Restore, Repaint and Reupholster a Broken Vintage Chair

Over the years I have refinished a number of pieces that were considered past their prime.  These side chairs were no exception.  My friend chose Annie Sloan English Yellow – I was so excited, English Yellow is a very versatile color. She asked that they be heavily distressed and finished in the dark wax. She had her fabric and new burlap for the seats and backs and asked that it be upholstered with antique brass nail heads.  I was eager to get started - they were going to be fantastic.

So, here’s the thing….

I think that if you can refinish a chair, with all the details and hard to get at places, you can refinish anything.  Chairs are a challenge – they are not a flat surface like a bureau, hutch, bedframe, desk or cabinet.  They take patience and time. That's probably why I get asked to do so many! Getting them just right - from the various styles, repairing loose joints and lost spindles, painting, waxing and distressing all the rungs and corners - and then the seat - cane or cover.... patience. To refinish a chair and have it authentic, sturdy, beautiful and useable - I say, if you can handle a chair, you can accomplish great things with any piece you choose to refinish!

When you are given the task of refinishing chairs of this nature – honestly,  your greatest asset will be patience. You can’t be in a hurry. Take your time, do a little and walk away. Come back later with a fresh set of eyes, review what you have done, fix any oversights (a missed nail hole, a little more distressing, a little less wax) and you will be overjoyed with the end result.

BEFORE

Let's Get Started!

Preparation

I started by stripping off all of the fabric, old leather piping, horsehair batting, burlap and then I removed so many nails I lost track – somewhere in the hundreds.

Glue and Clamping

Next came restoring the frames - gluing and clamping.  I use Gorilla Wood Glue found at my local Home Hardware Store. Gorilla Glue is awesome and, trust me, once your piece is complete - it will stand the test of time.  When using glue of any type, be sure you have a damp rag when working with glue – once it is clamped the glue will ooze out the crevices so a wet rag to wipe any drips away makes clean up easier.

Wood Filler

I used wood filler on all the nail holes  - yes, all of them - and again, let it dry – completely. I used a sanding block as to not remove the patina of the wood or damage the edges.

Painting

A fresh coat of Annie Sloan "English Yellow" gave the chair life!  English Yellow is a lovely happy color and in many ways, very much a neutral. These chairs, for example, are in a home full of blues, greens, wood tones and cream.  They look spectacular!

Clear Wax and Distressing
A coat of clear wax to set the paint and act as a protection.  To distress these particular chairs I used a medium steel wool as the wood was rough and my friend asked for a heavy distress. I let the wool do the work with an extra nudge here and there.  This chairs must have been stored in a barn as the wood was well weathered as the paint came off easily and left a beautiful overall worn look. 

Next, I practiced what I’ve preached.  After I finished distressing this chair – I walked away and started on another project.  The next day I came back and decided it needed a bit more distressing in a few places to make it authentic, worn and old. You will know after a few attempts if you have gone far enough.  However, it is just as important to know when to stop!

Dark Wax

I applied a coat of dark wax, followed by rubbing off the access with a clean cotton rag. When I am working on chairs - painting or waxing, I turn it upside down and start on the bottom – and work up.  This allows you more control to flip, tilt and handle the chair without touching the places you have just worked on. Starting at the top makes it harder to maneuver.

Polishing
My go to polishing secret is cotton work gloves purchased at my local Hardware Store.  An old diaper, dish towel or t-shirt works as well, however, I find the gloves allow me to feel the wood, polish rungs and spindles as opposed to a thick rag.  I like to let the wax cure for a day or two and return once more to go over the chair with a fine steel wool.  This removes any spots that are too heavy with wax – I find this around joints and spindles more so than other parts of the chair.  The steel wool also allows me to remove wax from spots where I feel the paint would have worn off. One last buff and your chair is complete.

I am a stickler for looking under a refinished chair or take a peak at the back of dressers or sideboards – even in the drawers!  I like to see a project finished completely. Why would you go to through the process of painting, sanding, distressing, waxing and polishing and not do everything? My furniture is always finished, top to bottom.  Backs, drawers, bottoms - painted or stained.....always.

Upholstering
My friend asked that I use the wrong side of the fabric on the seat and back – she liked it better than the right side.  A little creativity and we decided to use the right side of the fabric for the piping and the back panel on the back rest.

The chair springs were covered in burlap and stapled in place, followed by a foam form and a sheet of batting for comfort – again, stapled in place. Next came the piping followed by the upholstery secured with antique brass nail heads.

