flipt studio

You Can Make "Real" Oilcloth

2009-07-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

The post I did over the weekend for Curbly sheds some light on what real oilcloth might be. After you read all the comments, you can decide if you'd like to try the old fashioned way or just stick with what is being sold as oilcloth, but is really laminated fabric. All I can say is that there's a reason people stopped making their own oilcloth with linseed oil and moved on to a modern laminated cotton duck, canvas or linen.

DIY "Hot Fun In the SummerTime" Upholstery Classes

2009-06-21T20:58:00.001-07:00

Yikes! This tattered twosome are in need of a makeover...bad! We've got some upholstery classes that will take these sisters out of the garage and into the parlor.

For a full description and schedule of classes contact:

flipt@att.net

Make a No Sew Fold and Glue Garden Bench Cushion

2009-06-10T19:31:00.001-07:00

Check out this easy as pie, no sew, fold and glue (seriously) garden bench full tutorial with lots of photos that I posted over on Curbly. It only takes about 45 minutes to have your garden all adorned and looking Anthropologie-esque.

Set Up an Air Compressor for Your Staple Gun

2009-05-31T06:58:00.000-07:00

If you DIY, you have to try an air compressor with pnuematic tools. Don't be afraid of an air compressor. They come in all sizes and make your life so much easier. Check out this post on Curbly to learn exactly how to outfit a compressor for a staple gun. You'll be reupholstering your sofa by noon!

Monday Night Upholstery

2009-05-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

This worn out pink vinyl chair was screaming for a re-do. Luckily, one of my Monday Night Upholstery gals knew just how she wanted it.

See how she turned it into a sleek, modern, neutral gem at my other hangout , Curbly.

Three Panel Hanging Headboard

2009-05-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

DIY: Hanging Headboard - More The Indianapolis Star Galleries

DIY Upholstery: Replacing Foam in a Lounge Chair Cushion

2009-05-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

For a very handy DIY Upholstery tutorial on replacing your down cushions or your tired old foam cushions, check out this time saving and easy How to on Curbly. It's easy to resolve the flat bottom seat syndrome, take a look.

Make a Button Pillow

2009-05-07T09:16:00.001-07:00

For a step by step tutorial showing you exactly how to recreate an H & M-esque Home Collection button pillow, check out Curbly.

Before and After: Gray and Orange Chairs

2009-05-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

It's not surprising how much I love an ambitious chair rehab. I was tickled to see the before and after photos over on Curbly of the chairs Yannick and her boyfriend aggressively made over. Not only did they do a beautiful job reupholstering the chairs, they even painstakingly sanded and varnished the wood to get just the right look. Nice rehab and I love that fabric. Read the entire post here.

Refresh Your Furniture

2009-04-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

For anyone with disgustingly ugly or dingy furniture, check out this How To Spray Paint Furniture mini-tutorial over on Apartment Therapy-Chicago. It could be a lifesaver before the in-laws come to visit.

How To Make Tree Limb Coasters

2009-04-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a great idea to make for your Mom using some old limbs you need to get rid of. Sliced, sanded, sealed and all done up, Mother Nature's own materials provide a beautiful, natural spot for hot morning coffee or tea. After reading the tutorial over on Curbly, you'll want to make a few sets to give to friends buying their first home or for a friend who would appreciate an Earth-wise shower gift.

Reincarnations of a Modern Side Table

2009-04-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Georgia O'Keefe print is hauntingly familiar (see my previous post on mock tufting) but it looks good with this reincarnated ottoman that lived three times before as a two tiered modern side table. See the evolution of this mod ottoman right here on Curbly.

How To Make a Button Tray

2009-04-19T15:53:00.001-07:00

For a mere $1.99 and the right drill bit, you can convert this teak tray into an updated, modern housewarming or shower gift. Wrap it up with a bottle of wine or some other goodies to make sure the recipients get the gist.

My Victory Garden Location

2009-04-13T17:30:00.001-07:00

So, this is the spot for my Victory Garden, right there where that freestanding fence section is. I'm planning on a 4' x 6' raised garden for easy access. I'll be updating my blog with progress photos. Below are some photos of more of the yard in back of the fence and Mr. Mod's precious fruit trees.

