Lamp love

Let me start by saying that I do not spend a lot of  money on furniture!  Having 3 boys and their friends' being boys as well...you can imagine the wear and tear on my furniture.  I have gone through 3 sets of couches.  Seriously 3 sets. The bigger my boys get, the heavier they get and the more force they use when they "plop down" on the couch!  (To be honest...my design taste changes so often that I look forward to having to replace them ;) )    The first set made it through the first years of our 3 babies.  I can't explain how much vomit soaked landed on them. I scrubbed them so much, the fabric looked like they had been sitting in the sun for years!  It's funny because it's where all three boys threw up.  Not the bathroom.  Not the floor.  Not a bucket. The couches. And on me, while sitting on the couch. On. The. Couch.  OK...too much information...sorry just keepin it real ;)

Speaking of the first set,  it came with a set of lamps, end tables and a cocktail table. The lamps are ceramic not wood.  I didn't like the color but loved the shape of them and since I'm loving a light and clean look, it's time to bring the love to my lamps!

Sorry for the bad quality of the pic :(

 I know they are not bad ugly but I'm just ready for a change.  And what better way for a change??  Yes, you know!  Rust-Oleum to the rescue and my love...the Comfort Grip :)

Now, I must say that I did clean the lamps with a cleaner and a rag.  They looked and felt clean and smooth.  Well... they weren't clean enough!  Paint doesn't love dust.  Say it with me!  Paint doesn't love dust!!  I should have cleaned with a toothbrush and used a lent free rag :(

You can see lent up close but I didn't see it when they were brown.

Thank goodness that I do not have friends that use a magnifying glass to inspect details... so I think I'm good for now.  But me knowing it's there is going to make me crazy!

They look so much better...even with the lent :)  

Vintage Cane Chair DIY

I have been looking for a chair for my office and wanted a bold fabric pattern.  I knew I wanted something with a zebra or leopard pattern but everything I saw was a small fortune :(  So...DIY it is!  I was in my local Goodwill and found a Cane Chair in sad shape.  It looked ratty and the smell... oh the smell was horrible!  I could see that it was looking to be beautiful again. It turned out really nice!  I will begin with the "after picture" because I can't wait to see finished projects right away so maybe you do as well! (btw...the yellow table is also DIY coming in another post).

Not pretty but has good bones.

I have to be honest this chair smelled so bad. I wasn't sure if something would jump out when I started taking it apart.  It had three layers of fabric, nasty foam and the burlap was goner!

On to making her pretty again!

I  never liked spray painting because of the cramps in my fingers so I couldn't get even coverage. I would get frustrated and try to rush and then I would get the dreaded drips :(   But lo and behold (insert the hallelujah choir) the Comfort Grip!  Thank you Rust-Oleum!  A must have when spray painting.  No joke.

I replaced the burlap, foam, and batting on the seat.  On the seatback, I wanted to add support but couldn't find nylon webbing anywhere.  I found handbag strapping for $.25/yard!  It's quite sturdy. Done. I'll take it.  I also wrapped batting around a piece of cardboard for the back of the chair so it stays nice and cushy looking.

The next phase was covering the chair with my Zebra Patter fabric!!  It has a suede texture and feels luxurious.  I'm so excited and a little nervous.  I must share that the Rotary Cutter was a life safer!  For. Real.  It glides along channels or groves and cuts precisely. It has a spring to cover the blade until you put pressure where you are going to cut and then the blade is exposed to cut.  It's very sharp so be careful.

I couldn't wait to get to this point...the BLING!  I used the nailhead trim that is like a rope, instead of the individual ones.  How hard can it be to tap in individual ones every five holes?  Well, let me tell you!  I am so thankful they provide at least 30 extra because I used every one! I.am.not.kidding.  It was funny at one point until I realized I had used so many extras that the ones I had left, I couldn't break or make a mistake or I wouldn't finish.  Not funny.

Done and beautiful :)

Linked up:

[Miss Mustard Seed] [Liz Marie] [Our House, Now A Home] [Lou Lou Girls] [DIY Vintage Chic] [Redouxinteriors] [House of Hipsters] [Classy Clutter] [Titi Crafty] [Huckleberry Love] [Claire Justine] [Boogieboard Cottage] [DIY Show Off] [The Clever Chicks] [A Pinch of Joy] [That's What Che Said] [Chic on a Shoestring Decorating] [Tip Junkie] [Imparting Grace] [Joy In Our Home]