Furniture

Dining chairs makeover – paint and recover…

Do you ever look at your dining chairs and want to change them? That’s what I was doing and finally took the plunge do something about them. To save the cost of buying new chairs; I actually like the chairs we have in that they are nice and wide, very comfortable to sit on. So I decided to paint and recover them, do a dining chairs makeover….

Here’s what they looked like to begin with…

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

First, I removed the seat and then cleaned down the wooden chair frames  with water and dish washing detergent. Once it had dried I painted them with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old Ochre (my favourite colour.)

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old Ochre

It took two coats of paint, just to make sure it was covered nicely and then once they  had dried I used Annie Sloan Clear Wax to protect the paint. I can’t say painting dining chairs is something I enjoyed doing, I found it quite a bit of work with all the slats on the back, but the end result was worth it.

Recover the Seat

This is really easy to do! I had already unscrewed the seat, so next I removed the old material (this had been stapled on) using a screw driver and pliers (any tool that does the job!). This took some time, but got is done! Then I used the material as a guideline to cut a new piece of material. I had gone into a local furniture/curtain/upholstery store and was able to get some off cuts for only $2.00, the piece was enough to do all six chairs. Leaving the chair padding in place I replaced the material over the it and stapled in the new material. I brought a staple gun for this project and was able to get one cheap at our local Uncle Bill (like a clearance store).

Finally, I screwed the seat back into the chair frame. Done!

Chair makeover!

I am very happy with the end result.

Thanks for reading my post! Have you tried a chair makeover?

Andi

 

 

 

Wooden Shelf Makeover – New Zealand

My wooden shelf makeover was a inspiration really. It was offered free on my local neighbourly, which is a wonderful site to find things in your neighbourhood in New Zealand.

Wooden Shelf Makeover

I got it to use as extra shelving in our shed, but it wasn’t that stable and a shelf was missing. It was sitting in front of our house waiting to be fixed when my husband suggested it would make a great shelf for my potted plants sitting around by the front door. I mainly have succulents in the pots because they don’t need so much watering and maintenance.

Shelf turned upside down

As you can see I turned the shelf upside down to fit in the area, but there is a electric metre box in the way so I had to move the now top shelf up. The metre reading man needs to open it to read the metre! Fortunately it only took removing some screws and sliding the shelf up. Then I tightened all the other screws to stabilise better.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Next I painted it in one of my favourite paints Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old Ochre.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old Ochre

Finally, I painted just one coat this time and there was no need to wax as I am using it for outside. Not too worried about wear and tear here.

Finished shelf

It was wonderful to get all my plants off the ground, I love how it turned out! I also used it for a time growing my lettuces, which was a great spot and super easy to pick them when needed.

Growing lettuce

It made my front of the house look so much better, much tidier and it is easier to water the plants now.

I hope my wooden shelf makeover inspired you! Thanks for reading my post!

Andi

 

 

 

LITTLE WOODEN BENCH MAKEOVER…

This little wooden bench makeover was really simple to do. I love this little rustic bench! It had previously been outside in my mum’s garden, so had seen some wear and tear over the years.

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I wanted to bring it inside to use, but needed to give it a little makeover to clean it up. It had rust marks on it and the paint was definitely chipping.

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Because, I love the patina on the bench I wanted to keep the look.

First I gave it a good clean down with the hose, especially to get rid of the spiders.

A spider

A large spider

Chalk Paint

Next, I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, Old White, and gave it just one coat over the areas that had rust marks on. I left the bare wood and chippy bits.

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It was a really sunny day so dried very quickly and was ready for use.

Little wooden bench

Little wooden bench painted

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Painted wooden bench

Painted wooden bench

Wooden bench and rabbit

Doesn’t it look so much better?

Thanks for ready my post!

Andi

 

 

 

 

Easy to make pallet Christmas tree…New Zealand

This easy to make pallet Christmas tree took me around 2 hours to make. It is a simple project that you can get the children to help you with and it is fun!

I found this on Pinterest here. And immediate decided it would be perfect hanging on our wall this Christmas.

Supplies needed:

Pallet

Hack saw

Paint (60ml)

Water

Nails (tacks)

Hammer

Christmas Lights (I used battery operated 24 LED string lights)

Christmas decorations

Tree log

If you read my previous post on pallet coffee tables, here, you will know I have pallets stacked in the yard just waiting to be used.