Reupholstered Mid Century Modern Rocket Chair

2009-04-09T09:33:00.001-07:00

www.curbly.com/ModHomeEcTeacher/posts/6400-reupholstery-of-a-mcm-rocket-chair

Morrocan Side Table from Wooden Spool

2009-04-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a tutorial I did for my column in The Indy Star back in September 2008.

DIY: Morrocan side table - More IndyStar Galleries

Refrigerator Non-Magnets for Stainless Steel

2009-04-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

I was really hesitating on trying out these refrigerator accessories. I abhor clutter and it loves me. I work endlessly to clear, toss, organize and tidy up. Papers and pictures stuck all over the fridge just can't happen. Well, I discovered Happeez products with its' miracle non-toxic backing that sticks to all glossy surfaces without residue or scratches.
See the complete post over on Curbly. You'll want to check out Happeez line of products and patterns!

Repair Your Slipcover

2009-04-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

Kids really work the furniture over. If your cushion cover just plain comes undone, it's a simple task to gather it up and get it all sewn back into the seam. For the full tutorial, go to Curbly.

Out of The Basement Into The Light of Day

2009-03-08T08:20:00.001-07:00

There's nothing better than re-doing some furniture and still loving it day in and day out. Every morning when I see my kitchen chairs that I rescued from the dark basement of a local furniture consignment shop, I am motivated to finish the rest of the kitchen. But first, I need to check my email...

Here are a few tricks of the trade from a Curbly post.

Easy Double Welt Cord Tutorial

2009-03-08T08:08:00.001-07:00

Sewing double welt cord was a challenge for me when I first started upholstering. I tried every way I could think of to make it easy and finally figured it out. Check out my complete tutorial on Curbly to see step-by-step how to make perfect double welt cord to finish your project professionally.

How-To: Ottoman Upholstered with Vintage Plaid Skirt

2009-02-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

A n inexpensive piece of fabric to use for a small reupholstery job is a wool garment from a vintage source. Check out a photo tutorial of the reupholstery of this mod, plaid ottoman with a pleated plaid skirt right here.
Offered for sale at my etsy shop Flipt Studio.

DIY ModUpholstery: Mock Tufting

2008-09-07T08:54:00.001-07:00

This is absolutely the easiest way to update your plain loveseat or sofa back cushions. Not only does the mock tufting add some modern detail, it solves the problem of the slouching back cushions. Go to Curbly to see my complete tutorial on this quick re-style. Below here is the loveseat before my EZ tufting technique. Offer to transform a friend's furniture just to be nice.

The Tater Tots Vest

2008-08-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

A vest made from Tater Tots bags. You can see the full post on http://www.curbly.com/ under ModHomeEcTeacher's blog.

The matching hat made from a restyled John Deere hat.

DIY: Make Your Own Modern Chevron Upholstery Fabric

2008-07-20T15:20:00.001-07:00

No, this isn't a blanket hanging on the fence. Just a handy place to snap a picture of my newly sewin chevron fabric.

I may dress up a low, rectangular coffee table with some white lacquer legs and turn this into an upholstered coffee table. The black and white striped fabric was a remnant and, believe it or not, it isn't outdoor fabric, it's simply striped upholstery fabric. This was one of the few times I found exactly what I was looking for. To see the entire tutorial, check out

http:/http://www.curbly.com/ModHomeEcTeacher/posts/4852-DIY-Sew-Your-Own-Chevron-Upholstery-Fabric/ or

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Your-Own-Chevron-Design-Upholstery-Fab/

Striped fabric ready to take a 45 degree turn.

Goodwill Hunting: Ten DIY Recyclables You Shouldn't Pass Up

2008-07-12T05:01:00.000-07:00

After many years of unfocused buying at Goodwill, thrift shops and garage sales, I've crafted a list of DIY Must Haves that always hold me in good stead. When you shop for recyclables that you need for your craft or business, it's essential that you have a plan. It saves much time and money to get in and out. Don't buy just to buy, you'll find what you need with regular rounds on the thrift circuit. It's weird when it feels good to see one of the familiar faces you only know from your junk shop trips. Competition and comraderie with the tried and true pros on the circuit. These are the items I can use and they've proved versatile enough to ride out style and trend.

1. Sturdy side chairs. Easy to reupholster, always useful.

2. Easy to recover computer/task chairs. They go for $6.99 to $9.99 at my Goodwill.

Charming side table I couldn't pass up. Not a Must-Have.

