Painted Sofa Before/After and Master Bedroom Updates

 

Several years ago I brought home an orange sofa from an estate sale.  Yes, it was orange and aesthetically dated in a way that didn't fit my style, but it's condition was pristine and it was only $30!  I was so drawn to it's curves and lovely tufting that I was able to look past the Brady Bunch orange upholstery.  I remember my husband giving me a funny look when he helped me unload it from the truck, but he didn't question my intentions.  He rarely does.  He knows better.

 

Our master bedroom is fairly large and I was hoping to create a pretty little sitting area.  The sofa was the perfect size, but obviously the wrong color.  I immediately covered it with a beautiful quilt, threw some pretty pillows on it and vowed to save my pennies to have it reupholstered one day.  Well, we all know how expensive upholstery work can be.  And it seems like after having children, your priorities get shifted and suddenly spending hundreds of dollars to reupholster a $30 sofa that no one ever sits on seems frivolous and unnecessary. 

 

If you've been following along with me here, you know that I have been working on making some updates to our bedroom.  I painted a new dresser for my husband and re-painted my old dresser for a completely new look.  With the pretty new updates happening in the room, the quilt covered sofa just wasn't working for me anymore.  I had been contemplating the idea of painting it with Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan ever since I saw other bloggers painting their own upholstered furniture.  My biggest concern was that the sofa would soak up several cans of paint and even though I would be spending considerably less than I would to have it reupholstered, I still was ready to spend over $100 making my $30 sofa look more presentable.  Recently, Debbie Hayes of Annie Sloan Unfolded painted and stenciled a sofa that appeared to be comparable in size to mine.  In her blog post, she stated that she was able to paint the entire sofa with just a half can of Chalk Paint®!  That was all I needed to hear!  A few days later, I pulled that quilt off of my orange sofa and started painting.  I created a custom lavender color by mixing Paloma and Old White.  Within a matter of hours the orange sofa was no more.  I estimate that my sofa took closer to one whole can of paint, but it was still a much more cost efficient makeover than what I had originally anticipated. 

 

 

This little sofa had been covered up with a quilt for so long that I had forgotten what a cute shape it had and how lovely the tufting was!  The Paloma/Old White mix created the most perfect shade of lavender for our room.  It's exactly the color of fabric I had envisioned the sofa being reupholstered in one day.

 

 

I know exactly what you're wondering when you look at this upholstery paint transformation...what does the fabric feel like?  Is it crunchy?  Well yes, it is a little crunchy...and I know I could apply Annie's clear wax and probably get a softer feel, but honestly no one ever actually sits on this sofa.  We lay our clothes out on it, and that's about it.  I was happy with how it turned out, so I decided to save my wax for another project.

 

 

Once it was painted in the most perfect shade of lavender, the little sofa needed a few more accessories to make it extra beautiful!  I tried to be open minded when shopping for throw pillows.  I knew I wanted to add some accent colors but I wasn't sure exactly what they would be.  I am trying to go for a "collected" cottage look in our room.  I fell in love with this little sequined, ruffled pillow at HomeGoods but it wasn't the pop of color I was looking for, luckily on the next aisle over was the satin patchwork pillow that had a lot of lovely soft colors on it to pull from.  I carried it around to a few different stores and eventually found the blanket in the perfect shade of blue to work with the pillow and accent the sofa. 

 

 

The other accessory the little sofa just had to have were some new legs.  As you can see in the before photo, the original legs gave the sofa sort of a mid-century modern look. 

 

 

Switching them out for some curvy Queen Anne style legs really helped achieve the vintage cottage feel I was hoping for.  I purchased the legs online from Van Dyke's Restorer's.  They were on sale and I ended up paying just $20 for four legs after all was said and done.  I chose to stain them with a dark stain I had left over from another project.  I felt like I needed a little bit of wood grain in this corner of the room in contrast with all of the painted pieces.  Special thanks to my sweet husband for his help in replacing the sofa legs!  I don't want to down-play his efforts, but it seemed like an easy straight-forward project, in case you were wondering.

