of Christmas/New Year and then focussing on the year ahead and all the possibilities that lie there-in, I forgot to share some pics of my daughter Tilly's birthday cake.

She turned 10 on December 22nd.

Normally, with a birthday on the horizon, I lie awake at nights (seems to be when I am at my most creative) trying to come up with an original idea for a cake. Well this time, with all the busy-ness of end of year stuff, it just slipped my mind. So this cake was very last minute.

Tilly was really into Junior Master Chef last year so thought this cake was appropriate.

Danneke (13), Tilly (Talitha - 10)

Fortunately for both girls they have inherited their Dad's height and not mine. I am doomed to be the shortest in the family :-/

The cake isn't huge - I scoured kitchen shops for mini utensils such as the sifter, mixing bowl and cake tin.

I have a blog to recommend :o)

Meg and Mums blog

Meg is from Adelaide (South Australia). She has recently recovered some chairs and I was blown away by the results, especially of her office chair! Take a look!!

Angex

Children's Art

2011-01-20T21:11:00.000-08:00

I had my daughter Tilly do some art for my art gallery/hallway. She did a spectacular job.

I love the simplicity of her pencil sketches and the hint of blue watercolour paint.

I have commisioned her to do one more as I think the wall where they are displayed needs an extra frame at the bottom.

One more week of school holidays. I am in 2 minds about the kids return to school...on one hand it means school lunches to make and no more sleep-ins.

On the other hand I get the whole day to myself and can get on with my many pending projects.

Angex

Plantation Shutter Makeover and Installation

2011-01-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

I purchased these Plantation shutters off ebay several months ago with plans of installing them in our living room. It has been a difficult space to furnish as it was designed as a formal dining space at one end and formal lounge at the other. Considering we eat our meals at the breakfast bar, we hardly need a formal dining room. When we want to have a "special" meal we sit around the dining table. It's very exciting.
Anyway, these shutters have been taking up space in the garage for far too long, so last week I attacked them with my spray gun.

I obviously haven't got the knack of the sprayer yet because look what happened....

I felt like this.....

However much I felt like it, I didn't give up. Sometimes with these things you just have to keep going and sometimes things work out, sometimes they don't. I spent the whole day on these shutters. I had more paint up my nostrils than.... than..... trying to think of a Dr Phil crack but I can't come up with a good one, but you get the idea.

Next began the installation process. Hubby and son hard at it.

Here are a couple of shots of the room from either end before installation.

(Those ceiling fan/lights have got to go!)

And after installation.....

I didn't want to completely block off the spaces from each other, just screen each area off, but also allow light to get through.

Now we have a formal lounge, (which will get used as long as there's a TV in there), and a media/music/study/reading space which gets a lot of use. It's so good to get these shutters up after thinking they would be in the "too hard" basket for another 6 months.

Angex

Hi Again.

2010-12-29T02:37:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone, I must apologise for my all too infrequent posting of late (actually for the best part of 2010!) but now I have my very own laptop, thanks to hubby for the best Christmas surprise ever, I will have no excuse for being so slack.

Thankyou too, to those who offered advice re my selling dilemma. I have had some recent success with ebay including the bedhead that I recently made over.

So I will soon be listing this cute little cupboard that Sandy at Paint Me White painted beautifully for me.

I thought I would show you just a couple of Christmas ideas that I did on the cheap before Christmas completely fades from our minds.

First... I wanted a novel way to display our Christmas cards (we seem to get less every year, sign of the times maybe) and spied this bamboo expanding garden trellis for around $5. I will probably paint it and use it to display photos once I have de-Christmased the house.

Next is this wreath which is just a polystyrene ring covered with a 5 dollar feather boa purchased from the childrens dress up aisle. I have another one to do and once again will use them in the house throughout the year.

Lastly, and I hesitate to do this as it's putting myself out there a bit, I have included a link to my Church website. It contains video of our recent Christmas Carol Service at which I sang a solo. I have done a lot of singing in the past but not so much in recent years so the old pipes are a bit rusty. If you can be bothered viewing I hope you enjoy the song and appreciate the message contained in it. I had a power point showing at the same time, mainly to deflect attention from myself, (although that was a bit hard given there was a blinding spotlight on me!) but it also really helped portray the meaning of the words.

Here's the link Reedy Creek Baptist Church Look under the drop-down menu of the heading "Resources" and click on Christmas Carols 2010

My song is the 4th on the list.

Angex

A Few Light Touches

2010-12-13T18:38:00.001-08:00

Contrary to my non-conformist nature, 'cause I'm usually such a rebel (saturated in sarcasm that comment was), I have gone with the status quo and done a bit of Chrissy decorating...not too much mind you, but just enough to get us a bit more in the spirit of the Season.

I left the girls to do their thing with the tree and was pleasantly surprised...not much tweaking was necessary at all ;o)
Just missing the star off the top, oops.

Don't you hate it when you are anticipating a good TV show all week and then forget to watch it! Well I've been waiting 2 weeks for the next episode and tonight I am going to sit and enjoy To the Manor Bowen .......someone give Millie a pill please ;o)

Angex

A Couple of Before/Afters.

2010-12-08T20:55:00.001-08:00

Just a quickee to show a couple of before and afters...

Ugly lamp but great curves (Before)

And After...... gorgeous!

Ugly chair, great curves (Before)

and After... Gorgeous!!!

Thanks Sandy at Paint Me White for the great paint job :o)

Angex

Upholstered Bedhead Headboard

2010-11-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

Well I am happy to say I am having a productive week.

I mentioned the free bedhead I picked up, in my last post. I have managed to reupholster it and am really happy with the result.

Here it is BEFORE.

and here it is AFTER...

I painted the woodwork black.

This fabric has been fantastic. I got it in a sale and have covered chairs, lamps (thanks Sandy) and now a bedhead in it.

I wanted to use double piping as that is what was used originally and it gives a professional finish but I have had a very difficult time trying to make it. I even ordered a special piping foot from the States but it hasn't helped me. Then I had the idea of painting the old piping that I had removed from the bedhead. Well it worked a treat.

So here she is in all her glory. I'm tempted to sell our queen-size bed just so I can keep her (She/he is a King-size).

I am not having much joy selling my projects on ebay so if any of you resourceful ladies have an idea where else I could sell, I'm all ears.

Angex

Projects Pending.

