Button-Tufted Bench

DONE!
We got our trim up!!
A huge "THANK YOU!" to J&S for their willingness to help us out.  You are the best.

I am so excited that our house no longer looks like it's under construction.
Sure, we have the closet doors to paint and hang.
Sure, we have to put putty in all the little nail holes.

But the trim. is. up.
And I am a happy girl.

Today's post comes courtesy of a friend I'll refer to as...Lucille.  Because that's a fun name.

Lucille had this little bench that had been a part of her family, and it needed...some love.
Or a whole bucket full o' love.
Here's how she looked when I picked her up (the bench, not Lucille):

Did a little tear fall from your eye?
Well, not to worry.  I told Lucille I'd take good care of her little munchkin and bring her back with her love tank on "full" (book reference, anyone?).
And I have.
Though I haven't actually returned her yet, as she is still sitting in my living room.

 Much better, right?
Lucille picked out a fabric that would match her decor and we decided to go with an off-white for the frame.  Super cute.

And in case you have a sad little bench with an empty love tank that needs filling, here are some upholstery tips and details on button tufting!
If you're looking for a basic upholstery tutorial without tufting, check out the Baby Piano Bench.
A couple other good ones to check out are The Little Chair that was Oft Misunderstood, or An Upholstered Chair Fit for a Princess.

The first step of any reupholstery project is to tear the piece down.  Take off the fabric and remove staples.
And try not to give yourself too many blisters.
Since I was repainting the frame, I also took off the padding.

Joe spray primed and then painted the frame.  Because he's just that awesome and helpful.

...and he wants a healthy baby :)

I usually use spray paint on chairs and such because it goes on SO much smoother than brushing.

And it's faster, so it's a win-win!

I then gave the frame a light distressing around the edges using sandpaper.

 The padding was a sort of synthetic "horse hair" type stuffing, covered with cotton batting.  Unfortunately, over time the fabric had torn along the front and some of the stuffing had fallen out.  I beefed it back up with some Poly-Fill, tucking it under the existing stuffing to keep it smooth.

Then, I used some leftover cotton batting from the Hollywood Regency Chair to patch in where the original cotton batting had been lost.
Now, I don't usually use legit' upholstery materials like cotton batting, because you HAVE to buy it at full retail.  However, in this case it was needed because I needed the new materials to mesh smoothly with the old ones.  Cotton batting is perfect for this, because it pulls apart easily and creates really smooth seams.  Just pull on it to tear and smooth it out with your hands.
Magic.

Once I had the padding all back in order, I covered my buttons.  I just used button kits from Wal-Mart.  It worked fine...except that my fabric was REALLY thick and it just about made my thumb fall off trying to push the pieces together.
But I won out in the end.
And my thumb feels much better now, thank you.

Here is how to install the buttons in your button tufting:
First, cover all your buttons.
Then, lay out your piece of fabric onto your project, giving yourself plenty of extra fabric on all sides.
I used the holes on the old fabric to show me where to put the buttons, and marked the new fabric with little pieces of tape.
Which worked fine.
Until Jip decided to pull them up and chew on them.
    He pretty much thinks that since he played with the tape balls from painting the windows,
    ALL TAPE IS FOR HIM AND HIM ALONE.
    All hail the tape master.
Anyway, once you have your button locations marked, follow this handy little picture chart!
 Sorry about the small print, I'll explain it below in case you can't read it.

Hmmm...well, that doesn't look as nice in blogger as it did in Gimp.  So here are the steps if you can't read them above:
1.  Loop thin string through button backs--(large string in pictures is for illustration only)
        I actually used 12 lb test fishing line and it worked really well.
2.  Thread string onto needle and push through upholstery.
      Push it through from the top into one of your marked places.  I had to use pliers to get my needle to go through.
3.  Tie string under the seat around a piece of cotton.
      Tying it around a chunk of something keeps it from pulling back through.
      You could use a cotton ball or wad of fabric for this, too.
4.  Finish seat as usual.

Once the buttons are all in place (smooth the fabric as you go to make sure you have even "tufts"), the staple gun comes into play.
Have I mentioned lately how much I stinkin' love my staple gun and air compressor?

