We’re over the moon for this fantastic chair makeover. Here’s Vanessa’s letter:
I read your blog daily and just wanted to send you a link to a project I just completed. It was inspired by your recommendation of this Target chair during their Home Design Event…
… a few months later I came across a chair at my FAVORITE second hand store, Second Thyme Around in Manhattan, KS. I liked the lines and thought, maybe this could be my first foray into reupholstery. I read about reupholstering on the internet and then I bought the chair for $25. Using multiple coupons for Hobby Lobby and Joann’s, I bought all the supplies I needed. Every single thing on this chair was at least 40% off, except the staples and spray paint, which I had to buy full price at the hardware store.
So here is the chair before…Then I let the deconstruction begin! I took a lot of pictures so I wouldn’t forget how everything went together at the end.
I must have pulled several hundred staples out. I have a nice little abrasion on my thumb from my needle nose pliers, so if you try this, I highly recommend gloves!
I discovered that the backing ‘pillow’ was actually faux, so I ended up leaving that piece on, though I did remove the buttons. The frame, however, was a gorgeous hardwood, and very sturdy.
Here’s where I started to attach new fabric. I used the old fabric pieces as templates to cut the new fabric. The old fabric had some decomposing latex foam on it which turned to a fine yellow dust that coated everything. I replaced the foam rubber where it was too far gone.
Here the fabric attachment is nearly complete. I hadn’t done the button tufting yet…
The legs were pretty beat up so they got a fresh coat of paint. Krylon spray paint attaches to anything!
Here it is with the button tufting on the back complete. Reese seems to like this chair. He actually sat in it while I did the tufting and played with the waxed twine. Never got out of the chair.
And finally…. The finished project! Yeah, it’s far from perfect. Also, the pillow cover needs some ironing, but that will come later.
Due to coupon use, the entire chair redo including the cost of the chair, was $73. And I had fun for 5 days worth of evenings. So I thought you might enjoy seeing the results. I wanted you to see the spirit of do-it-yourself your blog has encouraged in my life. Thanks again for the terrific blog! Best Regards, Vanessa
Seriously, could this made-it-myself story be more inspiring? We’re so excited that Vanessa’s foray into reupholstery was a positive one. Love that DIY spirit! Thanks so much for the pics, Vanessa… and we sincerely hope that your kitty gives you some much deserved chill time in that chair too!
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