2010-11-26T01:07:00.001-08:00

Before I show you all a couple of projects I have waiting patiently in the wings, I'd like to share my latest addition to my hallway/gallery. I painted this canvas for our previous home which had an abundance of large expanses of bare walls. It was barely noticeable. But our current home has limited wall space to accomodate such a large canvas. As you will see, it is almost floor to ceiling.

Okay, now my to-do list. Please don't hold your collective breath for the "AFTER" pics as I don't want to be responsible for your early expiration.

The bedhead was a freebie off the road-side. I thought it was a queen and was looking forward to having a newly upholstered bedhead but alas it is King size so I'll do it up and then sell it.

The following is some fabric I picked up today and I will be using it for one of the above projects. Can you guess which one?

I'm a little unsure which trim to use...

or this....

I just love the second trim with it's delightful little pleat around the bottom.

I will try and get on with one of these projects very soon. Now that my son has finished school for the year my computer time will be severely diminshed so I've got no excuses not to get on with some projects :o)

Angex

My Hallway

2010-11-08T19:51:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that after somewhat of a break from posting all I can come up with is my hallway - but there you have it.

When we bought our house it was painted a very yellow-cream throughout. I have almost eradicated the cream with Dulux White on White with the exception of the aluminium joinery (argh).

I got Jake, my 16yo, to give me a hand with the final paint of the hallway before prettying it up with some of my amateur artworks.

New handles

Pretty mirror which helps open up the space.

Pretty light fittings which are diy so no electrician needed.

My wavey canvas made with some material I found at Bunnings that is normally used in the plumbing trade.

My 3 Koru made using tile adhesive to give lots of texture.

My Planet painting.

I used a hair comb to get the textured effect I was after.

...and finally an artwork done by my 13 year old daughter which will grace the wall as soon as I get it framed. She has been enjoying Art lessons but sadly her teacher is unable to continue with after-school lessons. She said of one of Danneke's watercolours that she had used the same technique as an artist and was most impressed with her work.

I have 2 great blogs to recommend to you all....

Orchid Lane Decor

and Meg and Mum's

I'd love to do a big rave about Suzy and Meg's blogs but I have to dash off and get the kids from school so do yourself a favour and go visit them :o)

Making a MESH

2010-10-23T02:57:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post tonight as I want to catch the end of one of my fav TV shows...Monster Moves. Does anyone else watch this show?
So this sideboard was an ebay find ($50) and after I meshed around with it (in other words painted with Bristish Paints MESH) and did a bit of distressing, it was finished. Of course the plan was to on-sell it but even hubby likes this piece and we can always use the extra storage.

Here's the AFTER

and the BEFORE

I'm getting the hang of this distressing thing and can now be found walking around the house, sandpaper in hand....

I Wish I Was a Picture Framer

2010-10-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

When I left school I was rather naive as far as what field I wanted to be employed in. My mind was not really open to the many and varied opportunities that existed. I ended up in an office, behind a desk answering phones and sorting mail *YAWN*. I wish someone had said to me, "Why don't you become a picture framer?". I guess it's never too late huh?

I have been playing around with frames and images for our lounge and here's what I came up with...

Above is the final setting.

Below, the 2 lower pictures add depth but the safari prints just aren't me.

Do you remember the following 2 pics I got for $5 each?

BEFORE....

and AFTER.....

The next 2 were from the same op shop,

BEFORE....

and AFTER....

I am really pleased with the way the room is coming together. I am having trouble finding inexpensive drumshades for the lamps so will have to be patient.

The sofa is on my "to-do" list. I want to upholster it in crisp white with large nailhead trim.

The blue and white duck is a recent 2nd hand find and is great for storing the TV remote.

Who spotted the fact that I've painted one of the lamp tables white?

I told you I wasn't good at finishing.

Decorating on a Budget

2010-09-20T00:33:00.000-07:00

I have had a couple of great wins on ebay lately. The purpose of mentioning these is not to skite but to let people know that it is possible to decorate your home in a stylish, tasteful manner without breaking the bank.

First was this gorgeous cabinet which I am using to store my upholstery fabrics, magazines and board games.
The seller told me she got it on sale at Harvey Norman's for $900. I paid $155

And then there's this leather office chair. What would you expect to pay for this? I bet your answer wasn't $75!!!! I was so thrilled to get this chair. I had been patiently waiting for the right chair to turn up and it did :o)

I had wondered about recovering it as I want to learn how to do that deep buttoning/tufting technique but it is in such good condition I might wait until it has lived with us for a while. It is stationed at the one and only computer in our household of 5 so I'm guessing it won't be too long before it incurs some wear and tear.

I have heard that a few people are having trouble commenting on my blog. If you want to contact me you are welcome to email me p.grootenboer@aapt.net.au

A big "THANKYOU" to those who visited/commented/followed Tilly's blog. She is thrilled and excited that you did. I have instructed her as to blog etiquette ie responding to comments, so if we can just get her brother off the computer for 5 minutes I'm sure you will hear from her.

You Light Up My Life...

2010-09-13T21:50:00.001-07:00

I seem to be having a small fling with lamps at the moment.

These lamps I bought off ebay back in May ($30 pair).

The lovely, talented Sandy at Paint Me White very kindly covered these lamps for me and she did such a fabulous job. All I had to do was attach the black ribbon and they were done.

I think they look really chic.

Today I would like to mention a blog that is close to my heart. It belongs to my youngest daughter Tilly. She loves to cook (takes after her Dad) and is keen to audition for Junior Master Chef in the future. Her blog is called Relax, it's a Recipe She would be very excited if she got one or two comments from people other than family :o)

Chair Makeover and My Ginger Jar Lamps

2010-09-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

I don't know which I am more excited about...finishing Sandy's chair makeover or my new ginger-jar lamps......okay, I do know, sorry Sandy but those lamps just give me a thrill.

I went to The Tender Centre on Saturday for the first time and before I'd even entered through the doors I could see the silhouette of these lamps waaaay down the back against the rear window. I couldn't get back there quick enough to check them out, and I wasn't disappointed.
Now, that high pitched sqeaul you all heard around 7pm last night, but couldn't identify? Me, that was me discovering, online, that I had won these lamps for $100!

Take a look and tell me you don't just love them as much as I do!!!

So this has thrown out my whole idea of what I had planned for my lounge decor, but I like where I'm being led so I'll just follow along. Lamp shades are the next thing to think about and I'm sure I'll lose at least a couple of hours sleep over that one.

Onto Sandy's chair.... this is the before,

It's great be able to take photos and have an instant image to refer back to if in doubt. I use to have to draw diagrams to remind myself how to reassemble.

