Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Reupholstering...Signigficantly more tricky than I would have assumed

March 5, 2013

                    Now if you're thinking I haven't posted in a while you're absolutely right! I've still been crafting and what not but I just haven't had time to blog. Hopefully I'm getting back on track so I can share some of my latest projects! 


                             Before:
 








                           After:
                                                                               


                   First up is a very early attempt at upholstering and ottoman which was originally a coffee table. It turned out surprisingly well. Once again it's all about the detail! Easily the hardest part was the tufting, and the tufting made all the difference. It gave it a much more professional polished look. Check out my work below:

Starting point-A very cool low coffee table found on craigslist for $20. Based on the lines I would guess it's mid to late 70's.







Then you pick out a fabric....and there are so many choices but I finally narrowed it down to two at Hobby Lobby (both were about $9/yd -40% discount).




In the end I loved them both but knew the red would match my general decor better for now. So it's time to start upholstering!

Start by graphing directly on you table where you want your tufts to be (I'm still new at this and forgot pics of this step.) I drew directly on the table --it's all getting covered anyway right??

When you've drawn your dot pattern drill holes through the table-this makes tufting later on possible. And do yourself a favor and make them 1/2" holes and not smaller otherwise getting the needle back through later is awful.

Once your holes are drilled begin upholstering! I used a 2" foam cut to size but did not use batting like the tutorials I read had said to. Still don't understand the point of batting and my ottoman hasn't seemed to notice. Then just add your fabric, make sure your pattern is lined up, pull taut and start stapling! This part works best with two people for tension on the fabric.
(My sweet dad trying to help me still doesn't love cell phone cameras)



Now's the tricky part. Tufting. I swear I took photos of this part I just can't seem to find them. Mostly you just get a long upholstery needle, fishing line and your staple gun. I also bought a cheap button maker and used my extra fabric to make covered buttons.

Thread your line up through the bottom, then add your button and push your needle directly back down so it goes back through the hole! then pull tight and staple the ends of your line to the bottom of the ottoman for extra security.

Ta-Da!





I love the way this ottoman came together and the fun pop of red it gives my living room now. All in all this project cost about $50 but the seem to sell for significantly more--One Kings Lane list theirs as being on sale at $499 and mine still has a drawer.

This is definitely my favorite project to date. I swear I'm going to start back posting more regularly. I have a great desk that's next up on my list for some care!

E

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

My Favorite Things-January 2013

These are the things I'm loving most right now...


J. Crew   

While we're talking about jewelry, I'm currently in love with Loren Hope's entire line. They're are definitely statement pieces with whimsy, and who doesn't need a little more whimsy in their life??
Loren Hope  






 All things FOX! Especially the cell phone case and flats by Tory Burch. 
Tory Burch



Finally, d'orsay heels:
Chrsitian Louboutin
 I just love how feminine and classic these heels are-perfect for Spring!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Tis' The Season...


 My family seems to be spreading out farther and farther. This Christmas Caroline and I managed to visit family in Miami and Orlando. While in Miami I came to the obvious realization that I am obsessed with my aunt's apartment. It's almost entirely white yet surprisingly warm and she goes all out for the holidays, my next apartment will be inspired by her classic good taste!

Love the recently reupholstered couches-great way to update furniture!



Perfect Bar Cart



Love the art on this wall-so simple and elegant.

I love that her Christmas tree has no star because it hits the ceiling. Also you can't tell from this photo but this tree is candy themed, wrapped in peppermint garland and glittery sweets!


            Every nook of this place was perfectly decorated, never cluttered but always considered!



 Love these white poinsettias with the pearls in the center.

Caroline and I before the family holiday party in Miami!

 By far my fave holiday look yet. Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft,
Skirt: Thrifted, Emerald tights: J.Crew,
Tartan headband: J.Crew 
 Can't wait to start putting the ideas for my next place together! And can't wait to see my aunts again soon! Big xoxo to Sandi and Sonia for putting up with Caroline and I!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Obsession of the Week: Tartan


I would have thought after a decade in Catholic school plaid skirts I would hate tartan but I just can't. Even more at Christmas do I find myself loving the green and red pattern, so here is a little about it.



"Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours."     -Thanks wikipedia!

Here are some pics of my favorite pieces right now!


First up is a gorgeous strapless dress from Alexander McQueen:
Dress from Lyst




This dress would be perfect for a Christmas party....or a Scottish wedding! It reminds me of Charlotte's dress in SATC-just wish I could find a full length pic of her dress! 
                           

TH: Prep World


 



(Source: MDLawson)

 
 



According to the ever brillant Mari McMurray plaid on plaid will soon be trending. She's deemed it the Scottish tuxedo, in honor of the Canadian Tuxedo before it. As she is the most fashionable person I know I would be will to stake my reputation on her being right...
 


