Ottoman Empire (or...Hamlet maybe)

So I saw this ottoman on Joss & Main one day and felt inspired (and cheap).  In case you haven't discovered this little gem of a website, they are a members-only site that features different collections of household wares every day.  They normally have some bloggers and designers create collections (maybe once a week or so) and I find most of the styles to be crisp and appealing.  Some brands can be a little pricey, but I did get this little gem for my husband for Christmas last year.

He loves armadillos; what can I say?  Do you have an armadillo jockey in your house? Well, you should. He brings much joy. Anyway, I regard the pricier options wistfully, then Pin(terest) to my heart's desire, and decide to DIY what I love the most.  Hence this ottoman below...No, that is not the after.  That is the inspiration. The over $100 dollar original.  It hurts my feelings to spend that on something you mostly put your feet on; call me crazy.  

Picture from Joss and Main via Pinterest

So first I chose my measurements (26.5" by 21") had my loverly husband cut a leftover piece of MDF to size for me.  Then I attached these leg adapters to each corner.  I measured about 2 inches in from each side for stability.  I made a tiny pilot hole and then used my drill to attach them.

I then chose the locations for my buttons.  I looked at the original and did six total, off-setting them so it wasn't too grid-like.  You can see the holes somewhat in the second picture.  After that I used some E-6000 adhesive to attach a piece of 2-inch foam from Joann's and covered the whole thing in a layer of batting using my staple gun.

When I stood it up, I could see it needed a bit more puff for the look I wanted and to have the buttons look right to me, so I filled it with some polyester fiberfill (also from Joann).   Here is a midway stuffed shot.  I checked it throughout to make sure it looked decently even.

Concurrently, I was also spray painting the legs that I bought from Home Depot with some primer first (since they were raw wood and would soak up the more expensive colored paint) and then a few even, thin layers of Kona Brown Gloss (Rustoleum).  I let them cure for at least a day before attempting to use them.

Here is the piece all covered and stapled to high heaven. And here it is with the legs attached and the material arranged.  I staple the fabric once on each side to make sure the alignment is how I want it so I don't have to take out a million staples if I placed it poorly (been there, tossed that across the room, and then did my best Yosemite Sam impression as I pried out every last staple).

 Satisfied with my placement, I proceeded to staple the heck out of the bugger.  I leave my corners for last normally (since I find them to most annoying), but I give myself enough room to fiddle near them.  As every novice reupholsterer will tell you, you make corners just like you wrap a present.  Of course, what they don't tell you is that the "wrapping paper" is flexible, doesn't fold like paper, and can slip away at any moment.  But with due diligence, your corners will get wrapped. (Sorry for the blurriness below, I always end up trying to take pictures in my darkest room at night!)

I finally had to take a break at this point.  Monday I'll post the button threading and final reveal!


P.S. If you know me and want an invite to Joss and Main, just shoot me a comment and I will be glad to oblige.

I've been framed! Or at least my jewelry has

So I have had this little beauty hanging on the back of my closet door for quite awhile.  Lovely, isn't it?

Well, I made it out of some scrap fabric and foam sheets of all things. I then took some strips of screen (the same kind for screened enclosures) and attached it to the back.  This functioned perfectly well for a couple years at least and never really failed me.  I just wanted something a little more refined and less wonkified. Hence...

I found the glassless frame at Garden Ridge with measurements in hand and hopes of finding something somewhat ornate that would be highlighted with the spray paint.  Brought it home, gave it a few light, even sprays with ye olde Rustoleum spray paint in a light fun color, found a bigger section of screening (at Home Depot), used my reliable staple gun and voila!  I attached a sawtooth hanger to the back and happiness ensued.  The frame depth provides enough space for my hanging earring backs, and I can clearly see what earrings I have and where to put back what I have worn.  I figure anything that makes you smile while getting ready in the morning is a good thing!

Time to jute up!

So, I discovered the wonders of jute over the weekend.  I went to a local flea market and found this cute little pitcher for a buck but the handle had a crack in it.  Jute to the rescue!

I also refinished this stool for my classroom.  It used to be green with various worn out spots showing the wood and a plain caned (shudder...I don't know what it is, but I do not like the looking of caning) seat.  A little spray paint, 1/2 inch foam, and my new favorite material (so graphic and lovely) and voila!  But it needed something else...jute!

 A little jute around the back...I simply used tacky glue to glue the end to an inconspicuous spot and very tightly wound the jute around ending with another spot of glue.  I think the jute gives a nice natural accent to all that white and blue sophistication (if that is possible with a stool).

I also found a chair I am probably going to attempt to reupholster (first-timer...eek!) and a tray to revamp for our new sunroom, which in its unfinished state is a big painting studio.  I'm also trying to find some glass candlesticks (cheap!) to make some faux apothecary jars (to go with the $5 one I scored at a flea market).  More on that soon.