Pages

▼

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. 

at

29 comments:

  1. BambiJune 21, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  2. afairytalecometruewyrnaJune 21, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  3. RuthJune 21, 2013 at 1:36 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  4. Susan@minicrochetmadJune 21, 2013 at 1:55 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. JohnJune 21, 2013 at 2:05 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. LucilleJune 21, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  7. elizabeth sJune 21, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnnaJune 21, 2013 at 6:57 PM

    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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yolanda MoránJune 21, 2013 at 8:10 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. MarisaJune 21, 2013 at 11:03 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  11. PlushpussycatJune 22, 2013 at 1:36 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. CJune 22, 2013 at 2:22 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  13. FabiolaJune 22, 2013 at 2:24 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. Marisa Minilys-MiniaturesJune 22, 2013 at 2:32 AM

    Very beautiful!. hugs, Marisa

    ReplyDelete
  15. Maria IrelandJune 22, 2013 at 5:57 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownJune 22, 2013 at 6:13 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. HelenaJune 22, 2013 at 7:06 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  18. DaydreamerJune 22, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  19. DaydreamerJune 22, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    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!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. rosethe-minimaJune 22, 2013 at 3:04 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  21. miniacollectionJune 23, 2013 at 2:43 AM

    They are absolutely wonderful.
    Geneviève

    ReplyDelete
  22. Nina in GermanyJune 23, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    Very nice!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. AMCSviatkoJune 23, 2013 at 5:03 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. ClaudiaJune 23, 2013 at 11:49 PM

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

    xo
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  25. The Creative BohemianJune 26, 2013 at 10:45 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. Natalia's Fine NeedleworkJune 28, 2013 at 2:57 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  27. Morena Ciambra DreamartdollsJune 28, 2013 at 8:32 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  28. Cinderella Moments July 22, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  29. SandraAugust 2, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete

I love to read your comments!