Finished Projects

Hello! I am so excited to share with you some projects that I have finished up this last week. I think that the month rest gave me extra energy that I haven’t had for a long while.

Do these pictures look familiar? To many of my new followers they may not. I found this awesome French sofa and chair for sale sitting by the road next to a very old farmhouse that was built-in 1824. This furniture spent it’s time in this sweet old home. Click on sofa and chair to read the post I did last fall to get you up to date on the farmhouse and history of the set.

 I spent hours last fall stripping the sofa and chair from all of its old fabric – which had been covered twice, and the padding and horse hair. There was thousands of staples and nails. Thankfully no one had a flat tire! lol  I did this on our carport.  Being that the owner had animals that lounged on the set meant that I needed to strip it all. It smelled like cat pee. YUCK!

I sold my sofa and loveseat in my nest soon after so I didn’t have much to sit on.  It took me awhile to save up and buy the materials for the set. I found that what was expensive was the foam for the backing and the seats.

I am on a pretty strict budget and by the time I finished stripping the set the holidays were almost here, so that meant I had to put off saving for the rest of the materials.

I can’t believe that I actually upholstered the set in my tiny apartment. But, it turned out just fine. I sanded and repainted the edging in cotton chalk paint by Vintage Market then put a light brown glaze over the top, then finished it with a matte sealer. I made sure to use a blocker so that the old color would not bleed through.

For the fabric I used painter tarps from Home Depot. For $13.95 a piece I thought that was a bargain and it only took 2 to cover the set. I used a burlap that was bonded on the back which gave it a great contrast. I was worried that the tarps would be uncomfortable to sit on but surprisingly it is very comfortable and much softer than I thought. Marked on the frame of the sofa was ITALY. So I guess it’s not a French set after all but an Italian set. They all look the same to me. lol

Are you ready for the reveal?

Now, I am no professional and this is the first big project I have ever done. I patted myself on the back when I finished. Then it made me smile, so I knew that it was right. I wanted it to look a little shabby so I went with tacks around the edges.

I took this picture before I finished the seat. I had to fix the side tucks.

This picture shows the back with the burlap.

I am thinking of making a mattress type cushion for the seat of the sofa and chair. It sits quite low. People seem to be taller now days. I sprayed 2 bottles of water and stain repellent on the set. Now I’m sure you all understand the whole domino effect. So it meant that I had some rearranging to do.

My sweet pink chair got a little make over with a lovely white trim.

The sofa and the chair both got new floral and striped  throw pillows.

My farmhouse coffee table was demanding too much attention so I painted the dark brown squares a pale pink. Now it fits right in.

You can see the post I did about DIY Harlequin pattern.

My book-case got a fresh coat of paint and then I sorted my books by color for a fun effect. Then it got some lovely vignettes. I like changes going on in my little nest it makes it feel fresh.

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Above are some up close pictures of the bookcase changes.

More romantic vignettes.

My entertainment center got a lovely summer display.

I added a floral curtain to match the pillows. I have really loved using florals in my decoration this summer, I think I will carry it right through the first of the year. I also have been adding a little more color in the nest and will be showing you that in upcoming posts.

I really love using blues and greens with my muted decor. If I take out the colored accessories in the sitting room I would have a muted palette.  That’s why I choose to have white or cream colors in my furniture and larger items. One thing I would like to know is why don’t they make TV sets in White? I am looking for the right set of shutters to put in front of the TV.

The mantle of course got spruced up. I painted the bottom box a very light blue.

Still more changes to come.

Have a marvelous day!

xx Jo

I will be at these amazing parties this week, come and join me!

Monday

Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings-the heart of our home

The art of Homemaking Mondays @ Strangers and Pilgrims

Tuesday

Let’s talk Vintage @ Bella Rosa Antiques

Wednesday

Vintage Inspiration Party @ My Salvaged Treasure

Moonlight and Mason Jars @ Cherished Bliss

Thursday

Thoughts of Home Thursday @ Poofing the Pillows

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Cup with Mrs. Olson

Share your Style @ The Essence of Home

Blog Hop @ Katherine’s Corner

Vintage Charm @ Blue Willow House .com

Friday

Home Sweet Home Party @ The Charm of home

Home Matters Linky Party @ Life with Lorelai

Simply Sweet Fridays @ Rooted in Thyme

Friday’s Furniture Fix @ Patina Paradise

Shabbilicious Friday @ Shabby Art Boutique

Five Star Fro Fro @ A Tray of Bliss

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Saturday

Pretty Pintastic Party @ Seeking Lavender Lane

Upcycled Linky Party @ Funky Junk

Inspiration Spotlight @ Dear Creatives.com

Best of the Weekend @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Share it One More Time @ Shabby Fufu