Tuesday, March 29, 2011

From Slightly Used to Almost New ...

You might remember that my youngest daughter is having a baby in June. {so excited!} A sweet friend of mine offered my daughter and her husband a rocking chair that they had used for the last seven years for their three children. It was such a generous gesture! My daughter was thrilled when she found out the rocker was white -- as she had been looking for a second-hand {white!} rocker for some time. This is what it looked like when it was dropped off at our home.


The painted wood was in wonderful condition, but we knew a little reupholstering was in its future. My daughter went to work looking for some fabric that would suit their needs. She finally decided on this fun, swirly canvas fabric found at Hobby Lobby. I've used this fabric for several other projects. It's a great medium weight canvas. Here's what became of that little ol' denim rocker. {I'm hoping this wild and crazy fabric won't keep the baby up at night, but that is not something I'm willing to guarantee.}

Love it! 


To recover cushions, just trace around the existing cushion to make a pattern. Then measure the sides and add enough to the edge of the pattern for the sides. Include a seam allowance and you're set!

Something I "fixed" on the rocker were a number of "holes" (like the one below) where screws were placed but not covered with any kind of plug.

 

I bought a package of 1/2" wood plugs at Hobby Lobby and painted them white. Then I tightened up the screws, put a dollop of wood glue in the holes and plopped a plug into each hole. It gave the chair a more finished look...


My daughter is going to place this rocker in her little boy's nursery that will be decorated in yellow and white -- with a dash of swirly orange. She is planning on incorporating a "robot" theme, so I'll be coming up with a pillow later this week that features R2D2's cousin...  ;o)

Cost:
Chair & Ottoman: Free {Thank you!}
Fabric: 3 yards @ $27
Additional foam cushion for footstool: $3
Wood plugs: $1.50
Velcro: $1.50
Thread
Total: $33


 

Linked to:
Friday Flair @ Whipperberry
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
Show Off Your Stuff Party @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
All Things Inspired @ All Things Heart & Home
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Trash to Treasure @ Sassy Sites
Anything Related @ All Things Related
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm