Pouf!

A few posts ago I mentioned seeing some floor mats that I thought would make awesome floor poufs. 

 Well, when I stopped back in Target recently I noticed that said mats were on clearance so I grabbed a few.

I decided I would use the rugs to make a couple of poufs for the deck.  Ever since I found this little gem at Ikea for $60 

and since summer is only days away, I decided now would be a good time to spruce up the patio and create a welcoming outdoor living space.

The floor poufs will add some extra seating if needed, but will also serve as tables for placing unused magazines or resting drinks on.  They will also work well as foot rests.  

I actually referred to my original floor pouf post for making this pouf.  

I ended up purchasing runners instead of the 2x3 mats, which meant I only needed two rugs to complete this project.  If you were to use 2x3 mats, you would need to use four of them.

Since the Target rugs were not quite as wide as the Ikea rugs I used the first time, I had to readjust my measurements.  For the Target mats, I ended up cutting two 19 1/2 in. x 19 1/2 in. pieces and four 19 1/2 in. x 10 1/2 in. pieces.  After that I followed the step by step instructions I outlined in the post.  

Please note that if you use a floor mat/rug for this project {any durable upholstery fabric or canvas would work great too} you will have to address the fraying issue on the cut ends of the rug.  If you have access to a surger, I would recommend surging all of the ends.  If you don't have access to a surger you can do what I did, which was zig-zag stitch my pieces together right along the edge, then zig-zag stitch again leaving about a 1/4 in. seam allowance.  Then I straight stitched over the zig-zag stitch just to reinforct it.  I did this because the weave on these floor mats is so loose that if a child jumps on them {like mine did} or adults use them as seating, the seam can gets loose and will eventually fray to the point of separation.

Okay, on to the good part...the reveal!

I love these poufs!!!  I loved my first poufs too, but these I love, love because they are so bright and fun.  They are going to look great out on the deck.

I can't wait to get the spaced all spruced up and ready for summer entertaining.  I'm so ready for the sun...and some leisurely fun!!!

Are you all just as ready for summer as I am?  We still have a week left of school, but honestly, I checked out weeks ago.

Gearing up for summer!

Howdy, peepsies! 

The weather has finally decided to stop teasing us...at least I hope so.  It's been beautiful and warm for the last week or two now and I am feeling ready for summer more than ever.  

Isn't it strange how our mental health is affected by the changing of seasons.  I am so motivated to get going on my long list of "to do's" now that I know the snow is in hibernation mode.  I have some big plans, if only I could get Studly on board.  Poor guy!  He freezes in horror everytime he hears me say "hey, I just had a really awesome idea".  We'll see how it goes. 

One of the jobs at the top of my list was to get the front yard landscaped...finally.  So, for the last week or so, Studs and I have been out in the yard digging and planting and watering.  We have no idea what we are doing, but things are looking pretty good so far...the place may be a tangled, jungle mess in ten years, but I guess we will deal with that later.

We have a little spot reserved for a sitting area {on the right hand side behind the rocks} , so I've been "researching" bistro sets and the like.  West Elm never ceases to deliver.  I found this beautiful wood furniture set that I would love to have. 

The dining table and benches would be too big for the space out front, but they would be ideal for the back deck.

This little coffee table and a couple of chairs would be perfect for the space, though.

All of West Elm's outdoor furniture is currently on sale, but it is still a little spendy.  I'm at the crossroads of deciding if I should spend more and get what I love, or spend less and get something that I just like...like this cute, turquoise bistro set from Target.

 I really like the color...naturally, but I don't particularly care for the style.  But bare in mind that this three piece set is $74, while the West Elm coffee table and two chairs is $580.

There is always the option of compromising and buying something more afforadable with a similar look as the West Elm set.

Little, wooden bench

Pottery Barn-$249
Wooden Armchair

 

Ikea-$99

Adirondack Chair

 Cost Plus-$99

Coastal Inspired Adirondack Chair

Cost Plus-$129

My heart is still smitten by the West Elm furniture, but I'll mull it over for a bit and see if I still feel that way.  I guess it's nice to know there are so many options available.  Whatever I decide to do, I can hardly wait to go outside and sit and soak up the long awaited summer sun. 

Are you as ready for summer to begin as I am?