My two chairs.

I finally finished reupholstering my thrift store find from last week.  Here's what they looked like before.

I thought they were pretty cute to begin with.  I love the caning and wood, but they were definately in need of some updating.

Here's how they look now.

I put about $100 into revamping them...$60 for fabric {I used three curtain panels from Ikea}, $15 for decorative/fabric trim, $10 for "nail head trim" {I used extra large thumb tacks I found at Hobby Lobby}, $5 for fabric glue and $10 for a button cover kit.

I was a little worried how they would turn out, having never actually completed any repuholstering projects I've started in the past, but I am happy with them...even happier with the price {$65 for each chair}.

I ended up just using the old cushion covers as my patterns for the new ones.

I simply traced around them, leaving an extra 1/2-1 inch allowance.

I used decorative fabric trim to hide the staples I used to attach the fabric to the back and front of the chair.

I embellished the trim with extra large thumb tacks...for a nail head trim look.

I added some tufting detail to the front cushion.  

I used a kit to make my own fabric buttons, which was relatively inexpensive and simple.

I didn't want to bother sanding and refinishing all of the wood, so I just took some dark stain to the scuffed up spots and caning to freshen everything up a bit.  

{Here's my little staining tip.  Put a plastic bag on your hand with an old sock over it.  Use the sock to rub in the stain, then when you are done just pull the plastic bag off, while holding on to the toe of the sock, and your sock will end up inside the plastic bag ready to toss into the garbage.}

Here's how the chairs look in their new home. 

 They are just what my front room needed to finish off the seating.

In other news, we finshed ripping out the remaining items in the master bathroom...the vanity, sinks,  toilet and shower floor.  

We are officially down to one bathroom.  Fingers crossed we all survive this.  Seven people and one bathroom...scary!!!

PB Inspired.

I love Pottery Barn. Every time I get my catalog in the mail, it's like Christmas has come early.
I love purusing the pages, dog earing the ones with a design idea I want to replicate or recreate on a shoe string budget.
Recently I made knock off vintage feed bag pillow cases like these in the PB Catalog.
I'm currently in the process of recreating some other decorative items straight out of Pottery Barn. I am hoping to have the results posted later today. So, be sure to check back soon.
But the thing I'm really excited about is this:

These are the Pottery Barn version of some fabulous dining chairs. I love the fun colors, upholstered seats and carved wood backs. They retail for $249-349.
Now take a look at this:

I found five of these luver-ly's at the local thrift store on Saturday. I spent $10 a piece on them. I know that the wood cut outs are a little different, but the styles are similar. I can harly wait to paint them and see just how closely I can get them to resemble the PB version (I am loving the pale blue color, in case you were wondering).
Now, look at this.

This little beauty retails for $999. *sigh* I could sit and admire her for hours. There is just something about a round, pedestal table I find so attractive.
Now, do you remember this?

I found her at the thrift store for $20. She's been waiting patiently in the garage for her moment to shine and think it's about time.

Stay tuned for the Pottery Barn vs. Erika's Garage showdown. It's gonna be a good one.

Look What I Found!

Okay peeps. So flippin' excited I'm bouncing in my seat as I post. Hit the D.I. Saturday. Wasn't even planning on going, but felt "inspired" to stop...so I did. And look at this piece of awesomeness I found.


I know, hot right?

I have been looking for an eight seater table for some chairs I redid a while back. Here's what they look like in case you forgot. I'm so in love with these chairs.



They came with a table, but it was only a six seater, and frankly I just never had feelings for the table like I did the chairs (Listen table, it's not you. It's me. I'm sure there's someone out there for you. Someone who deserves you.)
So back to the D.I. it goes, to make room for something that's a little better fit.
I really love the chairs from this new table, but I already have some chairs in my life. However, I think I know someone who might want to meet them.
Chairs...

Meet Pedestal...pedestal table (She's been sitting in my garage, waiting for someone for months).

I think we have a match.

I can't wait to see how all of my pairings look after a little paint and some sprucing up. Stay tuned.

Table and Chairs

Listen, I tried to come up with a catchy and creative post title and it just wasn't happening. So, I just went with straightforward instead.
So,here are my chairs and table...finito. I am not completely happy with the way the table turned out. The finish on the top is a little uneven. I suppose I could lie and say that I meant for it to be that way...that it just adds to the rustic charm I was going for. Eventually, I may have to sand the living crap out of the surface to get all of the old finish off and start again, but for now, it's done. Even though I'm not one hundred percent loving the table, I am totally loving the project as a whole. I think it is the perfect blend of funky and sophisticated...just like me-wah, wah, wah.
The poor girl, as you may have gathered however, has still not been invited to take up residence inside the house, but I'm certain the old man and I will come to an understanding soon...and by understanding I mean that me and a couple of gal pals will just move her on in while he's away at work. We all know that the last thing any man wants to do after a long days work is move around and reorganize furniture.
So, the plan is set. I will be sure to take a pic of the ole girl her new surroundings as soon as I can.
Drum roll please...

Now it's on to the next...my bedroom chair. All of the upholstery has been removed...not without a great deal of effort mind you. There were thousands of staples that needed removing and my poor wrist is paying for it now. I am convinced that to become an expert upholsterer you need only to go ballistic with a staple gun...which, I must say, thrills the crap-ola out of me. Reupholstering is gonna be way more fun than...deupholstering?
Also, I have great news! My besty Deni, totally hooked me up with the most awesome dresser. It's mid-century modern and has nine drawers and it cost me a whopping $20. I can hardly wait for you all to meet her. I am going to pick her up tonight and will be sure to introduce you tomorrow. The best part of all is that she is a beautiful dark wood and I am planning on keeping her au naturale...which equals little or no elbow (or wrist) grease.

Wilkommen!

Welcome to my new bloggy.
This here blog is set up primarily to document the bountiful projects I throw myself into and consequently the hell I put my family through.
In fact, just today, Avery told me that she wished the D.I. would die. She even went so far as to compose a little ditty about it and proceeded to sing it in my ear whilst I recovered a seat cushion. Poor thing. She hasn't yet learned that I mastered the art of selective listening long ago.
She continued on with her song, and I completed the recovering of two fabulous seat cushions...which I'm about to show you.
But first. If you haven't gathered already, I am a teensy bit obssessed with the D.I. and other thrifty establishments. There is something so rewarding about finding a hidden treasure (aka. someone elses refuse) and turning it into something new and beautiful. I love the idea of recycling and giving something old and unwanted new life. The best part is, that is costs next to nothin' to do it.
Here are a few projects that I've been up to. This is my most recent venture...a new table and chairs. In my mind I had imagined them taking up residence in the kitchen. They would look ever so lovely there. However, the hubby has not yet embraced this passion of mine, so I've come up with a backup plan...the deck outside. I know, not very conventional, but then again, I've never really been one for practicality. It's win-win the way I see it.
Here are my most recent loves, my new...old, table and chairs. When I have all the other chairs painted and recovered I'll take another picture...a proper picture of the table surrounded by it's bright and beautiful chairs.

Sorry for the dreadfully disgusting gargage. Please try to look past it and feast upon the beauty that is my new table.


If it were possible to marry an inanimate object I'd marry this chair.


I've never been a supporter of polygamy, but I might would have to marry this chair too.


The best part is, that the table and six chairs cost me a mere $55. I'll end up spending about $40 in paint, and the fabulous zebra print fabric are panels I already had. So, a new table and chairs for under $100. How fah-reakin' fantastic is that. I can't wait to get it all finished and reveal the completed project.