Tuesday, April 26, 2016

The Story of a chair...



About a couple of years ago, I was browsing thru my local thrift store, not looking for anything in particular,  when I found this chairs... 


They were $9.99 each, and there were six of them. Hmmm, I really don't need them, I don't have a place for them, I thought.
I was trying to talk myself into keep going and into leaving them behind... 
But the possibilities that were running thru my head, were too grand to pass and they were only 10 bucks each, so it was a no  brainer. I am happy I did listen to the other voice, the one who said go wild and go for it!! so they came home with me!
The caning was perfect and the chairs were strong and sturdy. 



They lived in my garage for a while... until I started working on them. First thing that needed to go was the dated orangy vinyl cover on them.

This is me, removing one by one all the staples from the previous two upholstery jobs.
I painted them in Old White by ASCP, distressed them and applied a coat of clear wax.
This chairs by the way escalated to a whole kitchen eating area makeover, including new window valances, and a new (old) table! 


After I painted them I upholstered them with this fabulous blue Buffalo check fabric. 




They lived happily for a couple of years in my kitchen and I lived happily with them... 
Until one day, little fingers started wandering thru the holes of the caning, and what started in a tiny rip ended up in a massive disaster... 


Yikes, yikes, yikes... and more yikes. When it was a couple of tiny rips I found someone who gave a an estimate of $150 to have the caning repair... Oh boy, that was a lot of money. Since I only payed $10 for the chair, I really considered to have it done. Then I thought what about if I pay $150 and it happens again... because I know we are not done being adventurous in this house, and I know there will be more disasters coming my way...
So I disregarded the idea of repairing the caning. Instead, I chose to give the chair a new life... 


I cut out all the remaining of the caning, and I put a piece of padding that I had left over from another project in the place where the caning was. Then, I upholstered the back and the seat with drop cloth also left over from other projects.


Sorry this picture is yellowy, I can get more accomplish and I work best when the little ones go to bed, so It was night time, therefore, it was dark outside when I took this shot.


Stapled the fabric into the chair, then cut the excess fabric as close as possible to he staples.




Of course I had to add some flare to it, so I painted blue stripes emulating a grain sack. (again, night time shot)

I added some trim. I chose a double rope looking one, because it was the wider I found. I wanted to make sure it will cover all the staples well. 


 I also added some stencils.


And on top of the trim I added a nail trim. to add more texture and coolness to it. ;)
I bought it in a roll, it was very easy to apply.



And there you have it! It came out pretty good, huh? At least that's what my 9 year old though. He said it was the coolest chair he has ever seeing! That's a huge compliment! :)







I am sad that this chair broke and I have to find a plan B for my kitchen now, but I am so glad I, again, rescued this chair and gave it a third life!! 
I am so happy you stopped by today, I hope you enjoyed the story of my chair! 
Have a wonderful day, and come back soon! :)

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32 comments:

  1. That is so cool! What a neat idea and you pulled it off so well!! Great job.
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  2. OMG This post is os cute and the chair is so wonderful!
    Un beso

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  3. Replies
    1. Welcome Maddalena!! I'm so happy you are here!! Thank you for following me!! :)

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  4. My goodness! This is positively awesome and beautiful! I am pinning this project. You did such a stellar job and I cannot believe the price of these chairs. You were so, so right in listening to that little voice.
    Such a happy a post too:)
    Jemma

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  5. What a great save!!! The chair is beautiful and looks so pretty in your bedroom. You nailed it with this one!

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  6. I am so happy to see that you shared this with us today! I am still marveling at your capabilities and the beauty of the project.
    Thank you for your thoughtful visit to me, you know you made my day too:)
    Have a really delightful weekend!
    Jemma

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  7. That chair turned out so pretty! You are an ace with the stencils. I'd be so afraid after doing all of that work that I'd goof on the stencil party. We have two chairs in our garage that need some treatment like this. You are very encouraging.

    Happy TOHOT. :)

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    1. Go for it Stacey! It's really easy!! I always get a bit nervous when I do the stencil, because I am afraid of messing it up, that's why I like to use drop cloths, at least the fabric is very cheap!:)

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  8. Wow! I'm sorry that you lost the chair in the kitchen area, but oh how you rescued it, again! The transformation is amazing, and it looks so perfect in the bedroom.

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  9. Thanks for stopping by my blog ......still think your chair is remarkable...
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  10. Wow, love what did. Your chair looks great.

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  11. Oh goodness! You did an amazing job.
    I would love to find six beautiful chairs like that!

    Thank you for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday.
    We are always happy to see you here :)
    Have a wonderful day!

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Laura! I love visiting TOHOT, there is always so much beautiful inspiration there!!

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  12. I loved what you did to the chairs with the paint and the blue checks. I would have never thought to do the back the way you did when the cane came apart. That was a clever idea and it looks beautiful.

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  13. Cristina! Your makeover of this chair with the drop cloth and grain sack stripes is awesome! I love the trim, it's the perfect finishing touch! Well done! I love using drop cloths to upholster with! If you would like to share this or any other makeover at one more party, Making Broken Beautiful (runs every Thursday thru Sunday) is happening over at The Curator's Collection right now and I'd be honored to host your talents! I hope you have an amazing day!
    Smiles!
    Terry

    http://thecuratorscollection.wordpress.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Terry! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! You made my day! :)
      Thank you for the invite to join your party! What an honor to be hosted at your beautiful Blog! Have a wonderful day! :)

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  14. You did an awesome job on that chair! I love how you made them over to begin with for your kitchen too. The one that needed cane repair turned out so pretty. It's perfect with your secretary in your bedroom. You're very smart to know how to do that. I would've thought I needed a professional to do that. I have a similar caned chair in my bedroom too.

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  15. What a fabulous job you did on these chairs. Both times actually.

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  16. You're certainly getting your money's worth out of these chairs! It would be disappointing to see the damage happening to the poor chair, but you have revitalized to a beautiful comfy seat in the bedroom. I hope you come up with a great Plan B for the remaining kitchen chairs ... maybe have two different chairs for each of the table? They look so nice with the distressed paint and blue checks ;)
    Wendy

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  17. What a fantastic transformation. I am a bit late to the party due to my college semester finals but I am so glad I am here now. Thank you for joining TOHOT. Fantastic post, have a great week!

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  18. What a great save, twice! Featured at Be Inspired this morning. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  19. I think the makeover was actually better than the wicker backs. It really is terrific looking.

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