Dear Stephanie

Yes, it’s odd to name a piece of furniture, unless you work for Ikea I suppose.  But, as I was ripping into one of the wingback chairs, a small tag fell out of the tattered batting.   It read, "Stephanie." Well Stephanie, if you’re out there, (if that’s really your name …if you’re even female…I digress) you did one heck of a job putting this wingback together.  There must have been over a thousand staples holding the upholstery on.  I may have cursed you a few times as I slipped up with the needle nose pliers and cut my hand.  Sorry.  Anyway, I’ve decided to name the chair after you.  Consider it a tribute to all of the hard work you put into this chair back in her day...which...by the looks of these before pictures, was way, way back.  Here is “Stephanie” when I first brought her home from the lovely land of craigslist:

And here she is now, outfit with sparkling white duck cloth and snazzy gilded nail head trim:

 

 

 

 

 

Let me be the first to say, I am not a professional, not even close.  I really winged it on this, (no pun intended) and yes – it does show, but I don’t care.  It’s…perfectly imperfect let’s just say.  Some might even call it “shabby chic.” More shabby than chic, but who’s counting.   I litterally took it piece by piece, guessing as I went along.  I plan to take better "during" pictures when I do the second chair (this one was the proverbial guinnea pig)  so look forward to a DIY tutorial coming soon.   As for now...lookin' good Steph.  You almost killed me a few times, but I survived and am ready for round two.  Bring it.   

Making (a "yiddle") Progress

I blame the hurricane as I find myself talking like my 2 year old this week.  Amazing how much we rely on power with little ones.   Just as we thought we had made it through the storm unscathed– out went the lights…and off went the monitors and sound makers…annnd yep, cue baby crying.  Ah yes, it quickly became a long night for all of us.  Thankfully though, a little sleep deprivation was all that we suffered, and our thoughts and prayers go out to those who were not so lucky.

Slowly, I made a little (or as my 2 year old would say, “yiddle”) progress in the “odd” room this week:

I think a little bit of paint can bring the random pieces some unity.  I haven’t decided if I want to go all white or mix things up a bit and do tone on tone like I did in the adjacent living room.  As I contemplate…remember these guys? 

 

    

Finally decided to get started on them. I know, it’s about time! Here’s what one looks like after a few hours of ripping, tearing, pulling, sweating:

 

Kinda looks like a cat got caught up in it…but I keep telling myself, it can only get better...stay tuned!