It's finally done!

Originally, I wanted to post a whole tutorial on the chair that I reupholstered. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how difficult that would be!

Because really, the process was more of a "let's just start doing it and see how it goes."

So, we started ripping off fabric and watching little rusty staples go flying all over our lovely living room.



And it was a lot of work.


Um, ew? Look at all that dust of the ages under there! While I was trying to vacuum this up, our vacuum decided to start smoking... Yes, you read that right! It started billowing smoke. Thankfully, my handy husband was able to fix it. But not before I had a glimpse into a vacuum-less life. And let me tell you, it was very bleak indeed.

Moving on...


I discovered that the best thing to do is to take LOTS of pictures- from every angle so you can remember how to piece it all back together.



Once all of the old fabric was off, it was time to paint the frame of the chair. Josh and I lightly sanded the wood so the paint would adhere better, and then I used Rustoleum's "Heirloom White" and did 4 coats of paint. I think I used a little over one can of paint on the whole chair.

The fabric was purchased from Jo-Anne's for $3.00 a yard, and I absolutely love it! I don't think it's really "upholstery quality," but I don't really care. It's Home Dec fabric so it is stronger than usual fabric, and I don't intend to be sitting in this chair 24/7.

And finally friends, here is the after!







So there you have it! It's not perfect, but I really love it. And I think I love reupholstering things... I asked Josh if he would mind if I tried this again sometime. He just gave me a nervous laugh, but I think he'll come around.

I know when to admit defeat

And that is what I did this weekend.

I stood, with borrowed nail-gun in my trembling hands, and stared at my nemesis with every intention of overthrowing it's green, faux-velvet reign. I made a careful plan of attack, taking into consideration all of the knowledge concerning upholstering that Wikipedia had bestowed upon me. And I faltered.

Yes, my decorating friends, I have failed.

The ugly green chair is even now smirking with satisfaction as it sits in a nearby Goodwill, waiting for the next hapless housewife to come along.

The truth is, it would have cost me scads of money to reupholster that beast. And taken most of my precious weekend, and possibly even challenged a perfectly good marriage. Besides, I don't really like the shape of it anyway. I want something with cleaner lines.

So, here's to knowing when to put down the nail-gun and walk away.

Although, as I was walking away I noticed the ugly brown table that we have sitting in a corner in the guest bedroom... I'm thinking maybe a future ottoman?

blame it on the weather...

This month has been a time of reflection for me.

I am pondering what to do with the rest of my life (but that's nothing new!). I am thinking about what home project I want to tackle next. I am contemplating folding the load of laundry that's been in my dryer for 3 days (really, I'm not joking). There's lots of thinking going on here... very little doing.

On that non-committal note, this weekend I am (maybe possibly) going to try something I have never done before. We have a really hideous green chair that we've been trying to get rid of on Craigslist, but no one wants it. I was about to bring it to GW last week, when I remembered that I've always wanted to try my hand at upholstery.

So, why not give it a try?

I will either end up with a nice "new" chair, or we can have a big bonfire! It's a win-win situation! Plus, it will get me off my bum and help me to start actually doing something again.

So, I am doing my homework and researching, and I already have a plan to get Josh on board. I just have to say, "NEW TOOLS!" and I'm sure he will jump at the opportunity to shell out money for another decorating fiasco.

Have any of you upholstered anything yourself? Any tips for a newbie?