 

 

The tiered end table is a piece that a friend of mine had for sale in her booth at Camas Antiques!  I originally purchased it hoping to use it as a nightstand in our room but it ended up being a bit too small.  I decided to try it out in the corner of the room next to the sofa, and as it turns out I think it's perfect there!

 

 

 Michelle painted this lovely table in Old White, distressed it just right and finished it off with clear and dark wax.  I love it, Michelle!

 

 

While I'm sharing in this corner of our room, I'll tell you a little bit about the new curtains I just put up.  Before, we had hand-me-down lace panels.  I liked them okay for several years but you know how it is when you change one thing in a room..it quickly leads to more changes!  I decided I wanted a more finished look with sheers and panels but I didn't have hundreds of dollars to spend, so I headed to Ikea! 

 

 

I liked the color, texture and the price of the Lenda curtain panels, but didn't much care for the tab top.  I thought I would do an alteration of some sort when I got around to it.  When I layed the panels out on the ironing board I realized that I could easily cut a little slit at the top of the curtain where it's folded over, just at the hem and feed the rod right through it.  I just tucked the tabs back behind once the curtains were hung in place.  It feels a little like cheating, but it works for me!  These have been up in our room for a few weeks now and I am really happy with them!

 

 

 This corner of our room is now prettier than I had imagined it could be, thanks to a few easy projects, a can of paint and some special accessories!  I still have a few things left on my to-do list as well as my wish list for our bedroom, but I am really pleased with how things are coming together!

 

Thank you for allowing me to share my decorating journey with you, and for your sweet visit today!

 

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing With:

Inspire me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life 

 Before and After Wednesday at The Decorated House

What's it Wednesday at Elephants and Ivy
Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home

Inspiration Gallery at Craftberry Bush

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed

Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground 

 Friday's Unfolded at Nancherrow

 Vintage Inspiration at Knick of Time Interiors

 

Ruffled Christmas Tree Pillow Tutorial

I am so happy to see that ruffles are still in vogue!  They seem to be everywhere in fashion, home and seasonal decor this year and I just love the soft, easy, romantic feeling they evoke!  I had an idea for a throw pillow with an appliqued ruffled tree that I couldn't wait to try.  I think it turned out pretty cute and it could easily be customized to suit a variety of decorating styles.

I started by tearing a strip of natural colored muslin, approx 2 inches wide, and 2 yards long. A small rectangle of burlap will serve as the trunk of the tree, 2" x 1.5."

There are many different methods for creating ruffles.  I was going for quick and easy, so I just fed my length of muslin through my sewing machine, sewing down the center and gathering the fabric with my fingers with each stitch.  You could buy pre-made ruffle trim at the fabric store, and if you're not into sewing, you could even hot glue the ruffles onto a store bought pillow!

If you're making your own pillow cover, you'll want to cut two pieces of fabric the appropriate size to cover the pillow form you're using.  Be sure to leave room for a seam allowance.  I used canvas drop cloth here and folded the front panel with the corners together, finger pressing the center.  This way, when I opened it up to apply the ruffles, I had the center marked for lining everything up evenly.

Next, I cut 5 lengths from my muslin ruffle:

1.  12 inches

2.  10 inches

3.  8 inches

4.  4 inches

5.  1.5 inches

I also cut a 12 inch piece of vintage lace to act as the tree skirt.  I pinned the ruffles, lace and burlap into place to form the tree, using that center fold line in the canvas as a guide.  I then took the panel to the sewing machine and sewed down the center of each ruffle (right over the stitching I'd done to create the ruffle).  I stitched around the edge of the burlap piece to create the trunk.  At this point I think it would be fun to play with some trim...adding buttons or beads as "ornaments."  I started to add some pearly buttons to mine but decided I really liked it as is.  A burlap star on top would be cute too!  So many possibilities!