Unfortunately, I have to let you know that without a staple gun with an upholstery nose on it, I could not have completed this project.  I know that's stinky for people who don't want to go buy an expensive gun just to complete a few projects, but I don't know how I would do it without this gun.  It has a nose that's skinnier to fit into grooves for upholstery.  And no safety catch.
I live on the wild side.
If you have questions about the staple gun, just leave me a comment :)

Next came the fun part.  I basically just stapled the fabric around the edges into the grooves.
However, sometimes you have posts and arms and such that you need to work around.  For that, just follow the pictures above.
1.  Cut a wedge out of your fabric that will fit around your post.
       BE CAREFUL NOT TO CUT IT TOO BIG!!  Start with it too small, then cut slits until you can   get it nice and snug.
2.  Tuck it around your post and get a good fit.
3.  Fold under the raw edges
4.  Pull the fabric to exactly where you want it and staple it into the groove.

Hooray!

Now, if your piece has grooves like this, you'll want to trim the excess fabric as tightly to your staples and the groove as you can.  Then, you'll want to sew up some cording to clue into the gap and cover your raw edge.

Once you have your cording sewn, carefully hot glue it into your groove, being careful to cover up all your raw edges.  Go slowly.  This can be trickier than it sounds...trust me :)

Is it weird when a random internet snob tells you to "trust me"?  Yeah, I think that qualifies as creepy.
UNLESS I'm Aladdin and start singing and swooping you around on a magic carpet.  That would qualify me as awesome.

Okay, let's tone it down a bit.
And I'll show you a "Whole New Bench" Hahahaha!  So flippin' clever!
Sorry.
Here's where we came from...

 And here's where we ended up!!

The adorable little buttons that about busted my thumbs.  Worth it, by the way.

 See how the cording cleans the edge up so nicely?

 I can't get enough of these buttons.

Awww, doesn't it look so nice in that little niche?

I suppose I could just not call Lucille for a few days, huh?
Actually, I'm picking up some dust cover for the bottom tonight, so it might be a couple days.
Just covering my bases.
Lucille, are you reading this?

Is grand theft bench a federal offense?
Good luck catching me on my magic carpet.

~The Doodle Bug

I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:

Friday Feature @ Redoux

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Simply Creations Link Party @ Simple Home. Life

It's a Hodgepodge Friday @ It's a Hodgepodge Life

Spotlight Saturday @ Classy Clutter

Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday @ Kammy's Korner

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Be Inspired @ Elizabeth & Co.

Wow Us Wednesdays@Savvy Southern Style

Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

Grey Highboy Dresser

Hello, Mr. Woodchuck.

Haven't seen you around in awhile, huh?

Do you remember how last Spring I was so excited to move to our current rental and see all the wildlife?  Yes, and how I was so excited about the woodchuck I saw by our shed?

Well, then we learned that they're varmints and that they tunnel under buildings, compromising the foundation.  So...then Joe got out his gun.  A big gun.  

On Sunday morning.

No more Woodchuck.

Until this evening, that is.  Now my husband will have something else to take care of.  And then we will all mourn the woodchuck.  *sniffle.*


Anyway, now that I have offended all the varmint lovers out there, let's get to the point of this post--starting with the before AND after!  (hey, you've already read this far, you deserve it).

Doodlings #2

Time for show and tell!!  Today I worked at the store.  You know how they say "when you're trying to save money, stay out of the shopping mall!!!"?  Well, me working at the store all day is like sending an opium addict to China for a romp in the poppies.  Joe and I are saving for a house.  Saving, saving.  And as you all know from last week's post, I already spent all my blow money on my magnificent theatre seats.  Do I regret it? Absolutely NOT!  But it still left me in a store full of pretty things all day long with sparse customers to distract me.

My solution?  I took a camera.
Hey, when you can't buy it, just take a picture!  That way even though you don't own it, you still have a record of its existence.  Here are some things from the store that caught my eye.

A Beautiful vintage necklace, earring, and bracelet set.  Sorry the picture's a bit blurred--it was under glass...so people don't get sticky fingers :)

Before & Afters and Blow Money Magic

Do you ever have those days when you just want to see some quick results, and you don't care how you get them?  Today is one of those for me.  I was working downstairs in a tizzy not because I'm in a hurry, but because I just want to get something done!!  I finished for now downstairs, and because I can't seem to sit still, I got busy on a post--an "instant gratification" update post.  Meaning I'm going to show you a little bunch of things that won't require you--or me--to think!  Hooray!