The material Sandy chose was the most gorgeous, "made in Italy", throw or bed cover. I emailed her seconds before, to let her know I was about to make the first cut. It was a frightening experience let me say.

Thank the Lord (and I mean that, I was praying like mad), it turned out beautifully.

Okay, one last look at those lamps :o)

Bedroom Makeover

2010-08-25T01:55:00.001-07:00

I have been planning for some time now to redecorate my youngest daughter Tilly's bedroom and the opportunity finally came this week. With Tilly safely packed off on school camp I got to work. She was away for 2 nights so that gave me 2.5 days to paint walls, doors and knick-knacks, replace door handles, install a "desk" and hang curtains (including curtain rod).
She was so thrilled to see it when she got home today. She has only come out to have her dinner and then gone straight back in to sit at her desk.

RELAX letters from Spotlight, painted red. Small blue velvet cushion I embellished with the red star. Curtain rod incl. rings and brackets $15 from op shop.

I desperately wanted to paint the bedside table white but Tilly loved the natural timber. Actually I think it gives a bit of depth to the scheme.

This is the smallest bedroom in the house and was probably intended to be used as an office so furniture placement was a challenge.

The hutch was a $20 garage sale find. A coat of white paint and it looks so pretty. The desk still needs a chair but I told Tilly I'd let her choose one herself.

Plenty of hooks for hanging things up.

Great to get the school bag up off the floor.

I'm sure the fish appreciate being able to see where they are going. You wouldn't believe how filthy the tank had got.

Mirror was a bargain(!) off ebay.

I found 2 of these shutters tucked under some stairs in a 2nd hand shop.

I have one very happy camper home safe and sound :o)

Lamp Makeover/Dining Room

2010-08-08T19:24:00.001-07:00

I won 2 (more) lamps on ebay recently and would love to share the before and afters with you. Firstly though, I would like to show you my dining room as it is right now. (Yes, that does imply that there are absolutely no guarantees that it will remain this way for any length of time).

Okay, a sneek peek of the lamps....

So this is our dining/family room. It is not a large space and sometimes I feel like I am trying to crowd too much in but that's usually when it is cluttered with family 'stuff'. When it's tidied up I'm okay with it.
The brown TV cabinet is on my "to paint" list. I may go grey I think.

You may/maynot have noticed that I STILL haven't finished my wall stripes. They should go to the corner. I'm afraid I'm one of those decorators (please tell me I'm not the only one), once I can see how the idea in my head looks in reality, I'm satisfied. That's when I lose my motivation to finish the job. Sadly, I'm not the best finisher.

I love my IKEA jute rug, love it! (BELOW)

So here is one of the lamps before, (ebay $30 the pair).

And after......I would like to put a white band around the top also but I ran out of ribbon. Maybe it would be over-kill, what do you think?

Here they are again, before. The ebay seller was quite possibly the sweetest lady I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her husband, on the other hand, was an old grump. How does that happen??? As I was leaving, I had the feeling that I didn't want to leave her there alone with that man.

And here they are after.

I, personally, am in love with them. They make me smile, alot :o)))))

Only one small problem. I painted the shades and when they are switched on, the brush strokes can be seen. Any advice gratefully accepted. Maybe another
coat of paint.

Spot The Difference

2010-08-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

The fact that I actually thought about digging my shorts out from the deep dark recesses of the rear of my " bottoms" drawer today, has horrified me! (pun intended btw). The weather here is crazy. It's the second day of August and I feel as though Summer is not just around the corner but is, in fact, upon us. The forecaster assures me that we are in for some cooler nights, phew.

Weather aside, do you feel like playing a little game?

I won this chair on ebay recently for around $50. The brand is Molmic which I know nothing about apart from the fact that the chair is Australian made. I am guessing, by the quality of the workmanship, that it is a rather good brand, (feel free to enlighten me:o))

Can you spot the difference. Compare photos 1&2 with photos 3&4. The answer is in photo 5. No cheating now!

I realise that was a pretty easy ask and hope I didn't insult your intelligence...it's just me trying to be creative with a blog post :o)

I just remembered that there is only an arm-protector on one arm of the chair. We have turned the house upside down looking for the other one, to no avail. Where on earth does an arm-protector go on it's day off???

Quick Chair Makeover.

2010-07-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

I won this dining set on ebay last week and decided to just do a quick recover of the seats before I flick them on. They would look a whole lot better painted white, or even black, but I really don't have the energy to do the painting at the moment. The paintwork is in pretty good condition, as is the cane backing.
I am thinking I will paint the table white at some stage and sell it at a later date. In the mean time it is just the perfect height for me to do my upholstery work. I normally work on the floor but these days my knees are taking longer to recover from all the bending, (ahhh, don't we all just love the aging process,lol).

So here is the set as it appeared on ebay.....

78 dollars later it was mine :o)

Below is the fabric someone chose to cover it in.(I refuse to pass judgement).

Below is what was under that top fabric, a good example of why we don't upholster dining chairs in cream fabric nést-ce pas?

...and below in their new outfit. Fabric $4/m at Spotlight *SCORE*.

The set has 2 carvers which I love.

...and some nice detail.

ta da!

My son has gone on his year 11 outdoor education camp today and the forecast aint looking good..."why is it so?"

Distressed Refectory Table Before/After

2010-07-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

I bought this coffee table off ebay. I believe it is called a refectory table but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. It is a very heavy solid piece of furniture. The plan was to paint and on-sell it but guess what...I like it and I'm going to keep it :o)
I bought myself an electric sander this weekend and it made the sanding so much easier.

BEFORE....

AFTER (Below)....

See the lines in the jute rug? (BELOW). Can anyone tell me how to get these out! It's been like this since I bought it. It was rolled very tightly and the folds just won't come out. It has a rubber backing. Any ideas???

The paint colour is called MESH. I think it is a British Paints colour but I sometimes use a different brand of paint to the colour card and can't always recall.

Check out a fabulous new blogger.... Olivia at Hunter Haus

I am happy to be following Olivia's blog as she builds a home in the beautiful Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia.

Buffet/Hutch Before and After

2010-07-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

I bought this buffet/hutch before Christmas and was kicking myself as I felt I had paid too much for it (around $200). I knew I wanted to paint it after seeing all the fabulous before and afters on other blogs but was in a quandry as to what colour to choose (I'm not good with decision making). However, I took the plunge last night (poor impulse control too - I should have been clearing the kitchen after dinner, but you know how it is). I did a little mixing of some paints that were on stand-by for various projects and came up with this grey/green colour which I am stoked with! I made the "X" feature out of timber and painted the original handles black. I love how it has come up and now reckon it's worth every cent I paid for it. I just need to replace the top glass shelf that broke when it was coming home.