Once I had the the tree just how I wanted it, I pinned my pillow form, right sides together and sewed around the edges, leaving a section of the bottom open.  I then turned the cover right side out, inserted my pillow form and stitched up the bottom by hand.

This festive little pillow was so fast, fun and easy to make!  I hope my instructions were clear enough to help you make your own if you so desire.  Please let me know if you have any questions!  I am happy to help!

I hope you're having a wonderful day!  

Take care!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 

I will be participating in these lovely weekly blog parties:

 

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Cooler Weather Crafting Frenzy!!!

Hello, Hello!  Something about this cold weather has put me in such a crafty mood!  Last Friday I did a quick post before cleaning up the crafting mess I'd made in order to get ready for a baby shower.  Amazingly, the house was presentable for party time...I even had the food prepared and managed to be dressed with make-up and hair done before guests arrived!  I must thank my sweet husband for coming home from work a bit early, and my mom for taking the boys off my hands that afternoon.  I couldn't have done it without them!  And the party was a blast!  Next day, the crafty mess returned!  Haha!  For several days now, I have been making things for my space at the shop and while I haven't found a spare moment to post about them, I've been sure to take lots of photos...and now, finally I am sitting down to put them all together to share with you!

I have been collecting these little vintage metal frames for literally years with the idea of painting them cream and decorating a Christmas tree with them!  One project at least 3 years in the making...DONE!

I picked up these blown glass hearts while out thrifting.  They were one of those emotional purchases as we had the same ones on our tree when I was little!  My husband suggested the twine hangers and I am loving the contrast!  Good call, Honey!

I also put together a few more jars and shakers filled with dried roses and hydrangeas.

I found this unusual basket while out thrifting one day.  It was the perfect vessel for these great aqua hydrangeas.  It went to the shop last week and sold within just a few days.

Sweet little gold shoes...These sold so quickly!  I hated to see them go but I'm sure they are being enjoyed in their new home!

This cute little decorative birdcage was another thrifting find.  I painted it cream and added the greens, nest and real blown eggs.  What a fun centerpiece for a bird themed table setting or a great addition to a nature inspired mantle!

I put some of that bling I pulled off of the retro cross to good use making these satin rosette pins and hair clips!  These have been such fun to make and I couldn't wait to display them at the shop and see if others love them as much as I do!

I may have went a little overboard with the satin rosettes!  Vintage book bundle...

and a pretty little vanity jar.

I finally got started on a wall treatment in my shop space that I have been dreaming about for months now!  I only have one wall done so far, but I think I am pretty pleased with how it turned out!  A patchwork of scrapbook pages applied with scotch tape...somewhat more dramatic than the lace I have had on the walls since I first moved into my new space!  What do you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you so much for your sweet visit!  I look forward to joining in on my favorite end of the week blog parties and seeing what all of my buddies out there have been up to this week!  Take care and stay warm!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 You'll find me partying with these sweet gals!

Debra - Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Cindy - Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Sherry - Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Courtney - Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Honey - Potpourri Party at 2805

                                 Vanessa and Heather - Inspiration Friday At the Pickett Fence

Organization Can Be Pretty!

It's been a whole year since I moved my craft supplies out of the linen closet and into my repurposed media cabinet.  During this time I've learned a lot about what works and what doesn't work for keeping my craft supplies neat and tidy!  For instance, the "spice racks" lined with jars of beads, safety pins, and other bits and pieces didn't work so well hung inside the cupboard door.  No matter how gently I opened the cupboard, the little jars and their contents would go spewing all over the place...eeeek!  I finally took some time to do a little re-arranging and re-organizing to spruce things up in a way that makes more sense!  I started by moving my little racks to the wall inside of the cupboard...much better!   

I just love these old wooden sewing table drawers for organizing.  I bought a whole singer machine in it's cabinet a couple of years ago for $15!  The cabinet's wood was warped and ruined but the drawers were still in great shape and I have since put them to good use!

I just discovered something kind of cool!  The small sized canning jars fit perfectly inside of the sewing drawers to organize and hold smaller craft items such as buttons and beads.  So much nicer than having it all thrown into one big container!