3. If you find two of the same chairs, buy them both. You'll never regret having a pair. Same thing with lamps. Make sure any piece of furniture you buy is structurally sound. Unless you have cheap labor to fix wobbly problems or foundation problems, it's probably not worth the effort or cost.

4. Long, low coffee tables always work for, well, a coffee table or converted into an upholstered bench or ottoman. Buy square, round or rectangular.

5. Buy unusual, retro or just plain good quality lamps when you see them. Goodwill has a plug to test electrical items. Always buy two, if available.

6. Teacarts are hard to find and always versatile. They're loaded with potential.

7.. If you can find a sewing machine table made from nice wood with nice lines, buy it. They make great entry tables. If the sewing machine is in there and it works-twice the treasure.

8. I always check out the coats and skirts to see if there are some nice pieces of leather. I use them often for cutting trim for pillows or a trim piece for an ottoman or wall art. The more unusual colors are a real find. I occasionally buy suede, but I've found the leather works better over time.9. Ottomans or footstools with unusual legs or a base. Don't waste your time with giant square or rectangular ottomans with no character. The exception would be if you came across a fantastic ottoman that met your own personal needs. My house is sprinkled with those delightful mainstays.

10. Here the frivolous finds I couldn't pass up. Remember, buy impulsively just once a week.

Goodwill and Salvation Army stores run specials on certain days. Check out what color of the week it is at Goodwill and check the date on furniture price tags at S.A. They will cut the price if the piece has been in the store for six months, I think. It could be less.

To Be DIY'd

2008-07-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Another image for which I take no credit and don't know the source, only that I marked it INSPIRATION. From this point on, no more inspirational photos saved without proper credits. This is going to be diy'd as a different piece, can't decide yet, maybe an ottoman or a bench.

Office Chairs Galore

2008-07-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I can't remember where I found the picture of this office chair, but I'm definitely not taking credit for any part of it. I am going to try to mimic it though. Stripes, chrome paint and green arms would look fine right here at my computer desk. As is my habit when I discover an underpriced piece of furniture at Goodwill, I begin to hoard them. The office chairs at my favorite Goodwill go for 6.99 to 9.99. I saw one yesterday that was a whopping 19.99--a different Goodwill store that obviously didn't get the price list.

To Do: Make Patterns for Ottomans Like These

2008-07-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a pattern for an ottoman similar to this one that showed up on ApartmentTherapy a few weeks ago. I've got the button tufting pattern done, but I need to do some engineering on the sides. I would prefer gray velvet for my living room but I may have to settle for a melon colored velvet.

This ottoman has the same owner as the Mid Century set. Instead of crying over not owning it myself, I'm working on a pattern of this, too. The patterns will be available in approximately one week on FLIPTSTUDIO.blogspot.com.

Mid Mod Upholstery Project

2008-07-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

This is the before picture of the Mid Century Modern set that I covet. My friend spent many months shopping for the fabric she wanted to use. After a road trip to a North Carolina outlet, she rang me up and here you have it.

The step by step tutorial for the back cushions, seat reupholstery and snap workshop are on www.curbly.com. Check out my projects under ModHomeEcTeacher.

Best Nap Couch

2008-06-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

I found this 1970's sofa at a retro furntiture store near downtown Indianapolis. The big problem was that someone had just ripped off the skirt leaving the welt cord around the bottom. I had a brainy idea to add that band of off white and voila! I love it. I ordered new foam for the cushions and bolstered the decking a bit. It's extra long and completely cozy. When buying upholstered pieces, there's always the risk of the odor that has been absorbed by the fibers. It took all sorts of fabric fresheners to freshen this sofa and I can still smell that fabric somehow. It's not bad, just an odor. (I've got an extra sensitive sniffer)

July Classes

2008-06-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

With the launch of my website and the start of my weekly column DIYJournal in The Indianapolis Star, I am reminded that this blog needs constant attention and refreshment. The most important thing is getting my calendar of classes posted for the month of July. The location of classes is TBA but will be in the Broad Ripple vicinity. There are at least two locations that are available, but it's not final yet. Click on the above calendar to enlarge calendar.