So my bloggy friends, can I get an AMEN! for this project????.....................

BEFORE (below)

This project was also inspired by a buffet I saw in my OKA catalogue.
Check out their website if you like the style of this hutch.

Do you like my placemats ($2 doormats from Bunnings)

My lamps are topless as they are getting new shades made by the ever so clever Sandy at

Paint Me White

My sofa has a dropcloth draped over it while it awaits new upholstery. I'm going to use a black and white ticking-look fabric to cover it and I am looking forward to geting that done but there is so much else to do and so little time - anyone else relate?

A Fun Post

2010-07-07T16:03:00.001-07:00

I recently took part in Emily A Clark's reader participation feature on entryways . It was a lot of fun and after having a look today at the beautiful entryways/foyers featured, I have added to my already bulging blogroll. Please do yourself a favour and go and have a look at these entrys.

I also would like to make mention of a new blog belonging to Briohny called
French Doors and Verandahs
Briohny's blog description says "Building a Coastal Style Home in Victoria, Australia and I am Dreaming of French Doors and Verandahs".
Well that was enough to have me hooked!!! This is a young blog and I know Briohny would appreciate all of your encouragement.

I thought I would show you a little something I picked up at a garage sale recently. It was one of those where you think "okay, nothing here for me", and then look what I found:o) I love these bookends, love them! (shelves could use a dusting Ange).

I picked these 3, supposedly floating, shelves up in the IKEA seconds section and they were missing the attachments needed to float them. Guessing that's why they were $7 each rather than $40-odd. I'm thinking I will paint out the brackets one of these days.

Market Flowers

2010-07-04T02:28:00.000-07:00

As you will see from the photos below, I went to the market this weekend and bought some beautiful flowers, but as I was putting this post together I realised the first image has more vegetables in it than flowers... cabbage (kale) and a pumpkin,lol. Oh well, I love how they look and that's all that matters.

The cute wee pumpkin was an op. shop find last week for $5.

These chrysanthemums light up the room so beautifully. I bought the cane holder while I was at the market too. I had seen it before but decided it was a little more than I wanted to spend but this time it was on sale and I thought $19 was a pretty good price:o)

The fish were another op. shop find. Talk about eclectic style. I just buy what I like and hope to somehow make it all work!

I have been discovering the most wonderful new blogs lately and am looking forward to sharing them over the next while. To begin with I'd like to share Letitia's blog The White Shed
Letitia lives on a farm on the Yorke Peninsula just outside of Maitland, South Australia. She has a homeware gift and interior design business. The first 2 photos are of her shop which I am planning to visit next time we visit hubby's family in Adelaide, and the last photo is her dining room which made the front cover of Country Collections magazine. How awesome is that! Please pay her a visit and be inspired by her fabulous blog. I know I am.

So I guess you're wondering where that Country Collections Cover photo is. Well somehow I deleted it and I don't know how to get the photo to the bottom of the page again so you'll just HAVE to visit her blog to see it. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

Clock Update

2010-06-26T00:05:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post while hubby is off with the kids doing the grocery shopping, (he loves it, I hate it - works well).
After I posted about this clock that I was planning to make-over, I had a few commenters saying I should leave it as is. I agree it's a lovely clock with loads of character, but I am going for a more pared back, clean look.

Which is why it looks like this now....

I used wooden letters from Spotlight and large (okay huge) upholstery nailhead.

Please excuse the fact that you can see the hanging rope of the frame. Haven't got around to fixing that yet.

Another little project from this week....this is before

.....and this is after

The shade is definitely not staying. It's just a spare I had lying around.

Latest Project

2010-06-17T18:00:00.001-07:00

My latest upholstery project is a set of 6 dining chairs, including 2 carvers. I have given these chairs a wash with white paint and, as you can see below, used a pretty, somewhat shabby chic fabric that I bought last year when it was reduced to $5/metre. I knew I could put it to good use and just had to be patient while waiting for the right project t o come along.

Below are the before shots. The chairs were quite nice but the fabric had some staining. They have coil sprung bases and thankfully these were all intact as I have no experience in fixing them.

Image via Pier 1

These 2 images (above and below), were inspiration for this project. I love the contrast of floral and stripe.

Image via Decorpad

Did I mention I love the contrast of the stripes and the floral.

I just need to finish these off with double piping (welting). This will give a lovely professional finish. When I saw the striped fabric I knew straight away it would be perfect, so I wasn't going to let the fact that it was thermal-backed curtain fabric stop me from using it! Besides, the only person that will ever know is the person that covers the chairs next time (oh, and anyone who reads this post,lol)

A close-up of the whitewash timber (below).

HorganS Table

2010-06-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

I took the plunge and sold my black sideboard this week. I am not feeling regretful over this decision as, for a long while now, I have felt that it dominated the small space that is our formal lounge, and now I am looking forward to "the hunt" of finding a replacement.

In the meantime I did find something to fill the space temporarily.
I was op. shopping last week with a friend and spied these gorgeous iron curves peeking out from under a monstrous, untidy pile of quilts, duvets, blankets and other linens. My heart did a little skip as I circled like a hawk looking for a price tag (all the while keeping my cool, so as not to attract the attention of other treasure seekers). There it was...$120. I approached an assistant to tell her I would like to take the table only to be told that it was not for sale but was being used for display purposes only. My heart sank a little. I mentioned the price tag and took her over to show her (apparently proof was needed). The store manager was called over..".no, not for sale any longer, why?, do you want to buy it?" "um, yes please" SOLD.

Isn't she gorgeous. I love her curves and timber top. She's a great size and I am beginning to think she may have found a permanent abode.

This is the label on her underside...I'm not great with Brand names but I think this is a goody...any designers or people "in the know" that per-chance may browse this post, could you please comment and fill me in on HorganS.

I'm thinking that I may give her top a paint-wash but will live with her for a while and see what she thinks.
What a cutie!

What you see below is the contents of the black sideboard, stacked to the side of the room as I am now a little short on storage....ebay, here I come :o)

"Crikey Mate!"