On the back panel I stapled upholstery tape followed by a foam form, a piece of batting and then the piping.  The fabric was secured in place with antique brass nail heads.

I think this pair of destined for the dumpster chairs turned out great!

Please let me know if you have any questions about this or any other project. I love to share! Do you have a piece of furniture you don’t know what to do with?  Send me a picture and I will provide a free consultation for you!

“Supercalafragilisticexpialidocious!”

Until Next Time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth

What Day Is It?

I love the look of a hammock – very inviting. I do have one on my property - it does look awesome!  When I first hung my newly claimed treasure in my yard one of my neighbors actually said “Looks great, when will we see you use it?”

So, here’s the Thing…….

About six years ago I made a conscious decision to free myself from the busyness of life, the crazy schedules, racing from here to there, trying to be everything to everybody....I was tired of saying "I'm busy, so very, very busy!" 

I was on a mission - decluttering, reorganizing and reprioritizing my life. I was learning to live simply - simplifying everything, from my cottage and "stuff" to me - mind, body and soul. Crazy notion, right?  Well, I was doing really well - I had found my groove and had a good handle on my new life. I really enjoyed the quietness in my head.  However, lately I find I have slipped back into an old habit of "beat the clock" and it's just been go, go, go. 

This week while racing around I began to wonder where May and June have gone....its Summer and I don't know what happened to Spring! Why is it that I'm feeling like there are never enough hours in a day or days in a month? It seems one day I'm weeding, planting and working on that to-do list, and the next thing - I realized - is that if I don't slow it down and enjoy my days, I'll be preparing for snow and I will have missed it all.

Am I taking the time to really enjoy living?

So my question is:

Are we so busy with the everyday demands on our time and emotions that we have forgotten to stop and enjoy the simple pleasure of living? Trust me, there have been days, weeks recently where I have just managed to keep one foot in front of the other trying to cross something off that never ending to-do list. Lately, I fall into bed, thinking about my day – and wondering … did I enjoy it and live my best life?  And then I fall asleep too exhausted to even answer the question.

With the hustle and bustle of daily living I'm re-committing to my promise of six years ago to slow it down, breath and reconnect with myself - to find time, carve it out for me and enjoy a few moments of peace and solitude – rejuvenating, however and whatever that may be.

Today I am challenging you to join me.  Take control, even if only for a while – claim it as your own. Take that walk in the woods - breath in nature.  Stop and see what flowers are growing in your garden - literally, stop and smell the roses. Start that book your girlfriend has recommended - at least the first chapter. Have that bath - with bubbles! Go to yoga - stretch or just sit - quietly.  Take time to reflect and rejuvenate your thankful soul. You will feel better!

As for me – what better time than now to head out to that wonderful hammock!  I have a book I have wanted to start for some time – and right now is “me time” - I’m disappearing from the world…..even if it's for only 20 minutes - unless I fall asleep!

Are you feeling the pressures of life? How do you cope? What practices help keep you stay grounded and grateful? Send me a note - I'd love to hear from you.

"What day is it?” asked Pooh.

"It’s today.” squeaked Piglet.

“My favorite day.” Said Pooh.

Until next time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth

For The Love of Wax!

I love, love, love antiquing wax (dark wax) and how my pieces look after they are finished. Antiquing wax gives furniture a patina, a look of age and authenticity.  It brings the wood to life after years of wear and tear and just looks old. And, dark wax is excellent for highlighting not only the paint color but the wood tone as well.

So, here’s the Thing…

I like to work with a variety of paint lines.  At present, my shelves are stocked with Annie Sloan, FAT and Country Chic Chalk Paints as well as Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint. But, there is always a project calling out for a latex so I keep a variety of Benjamin Moore samples on hand.

Tips before we get started with wax: 

On most occasions I like to finish a project with dark wax. When I first started painting furniture - many moons ago, I would do exactly as the experts in this field suggested.....however, following the rules has never been my strong point, so I played around with all the paints, waxes, products and techniques until I found my groove, my ways to work with the products and express my own creativity. And, yes, occasionally I still break the rules!

Many of us are timid when it comes to dark wax.  Let's just put that fear to rest and go for it!  Once you see the difference dark wax makes, I can pretty much guarantee 99% of your pieces will be completed in this fashion.  Is there a place for pieces finished in clear wax only, absolutely!  However, taking that final step and adding the dark wax you are giving your piece life, it enhances everything.

