VMD: Gobal Glider Overhaul

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Gobal Glider Overhaul

The latest transformation comes in the form of a mass produced glider chair and foot stool. It has a simple wood frame with a tan cushion. It's practically new, very low impact use. The kids are no longer babies, so mom wanted it transformed into an adult chair.

The client wanted a global flare, lots of color and texture. We rummaged through my pile of fabrics and here is what she picked: the jumping off point.

Raspberry Giraffe Print, Recycled Burlap Cocoa Bag, Suzani Style Linen and Teal Latex Paint!!!! 

The fabrics were exciting, bright and inspiring.  The first thing that needed a transformation was the wood frame.  I gently sanded the frame and primed it with a white water based kilz.  From there I brushed a teal coat on top.  The application was not uniform, it did not coat completely but it didn't need to because I was distressing it!!!!  The next day after the paint had dried I sanded it with a 60 grit sand paper.  In some spots I rubbed more paint to mimic wear. The more raw wood I exposed the more I really liked the treatment.  I did finish with a coat of clear furniture wax just to seal in the exposed wood areas.  

It was then onto the cushion covers.  The foot stool was covered in a raspberry giraffe print and the welting came from the recycled burlap cocoa bags.  The chair cushion was mixed with fabrics on all sides.  More recycled burlap on the back and arms.  I tried to have as much of the cool block writing exposed as I could.  The welting was made from the green teal fabric, which was the 5th fabric utilized. The client was amazed at the transformation, pretty dramatic!!!

Molly's New Chair

Here is a before and after picture of the latest chair I finished. This one came to me from Molly, a fantastic women with ideals close to my heart. She had seen this chair sitting in her neighbors garage for months, she contemplated asking about it but waited. The most important trait of a chair hunter is patience and it paid off for Molly. The neighbor had a garage sale and there was the chair sitting out, ready for the pickin'. Molly got her chair!
One problem still existed, Molly and I didn't know each other. But one day Molly fatefully walked into Art and Antiques on Main Street in Durango and found a chair I had for sale. She bought it, we met and the new chair project began.

This chair had some tell tale signs of internal wear. When you sat on the chair a fine yellow dust fell from the bottom. This is an obvious sign that the foam has dried up and died in your chair! Upon further inspection, the foam was pretty much gone, dry little balls of foam; brittle and crumbling to the touch. So I stripped the chair down to it's wood frame and started over. The exposed arms and legs needed a good sanding. I re-stained the legs in a Dark Mahogony and did a Poly clear coat with a satin finish.

Then came reassembling the chair. Foam on the base and back, layers of cotton batting and dacron to finish. The fabric was Molly's choice (she has great taste) there was a tan diamond print for the back and front band. Hints of red and blue were mirrored on the front fabric, which was a beautiful sink like fabric with an embroidered asian flower print. There are pleating details on the arms and front band which give it a girly charm.

Projects like these are always rewarding. Molly had the vision to save the chair from the landfill and I was able to give it life, great combo! So when you see a sad little chair sitting on the side of the road, pick it up.. have faith and find a really good upholsterer!!!

Evenings Til Eight

Happy to report that I am participating in Evening Til Eight every Wednesday till the end of September. This event is a weekly event featuring all local farmers, artist, food vendors and music. Eighth street is closed down on the west side of Main St., the event runs from 5-8pm. I have had a tremendous amount of success and have enjoyed personally meeting all the wonderful people who have purchased my purses. Below is a link to the blog, facebook and website for Evenings Til Eight. See you Wednesdays!!!!

http://eveningsoneighth.com/

http://eveningoneighth.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/EveningsOnEighth

Asian Toile Chair Makeover

Last month I finished a really stunning desk chair. This chair is a great example of why I love to upholster old chairs... the transformation is dramatic. The chair was found in a free pile on the side of the road. My friend Lori saw it and picked it up for me, knowing it was a jem in the making. The seat was sagging and the fabric worn and dirty. I tore the chair down to the frame and then built it back from there. I finally got to use a asian toile fabric that was given to me as a gift about 2 years ago. I knew the perfect project would eventually come around. Below are the before and after.

Holiday Time!!

Great news the holiday season is upon us and I have been busting my tail trying to get new purses made. I have about 55 purses created at this point with at least another 45 in production. Follow the Facebook link to see the pictures. I will definitely be at the St. Columba (1801 E. 3rd Ave in Durango) craft fair on December 4th from 8am to 3pm. I'm also trying to organize a public show in downtown Durango before Christmas. I will let you know as info. becomes available.

Carvers Sale was a success!