Source






J. Crew

P.S. J. Crew is having 30% off and free shipping on all orders with the Promo Code: Wishlist!
 
8 DAYS and counting til Christmas!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Gators Looking Hot in 2013

We all know at heart I'm a Southern girl and therfore when football season starts to come to an end I do what any girl would, I focus on recruiting for next year and basketball. For the most part my girlfriends do not understand or follow recruiting, and yet the ones that I have forced to learn have come out loving it. The more you understand about the game the more fun it is. So here is a quick-

Girls Guide to Recruiting:

So here is a look at the HOT Gator class coming up next year, and I have to say I can't wait for Coach Boom to get ahold of these guys and work them into one cohesive team--I'm seeing a National Championship in 2 years!

So the names you gonna be hearing a lot over the next 4-5 years (and keep in mind this isn't even half of the amazing talent looking to play for Florida I just didn't want to overwhelm y'all all at once) are as follows Vernon Hargreaves III, Marcel Harris, Darious Cummings, Jordan Sherit, Ahmad Fulwood, Quinton Powell, Keanu Neal, Kelvin Taylor, Nick Washington, Adam Lane, and my personal favorite Caleb Brantley.

Now why is CB my favorite? Is it his undisputable talent? No. It's the fact that he showed up to FSU, in Gator gear and started chompin'! Love that a) he's already getting pumped for 4 years at UF and b) when those trashy FSU fans tried to hate on him and make false accusations as to illegal school visits he handled himself like a true Gator-he remained classy while obviously mocking the ignorance that is Florida State.

So is everyone ready for another National Championship?? Because I am and I think these guys are gonna give it to us!!


Meagen Franks and me at NC 2008


So ladies and gents, this is obviously a Gator-centric post, but that's because I love my school and I highly doubt that I have more than 3 FSU readers....



Friday, November 30, 2012

Almost December! Let the Crafting Begin...

Christmas Time! Love this time of year--the lights, parades, decorations and my sister miserable over the amount of Christmas music on the radio, it really is 'the most wonderful time of the year.' Plus it gives me endless reasons to craft...for my house, the restaurant, my brothers house, random people on the street...you get the point. Saw this wreath and think I have to make one too!


Taken from Pinterest


                                                        
Now if you're anything like me you too have a board on Pinterest dedicated solely to Christmas crafts! Mine started last year and therefore has a decent amount on there....I also promised myself that this year I would start in October to spread out the time and cost...oops. Here are some of my favorites!

 
 
 
 
 
 From the top left: Wreath made from two packs of Dollar Store snowflakes and some ribbon, no-sew burlap Christmas skirt, black and white copies of pics of you and the gift receipiant instead of cards, a yearn wreath and pepermint tray. All of these craft and a ton more are on my Pinterest.

I'll be sure to take lots of pics of these and the other crafts I'm making this week to share!






Monday, November 26, 2012

Birthday, Thanksgiving and Gator Dominance

I can't believe my favorite month is almost over!
A quick visual recap:

My Birthday at Disney! -And yes, my little sister was a good sport about me wanting to be the center of attention...

                    Monogrammed Shirts: Periwinkle Monogram Boutique, Shorts: J.Crew 
                    Picture taken by: Samantha Stratton at Disney's Magic Kingdom!!

                                 *Periwinkle does not technically sell these shirts you have to call and inquire-you can reference this blog and they can make them for you!

                                **Periwinkle is having their Cyber Monday Sale and everything online is 20% off!!
                                 ***J.Crew is having their cyber Monday sale today with 25% off and free shipping-no minimum! Last year I got their seersucker bathing suit on an amazing sale and then had the girls at Periwinkle monogram the bottoms for me!






My Birthday weekend was followed by seeing Love and Theft in concert at The Moon in Tallahassee!!

                                          Pictured: (Left to Right) Meagan Chestnut, Caroline Navarro and Me!
                                          Picture provided: by Matt Nixon

Downtown Get Down and Easton Corbin--Reunion with the Besties!



                                           Photos provided by: Caroline Navarro
                                           Pictured (Left to Right): Meagan Chestnut, Courtney Manders, and ME!


                                  GAMEDAY: UF vs. FSU



                                  My Dress: Banana Republic, Caroline's Dress: Cole Couture
                                   *Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy are doing 30% off today for Cyber Monday!!

What a fantastic gameday! My Gators won and I got to spend the day with freinds and family! Plus the weather was gorgeous all day. Couldn't ask for a more perfect Saturday down South.

All in all this was one fantastic November! Now it's time for me to start prepping for December-decorating, baking and gifting!
And I'm already looking for Gift Ideas for family and friends so if you have an amazing idea feel free to comment it!