2010-05-26T20:20:00.001-07:00

I feel like I have just wrestled a crocodile!! I have just finished wrangling the cushion inner into the tight-as cover of this ottoman, for the second time I might add (it needed a little tweaking). At least it's a nice tight fit which is want I wanted. It's a shame none of you got to see my performance as it really was quite entertaining and it came veeery close to needing censorship for expletives, but I was very self-controlled... just a few of the following - "far-out", "shoot", "bloomin'heck" .
It is so gratifying to work hard and get great results.

BEFORE (above)

AFTER (below)

Now I can ring the owner and she can come and collect it (and pay me, woohoo)

I have a couple of blogs I would like to recommend. Both are in their early days but I am so happy to have discovered them.

A Dream House For Trish is the first one. Trish and her family have moved to the Hunter Valley where they have bought some land and are going to be building in the future. I am looking forward to sharing this journey.

The Five Year Project is a blog belonging to Jenny from Queensland. I discovered her blog from a comment she left at The House That A-M Built. I asked Jenny if she would mind me giving her blog a mention and I haven't heard back yet but I was so excited to find her (her kitchen is to-die-for!) that I couldn't wait :-/ I hope she doesn't mind!

Be sure and check them out.

NB I have just been informed that the links don't work so will get on that and try to fix things up, (Thanks for letting me know Tina).

NB All fixed. Please visit and enjoy these new blogs :o)

Formal Lounge

2010-05-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

Since I started blogging, I have been so inspired by many decorating styles. In fact, it has left me in a bit of a quandry at times, as I try to inject elements that I love into my home in a very eclectic manner, not always successfully I might add!
When I recently came across this image in Home Beautiful (June 2009), it really hit a soft spot for me. So with this in mind, I am going to set about reorganising my formal lounge and hopefully end up with a room that is welcoming, restful but with some elegance. To this end, I snapped up 2 lamps that were on ebay this week. The title said "Lamp" so I was assuming there was only one but thought $40 (Buy Now) was still an okay price , so imagine my delight upon reading the listing, to discover the auction was, in fact, for 2 lamps, eek. I picked them up this morning and they are de'light'ful (groan).
The seller lived just down the road from an op. shop that I hadn't been to for a while so I thought I'd pop in for a look-see. I found 2 good sized pictures ($5 each) which will be getting a going-over. I thought the pictures were kind of cute though.....

*SIGH*

"EEK"

Okay, so the lad is relieveing himself in the middle of Paris.....

love the expression.....

haha.....

and just look where the contents of his bladder are going...all over his cute wee toes!

For some reason, this image conjures up memories of childhood road-trips, scrambling through roadside vegetation to find a lone tree to crouch behind.....oh the joys.

Bits and Pieces

2010-05-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have a few projects waiting in the wings at the moment.

I finished these chairs today. I just had to screw the cushions on. Don't they look nice around my dining table. I am going to sell these as I am still infatuated with my white/grey studded chairs.

I went op shopping yesterday. Didn't score much but I picked up this (see below). Not sure what to call it but I do have a few ideas about what I'll do to it. One idea involves cooking utensils and the other, coat hooks. Do you have any other ideas for me? Feel free to share!

This table is one of a pair which eventually will go either side of the sofa in our "formal"lounge. They need a bit of finishing and a coat of paint. I have high hopes for these 2.

This clock I bought at the Reject Shop. It is going to look so different once I have had my way with it...stay tuned :-)

A before and after (don't we all just love a good before and after?)

El cheapo lamp/wicker shade.....

BEFORE

AFTER

And last but not least, this is the ottoman I am working on for a lady I met recently. Bit of an animal print thing going on here....

...and this is the fabric she gave me to recover the ottoman with. I'll keep you posted as it progresses.

Mothers Day

2010-05-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

"Happy Mothers Day Mum"

A post's just not complete without a good before and after. Beautiful as ever Mum!

I wish my Mum wasn't living so far away, then I would get to wait on her hand and foot the way she did for me while I was growing up.

This is what I woke up to this morning and it was all thanks to my 2 beautiful daughters. Such thoughtful, caring young ladies!

Yes, this french toast was as delicious as it looks!

See, I've got my mouth stuffed full.

Who's a little camera shy Jake? Better get over THAT before your wedding day,hahaha

TV Cabinet Makeover

2010-05-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

I have another finished project to share with you all.

Firstly, can I say THANKS for all the kind and encouraging comments many of you have left, what a buzz!

This project is a corner TV cabinet which I won on ebay for $46. Not a huge bargain but it was the right piece of furniture for the spot I wanted it.

The handles are from a set that I won on ebay last month which I painted white. The interesting thing about the handles is that as soon as I set foot inside the sellers house I knew I had found a kindred spirit. I couldn't stop myself from checking out her lovely interior decor. She has some beautiful pieces of furniture and I had to control myself from wandering off to check out the rest of her home! We got chatting and I mentioned that I do a bit of upholstery. Well, out of that short conversation (hubby and girls were waiting patiently in the car for me) I am now reupholstering her large ottoman and 8 dining chairs for her. When she said that she would remove all the staples from the chairs before she dropped them off to me, I could swear I heard a choir of angels singing the Hallelujah chorus from Handels Messiah.
So I guess I'll have a few more posts up my sleeve.... never a dull moment:o)

I have just realised that the script for this post is in some random spot between my photos and I still don't know how to move it around so I'm sorry about that!

Chairs - Before/After

2010-05-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

My hubby has set me up with a spray booth in the garage and I have got my spray gun/compressor working. I am like a kid with a new toy! I started using it on Friday evening and woke at the crack of dawn on Saturday(and I'm NOT a morning person usually) rearing to go.

I managed to get 3 coats of paint on these chairs in one day. I love the way they look with the blue paisley fabric (which was $5/metre at Spotlight).

I also managed to get 2 coats on a corner TV cabinet...... but that's another post;-)

Chair Make-over

2010-04-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

It seems like forever since my last post. We have had copious viruses invade our computer and apparently I have been sending all of my facebook friends questionable comments with very dubious video links attached! So we ended up bying a new computer, which has been on the cards for a while anyway, and now all appears to be good.

With so much time away from the computer I have been able to get some projects finished,lol.

I scored these chairs off ebay for under $100, painted them up and reupholstered them. They are sold so I am really pleased that my hobby is finally making me a little $$

I've included a sneak peak of my current project, a before shot that is. You could be waiting a while for the after now that I am back blogging!

It's so good to be back and I have soooo much catching up to do of all your wonderful posts.

