Patio Dining Set Makeover

Well, here's what I had to start with.  Peeling paint, 1970's faded yellow, BLAH.

Step 1:Paint

Step 2: Make seat covers.  Why?  Because I don't want waffle booty.

I started by making ties to attach the covers to the chair.

Then I folded the ties in half and pinned the fabric for the covers right side together.  I also left an opening at the bottom so I could turn it inside out.

Then I turned them right-side-out and topstitched.  Done-zo!

And now, the new dining set:

Up next: re-cover the other chairs on my patio, make some placemats and coasters, and add some art.  Whew!  When I get one project done, 3 more pop up in its place!

Picture Frames Makeover

Ok, I have to gush about my recent Salvation Army find. I bought two lovely wooden frames for under $8 (they were $4 each?). I've had them in my car for a week before it struck me - I should make them into mirrors! Here's the before and after of my picture frames:



First, I lightly sanded down the picture frame and wiped it clean. Then popped out the glass inserts and sprayed the wrong side with Krylon Looking Glass.




While I was waiting for the Looking Glass to dry, I spray painted the frame white. I liked the distressed look which happened after 4 coats of white spray paint. It goes with the antique look of the looking glass.

Honestly, I kept putting on layers of the Looking Glass. The can says you only need to have 3-4 layers. It lied! After 5 coats I could still see my drop cloth (see picture below!). I gave up and had dinner in hopes it would dry really dark.



The can "says" you can handle your glass after one hour. Maybe if you only have 4 coats on it? I picked mine up after an hour and smeared the Looking Glass! AUGH!  I was upset and thinking I had a craft fail. I let everything dry overnight and in the morning, I remembered I had this cool stencil plus paint downstairs. I applied the stencil and painted in the lines with a foam brush.




I reassembled all of the pieces for this look. Pretty nice, huh? I think I like the painted glass better anyway. I toyed with etching the glass but that stuff is pricey!




Total cost for these two mirrors/ decorative art? $14. Rock on. They carry the Krylon Looking Glass at Michaels but you should call first to make sure they carry it. My closest Michaels didn't carry it so they sent me about 15 minutes away to the next Michaels which did carry it. For a small 6 oz can it costs $11 but if you are savvy and bring a coupon and get it for 40 or 50% off! They accept competitors coupons so you can also bring in a Jo Ann's coupon if the savings is more. Trust me, you want a coupon for this stuff.

What do you think? Be honest!

Psssssst.... I had a weekend full of painting. I can't wait to show you what other stuff I did!!

Spray Painting My New Lamp

I had an adventure yesterday. I've been seeing all these great thrift store and dollar store finds and I must admit, I'm jealous. After searching my local thrift store 2 weekends in a row, I've come up empty handed. So I ventured a little further from the house and found a local Salvation Army that claims to have the largest furniture selection in Ohio. I found this really ugly lamp that soon became my favorite accessory in my bedroom. 

I'm working on adding text to my pictures, so as I take you through my journey, let me know if you like it! Also, if you plan on spray painting something, I have some tips I'd like to share with you.