It’s week 4 dear friends and this time the ORC is kicking my behind!
It doesn’t matter that our exterior drainage problem has finally been resolved and I can begin cleaning the mud out of my carpets.
It makes no difference that I conquered a major ant infestation.
No one is really interested in the two lengthy compare/contrast art history papers I wrote, the 9 lectures I attended, or the test I aced.
There were also the 6 aprons that were sewn and shipped out earlier this week.
But none of that counts because it didn’t happen in the living room I am making over.
Pity.
But let’s talk about what was accomplished in the living room.
I spent 8 hours EIGHT HOURS removing 8 million nails, tacks and dusty upholstery from the antique chairs I found at Round Top. Whoever did the upholstery 100 years ago did a fine job. I did take a few photos of the process but a child of mine erased the images. #let the beatings begin
They were painted with antique white chalk paint, gilded and sealed with clear wax.
I am keeping the original support system of springs, burlap and some kind of dried moss. It’s actually quite comfortable for being 100 years old. You couldn’t say that about foam.
The chairs are headed to the upholsterers today.
The mantle also received a paint job. It obviously still needs to be reinstalled. #cant wait
This next week will have me scrambling to finish the curtains, pillows and other accessorizing.
I think I can, I think I can.
Laura
I think that's actually horsehair! That's what upholsterers used a hundred years ago. Love the chalk paint and gilding.
It's a wonder you have time to sleep! Goodness your life is a busy one and you have time for working on your furniture, amazing! Your chairs are going to be wonderful and I have no doubt, your living room fabulous! You can do it!!
Yes, that's actually horse hair! I bought an old antique chair a couple years ago and found the same thing in mine. I actually have it saved in a zip bag for keepsake. 🙂
You can sew in your sleep :). I have not stripped a chair in a while, but can appreciate how much work that was. It looks fantastic.
Oh the chairs are going to be fabulous. I can't wait to see it all come together.
lol…let the beatings begin. Your capacity is never-ending.
I think all your other accomplishments, combined with redoing chairs and a mantle, are simply awesome! Congrats on acing the test BTW!!!
And while it was sad you lost the photographic evidence of your chair redo, those things happen. Now beatings may not be the most productive. As a mother, who often has a lot of tedious chores that need to be done, you might find guilt a much better way to go with the child. lol
What ever happens, your room will be gorgeous when you get it done. Please don't add the stress of another deadline to the rest of your burdens you are dealing with. {{{hugs}}}
It's coming together and I am excited to see the big reveal!
The chairs look fabulous painted….love the mantel shelf painted white…and I love your rugs! Very excited to see the reveal!
Laura the white paint with gorgeous gilt is so distinctive and classic, adore!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Artist Brad Oliphant
I honestly don't see how you have time for ANY of this!! The schooling alone would be more than enough for me. Give yourself a break!! If the living room doesn't get done for a while, what does it matter? That's been my philosophy for a long time and it works, because really – I can only do so much, with working full time. Our house is rarely deep cleaned but it looks presentable most of the time. No one ever complains about the fact that we have household projects left undone. We get done what we can in the hours God gives us and we leave time for relaxation (a must!!). So – give yourself a break, dear one.
Love, Linda
Beautifu
Where there's a will, there's a Gunn. The Laura-kind.
Hugs,
Kelley~
Bonjour chère amie,
Un magnifique travail… Mon ami vient de terminer un stage de restauration de couverture de fauteuil. Je vais essayer de vous prendre quelques photos afin que vous puissiez visualiser sont travail qui n'est pas encore terminé. Il faut qu'il pose le galon pour masquer les agrafes.
J'aime la manière que vous avez peint le bois de votre fauteuil. Nous devons repeindre les chaises provençales que nous avons et je veux les teinter de couleur gris clair.
Très jolie publication. Un grand merci pour votre gentil commentaire.
Gros bisous ☼
Do you ever sleep? 🙂 I just cannot imagine getting all these things done ~ you are amazing! The chairs are going to be beautiful ~ love the finish. I believe that's probably horse hair…that used to be used consistently and lasts forever.
Don't forget to take time to smell the roses and have some “me” time!
xo
Pat
P.S. Do you mind sharing who you're using for the upholstering?
It's a beautiful chair and I can't wait to see it reupholstered! Good luck with the challenge!
Definitely hold onto the horsehair, it's reusable. My upholsterer always reused it when it's available. Or, if the clients didn't want it, he held onto it for other antique restoration/reupholstery projects. Looking good!
I could do ALL what you do IF….
I quite eating, sleeping, talking, cooking, cleaning…
Oh, who am I kidding! I couldn't do it under any circumstances.
(Kelly's comment is a good one)
Those chairs are amazing! I'm catching up after a busy, busy time. Lots of things happening around your place.
That chair is awesome! Can't wait to see the finished room!
The chair looks great….the mantle will be beautiful, etc., etc., but Congratulations on the aced exam!!!! You GO girl!!
Be blessed!
J