Angex

A Replacement Mirror

2010-04-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

You may remember the mishap we had at some unearthly hour of the night when the metal hook holding up a mirror snapped and the mirror, and urn beneath it, came crashing to the ground (pic 2). I decided to replace the mirror with one I had sitting in the garage. It was made redundant from the entry foyer a while ago. It was a gold/bronze colour so I painted it.....wait for it....white!(imagine that).
I picked up 2 rattan/cane/wicker (can someone please do a post on the difference between these) chairs off ebay. I'm really happy with the way they look in this room. Still not sure what style I'm going for in here. Everytime I see a picture I like on a blog I change my mind (see, it's all your fault,lol).
The mirror is certainly different but in a good way (I hope). What do you think?

Ugly power cords!

I want to mention a blog I have been following for a short time now and am really enjoying. May I introduce Alaina and her blog Arbour House Lane I'm sure she would love for you to visit and say "Hi".

Bedroom Makeover

2010-04-12T19:08:00.001-07:00

I spent the week making over my daughter's bedroom while she was away on holiday. I had trouble getting the photos right, must be the odd light we're having today, so I'm sorry about the picture quality but like I said in my last post, I can't wait to show you:o)

My daughter loves art and will always sign her artwork with her initials DRG (we call her Dee-arjee, sounds kind of like a French artist don't you think?)

The curtains are an almost candy pink/red stripe.

This was a compromise. I promised not to touch the poster wall!

Made this cute cushion.

Made this headboard.

Did NOT embroider this throw.

I am in love with this blue/grey paint colour and have been looking around the house to see where else I can use it.

These tassels really brought my OCD to the fore!

I put metal butterflys in this frame.

Painted the cupboard doors and knobs.

Welcome a New Blogger

2010-04-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Image via OKA

I have been busy this week making over my older daughter's bedroom (again) while she has been on holiday in Kuala Lumpur with hubby. I am thrilled with the result and can't wait to share it with you all, however, darling daughter has my camera so I guess I will HAVE to wait.

In the meantime let me share with you a new blog that I have just discovered. It is called Shabby Whites and belongs to Marina. I have a feeling it is going to be a very special blog and one which I am really looking forward to following. Marina has a couple of examples of her art on her sidebar and it is FANTASTIC. She certainly is a clever lady and the guest room she has finished making over is a dream. Please pop by and make her welcome to blogland:o)

I'll leave you with this picture from my inspiration file. Do you love it as much as I do?

Dining Chair Makeover.

2010-04-05T03:25:00.001-07:00

My dining chairs are finished and they are keepers for sure! I love these chairs. I bought them, (plus a table which I promptly sold) on ebay for around $80 the lot. My kind friend Sandy from the blog Sandy's Place painted them for me in Dulux White Antique USA. Then I set about upholstering them in a mid-grey vinyl. This will be very practical when it comes to beetroot and spaghetti sauce! Next I attached the nailhead. It was my first time using this continuous strip of studs and I am loving it! Lastly I painted the brass feature on the bottom of the front legs a nice bright silver.

I have not seen many of these chairs around and despite numerous google image searches the following 2 images were all I could come up with. I nearly died when I was watching The Blindside and saw these chairs which are very similar. (Did anyone else cry for approximately half of that movie or was it just me?)

image via here

Source unknown sorry. (please let me know if it's yours)

Didn't Sandy do a great paint job! That's the old upholstery fabric.

Humble Thanks.

2010-03-27T02:33:00.000-07:00

I would like to humbly accept these 3 awards. I have procrastinated over accepting 3 of these as I find all the "guidelines" for accepting them a little overwhelming, (I'm not too good with the linking etc, just hope these ones work).
I don't have a list of things about myself but I will share that I turned 45 last Saturday and today I got my hair coloured for the first time in a few years (I'm now wondering why I waited so long as I love the result!).
I don't have a list of lovely blogs to mention as there are just soooo many. What I will do though, is make mention of different blogs on future posts. I personally find that if I see a list of blogs I am less likely to visit them all than if there is just one that I can pop over and see.
Today I will make mention of Katie and her blog Revival
Katie and I share a love of upholstery and I am amazed at the results she gets on her beautiful furniture. She has a great eye for picking just the right peices. She prevented me from pulling my hair out on one of my projects by giving me some advice and providing a helpful link. Thanks Katie!

Thanks so much to Jeanne ~ Collage of Life and to Julie ~ It's the Little Things

Thanks to Teresa ~ Dreaming

Thanks to Kristine ~ The Painted Hive

This Week's Treasure Hunt

2010-03-19T02:11:00.000-07:00

First up I would like to make mention of a new blog which I came across today. I am so excited to be following this blog and am looking forward to all the inspirational projects that will be revealed over time. The blog belongs to Kristine and is called The Painted Hive Please make sure you pay a visit and welcome Kristine to blog land:o)

When I feel in need of a little pick-me-up, I take myself off to my favourite used goods store where I hunt for treasures. It is only a small shop but I always seem to manage to come home with a few goodies and, the best part, I never spend much at all.

I have been on the look-out for a white throw/cover for our bed and found this one by Hilton in mint condition for $8

This lamp is going to come up a treat with a coat of white paint and a new shade.

You may remember a pear I bought which I painted white. Well, I found 3 more, YAY!

These 3 starfish were cheap as chips.

I was a bit hesitant about this picture as it's not really what I'm into, but I liked the framed and for $3 thought what the heck. Then I turned it over and saw the original price....

YIKES! Who would pay that???

This treasure box caught my eye as soon as I walked up to the store window. My daughter is going to love it but it will have to stay hidden at the back of my wardrobe until her birthday in May. (I'm just busting to show her!)

...and breath out.

2010-03-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Phew, this project was a bit of a marathon.

When I posted about it earlier, I mentioned that I was using some fabric that was foam-backed, thinking this would add to the comfort level. However.... I didn't realise what a pig it would be to sew!!!!(no offense to pig-lovers out there!) It just point-blank refused to feed through the machine. I ended up having to line all the edges that needed to be sewn, with cotton fabric. As sewing is my least favourite step in the upholstery process, I was not a happy chappy (just ask my hubby).
All that aside, I am delighted with the result.

Thanks to those of you whose comments kept me motivated and to Janice from Canadian Cottage whose comment today prompted me to get on with this post. Be sure to check out her beautiful blog!!!

I added black-painted ball feet.

