Friday, June 21, 2013

French chair makovers

I've been playing with a couple of chairs, this is the result...


They started out like this...


On the whole I'm pleased with the result but one thing I would do next time is choose a finer cotton to print the upholstery on because it was difficult to get a nice smooth edge on the medallion shapes for the backs.  To get a slightly dirty look I put the new fabric on top of the original, some of the colour shows through giving a hint of grubbiness created over time.  Also the fabric used for printing is an off-white 'natural linen' shade. 

I was considering putting them in the salon instead of the sofa (see previous post) but they look a little too big in this tiny space so they are most likely destined for the ground floor Brocante.   

It's been difficult to get motivated enough to go down into my basement to work on the French apartment, it's winter here now so it's a bit chilly down there!  Playing with these chairs (and a 'secret' nursery themed project for my brand new granddaughter) in the warmth and comfort of my living room has been a much more attractive option.  I hope to have pics of the nursery vignette to share with you soon, it's very close to finished. 

29 comments:

Bambi said...

Fabulous! I love the pattern, muted colours and the aged appearance! In a garden I always think a rustic terracotta pot looks so much nicer than brand new!

afairytalecometruewyrna said...

Your chairs were absolutely wonderful. The pattern is beautiful and chair color and fabric fits so well.
Oh it must be nice to make a room box for your granddaughter, congratulations whit her.
Have fun in the living room, we have summer in Denmark. Nice.
Hugs
Wyrna

Ruth said...

I think they look great! I hope I'll be able to make chairs over like that someday :)
XX
Ruth

Susan@minicrochetmad said...

What an amazing difference you've made to these generic chairs! Love the new upholstery.

John said...

Those chairs look like a million bucks --what a splendid make-over!

Lucille said...

Hi Norma! Your chairs are so amazing. They look like they belong in a museum. That is how well you have succeeded with the aging process.

elizabeth s said...

Hi Norma! You have really done a great Make Over with these chairs! The new fabrics look so natural and like they should have always looked this way, softly worn with a faded glory.

elizabeth

Anna said...

Norma, if I have ever seen an unrecognizable before-and-after mini makeover, this is it. Those chairs are gorgeous!

Congratulations on the new grandchild :)

Yolanda Morán said...

Fantástico el nuevo tapizado, me encanta como queda.
Un abrazo.
Yolanda

Marisa said...

Norma you are an Artist those chairs look wonderful also congrat on your new wee one Im sure you'll have tons of fun being a Grand remember the old saying when Mom says no they ask Grandma :)

Hugs
Marisa

Plushpussycat said...

That's quite a transformation, Norma! What a gorgeous result! xo Jennifer

C said...

Wonderful transformation. Just shows what imagination and creativity can do! Very pretty. Carol :) x

Fabiola said...

I like the "new" chairs. Very elegant.
Greetings, Faby

Marisa Minilys-Miniatures said...

Very beautiful!. hugs, Marisa

Maria Ireland said...

I love your chairs. Fantastic makeover. Congrats on the new granddaughter have fun :)
Hugs Maria

Unknown said...

Your chairs looking wonderful, you have done a great job.
Mona

Helena said...

Hola!!
Han quedado mucho mas bonitas con la nueva tapiceria!!
Un saludo, Helena.

Daydreamer said...

Your makeovers are Fantastic! I LOVE the natural wood with the "raw linen" shade of the cloth! It is hard to believe the finished furniture is the same pieces you started with!
Congratulations on your granddaughter! I look forward to seeing the room you make for her!

Daydreamer said...

Ahem, now that I look closer I see it is worn Gilded wood on the chairs ... NOT natural wood!!! All the more perfect for that... of course they are gilded.... they are French chairs, n'est ce pas? You have done a Masterful job with the worn and aged finish!!!

rosethe-minima said...

Félicitations, je trouve la transformation très réussie, ces chaises sont très belles.
rosethé-Minima

miniacollection said...

They are absolutely wonderful.
Geneviève

Nina in Germany said...

Very nice!!!

AMCSviatko said...

Brilliant! You've inspired me to find the chairs I bought to makeover last year... :-)

Claudia said...

These are gorgeous, Norma! What a beautiful job you did with them.

xo
Claudia

The Creative Bohemian said...

I think your chairs came out beautifully! I am making furniture myself right now and am stuck on what colors to finish them in.

Natalia's Fine Needlework said...

Very beautiful result, Norma! I love it! Mini hugs, Natalia

Morena Ciambra Dreamartdolls said...

Amazing work Norma. I'll be back to see more.
Hugs,
Morena

Cinderella Moments said...

I'm sure working on a project for your Grandbaby is so much fun. I hate working in the cold too.
The chairs look marvelous.
hugs♥,
Caroline

Sandra said...

Norma the chairs are a great success. The colours are soft and feminine, perfect for the brocante. You are fortunate to have a basement to work in - not a common thing in Sydney - but I can understand that it is not a pleasant prospect in this weather. Looking forward to seeing the nursery roombox for your granddaughter, I know it will be wonderful. Hugs, Sandie