Distressed Chair with Scalloped Seat

Just finished a chair . . .

I'm not always a fan of "distressed", but after a few tries, I really like how this finish came out.  The seat is covered with linen and then topped with this scalloped linen slipcover.  It seemed just the thing for this chair with its curvy legs and back.

This will be for sale at Liberty House on Saturday, March 3, though I'm kind of getting attached . . .  

Ottoman Project

Just finished a little ottoman!  Though a very ugly "before", it was solid and well-constructed piece and turned out to be so much fun to work on.

This was the first time I'd used upholstery tacks.  It took me a while to get the hang of pounding them in (with a trip to the lumberyard for a new little hammer), but I like the way they look.  The transfer on the top is a replica of a French grain sack.  The date on it is 1960 which I think fits the piece.

I'll have this for sale at Liberty House on March 3 if anybody is interested!

Scary "before" shot--I don't know what was worse, the fabric or the green paint finish:

Library Cabinet

An upcoming sale at Liberty House on March 3 has motivated me to get going on some new pieces.  It feels really good to have hammer and paint brush in hand again!  Things are going smoothly (I learned a lot from last summer's projects) and I hope to have a couple of dressers, an ottoman, a few chairs, and other miscellany ready by then.  I'll post photos as I finish (and as the computer will allow--still having issues getting pictures to load.)

This is an old oak library or office file box.  I painted each side a different color and Ben changed out the plastic hardware for these from Anthropologie.  It was great fun to do!

Playing around with some pictures and signs, too.

The painting part of the ottoman is done.  I'm going to try upholstery tacks on it instead of piping, and will post a picture as soon as it's done.  Meanwhile, I'm heading out to shovel some snow (not as much fun as painting).

Carrot Cupcakes and Snow

You gotta try this recipe for carrot cupcakes from Smitten Kitchen.  Moist, sweet, and they must be good for you with all the carrots and walnuts (and I left off the cream cheese frosting--she said smugly).

Meanwhile, we are digging out from our big snow . . .