Coffee Table Makeover

2010-03-13T20:40:00.001-08:00

I have become quite philosophical whenever something around the house gets broken. I now see it as an opportunity to hunt for a replacement or get creative in repairing the item, which is what I decided to do when a friend recently sat on our glass-topped coffee table and it didn't take the strain, resulting in broken glass.
I contemplated buying a new glass top but after giving the decision some more thought I decided to do something a bit more original.
With the help of my hubbys skill on the end of a saw I came up with this wooden top which I personally think looks fabulous. I feel that if I saw this table in a shop I would just have to have it. So for the costly sum of around $30 we have this new coffe table top.

This is the only shot I have of the table with it's glass top. Excuse my lounge. Due to a lack of storage it has become a dumping ground for all the sofas I plan to recover and sell, apart from the striped couch which I recovered a year ago. (Don't ask me why that one is facing the wrong way!?!?!?!)

Hmmm, I've just noticed the stripes on my sofa don't line up. As soon as I finish this post I will go and flip the cushions over.

Ebay, I Love You!

2010-03-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

For a while now I have been lusting over all the beautiful white slip-covered sofas that many of you lucky blog ladies have, so can you imagine my delight when I spotted these 2 beauties on ebay this week! I don't often check ebay mid-week, usually I save that for the weekend, but this was just meant to be (Thanks God). The seller had a "Buy Now" for $150 the pair and considering they were originally from Harvey-our ads are really loud-Norman (furniture store) I thought that sounded like a pretty good deal. I knew I didn't have any funds left for this purchase so I rang my hubby at work and told him about them. I could tell he wasn't going to give in so I caved and asked if he would like to buy them for my birthday which is later this month. I know he doesn't find me easy to buy for so his relief was almost palpable (if that's possible over the phone). The seller was a delightful lady who couldn't have been more helpful. She said there were a few marks on them, but honestly, unless you're the type that goes around looking at furniture with a magnifying glass, you wouldn't even know they were there.
I am just about beside myself with glee and can't stop glancing at them at every opportunity,lol.

Do you like the stripes going horizontal or vertical?

I can't decide which set of cushions I prefer, the plain or the stripes. What do you think?

Beautiful embossed fabric.

Just to keep you "posted" as to my progress on the grey sofa... I haven't quite finished, just have to sew the covers for the squabs/seat cushions, but in my defense, I do have my SIL staying for a few days.

I would love for you all to pay a visit to a lovely new blog. Janice from
Canadian Cottage . I have a feeling this blog will be well worth keeping a close eye on!

Grey With Black Accents

2010-02-25T03:22:00.001-08:00

I have been procrastinating badly:o(
Several months ago I bought 2 identical sofas off ebay with the intention of reupholstering them and selling them but I haven't got my act together so I need some accountability. That's where you, my lovely blog friends, come in...please get on my case if I haven't posted at least one finished sofa in a weeks time. Thanks.
I was inspired by the following images to go with a grey fabric with black piping detail. I absolutely LOVE this combination. I managed to score the grey fabric for $2/metre and as a bonus it has a thin foam backing which will add to the cushioning.

Image found here jennifer delonge

Source Unknown (sorry)

Image found here dwell.co.uk

Source unknown (sorry) Oh how I love this jacket.

One of the 2 ebay sofas.

One arm completed.

Things that go Bump in the Night!

2010-02-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

Two nights ago we were rudely awoken, at 3am, by the most horrendous sounds of crashing and smashing. Not fearing for my own safety, I raced through the hallway, heart racing, into the living room where I suspected the noise came from. I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story.....

I heart this urn!

This was it after I painted the base white and added fairy light twigs.

This is a mirror I painted. I had placed the urn on a small glass-topped table in front of this mirror.

The offending culprit! A steel hook that supposedly will hold up to 20kg, snapped right off.

This is the scene that greeted us....cue look of shock and horror.

Cue tears...sniff, sniff.
Hubby and I spent the next half hour cleaning up every last sliver of mirror and glass.

I have replaced the urn with one I already had. Unfortunately most of the fairylight branches snapped in half. I am now having fun looking for a new mirror (every cloud has a silver lining right?!)

Kitchen Before and After.

2010-02-21T23:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of our kitchen now that I have finished tiling the splashback (backsplash;o)). I am having troubles with the photo uploader (anyone else having their photos appear as numbers and letters or is it just me?) so I can't put any text between each photo. I guess it speaks for itself. Maybe you could play "Spot the Difference" . The finishing touch will be a light fitting and possibly some sort of pelmet over the window.

Look, it's a Nook!

2010-02-18T17:13:00.000-08:00

Just a little nook look today. (Nook is one of those words where the more you say it the weirder it sounds - hmmm weirder, that sounds weird too. Sorry, bit tired today)

The chair is one of our dining chairs that I am STILL in the process of reupholstering. I need to add the shiny chrome studs and do something to the gold caps on the base of the legs. I used grey vinyl to cover them as it will be more practical than fabric. Thanks to Sandy at The Shabby Cottage for painting these 6 chairs for me.
I got the black frames for a song at Spotlight and painted the letters, then backed them with grey card.
I love the 2 wee light grey jars on the table. They look like miniature ginger jars.

A Little Tacky?

2010-02-13T18:24:00.000-08:00

We don't really celebrate Valentine's Day in our house. We pretty much stick to Christmas, Easter, Birthday's and Anniversaries...sad but true.
........So I don't know what happened this year, but on Friday, hubby presented me with a gift before going out of town on business for a couple of days. This gave me time to get creative with a gift for him. I knew full well that spending any amount of $$$ would NOT be received as an expression of love in any way, shape or form at the present time, so what to do???
Yesterday I let my youngest loose with a piece of wood, my hammer and some upholstery tacks and she created a great picture of a butterfly and a heart. I was so impressed that I got to work on a creation of my own. It is romantic, in a masculine sort of way, and I think he will be able to find the perfect spot for it on his office wall at work.

Thrifty Thrifting

2010-02-03T02:44:00.000-08:00

I went along to a couple of thrift stores today and for less than $10 this is what I came home with....

And this is how they looked after some white paint......

On a Craft Roll

2010-01-30T04:40:00.001-08:00

Here we go with yet more craft ideas. Right now I think I am using crafting as an escape from all my boring housework. When I am gluing or painting, drilling or cutting, it seems like there's no such thing as ironing, or mopping, dusting or folding, and that's how I like it! Of course reality always hits hard and I can't stay in denial forever..... but maybe just a little longer.

Shells glued onto sandpaper.

A cute frame I picked up for 10 cents at a garage sale.