The Hangable Hamper

2008-04-18T16:54:00.001-07:00

The best ideas are sometimes the easiest. Check out this DIY Hangable Hamper with it's step by step instructions on www.curbly.com/ModHomeEcTeacher/posts/4204-DIY-Hangable-Hamper. This will clean up your room and look stylish, as well.

The Three Cutest Kids in Silhouette Form

2008-04-04T14:27:00.001-07:00

Smudgy wall but the three cutest kids-they made me cry, they are so cute. Their mom was trying to traditional-ize a modern house so here's what she wanted. These measure 24x18 and are hand-painted. Ill do a How-to on these somewhere soon.

Inspiration and Order

2008-04-04T14:20:00.001-07:00

This inspiration board in my basement is always in view, but I beefed it up a bit for an artist's feature on http://www.designformankind.blogspot.com/. It was the second compilation of artist's inspiration from dear Erin. Whenever I get a fabric or color I like to look at, I pin it up, but I need it to be orderly at the same time. Upholstery leads to a MESSY studio and I NEED ORDER!! (Nurse Ratchet). Anyone can send me a picture of their inspiration board and I'll pick a good one or two to share.

GOODWILL HUNTING-MODERN COFFEE TABLE

2008-03-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't pass up this sleek modern coffee table the other day at another brand new Goodwill Store near my house. This Goodwill expansion is killing me. The price was unsettlingly high at $24.99. I wavered, but caved. I found they usually do the high pricing right before the 50% off day. As the photos show, there is a weird stain on top that needs to be cleaned up. I love the lines of legs on this-so mid-century. Can't decide where ANOTHER coffee table will go, but I can't let go of this. (I wonder if I can shove it under my bed).

DIY Deluxe Dog Bed

2008-03-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

This pet lounger is so comfy, I might decide to keep it. I was inspired by the old twin headboard I had and the green and brown indoor/outdoor fabric. For once I made a dog bed out of fabric that would hide the dirt. The slipcover idea came to me because I've been wanting to make cut velvet appliques and I had some ivory colored linen.

Before I began I washed all the fabrics and dried them, velvet too.

You have to really love your dog to build this monster sized bed. It measures 60" wide by 28" deep.

WHAT YOU NEED:

cordless drill/screwdriver

screws

2 pieces of plywood made from scrap wood

jigsaw

safety goggles

sandpaper or palm sander

6-8 pieces of 2 x4"s cut five inches long and one piece cut 10" long

wood glue

rescued headboard

enough fabric to make a dog cushion ( I used 2 yards for the cushion and 1 yard for the base)

fill for the cushion insert

1/2 yard of fabric for the "band" (I used natural canvas)

1/3 yard for the "belt"

1 repurposed belt buckle

1 36" long zipper

sewing machine

106 inches of 1" foam

serrated knife or electric knife to cut foam

electric staple gun (Sears Craftsman)

staples

flat head screwdriver for lifting staples

106" of dacron batting (Joann Fabrics-quilt batting will do)

1 yard of scrap fabric to cover center of platform bed

upholstery webbing

webstretcher

1/3 yard of burlap

enough fabric to make slipcover (measure from floor to top of headboard by the width of our twin headboard

Multiply that by two and add 1/4 more yard for edge of slipover that runs from floor around the top and down the other side. Wash fabric and dry it.

1/4 yard of cotton velvet, washed and dried.

4 2 1/2 inch furniture legs, stained (Lowes or Home Depot)

4 attachment plates for those legs (same)

poly fill for filing inside dog cushion.

scrap fabrics for throw pillows 1/3 yard for each pillow

Hand drawn dog bone pillow pattern

The Steps

1. Draw the shape you want for your platform on the chipboard and cut out with a jigsaw

2. Use the jigsaw and cut out a large section of the centers of each piece of plywood.

3. Cut 2x4 pieces to use between ovals for stability, use the larger pieces towards the back

4. With both ovals stacked on top of each other, mark with pencil where you want the braces to be screwed in. Drill two holes through both pieces of chipboard so top and bottom will fit as closely as possibe on top of each other as possible. Place a little wood glue on 2x4's flat side and carefully slide all braces between ovals being careful to keep everything aligned. When all 2x4's are in place, drill holes through pre-drilled chipboard to go through braces. With cordless screwdriver, attach screws to secure top of oval to braces. Wood glue may have to dry so you can flip the whole piece over to drill the holes in the other side.