The pallet I picked was easy to dismantle.

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First, I used a hack saw to saw through the nails on the back of the pallet. Removing the two sections of wood. The nails that were sticking out I just sawed them off to tidy them up.

Hack saw

Hack saw

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Next, I washed down the pallet with a hose, and started painting the front only. I used Resene paints, test pot colour Bianca (only because I already had this colour at home). I watered it down in the paint tray. Only a light cover was needed as I wanted the wood showing through to give it a rustic look.

Painted pallet front

Painted pallet front

Once it was dry I placed the nails (tacks) in the wood. I made a zig zag pattern. Placing the nails out more each time to widen the tree.

Christmas decorations

There were some great decorations at Kmart, very cheap and cheerful! Some gold beading at a Thrift store and gold balls I already at home, which I brought at Kmart last year, but they are still available.

Kmart Christmas decorations

Kmart Christmas decorations

Attaching the gold beads I strung them around the nails. Doing this gives you a good idea how your tree design looks and whether you need to make any alterations. I attached the lights in the same pattern. The cookie cutter copper lights are so cute!

Beads put on in zig zag pattern

Beads put on in zig zag pattern

Check out the star and hearts I made of burlap, see my post on how to make these here. And, then all the decorations I wanted.

Christmas decorations on pallet

Christmas decorations on pallet

Pallet Christmas tree decorations

Finally, I attached with twine a piece of a tree log I grabbed from a wood pile.

Tree log

Tree log

We hung this on a wall for the holiday season…the family love it!

Pallet Christmas Tree

Pallet Christmas Tree

Pallet Christmas Tree

Thanks for reading my post! Hope you get to make a pallet Christmas tree!

Andi 

 

LATEST PALLET COFFEE TABLES FROM NEW ZEALAND

I wanted to show you my latest pallet coffee tables I have made here in New Zealand…

Are any of you like me, love pallets and have them stacked around the place waiting for the next project?

Wood pile

Wood pallet stack

Wood pallet stack

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The pallets have been there so long the nasturtiums are growing through them.

Rodeo has to get in the shots as well!

Rodeo has to get in the shots as well!

The tables were two completely different designs, mainly due to the size and designs of the pallets and what inspired me at the time.

Farmhouse Style Pallet Coffee Table

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Pallet Coffee Table

Unfortunately,  I only took this photo of the finished unpainted coffee table. What was I thinking?

I painted the sides and legs Annie Sloan Chalk paint Old Ochre. I love this colour! It is a very neutral and goes well in any room.

Farmhouse Style Pallet Coffee Table

Finally, I used Annie Sloan Clear Wax and Dark Wax on the table. First I rubbed on clear wax, then dark wax. It is always a good idea to put clear wax on first, because if you put on too much dark wax on it comes off easier. Dark wax is really hard to get off if you put it on first, it is like a stain! I put on alot of wax, rubbed it in well and buffed it with a soft cloth. I tend to rip up old flannelette sheets, as they are lovely and soft.

Pallet Coffee Table

Pallet Coffee Table leg was cut off two headboards

Pallet Coffee Table

I love how well the table top came up so well with the wax!

Pallet Coffee Table with shelf

Pallet Coffee Table

The next table was totally different with a shelf. You can see the pallet was smaller than the first and a different design.

Once I nailed all the boards on the table I covered the nails with wood filler before painting it.

Stripped Pallet Coffee Table

Pallet Coffee Table with shelf

Stripped Pallet Coffee Table with shelf

This pallet coffee table I painted with Resene Paints (acrylic paint), white grey and black. Then sanded down to give a rougher look and showing some of the natural wood underneath.

I managed to get the pile down by making these two pallet coffee tables and quickly sold them. That is another thing having the space to store the projects made!

Check out my previous post; Pallet coffee table easy to make post here 

Thanks so much for reading my post!

  Andi

Reclaimed french oak wine barrel furniture and homeware New Zealand…

Reclaimed wine barrel furniture and homeware in Havelock North, New Zealand….

For a month my son, Thaddeus and his friend has been busy working on reclaimed french oak wine barrel furniture and homeware products. This was a part of their business course at the High School to create a business, make and sell a product.

Fortunately, his friend’s dad had a massive wood workshop. My son was in seventh heaven, spending hours in there.

They brought beautiful old French oak wine barrels and created amazing crafted tables, platters, candle holders, fruit bowls, and lazy susans.

In the workshop

In the workshop

Trade Fair

Last week the boys had a Trade Fair at school to display and sell what they had made. It was amazing to see the end product of all their hard work. Beautifully crafted, we were so impressed at the standard of their work.

Beautifully red wine stained fruit bowl and candle holders

Wine barrel platters

Wine barrel platters

I loved how some of the wood had writing on them and also the red wine stain still remaining.

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Metal from the wine barrel placed around the side of table

The beautiful reclaimed wood products were stained carefully with natural oils as preservative. The items to be used for food were stained with pure olive oil the others in linseed oil.

Single candle holders

Single candle holders

The boys are now hoping to continue their business, selling their products through markets and online.

Candle holder

Candle holder

Thanks for reading my post!

   Andi

 

 

 

 

Simple steps to repaint wrought iron furniture…

Spring is here and it is time to repaint the deck furniture. I was excited to purchase this old table and chairs set for only $25 on Trademe earlier this year. Now that the weather is sunny outside it was time to work on getting rid of the rust and repaint it. These simple steps to repaint the wrought iron furniture is something that can be done in a couple of hours.

Repaint wrought iron furniture

My son Elisha and Rodeo enjoying the sunshine

My son Elisha and Rodeo enjoying the sunshine

First it is necessary to wash it all down with water and dish detergent to get rid of dust and dirt.  Then I used steel wool and a wire brush scraping and rubbing off the rust. This is quite a messy job, but it does come off easily. Next I washed it clean again. Time to paint!

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I just brought green gloss enamel spray paint from Mitre 10, (under $20 a can), but I did need 4 cans. It was already painted green, so to make it easier, I kept to the same colour. I made sure it contained zinc for rust protection. This paint dries quickly within 15-20 minutes, but needs 24 hours to cure. It is important to always follow the instructions on the can to get the best results and safety.

Spray Paint

Spray Paint

Our wrought iron table and chairs looks great now – ready for sunny spring days!

New World Little Garden Seedling Kit Collectables

I just want to tell you about the New World Supermarket Little Garden promotion recently – we so loved them. They were little seedling kits given out with every $40 spent in their stores. They were just so cute and such a great idea!

New World Little Garden

New World Little Garden

My daughter Serah just loved collecting these vegetables and herbs. They were exciting to open, plant the seeds, then watch them germinate and grow.

Seedling Kits

Seedling Kits

The kits contained a little pot made of wood pulp and peat, bio-degradable, made in Denmark. The seeds came from a Dutch company and the soil tablets are made of coconut husks from Sri Lanka, but produced in the Netherlands. All organic!

Seedling Kit

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It was wonderful to see Serah so excited about growing vegetables.

Little Garden plants in the vegetable garden

Little Garden plants in the vegetable garden

Thanks for reading my post!

  Andi

 

 

EASY STEPS TO SHABBY CHIC A HEADBOARD

Shabby Chic Headboard…

My daughter and I are working on redecorating her bedroom. Our next project was to shabby chic a headboard for her bed. I want to show you the easy steps to shabby chic a headboard with everyday interior house paints. We were looking at a Thrift Store on Saturday and found a great headboard and baseboard for free.

They were in reasonable condition and made of solid wood. Because headboard and base had been painted white previously we decided to use paint from our local Resene paint shop. The colour picked was, Wild Thing, which was really quite a bright yellow, but  we decided to give it a go. I just brought four test pots (60 ml each) and used two coupons (buy one get one free) off the back of grocery store receipts. The cost was $9.00.

This was a great project for my daughter, Serah, as it was easy to do. Also, a good chance to practice her painting on something where mistakes where easy to fix.

Serah painting a headboard

Serah painting a headboard

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Once the first coat was done Serah found the colour too bright or too “perky yellow” as she called it. So I mixed one test pot I had brought previously of Half Bianca (60 ml) with one pot of Wild Thing.Serah much preferred the lighter yellow.

Distressing

Once the paint had dried overnight I lightly sanded down areas of the paint. The thing I love about shabby chicing a piece of furniture is it is wonderful for getting rid of mistakes, drips etc. So I just sanded off areas at random, places where in time it might get worn away anyway. The underneath layer of white paint came through in places to make it a bit more interesting.

Clear Wax and Dark Wax

Finally after sanding I used Annie Sloan Clear Wax and Dark Wax over the sanded areas. I just like this look, but you can leave it without wax if you like.

Distressed Headboard

Distressed Headboard

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Shabby Chic Headboard and Baseboard

Shabby Chic Headboard and Baseboard

Thanks for reading my post! Serah’s bedroom reveal coming soon!

  Andi

 

 

 

 

 

Little sad old cabinet – needed chalk paint makeover

Little Sad Old Cabinet – Needed Chalk Paint Makeover

I loved this little old cabinet as soon as I saw it at a Thrift Store, but it needed a chalk paint makeover. The great thing about it was it was only $20.00, but unfortunately the top half of the back was broken and there was borer in the back. It was probably why it was so cheap!

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The first thing I did was remove the broken top part of the back.

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I washed it all down with water and dish detergent. Some of the old hardware was broken, so I removed it and brought some cooper knobs at a local building recycling shop. My husband Tom replaced the back with a piece of wood he cut down to size and nailed on.

Borer

I treated the whole cabinet with a borer spray to be on the safe side. I don’t get put off by furniture with borer, because some old pieces do have borer. It is easy to treat with a spray and or a borer bomb, just follow the instructions carefully.

When I removed the hardware there were two holes and I filled in one of the holes with wood filler, as I only needed one hole for the replacement hardware.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old Ochre on the outside of the cabinet. I ended up giving it two coats of paint, then gently sanded it in some areas to show the wood underneath. It had a lovely texture and dark colour I wanted to show through.

I painted the inside of the cabinet with Duck Egg Blue.

Then I put Clear Wax on all the surfaces, inside the cabinet and outside and rubbed it in as I went along. Finally, I rubbed Dark Wax on some areas of the outside, highlighting rougher areas of the paint and wood.

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Cooper Hardware

Copper Hardware

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Winter Roses from my gardent

Winter Roses from my garden

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This is my favourite chair, picked up from a Thrift store for only $35

This is my favourite chair, picked up from a Thrift store for only $35

This Maiden Hair Fern is really old, it was my grandmothers. I have only just been given it, but quickly managed to nearly kill it!

This Maiden Hair Fern is really old, it was my grandmothers. I have only just been given it, but quickly managed to nearly kill it!

I love the colour and the crackle aged lines on the pot.

I love the colour and the crackle aged lines on the pot.

Thanks so much for reading my blog!

  Andi

 

 

Inexpensive And Easy Daughter’s Bedroom Makeover With Chalk Paint

A very inexpensive and easy way to do my daughter’s bedroom makeover was using chalk paint.

Pre-teens Makeover Bedroom update with One Room Challenge @house beautiful

My daughter Serah has turned 13 and as a teenager wants something different. She is very keen to pick out and help paint some furniture for her new room. We brought new colourful bedding, curtains and a rug for the floor.  Next came some furniture…

Little Pine Wooden Shelving Unit

I brought a little pine wooden shelving unit, to use as a bedside table, for only $5.00 at a Thrift Store which I decided to paint in a combination of Annie Sloan Chalk Paints, Old Ochre and Coco. These are very neutral colours which look great in any room.

The shelving was in good condition and just needed a wipe down before painting. No sanding was needed, as the chalk paint sticks really well to any surface. One of the reasons why I love painting with it!

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After Serah and I gave it a couple of coats, I let it dry for a day before putting on the Annie Sloan Clear Wax and Dark Wax. I rubbed the dark wax lightly on top of the clear wax. Then gave it a good buffing with a soft cloth. I buy old flannelette sheets for about a $1.00 from Thrift stores and cut them up for this purpose.

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Cane Headboard

My other great find at a local Thrift Store up this lovely cane headboard for only $15.00img_1249-2

I painted the cane headboard  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Emperor’s Silk, which is a really beautiful red. I used a smaller paint brush  on this as it was important to get in all the little areas. Only one good coat was needed and no wax is required on cane surfaces.

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We brought some handy baskets for storage on the shelves and a new bright red lamp.

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It was great to see how well the room came together and Serah was very happy.

Thanks for reading my post!

  Andi

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