This project:

This may be a good place to say - A LITTLE WAX GOES A LONG WAY!  Those little jars are small - and expensive. Go easy on the application and really spread it around using all that is on your brush - if you don't most of the wax will end up on your rag when you wipe it down - and that makes for an expensive project. Seriously, in this case, less is more!

Before waxing, wipe down the surface to remove any dust or lint.  I like to use Tack Cloth found at my local Home Hardware store.  Unlike cotton rags, the Tack Cloth picks up even the smallest of particles and leaves your project completely lint free.

A great little Bass River chair

I painted this piece with two coats of "Paris Grey" Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to get good coverage and then I distress using 100 grit sanding block and fine steel wool.  I like to work with both as it varies the distressing and gives a more worn-over-time authentic appearance.  

Painted, clear wax and distressed

WORKING WITH ANTIQUING WAX (DARK WAX):

To apply the antique wax, I use a large wax brush, which is a great investment if you plan to do a lot of refinishing. If you are just starting out you can use a bushy paint brush. I use the large wax brush as it is either round or oval and the hairs are densely packed making it easier to get full coverage and into all the chipped and worn parts - the details.

Waxing does take muscle power!  Rub right into the wood, in a circular motion.  Move the wax around being sure to get into all of the nooks, crannies, crevices, scratches and dents. 

Dark wax application

After completing a small part of the project, take a cotton rag or a microfiber cloth and wipe off the excess.  I then go over my projects with fine steel wool to further distress and buff. The piece should feel totally dry to the touch. If it feels tacky or sticky you still have too much wax on the furniture and need to go back and remove the excess. Once your piece has been completely waxed and buffed you can add the hardware, or in this case - send it for caning.

Buffed and ready for caning

So, before we go any further, let's just take a look at this chair with clear wax and then with the dark wax application.  As you can see, the clear wax is lovely and you could leave your chair and be very happy with it.  But, look what the extra step of adding the dark wax does to the paint color and wood grain.  In my opinion, this vintage chair deserves the extra step.

The paint and wax take approximately 30 days to cure to the point of it being as durable as any other piece of furniture in your home.  However, if you do decide to use your piece right away, be gentle and don't leave it where it will be exposed to scratches, dents or water stains.

Here is the completed little Bass River chair.

Love this little chair!

What have you been working on?  Do you have questions on working with antiquing wax?  Share your techniques! Leave a comment and I'll get back to you!

"Keep Calm and Wax On!" 

Until Next time - Live Simply

- Mary Elizabeth

  

Let's Talk Stains!

You know when you find that piece of clothing that fits you perfectly and you think “I love this! It looks so good – I need two” - just so when the hard-to-come-by "oh so perfectly fitted" garment wears out, turns that dingy yellow color or is ruined because of a mishap and leaves a stain right in the most obvious spot.

Nothing can ruin a favorite piece of clothing like a stain, be it make-up, blood,  perspiration, wine or even just the “ring around the collar.” Your furniture takes a beating as well from things such as coffee, grease, crayons or food. 

So, here’s the Thing…..

I have a fetish for the color white when it comes to my summer wardrobe.  White blouses and white jeans top my go-to attire – don’t know why, just do. Throw on a colorful top with the white jeans or a white blouse with the blue jeans and I’m good to go. Pretty plain Jane.

Why white, of all colors? Not exactly the smartest choice for a woman who up until a year ago would not leave the cottage without two 90 lb. bull mastiff boxers in tow. Drooling, shedding and dirty paws from two who thought they were the size of a Chihuahua and required received constant hugs, kisses and lap time. I’d always have some sort of mark or stain (or many) by the end of the day.

Then, there’s my line of work - I am constantly digging around searching for furniture.  On a “day off” I’ll throw on my go-to wardrobe to visit a friend and we’ll end up digging through the attic, barn or basement looking for that perfect piece to refinish! Or, I’m off to run errands and do a road side stop for that discarded chair…..another marked up article of clothing. Needless to say I had to find a product to keep my whites white.

(Disclaimer) Let me start by saying that I have no attachment to this company, no relationship with them what-so-ever, no paybacks, no perks no free products.  This is just a favorite stain remover I found and want to share it with you. End of story.

I was at Atlantic Fabrics in Bridgewater a few months back checking out – well, pretty much anything in a fabric store!  On one shelf I spotted a product called eaze-OUT. Said on the label it is a “super concentrated STAIN REMOVER that gently penetrates to dissolve and lift the most difficult set-in stains without harming the fabric, even silk.”  Well, I read the back label and, like many products, it boosted itself as being the miracle, fix all solution to keeping your whites white and your colors bright – but I bought it anyway!

