Revamp that Old Tramp!

I recently revived an old sofa table for my friends, the Stefani's.  They love the table and the detail, as do I, but were over the faded yellow and the leg wobble.

My Steps to go from "eh" to "ahhh!"

1. Disassemble 

It is waaaay easier to work with parts.  Especially on a piece like this one that has these pretty bowed legs.

2. Sand or Strip

I chose to sand...so will talk about that process.  You want to use a COURSE grade sandpaper (P60-P120) to remove paint.  I used my Mouse sander first and then decided to give my husband's Dewalt man sander a go seeing as though there was a lot of layers to get through.  I love my Mouse.  It's super small and perfect for a lady in the studio...but the Dewalt is more powerful, hands down.  After you've sanded the paint off, you want to sand it again with a FINE grade sandpaper (P500) to smooth everything out before painting your first coat.  Be sure to wipe away all dust before painting.
*Unfortunately, I don't have a pic.  I was beat after the sanding...my least favorite part.

3. Reassemble

I decided to reassemble.  I don't have the tools to prop up a leg piece while painting, so I thought it best to reassemble.  The leg wobble was a concern of the Stefani's, so I decided to glue those pieces together.  I used Titebond Ultimate wood glue.  It's the best!  I glued the legs in, screwed them back on and used C-Clamps to hold each leg together.

4. Prime

I had some spray primer left over from another project so I went with that.  You have to use primer if you want a quality job done.  Period.  No questions asked.  Otherwise the paint seeps into the wood and the color is uneven.  Trust me...

5. Paint

My favorite part :)  So...I used spray paint...and I'm sorry I did.  I was trying to save money but ended up paying just as much or more for 4 cans as I would've a half gallon of paint.  The Stefani's wanted a more neutral color so I chose Rust-Oleum in Espresso Satin.  If I would've bought a canned paint, I would've had so many more fun browns to choose from, but this one turned out nicely.

6. Seal

I love to seal, but you have to sand again between coats...aye yai yai!  I used Minwax Satin Polyurethane.  Lay your first layer.  Follow the directions and wait 3+ hours. Then use a VERY FINE grade sandpaper (P1200+) to flatten your first shiny layer.  Then reapply another layer.

7. Marvel at your work!

This Old Chair

For the holidays this year, I wanted to do something special for my dad.  While cleaning out his garage for the big move, he found an old chair of his father's that he was going to give away.  It was worn and sad.  But I remembered my Pop sitting in it on his back porch for hours just watching the world go by when I was a wee one.  I wanted to save the chair and recycle it back to my dad so he could sit and relax on his back porch :)

I started with this: 

 I then took the seat out and glued the 3 seat pieces together.  I sanded the frame and added wood filler and glue to any holes or lose parts.

 I then stained the frame with Minwax Antique Walnut and added the wooden seat.  I didn't stain the seat because I was just going to cover it up with fabric. 

I went to Joann's to find some fabric and it was really difficult!  Nice, masculine reupholster fabric is really hard to find in your chain, fabric shop...but I think I found a winner.

Adding the cushion, batting and fabric proved to be the most challenging part.  But with a little help from the hubby, I was able to fit it all back together.

I think it came out pretty good!  What do you think!?!

Design - The Chicago House

I recently had the wonderful opportunity of working with Becky & Tray of Design Trait on a new bar concept downtown, The Chicago House. It's an "American Craft Beer and Cask Ale" house.   Think prohibition era, whiskey barrel goodness downstairs paired with sky blue walls, feminine, vintage chandeliers and shabby chic chairs and banquets upstairs.  The contrast is big but somehow it all works! 

I helped Design Trait source out a few vintage pieces like these big ornate chandelier balls from the Austin Antique Mall  and these gorgeous wooden trunk from Cool Stuff Furniture.  I love to shop for vintage....but to get paid for it?  Um...hello!  Call me again DT...I'm always available for that ;)

 

I also helped with some of the bar's furniture restoration.  I'm super proud of my refinished chairs.  I first sanded them all, applied paint, sanded the paint down to look worn and then sealed them.  It was a lot of work but so happy with the outcome!

Some of my work:

More pics of The Chicago House:

Thanks again for the opportunity!  And like I said....I'm available ;)