Actually my brain is a little fried.  Last night we went over to "Family H's" (remember them?  They gave me the Striped Bench and Antique Wood Box, just because they're awesome.  And they think they're giving me junk! HA!), because they were burning a big pile of...big timbers...and we were up late making sure nothing else caught on fire.  Actually Joe & "A" were up late.  I went to bed, because I'm a diva.

Anyway, as promised, here are a few little stories and pictures to update you on my awesome recent projects and finds.

Up first, this little rocking horse that I bought for CHEEEP!

Doodlings #1

Did you notice anything different when you got here? Look carefully and you'll see something very exciting, and long overdue.

Distressed Antique Dresser--Paint & Stain

**Welcome to all who are visiting from Pinterest!  I'm so happy you've stopped by,  hope you have some fun while you're here :)  If you're looking for some more projects, check out the tabs below the header.

________________

HELLO!!

I am so excited to show you all this project.  I have been wanting to post on it for about a week, but could never seem to find the time.  Today, however, my body decided to run a slight fever and hurt all over, so lucky for you today is the day of the long-awaited (by me) post!!

This project was a new process for me, and a great piece to start with so when it was done there was a lot of "Joe, look at my dresser!"  "Don't you love it?!!"  "I am SO excited!" etc...  And yes, Joe played along very well and was excited for me...though not as excited as me, I do believe.

Meet an antique quartersawn dresser that has seen many better days.

The dresser was structurally sound, but the veneer was peeling and wavy (probably water damage) and one of the drawers had split apart (note the wood putty).

SO after I did some gluing and wood putty to fill all the gaps, then sanded down the top and drawers, I was ready to get to painting.  I know that might make some of you cringe, but look at that top!  No way was that veneer coming back to life for a refinish job--paint was its only option.

I had been seeing in the store a combination of Paint + Stain, and was loving the results, so I thought this was a great piece to try it on.  Meet my Arsenal of products:

First, let me tell you that I am not a lover of prep-work.  In fact, if ever possible I skip it (Don't tell anyone, the primer police might come and get me).  In this case, though, the wood was very raw, not glossy, so I simply tinted my primer to my desired base coat.
And did it work well?
Absolutely.
That's a point for me.
(If you want more tips and cheats on painting, check out my post on Paint Mixing Basics.  It might just change your life)

I started with my Zinsser FastPrime2, which is white, and tinted it with the Royal black paint, and some blue craft paint (did I just say craft paint?  Why yes, madame, I did.  I really don't need a quart or gallon of bright blue or bright yellow, so I use cheapo craft paints to fine-tune my colors!  Call me a genius, I'll pretend to be modest).  I tinted it to a bluish medium grey, which is a color that I'm currently in love with.  That is the color in the cottage cheese container.

The other product is a Minwax Dark Walnut oil-based stain, and sandpaper.  I also used Minwax Polycrylic water-based poly, it just didn't want to be in the picture.

Okay, so here are the steps (apology for the missing pictures...I was excited...)

1.  Patch, sand down, glue, etc... the whole piece.
2.  Base coat in your concoction of tinted primer (in my case, grey).
3.  FOR A DISTRESSED PIECE:  Once the base coat is dry, use orbital sander or sanding block to sand away the paint on corners & high-wear areas (remember the drawer fronts, too!).  Sand down to the raw wood--this will become magic in the next step. (for tips on a convincing aged look, check out the post on Aging Furniture)
4.  Wipe on stain with paper towel (wearing solvent-resistant gloves & the ever-popular respirator) all over the piece, in the direction of the wood.

Here is what to notice:  

See the base-coat blue-grey in the drawer slots?  That is before any stain.  The top is after stain is applied.  Magic, right??  I actually had no idea that the stain would turn the piece into a greenish color, but I love it.  Also notice the edges that were sanded down.  Since they were raw wood, the wood accepts the dark stain and makes those distressed areas pop out.  Wood lovers, that part's for you.

5.  After the stain has set for a little while, take a clean paper towel (keep those gloves & respirator on) and wipe off any excess in the direction of the grain.  If you wipe too much off in one area, just reapply some stain evenly and try again.  This part is fairly forgiving.  Make sure to leave the stain in the cracks, since that is where a piece will age naturally.