Fast forward to a few weeks later and I pulled out a pair of white jeans and prepared for an outing. This particular day I was carrying a cross strap weaved bag and did not notice until later in the day that a pen in my bag had poked its point through the weave and had left at least a dozen ink marks all over my white jeans….not pretty!

When I got home I hauled out the bottle of eaze-out, figuring now was as good a time as any, and followed the instructions. I soaked the jeans and liberally applied the product.  I have an old fingernail brush that I used to gently rub over the marks and – no word a lie – like magic the ink marks disappeared – even on the double stitched side seam! I then threw them in a wash and added a cap full of eaze-out per the instructions and my jeans came out brighter and whiter all over! Seriously, they look like I had just purchased them!

You know, it’s the little things in life that give me the greatest thrills. I was so excited about eaze-out I went to my closet and pulled out pieces to experiment on.  From ink and blood to make up and coffee – I spent the afternoon testing to see just how I could prove this product wrong. Sorry - can't. It is amazing! Those once destined for the garbage items have now regained their rightful spot amongst my wardrobe of whites.  Next up - my brights!

After reading a few reviews online I realized I am not alone!  Great reviews. And, I discovered it is available at both Atlantic Fabrics and Fabricland.

Who knew?  Have you tried this product? Do you have a favorite go-to you’d like to share?  Post a comment and/or a photo - I'd love to hear from you!  

"It's the little things in life that give me the greatest thrills!"   

- Mary Elizabeth

Until next time - live simply!

Mary Elizabeth

From Drab to Gorgeous with Caribbean Blue FAT Chalk Paint

Can I get a hallelujah for the arrival of spring? Not that our winter was any different from previous years – I just love moving on for a few seasons from the whiteness of it all. This time of year, like most, I head to the gardens and window boxes as early as possible just to be able to enjoy the array of color that will be a source of joy for the next few months.  Color engulfs my life and makes me happy. 

The window boxes are jam packed full of every color imaginable. The perennial gardens showing signs of rebirth and sending up shoots of irises, peonies and daylilies. At the same time, inside my cottage, the warm and cozy earth tones from fall and winter décor are replaced with beautiful, bright, cheery fabrics and accessories to add that splash of happiness – color makes my soul complete.

So, here’s the thing….

I had posted “What Up With Color?” a few days ago and thought while that was fresh in my mind I would share with  you a little project I recently completed.

I was out on an adventure one afternoon and ended up at one of my favorite second hand furniture stores, Mom’s Used Furniture and Dad’s Ice Cream in Lunenburg.  Pam has some really interesting pieces and this particular day I spied this little chair sitting in the corner.  Like I needed another chair to refinish – but this was unusual and it had great bones, so home it comes!

I call this "Red Velvet"

Once I got the “beautiful” red velvet off the frame I was thrilled to see that it had been originally caned.  I would imagine somewhere down the line of owners of this little gem, they did what most do when the cane breaks – grab a piece of fabric and recover it.  Well, I just had to have the cane replaced – proper thing!

But what was I going to do about the paint color…… I decided, as summer was approaching, this project would be painted it in this yummy “Caribbean Blue” FAT Chalk Paint and antiquing wax to bring out the imperfections – as only antiquing wax will do!

Painted, waxed and distressed

After the piece had cured for a few weeks I took it to my friends at the ARC in Bridgewater and had it caned, seat and back, just like the original.

Home from the caner

This little accent chair is now for sale in my shop. How great would this look in any home?  I think we all need a little color to liven up our day.  Why not bring those amazing colors we tenderly care for in our gardens into our homes?  If they bring so much happiness out of doors, why not try them inside? From the muted to the bold and beautiful - living with color is a good thing.

"Sunset is still my favorite color, and rainbow is second."

- Mattie Stepanek

Until next time - live simply!

Mary Elizabeth

This Vehicle Brakes for Spring and Fall Clean-Up!

You know that feeling you get when you stumble across something you didn’t know you were even on the hunt for - and then - there it is, right in front of you? Personally, I get this fire in my belly and my heart starts to race - giddy almost!  I love a good find at a bargain price – give-aways are even better! Yard sale –ing, flea market-ing, dumpster diving, digging through my family’s basements, barns and attics or strolling through a used furniture store to find the unusual – heaven. Heck, I need a bumper sticker that reads “This vehicle brakes for spring and fall clean-up”! I just get child-like with excitement.