5. With jute webbing and web stretcher attach webbing strips from center out to each side. Pulling tight, staple ends down and cut web. Web stretching will be illustrated on this website in my DIY ModUpholstery Guide.

Weave web through in the other direction from center out to the sides.

I ran out of webbing here, so I cut strips from canvas.

6. Attach scrap piece of fabric to cover webbing. Start securing staples in center of each side. Pulling from the center point outward secure fabric down with staples, ending at corner. Repeat on each side until entire fabric piece is attached and taut.

7. Notice the rogue staple that backfired and went right into my thumb. Bandaids! Start attaching 3" strip of fabric around perimeter of platform to close off the open space in the edge.

8. Measure in 3 inches and mark platform with a line designating where the edge of the foam will attach.

9. Attach large oval of final fabric over center fabric, bringing it right up to the the pencil marked line.

10. With one side of 4" by 106" foam (or pieces that equal that length) scrunch foam down at measured line and attach to top with staples. Move all the way around the oval attaching foam. When finished, pull foam down and under bottom platform and attach staples, smoothing to make foam like am even "roll"

11. Starting in center of front of platform with design centered, begin attaching at least a 6" piece of fabric, overlapping the fabric that you attached in the center of the top of the platform by just a bit and attach the strip all the way around adjusting the design as you go. When the strip of fabric won't contour any longer, staple it down and get another strip, folding edge over end of first strip and work that around to the back of the platform. Repeat this until entire platform has the fabric attached on the top oval. Keep the staples in line because you will add a trim with hot glue and you want it to curve uniformly around where your inside and roll fabric meet.

12. Attached strips should be deep enough to roll down under bottom platform and attach all the way around, smoothing and pulling snugly as you go.

13. When finished, trim off extra fabric right up next to staples and with hot glue gun, add gimp trim to cover staples.

14. Lay fabric over platform and mark with chalk for the dog cushion pieces. Add 1/2" to chalk line and cut out two pieces for top and bottom of dog cushion.

15. Cut strips from canvas or desired fabric 4" x 106". Cut out 1 piece measuring 6" x 36" for the zipper. Cut the 6" piece down the middle lengthwise. Baste closed and attach zipper.

16. Prepare fabric "belt" by taking a contrasting piece of fabric, cut it into 2 1/2 inch by 106" strips, stitching ends together to make the entire length of 106" or whatever your bed measures. Fold both long sides of "belt" fabric over 1/2 " and press. Slide buckle onto "belt" and keep it right in the center.

17. Topstitch belt onto canvas from both cut ends towards buckle, stopping and backstitching at buckle. Complete that for both sides of the "belt". Take completed band, centering on top piece of dog cushion, right sides to right sides and pin at intervals to hold in place Stitch 1/2 " from edge all the way to back edge of cushion. Stitch zipper strip on to band at the ends. Now stitch zipper onto cushion top all the way around meeting band at the other side and attaching it there after stitching the band short end to the zipper short end.

18. Pin fabric for bottom of cushion to band, right sides to right sides. Start pinning at center point of front and back, working around and easing in fabric where necessary. Stitch all the way around to complete sewing of the dog cushion. Now, make a large envelope or bag, the same dimensions as the top cushion, stitch top to bottom, leaving open 8" to add filling. After it's filled, stitch closed, insert into cushion through zipper and zip up.

The appliqued slipcover for the headboard will be posted separately.

"Lite Green" Ottoman Made From Wooden Spool

2008-03-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

This design was just stumbled upon when I needed some pre-cut circles to make some upholstered children's tuffets. I had collected a number of these and they were stacked in the garage. To see a step by step tutorial, go to www.curbly.com/ModHomeEcTeacher/posts/2708--Lite-Green-Ottoman-Made-From-Repurposed-Wooden-Spool

Now That's a Couch

2008-03-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Brazilian furniture designer Hugo Franca travels to his studio from his home to find fallen and burned hardwood trees to carve his furniture designs. No upholstery cleaning here. A solo exhibit of Mr. Franca's work will open April 24th at R 20th Century in TriBeCa.

n.y. times photo

DIY ModUpholstery 101: Chair Makeover

2008-03-10T11:56:00.001-07:00

The upholstery projects I'll be demonstrating have been streamlined and simplified for the DIY Upholsterer. With the techniques I'll cover, and practice, you will find yourself improving from project to project. Don't give up, it does take practice.