6.  Let the stain dry 24 hours and sealcoat it with Minwax Polycrylic Water-Based Polyurethane. 

Not too complicated, right??  And it can take a sad dresser like this:

And turn it into THIS!What's missing, you ask?  Can you tell me?  Drawer hardware, of course!!  (As far as I'm concerned, hardware is jewelry for furniture...and I could spend an unjustifiable amount of time and money on it.  I actually splurged a little on this piece and spend $1.77 each on them.  Be still, my heart).Here she is in the store.

 Who Doesn't want a giant ceramic pear?  That's what I would like to know.  And please admire the insanely heavy cast-iron tape dispenser.  I'm kind of happy no one's bought it yet...

Ooh, though I am not obsessed overall with the distressed furniture movement, I am really loving this treatment.  The stain makes it seem so much more natural--and I can still see some of the wood's color underneath.  

Not to mention those knobs  :)

I have since used this technique a few more times, and with a few different options.  Check out some ways to fiddle with this finish in these posts:

 Grey Highboy Dresser (Another example of this same technique)

Driftwood-Look Table & Chairs (Similar finish with only water-based products)

 Wax-Resist Stenciled Planter (To add a stenciled design to a distressed piece)

 White & Grey Distressed Table and Chairs (Similar finish with two tones of paint)

Happy Friday, have a great weekend!!

~The Doodle Bug

I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:

Friday Feature @ Redoux

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Simply Creations Link Party @ Simple Home. Life

It's a Hodgepodge Friday @ It's a Hodgepodge Life

Spotlight Saturday @ Classy Clutter

Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday @ Kammy's Korner

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Be Inspired @ Elizabeth & Co.

Wow Us Wednesdays@Savvy Southern Style

Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

This post has been featured on Better After & Classy Clutter!  Thanks for all your visits & comments!

Canning Jar Soap Dispenser

I saw this fun, quick project on Pinterest the other day and wanted to do it so badly (Thank You to my bestie who revealed the magic of Pinterest to me).  It is a project originally posted by Erin at {A Charming Nest} --check hers out and see her other fantastic projects if you get a second!

Yesterday I couldn't wait any longer to get started, and it was such a quick project that I didn't have to put other things off to get it done.  Those kinds of projects are my favorite--small time commitment, big impact.

 I took an antique blue ball jar (I love those old blue ones!) and old zinc lid (I happened to have some of these I bought at a garage sale, but you can use any kind of lid that fits your jar), along with a run-of-the-mill plastic soap dispenser down to my workshop...to face the butcher.

First, I cut the top off the soap dispenser using a utility knife (Watch those fingers!)

I drilled a hole in the top of the zinc lid, big enough to fit the top of the soap dispenser through (we don't have a drill bit big enough, so I had to use the biggest one we have and just make it work...can't say it's the prettiest hole in the world!) 

Next, I took the top of the soap dispensor and put it through the lid...then screwed on the pump!  Voila!  You can't even see the ugly hole in the top anymore!  

Fill up your Ball Jar with soap, screw on your new pump and BAM!  You have a cutie soap dispensor!

 You will notice that I chose to put it in the bathroom, not the kitchen.  I really wanted to put it in the kitchen, but remember how my kitchen sink area now looks like this?

I wasn't really in the mood for a seventh canning jar in the area, so the bathroom received the soap dispenser.

 Mental Note:  Next time I buy hand soap, I want to buy the clear kind so I can see the jar better!

I am so excited to have this unique little guy in the bathroom.  One little piece of character at a time.

Happy Tuesday!

Reclaimed Lumber

Introducing...My obsession.

Reclaimed Lumber

Warning: Love of reclaimed lumber is considered highly contagious...

I have been slightly obsessed with reclaimed lumber--especially when used as furniture tops and floors--since Joe built my kitchen island last year:

Reclaimed or antique lumber has become a really popular option in recent years because  you can take a brand spankin' new house, put in antique wood floors or countertops, and it magically gives the house a sense of history.
Insta-Character!  

So when I brought home this little beauty I was dreaming of putting a reclaimed lumber top on it.

My lumber source:

These lovely (yes, see the potential?) pallets were given to us by a friend, and until now I had only used the lumber from them in as-is condition.  For example, Joe and I made this work table with the lumber a few months ago: