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Thursday, May 23, 2013

French Chair Makeover

I am so happy this project is finished even though it turned out kind of funky.  I purchased it two years ago and it's been hanging around ever since.  It's finally ready to go to the shop.
I purchased it at a friend's sale and the top of it had some water damage.  So the back cardboard support piece had become warped so recovering the chair with the same piece of cardboard just wasn't going to work.  Finally after not being able to find another piece that would work, I asked my husband to wet the board and see if he could get it to dry flat.  Thankfully it worked.  Since the chair was originally a pecan color the chair needed to be painted.  So first it got a coat of Annie Sloan's duck egg blue and then a coat of old ochre.  I did a heavy sanding on the old ochre to reveal much of the blue underneath.  After it was painted, I used clear wax.
I did not replace the little arm pads because I knew this chair was going to end up kind of funky anyway.  I covered the chair with drop cloth fabric and did a transfer on just the upper back with an image I found on Pinterest.  I also used some fresh batting to cover the old foam so the drop cloth would have something clean underneath it.
For the trim, I used cotton seam binding I found at Joann's that matched the duck egg blue.  I gathered it and used Tacky Glue to finish the chair and to hide the staples.  The Tacky Glue works great and it dries clear.
The chair is finally finished and is ready to head to the shop.
It was quite a bit of work and I'm not sure I would attempt it again, but it might be a little bit like childbirth.  When another one comes along, I will probably forget how much work this was and, of course, I will drag it home.  Below you can see what was on the chair originally.  This chair is probably from the 50's or 60's.
Thanks for stopping by.
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Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
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21 comments:

Irene Helms Designs said...

Exceptionally beautiful! Sounds like a lot of effort ... but likely worth it! I love it!
Irene

Irene Helms Designs said...

Exceptionally beautiful! Sounds like a lot of effort ... but likely worth it! I love it!
Irene

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

What a nice job you did on the chair. I would never attempt anything like that! lol It turned out beautiful. Nancy

Shabby chic Sandy said...

I love this! What a goo idea to gather the seam binding. I have a chair similar to this that has been waiting for a makeover for over a year. I am kinda scared! You are inspiring me :)

Kirby Carespodi said...

I love this! I am getting ready to do a French armchair this summer and sorta dreading it!

Lynda Bergman Decorative Artisan said...

It's beautiful, Maggie. You are so good with color and those transfers!! Lynda

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Your chair turned out beautiful and I love the idea of gathered seam binding to cover the staples!

Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic said...

I love the chair! They are a ton of work, for sure. I love the graphic you added, too.

~Shanon

Susie said...

Oh that chair looks so much better. I do like the blue paint. xoxo,Susie

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Very pretty, Maggie! What a great shape she has to her. Love the blue trim you added, too.

Danni@SiloHillFarm said...

Really lovely! That blue ruffle just sets it off! Nice job.

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Glad you were up to the challenge. It looks great.

Createology said...

Your chair was worth all the effort as the results are beautiful. These types of chairs are classic elegance. Happy Hearts are Creative Hearts...

Anne said...

What a beautiful transformation! Love that graphic and trim too!
xx
Anne

Inspired by you said...

Great job! Really like the trim!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh Maggie, I love it and the best part is the blue ruffle!

Carol

Gail said...

What a beautiful chair make-over Maggie! Love the trim you added. Enjoy your weekend, Gail

Bliss said...

At least I know you understand why my dining room chairs are not done. I am doing the citrasolve method of transfer on them, what did you use?

Bliss

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I think it's gorgeous and well worth the effort you put in. Love the color and I'm sure it won't be in the shop long.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Maggie,
WOW this chair is stunning. I love it. The paint color showing through the top coat is beautiful. I love that graphic and the ruffled trim is gorgeous. I know it was a lot of work, but so worth for a result like this. It will sell fast!!

Happy Memorial Day,
Celestina Marie

Unknown said...

You did a really amazing job on this little chair. I have a chair that belonged to my mom with the same general shape and your chair will be my inspiration for it's makeover! So excited! I found you on MMS.
Blessings,
Patti