You probably have some of the tools that are necessary to get started. The electric staple gun can be found at a Lowes or Home Depot. The cording and curved needles can be found at a Hancock Fabrics and possibly JoAnn. Most all of you DIY-ers have a glue gun which isn't pictured, but handy.

THE TOOLS:

tack hammer or small hammer
measuring tapes
twine
thread
staples/electric staple gun
large scissors
utility knife
crescent pliers
flat head screwdriver
double welt cord
single welt cord
fabric for cording
gimp

If you love tools and supplies like I do, you can buy all sorts of upholstery supplies later but this will get you going.

The first project I'm going to make over is a Goodwill chair (found on one of my Goodwill Hunting trips and snagged for a mere $9.99). Someone replaced the legs and put them on backwards so we'll have to fix them right off the bat.
Find yourself a chair, check the fabric yardage estimator chart linked below, purchase fabric and let's do it.

MY 70's CHAIR

(notice "Vince Vega's" autographed pic in the background)

Go to:
http://www.fabric.com/ and click on the fabric estimator for upholstery and add in 1/2 yard more for good measure.

I'll need 7 yard for this excluding repeat. I'll add 20% more for a large repeat.

next class: Tear down and Assessment

DIY-ModUpholstery 101

2008-03-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Starting SOON(not this week) I'll begin a series of upholstery how-to's including tools, materials, fabric info and project instructions. Most importantly I'll show you some tricks and techniques that will make your projects look like they were done by a pro (well, almost). I'll also show you how to take easily found pieces and convert them into an upholstered work of art. Get Ready!

Dog Bed Heaven

2008-03-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Notice the black patent leather "belt"
Satin ruffle with antique green accent pin

Tailored and subdued

Preppy Houndstooth

Dog bed design is as easy as can be. After Design*Sponge posts finalists for their DIY projects, I'll post my extensive How-To. For fun, I am posting some of my favorite dog cushions I've made in the past couple of years. Each one has a removable and washable cushion cover. This design can easily be used as a comfy t.v. watching floor pillow. Easy instructions coming soon.

How to Make an Upholstered Bench Out of An Old Coffee Table

2008-02-22T05:27:00.001-08:00

A trip to one of my local Goodwill stores yielded this ugly, stained wooden table, probably homemade, but perfect for a conversion. See second picture.

AFTER:

Where do I begin?

Materials:

sandpaper

paintbrush

primer

paint

dacron

spray adhesive

foam

cordless drill

button molds (fabric store)

LONG upholstery needle (some upholstery stores)

twine or string

fabric

flat head screwdriver

pliers (crescent or regular)

BANDAIDS

staples and staple gun

Electric knife and silicon spray

Lightly sand, prime and paint legs of table. Measure and drill holes where covered buttons will be.

Lay coffee table (top side down) on foam and measure out 1/2 " from all sides and draw lines with marker. Using electric knife, cut out foam on lines. Spray blades with silicon if knife gets "sticky" or slow.
Spray back side of foam, center on coffee table top and, using long needle, push up through holes in bottom of table to mark foam where buttons will be. Cut or pull out small pieces of foam for indentation of buttons.
Starting at center of each side, place three "anchor"staples, attaching dacron. Pull snugly as you staple. Always moving out from center points, pull dacron firmly down at a diagonal and back in towards the table to attach staples, moving out to within about 3 inches from corners.

Now fold corners as if you are making up a nice crisp bed with a flat sheet, pulling dacron down and under coffee table top and securing with enough staples to make a nice corners.

Center your fabric on top of prepared foam, measure 5 inches beyond staple line and cut off excess fabric, leaving 5 inches for a "pull" to get fabric snug and smooth. Starting at the center of one long side, repeat the process of attaching fabric, always working out from center points.

Now fold the corners under just like you did with the dacron, making them nice, snug, clean and smooth. If you have to remove staples, use flat head screwdriver and pliers and ALWAYS push away from you. It's really easy to slip off a staple and run the screwdriver into your hand.

Cut twine or string in 14-18 inch lengths to loop through the eyes of your already covered buttons. Perfectionists will want to see where buttons will be on fabric and cut fabric from corresponding pattern so buttons will match pattern on bench.