So, here’s the Thing…….

I’m kind of a jack of all trades gal.  When I was considering a business I was having a difficult time narrowing down what I wanted to offer.  Focusing on one service is just not me – ask anyone who knows me, I prefer to have a number of irons in the fire. So I decided to diversify and cover all of the things that I love to do - things that don’t feel like “work” and makes my heart happy. I love to restore, paint and reupholster furniture.  I love interior design and decorating.  I love creating and sewing my own designs.  I love gardening. I love old pottery. I love nature. I love building from raw wood. I love making pies. I love rearranging furniture. I love to recycle, upcycle, restore and reuse. These are some of the services that fall under the umbrella of Mary Elizabeth Interiors.  "Interiors" - meaning everything home.

So today I am going to share one of those “oops, I have to pull over and grab those chairs” because you just know if you don’t grab them now – they will be gone. Been there, done that – so disappointing!  These chairs were actually being carried out to the roadside by the owner for fall clean up when I pulled to a screeching halt right up next to his driveway.  After a bit of cordial chitchat he was thrilled to help me load them on the back of my truck, probably thinking I am one crazy woman – and, happy to see them out of his yard.  A friendly wave and away I go, happy as a clam with my new found treasures in tow.  

Here are the three chairs rescued from that fall clean-up - painted, waxed and distressed.  I think they would look awesome in a farmhouse or cottage kitchen.  There are two green and one yellow and are for sale in my shop.

Just a heads up to my fellow Maritimers, when spring and fall clean up rolls round again and you are following behind me - be sure to keep your distance cause this vehicle pulls over for spring and fall clean up! 

"The future is trash.  Recycling it, re-arranging it. Making it beautiful again."     - Chris Campanioni

           Until Next Time - Live Simply!

    Mary Elizabeth

What’s Up With Color?

I love color – all colors of the rainbow, those created in nature and those brought to life by those brilliant minds in a laboratory.

If we are surrounded by literally a gazillion shades from one end of the color spectrum to the other, why do we gravitate to decorating our homes in neutrals, browns, navy blue and forest green?  Why is there so much anticipation of color at the first sign of spring - from the buds on the trees to the early blooming rhododendrons, tulips, hyacinths, columbine and primrose right through to the fall sunflowers, black eyed Susan’s, mums and our glorious changing of the leaves?

So, here’s the thing…..

We fill our days leafing through home decorating magazines and admiring the bold statement of a peacock blue or a lime green – but who dare bring that into their home?  We stroll through public gardens and art galleries - literally travelling the world to enjoy the beauty of nature and the kaleidoscope of colors it offers. Great in the outdoors, but would never consider a wall or a piece of furniture in the process.  Actually, we don’t have to look too far to see how color impacts our lives.  Next time you are out and about take time to notice the color of vehicles these days.  What about that new lipstick or nail polish – the choices are endless.  Although neutral colors will continue to top the charts in choosing that next vehicle, did you know that the future trend predictions are tending to suggest greens, pinks and hue shifting finishes?  What about fashion?  Trending this year are beautiful pink, crimson, coral and purple shades – will they eventually make it into our homes?

Recently while at Indian Garden Farms in Bridgewater, I spoken with an employee about the amazing display of color in their prepared baskets, from the soft hues of pinks and greens to the vibrant reds, corals, yellows and purples - color everywhere.  I was happy. As I stood drooling over the arrangements I asked her why are we so afraid to bring fun, vibrant or soft colors into our homes.  She said her mother’s reasoning was that taupe was a neutral and would stand the test of time and mix with anything purchased for the home – it was safe. Maybe so…..

However, I applaud those who dare to step outside their comfort zone and introduce a splash of color to a wall, a chair, an area rug or accessories.  Fun, happy, inviting, warm and interesting – through color - fabrics, paints, wall paper or furniture, you can make your nest a delightful place to come home to – and smile. Take a look at these photos (courtesy of Google).  Be it through soft or bright tones, color is happy.

Ahhh, color.  I encourage you to introduce a little color in your homes. Choose a wall, add pillows, change the drapes, toss in a few accessories or punch it up with an area rug.  Let a little sunshine in and watch the reaction!

“Punches of color keeps a room feeling youthful and engaging."   

                                                                      – Christina Murphy

Until next time - Live Simply!

Mary Elizabeth