Thursday, February 24, 2011

A chair for some cheer

Well my sweet friends and readers, I didn't win the voting portion of the Ivory Homes interior design contest that I entered my Master Bedroom into last week.  I was ahead all week with my numbers (thanks to you and my fabulous Facebook friends) so I didn't really fret at all the last day of voting.  I had a regular day running around with my little Trav until we got home for dinner, checked the votes and FREAKED out to see that two of the contestants numbers literally jumped up 100+ votes.  My jaw dropped to the floor.  These gals were die hards and must have had some serious recruiting going on.  I have to hand it to them, they definitely gave me a run for my money.  I did my best (with the help of any friends who were online since my phone conveniently wouldn't send any text messages right at that point and after an hour on the phone with tech support I gave up), but when voting ended at midnight my votes were way fewer than 2 other contestants. 

I'm not going to lie, I was really bummed.  I worked so hard for this silly contest and truly just wanted to win.  50% of the contest is still based on the judges decisions but being the control freak perfectionist that I am, I wanted to at least secure the part of the contest that I knew I could control.  I suppose I should have been more proactive about telling all of my friends on Facebook to vote.  Oh well.  Enough of my pity party!

Here's where my day turned so bright.  My sweet momma, who is the only person to whom I was humble enough to admit to how down I was feeling, drove all the way out to my house (we live 35 min away) to deliver the chair I found on KSL (a site in Utah similar to craigslist) over the weekend and that she picked up for me.  Isn't she amazing?  I really don't know what I would do without her.  Mom, if you happen to read my blog I love you!  Here is the chair that I found in the FREE section of KSL this weekend.  Yes you read correctly, FREE.  F.R.E.E.

 Many of you may be laughing and wondering what I'm smoking, but my fellow DIY-ers are probably gasping.  This chair is a gem!  It is in excellent condition and has such fantastic character.

Check out those legs.  Rarrr!
 I LOVE the exposed caning and curvy arms.

I have to admit that the back looks a little bit peculiar to me, but have no fear- a new plan for this baby is in place. 

As soon as my mom delivered this beauty to my door, I grabbed my screwdriver and pliers and let out all my frustration by yanking out about a gazillion staples. 

*** If you ever decide to reupholster a chair, please be kind to those who will follow after you on the same piece years later.  You really don't have to staple every millimeter... I promise!***

The upholstery and foam are gone, she has been sanded, primed, given a little "face-lift" and is ready for more tomorrow.  I can't wait to show you what's in store for this gal. 

Do chairs cheer you up?  Fortunately I also had this handsome little devil around to keep me smiling today.

I'm so grateful for your support and sweet comments.  Those brighten my days more than you know.

~PW

9 comments:

  1. Jen,
    I just started following your blog this week after seeing your guest post on Design Intervention. Let me just say, your bedroom makeover was completely FAB! I'm an Interior Designer and for what it's worth, I thought your "after" design was better than some work I've seen from formally trained designers. It's too bad you didn't win the contest but keep your chin up because your work is awesome! :)

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  2. I'm so excited to see what you are going to do with that chair. You sure are talented!

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  3. Hi Miss Penny Wenny, I found you through Design Intervention. Your little guy is adorable, and you found a great chair. Hugs, Kim

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  4. Whitney, that really does mean a lot to me coming from a professional! Thank you...

    Kylee and Kim, thanks for your comments, I agree Kim- he is such a stud. We sure love him!

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  5. Jen- I LOVE this chair- It has the same legs as the round cane chair I just BOUGHT off craigslist last month! Such an awesome find! And um... how the heck do you get soooo much done on one chair in a day?!?!?!I feel like there's something wrong with me how long stuff takes. Maybe because my baby's still small. Maybe because I'm displaced and disorganized not having a home---- but seriously I don't think I could ever be as quick and skilled as you at your furniture magic!

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  6. Jen- you will not believe this but my mom has 2 identical chairs to that one!! I almost called her to see if she gave 1 away ;)I am so anxious to see what you do with it (my mom's could use an upgrade) You are such an inspiration, my husband thinks I'm crazy cause now I'm trying all these crazy things because of you. Thanks for you ideas!!

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  7. Tessa, the truth is that am just a teensy bit psychotic and I find it therapeutic to rip the old upholstery off. I also do a lot of the work either when Trav is sleeping, or if it doesn't involve paint he just runs around in the basement and "helps" me with his own screwdriver and tools. I am certain that always moving and having a little baby still certainly play a role. You will get there girl!

    Aleisha, that is so funny! Nope, it didn't come from your mom but be sure to tell her that I'll gladly take them off her hands if she ever decides to toss them :) You should definitely dibbs them first however. That's great that you are trying new things! Warning- it's addictive! Love you Aleisha!

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  8. Hey, Jen! Thanks for stopping by at Twice Lovely! Your email isn't linked to your blogger account, so I couldn't respond directly to your comment. You might want to fix that, because it makes it SO much easier for other bloggers to communicate with you.

    I can't wait to see your chair upholstery tutorial! Upholstery always frustrates me. But I AM upholstering the backs of those french arm chairs. I have one almost done (just need to do the trim.) I'll probably take a break before I finish the other one. :)

    I saw your bedroom transformation all over blogland. SO beautiful! Great job! I'm a new follower of your blog as well!

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  9. Ann Marie,

    Thanks for your advice! I have been trying to fix it for a while (among many other things to improve my blog's appearance and user-friendliness) but I am definitely slow at figuring out all of the technological and graphical design aspects to the blogging world. Do you have any great sites you recommend I check out for tips/ advice for dummy bloggers? lol

    I am so excited to see your finished chairs! I'm so glad you're upholstering the backs. That will really glam them up. Thanks for your sweet words about my bedroom, and for being a follower. I am so honored to have you!

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I can't wait to hear from you! If you have any detailed questions, please feel free to email me- LittleMissPennyWenny@gmail.com. Thanks!