Thread twine ends through the eye of the needle and pull down through the foam and coffee table top. Now, you'll have to pull hard on twine and with stapler in other hand, catch the twine with the stapler and secure with a few staples. You may have to make adjustments and pull again to get the buttons to sink into the top.

Now, stand back and admire your DIY upholstered bench. (No one will know you did it yourself)

Mod Platform Pet Bed

2008-01-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

These are a few pics of a pet bed utilizing an old coffee table top which doesn't look so bad but it was way too big for my living room. I upholstered a donut like piece in the middle so the cushion would have some traction. I stained legs to go on this but it ended up being too high. The privacy screen was made from a cut down four way folding screen. I stained the outside wood to match the wood on the table. I then added a dacron batting down the middle of each panel, upholstered the front and back, added covered buttons and glued trim around the edges to cover the staples.
The dog cushion was made just like a big round pillow with a zipper in the back for cleaning.
The insert was filled with hi-loft dacron fiberfill. The band or boxing around the middle of the cushion was made from canvas, that black shiny Halloween costume patent leather and a buckle I had. Throw pillows for doggy's comfort. This bed was a donation to a local high school for their annual fundraiser. I was thrilled to learn that two women were arguing over who had actually won it. I'll never know.

Places To Visit

2008-01-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

One year ago I only checked email and read the headlines. These days I am scouring websites for fabrics, old furniture, architectural salvage materials and other people who love design.
One of the first sites that I came across was http://www.curbly.com/.
I spent hours pouring through the postings of modern furniture enthusiasts and other self-proclaimed DIY-ers. It was just what I needed to get hooked on spending way too many hours in front of the computer. Recently on Curbly I came across http://www.islandgirlsalvage.com/. They are located in Chicago, not too far from me, and a great reason to plan a weekend trip to Chicago, see the Cubs play and spend hours hunting through the possible goodies I could (could being the word that impels me to hunt for great, discarded possibilities) find. With a garage stacked with tables, chairs, trunks, anyone with a drop of good sense would know there is a problem here. Nonetheless, I will keep hunting for that discarded or unwanted piece that needs a little imagination and a great piece of fabric to make it live again!!!

Slipcover for a Scribe

2008-01-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

What limits we push when it's freezing outside, it's warm inside and we have hundreds of yards of fabric remnants to contemplate. An old tuffet (the very first one I ever made back in my "tuffet" making days) needed to be reincarnated from old cheetah fabric. A nice little array of houndstooth, velvet and a gray modern fabric I was lucky enough to get from Paul A. Howard, british furntiture designer extraordinaire, fell together in a very satisfactory palette.

I've also been fiddling around the past few months making appliques of many sorts. This time I needed a one of a kind design and I HAVE been spending many hours writing lately, so I found it logical to use an ink bottle and feather pen silhouette. An under- slipcover of dacron was made to unify the bumps and ridges in the ottoman and then an exact final fabric slipcover about 1/2 " larger was made to slip over the top. The legs were also painted an ivory for lightness and floatiness (word?) .

List of Materials:

footstool you want to cover

piece of sandpaper

primer

paint

paintbrush

1 yd. of fabric and two pieces of desired fabric for applique

applique bonding paper "Heat n' Bond" Lite

3/4 yard of batting

sewing machine

thread

Steps

1. Lightly sand, prime and paint legs of old footstool, if desired.

2. Measure top of footstool, add one inch (for seam allowance) and another 1/2 inch for batting.

3. Measure desired lenght of slopcovver or the "drop" length and add 2 1/2 inches to that. Now measure the circumference of the widest part of the stool and add 4 inches to that.

The hem will be a total of 2 inches and 1/2 " will be the seam allowance at the top. The extra 4 inches will be needed where the two short edges come together at the end of stitching the band to the top. On one long side of band fold under 1" and then fold it over again another 1 " and press. Stitch. Your hem is now finished. Put pieces aside.

4. Cut an underneath "slipcover" using same measurements out of batting. This will be placed on footstool in order to even out bumps and ridges. Stitch band of dacron to top and pull down over footstool.

5. Design an applique, if desired. Use Thermabond Heat n Bond lite, paper side up to press on fabrics to be used for applique design. Trace design on applique paper and cut out. Pull paper off and place design on fabric top and, using dry iron, iron firmly in place. Add second piece if desired. Stitch around edge of applique to secure.