And it looks pretty too...Bonus!

Jars are great for storing craft supplies.  It's so nice to be able to see what's inside, without having to dump everything out and sort through it!

Sometimes a crafting tool or supply is just too pretty to be tucked away.  I love the look of this little pin cushion overflowing with pins next to my creamy pottery.  And, it's always handy when I need it!

I actually did a bit of fabric purging amidst all of my re-organizing.  My quilting stash now fits in the two drawers!  My small supply of upholstery fabric is tucked away in the picnic basket.  A place for everything and everything in it's place! 

There is a reason I'm not showing you the other side of my crafty cabinet!  I'm not completely done with the re-organization project quite yet.  It's not so pretty over there.  Lots of plastic containers overflowing with "stuff."  I'll get to it one of these days, and when I do, I'll give you a peek inside!

Thank you for your sweet visit!  I am really looking forward to hopping around to see what all of my blog buddies are up to this week!  Happy Spring to you all!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda



Linking up with:
White Wednesday at Faded Charm
Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design
Transformation Thursday at Shabby Chic Cottage
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Floppy Fabric Bow Headband Tutorial

As a busy mom on a limited crafting budget, I really love projects that can be whipped up in a short amount of time, use a fat quarter of fabric or less and require minimal sewing!  I also love making pretty things for little girls!  Of course if you've been following, you know that already!  Not long ago I came up with the idea for these floppy fabric bow headbands (reminiscent of the ones worn by little girls in the 1920's, only not quite so enormous?)

Photo Source:  Graphics Fairy

After some trial and error, I came up with a finished product that I was happy with.  Now I make these for my space at the antique shop and for all of my girly little friends!  Do you have a sweet little girl in your life who would love a pretty fabric bow headband?  Well then, here is your tutorial!  Have fun!

Here's what you'll need:

2 strips of fabric measuring 20" x 3.25" and one small 2"x3" piece

thread in a coordinating color

hot glue gun

sewing machine

scissors and ruler (a cutting mat and rotary tool work great)

pinking shears

plastic headband (you can either purchase one that coordinates with your fabric, or you may choose to cover one with a long strip of fabric or ribbon using your hot glue gun).

Start by matching up your two strips of fabric, wrong sides together.  It's a good idea to put a couple of pins in the middle to hold the strips together.  Next, cut each end at a slight diagonal.  These will be your bow's "tails."

Take your strips of fabric to your sewing machine and stitch them together, sewing 1/2 inch from the edge all of the way around the strip.  This is a great place to use a decorative stitch if you'd like to.

Now cut around the edge with your pinking shears, just outside of your stitching.  Be very careful not to cut any stitches!

Fold your strip of fabric into a flat bow and sew a zig-zag stitch down the middle to hold it in place.  Here is what the back side will look like after you've sewn it:

Now here is a front view:

  If you plan to cover your headband with fabric or ribbon, do that now using your hot glue gun. 

Take your 2"x3" square of fabric and fold the two longer sides in towards each other making it into a 1"x3" piece.  It's a good idea to iron it to keep the folds in place.  This will be the center of your completed bow and also attach your bow to your headband.  Have your glue gun ready.  Take your flat bow and fold it down the middle accordion style, holding it in the center with your thumb and forefinger.

Use your hot glue gun to attach the small piece of fabric to the front center of the bow and continue to wrap and attach it to the headband with small dabs of glue.

Glue down the end of the center piece of fabric to the underside of the headband and cut off any excess.  You're done!  You now have a lovely, feminine floppy fabric headband that is sure to make that sweet little girly girl's day!

Thank you so much for your sweet visit today!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

I will be joining in on these fun Link Parties:

Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Spring Fling Wednesday at This Blessed Nest

Make it Yours Day at My Backyard Eden

Transformation Thurdsay at The Shabby Chic Cottage

Delightfully Inspiring Thursdays at Delightful Order

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

Link Party at Tea Rose Home