I have yet to put my own photos in this frame but the black and white are passable 'till I get around to it. I had the wooden plaque, the shell and the stick-on letters lying around the house, so no expense here.

How cute are these tiny flower pots!! I have a few ideas what I could do with them.

I painted the shelf today. It was apple green before.

Okay, I'll Put You Out of Your Misery!

2010-01-27T15:17:00.000-08:00

I can just imagine you've all been losing sleep, wondering just what it was that I was going to do with this...;o)

Here, take a closer look...

Okay, do you give up????

It's our pseudo-upholstered bedhead :o)

I haven't done much to this room since we moved in, just added the blinds. It still needs painting, new flooring, the walls need adorning with something stylish. At first I had the bed up against the left hand wall but it was under a small, high window and I didn't like the look. Having it arranged this way makes the room appear larger and although it's not ideal having the bed up against a full length window, it works for now. I'm loving the bedhead now. The 2 canvasses fit perfectly into the recesses in the bedhead, couldn't believe my luck.

I'd like to make mention of a blog I have found and am really enjoying. Erica at decorica is an interior decorator in Massachusetts. I know she would love it if you took the time to visit.

Have A Guess, I Dare You!

2010-01-25T20:35:00.000-08:00

My head is so full of "stuff" at the moment that I am having trouble stringing 2 sentences together so forgive me if this post is a bit random and somewhat vacant...thanks.

I spent this morning covering a couple of old painted canvases that were sitting around collecting dust. I used a wadding,a lovely white linen, grey braid/ribbon and fabric covered buttons. Naturally I mis-calculated the number of buttons needed and the amount of braid so had to make another trip to Spotlight (hate it when that happens!)

The question is...have you any ideas as to what I will be doing with this now that it is finished???

All will be revealed in a future post.

I have posted a few pics taken around our house just for fun. I haven't figured out how to do a photo collage yet but when I do (hopefully Mel can help me out there) I will probably bore you all silly with pics of our house;-)

Still Crafting

2010-01-18T21:40:00.000-08:00

So, the craft bug has bitten me bad and I go to bed at night with a million ideas racing around in my head, but I love it!

I picked up these pretty tile hooks in NZ, but I'm not into pretty so much any more....

so with a coat of black paint around the border,(looking better already), 3 white tiles and painted initials for each of my kids....

they are ready for 3 fluffy white towels to be picked up off the floor(!) and hung up.

Next, I brought these stones back from NZ too. I guess they looked a bit suss to the customs officer as he did a bag check.

I popped them in this nice shadow box (also from NZ, I love The Warehouse!) and found a spot for them here.

And last, but not least, I framed these wee Kimmidolls for my youngest daughter. She is into anything Japanesey at the moment, (how do you make a japanese parasol fit into try-hard scandanavian decor?!?!)

Just in need of 2 pretty hooks.

This is the birthday cake I made her in December and it went down a treat (literally!)

Pinboard Project

2010-01-16T00:41:00.000-08:00

"I'm bringin' crafty baaack" (sung to tune of J.T's "Sexy Back")

I have been putting all my energy into remodelling the house and doing upholstery projects and my crafting has really taken a back seat. I really get a buzz when I do a craft project that I love so decided it was time to get back into it.
This grotty old pinboard has survived 3 garage sales and still remains with us so it was time for a makeover.

First a fresh coat of paint.

Next some new fabric. I had this lovely black fabric on hand and upon reversing it found.......

.... this lovely neutral colour. Love it!

Also loving double sided tape.

oops, photos a bit out of order. I dry brushed on some white paint for a washed look.

Next, braid to tidy the edges of the fabric (double sided tape again). Love all the texture.

I added this "Things to do" blackboard which had peel and stick backing, a couple of hooks for keys, 2 clothes pegs for "bills" and "notes" and over to the lower right is the chalk holder... a clear lipstick lid :o)

I plan to attach a couple of hoop rings to the top at either end and hang it from 2 brackets but for now it has found a resting place on the desk.

My darling Tilly (formally Talitha) wanted to get in on the act and created her own pinboard. She used an old painted canvas and added corkboard to the left hand side. She's showing definite signs of the crafting gene!

The only question that remains now is....what do I do with 2 lipsticks, minus their lids?

Come With Me To Italy....

2010-01-14T01:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's not really Italy but it must come pretty close to what I imagine the real thing to be!
The Italian Renaissance Garden at the Hamilton Gardens was a particular highlight of my recent trip home to New Zealand. I felt so at peace in this garden. The symmetry, the perfectly clipped box hedging, the stunning ornamental features...okay, everything!!! I wish you could all have shared this experience with me. So the next best thing is to take you on an on-line tour....let's go.......follow me along this pathway..........

..........past this gorgeous urn

here we are at the entrance....

get ready for a visual feast.....

can't you just hear the water as it cascades over the fountain?

Look at that large urn up against the far wall to the left.

Let's have a closer look, come on.....

Okay,THAT is a BIG URN!

Can you spot my Mum in the picture below?

Lovely detail everywhere.

Such neat edges, straight lines, don't you just LOVE it?!

And just to prove I really was there......

Okay, one last look.....

Thanks so much for coming along with me. You are such good company. I hope you enjoyed your visit!

REST, RELAX, LAUGH.

2010-01-03T00:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is my first post in absolute ages, well it feels like ages and boy have I missed it!

We are still on holiday in New Zealand but only for one more week. My Christmas camera has been getting a real work out but I am still such an amateur!

I got a bit crafty at the beach yesterday while the others were clambering over rocks and exploring the sea-life in the rock pools. I have had a love of sea-shells since I was little and could spend hours digging around looking for that 1 perfect specimen. Unfortunately airport customs would not take to kindly to bagloads of shells being transported across the Tasman so I had to make the most of them while I was here. Yesterday I collected enough to make these 3 slogans which I am hoping will be my inspiration this year...I intend to do more of each...

REST RELAX LAUGH

Token Gesture

2009-12-10T02:31:00.001-08:00

I'm afraid my Christmas decorating leaves a bit to be desired this year, although to be honest I don't ever go overboard and try to keep it simple.

Here's what we got done this year. My 2 girls trimmed the tree (one of my least favourite things to do I'm afraid). We are off to New Zealand (home :o)) in 4 days so there didn't seem much point doing too much, just enough to set the mood for our early Christmas on Saturday. The reason for having an early one is that we didn't fancy lugging a gift wrapped fish tank over to NZ and back again!

I have done a bit of furniture buying lately and can't wait to post about my finds but will probably wait until we get back mid January.