6. Take your hemmed fabric band and folding back 2" of one end, pin right sides of band to right side of fabric top, matching raw edges and lining up fabric pattern if necessary. The bulk of the band will be facing inwards towards inside of circle. Stitch band to circle 1/2" in from edge. As stitching is approaches the folded over edge keep sewing and let the remaining 2" overlap the folded edge. Carefully make clips in towards seam, being careful not to cut through stitching, to releasie the seam allowance so that it will lay flat. Turn right side out.

Pin down the folded edge to fabric beneath it. Starting at bottom, stitch at 1/4" up towards seam at top of band. Backstitch to lock in place.

7. Place your finished slipcover over your footstool and enjoy the new, modern look.

You can slipcover any shaped ottoman, footstool or coffee table for a fresh look.

Amy Butler Upholstered Nightstand RUNNER UP in the Apartment Therapy January Jumpstart Contest

2008-01-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

In anxious giddiness to enter a contest for a home re-do project, I zipped over to a Salvation Army store and picked up this nightstand. I could hardly wait to go creative on this little red eyesore. True, it could have been worse, but it also needed some major personality. Utilizing one of my many Amy Butler fabric pieces (purchased in her home town while visiting a certain college), I put this yard of fabric to good use. Due to the possibility of running out, I scurried over to Kinkos to get a few color copies made to decoupage to the inside of the stand to save fab. Primer, paint, batting, upholstered sides and a custom decoupaged knob all came together to make a bright, springlike statement. The front curves of the nightstand had to be covered to hide the staples so I glued grosgrain ribbon along the front. Note* you have to add something to the trim so that the glue won't soak through. I sprayed fabric adhesive to a thin strip of cardboard and then used very sticky fabric glue to adhere it to the front.

Materials Used:

old nightstand

sandpaper, primer and paint

paintbrush and roller

1 yard of beautiful, cheery fabric (I had Amy Butler fabric on hand)

1 yard of batting

color copies of fabric

staple gun or pneumatic stapler hooked to air compressor

plain wooden knob, primed and painted

ModPodge solution

screwdriver

Exacto knife

scissors

spray adhesive

matching ribbon or trim to hide staples along front

Steps

1.Wash, lightly sand, prime and paint nightstand

2. Cut color copies of fabric to fit inside lower part of nightstand, brush on ModPodge and glue copies in place, matching pattern. Let dry, using Exacto knife, trim off excess paper around curve. Apply ModPodge to top of paper forming sealed surface.

3. Measure and cut two panels of fabric to fit sides of nightstand leaving an extra 1 1/2" on all sides. Fabric doesn't need to have curve cut out until it is attached.

4. Lay fabric panel so that it is right side down, top edge laid underneath top edge of nightstand with top edge facing towards side of nighstand and the remainder of the panel laying over the top of the nightstand. Line fabric up so there is an even amount of extra fabric on all sides, fabric straight, with hand press fabric up into top edge where side and top of nightstand meet and run a row of staples across the top attaching fabric at top of nightstand.

5. With fabric still flipped over, spray adhesive on side of nightstand and lay a cut piece of batting on side. Cut batting around curve and along edges to fit exactly.

6. Flip fabric panel down over side and secure underneath bottom edge in the center. With a firm but not tight diagonal pull on fabric, run staples outward from center in both directions, leaving about 2" unstapled on either side.

7. Pull fabric around back and starting at center, using same technique, staple up to top and down towards bottom, leaving enough unstapled to make a nice little fold like wrapping a present. Staple in place.

8. Pull fabric towards front of nightstand and staple in place using pull technique, leaving curve unstapled. After top and bottom are stapled, make three perpendicular cuts into curve, stopping 1" from wood. This releases the fabric so it can be pulled and attached. Staple around curve, staples going on front edge which will be covered with trim. When finished, cut off extra fabric and repeat on other side. Second sides always are easier.

9. Run fabric glue along front edge. It's helpful to have the nightstand on its back so the glue doesn't drip. Add trim and cut at the end or fold under bottom of stand and staple down.

10. Cut desired design from fabric in a circle adding enough fabric to wrap around back of knob. Coat fabric in ModPodge and place on knob as desired, let dry and attach to nightstand drawer.

11. Nighty-night.

p.s. You could cover a nightstand in a menswear fabric for a masculine, tailored look.