Suzanne McGrath Photography

Thrifty Thursday...a Glamorous Upholstered Bench (Tutorial)

Last week I promised something kind of fun for tonight.  I'm here to tell you I delivered!  I finished up my upholstered bench this week - a project that has been nearly a year in the making.  Yes, you heard that right.  Almost a year.  That's just how I roll...

You need to put on your thinking cap...my room is a work in progress right now.  Imagine soothing gray walls, a clean-lined bed skirt, new window treatments, campaign dressers for the night stands, modern lamps, and perhaps a black or white bed rather than stained pine. BUT...this is going to be my new bedding.  I realize it's old and it's been all over the inter-webs, but I still LOVE it!  And I love the play of the stripes which is masculine against the flowery quilt.  

 

OK.  Now, the tutorial, if you're so inclined to stick around.  If not, no hard feelings!

My friend Craig and his List helped out.  When I originally bought this $20 "bench", it was a coffee table.  The hubby so kindly cut out a chunk of it and then glued it back together using biscuits.  Then it sat in the "Box Room".  (The old playroom with a toy box - hence, box room.  The name stuck.)  And sat.  And sat.  And sat.  

The first thing I did was silver leaf it.  I went to an art store and found this silver leafing kit.  The kit contained the glue, two brushes, poly to cover, and 25 sheets of silver leaf.  It was $17.99.  I also ended up buying two extra sets of 25 sheet of silver leaf.  I think they were $8.99 each.  I have quite a bit left over and even silver leafed two lamps.  So it wasn't a bad deal.    

 

Here's what it looked like when I first started.  You can see the seam down the middle of the side where it was glued back together.  But the silver leaf covered that up.  I will warn you - it's kind of messy!

 

The first thing I did was apply the glue with the little brush.  It goes on white like you see in the following picture.  After about 30 - 45 minutes, it turns clear and becomes tacky.  That means it's ready. Since this process was fairly tedious, I ended up doing this in three different sessions.  It was all I could handle at once - and I have a pretty long attention span!

 

This is what it looked like when I was done.  I went back over it with a paint brush and my finger to get rid of the excess.  After that, I used Rub-n-Buff and applied it using a rag.  I applied it to the gaps and cracks in the silver leaf.  I don't have a picture of that part but it wasn't bad.  I even found the Rub-n-Buff at JoAnn's.

 

Next it was time to tackle the top.  I bought 3" foam at JoAnn's when it was 50% off.  It was only about $30 - not bad for foam.  I laid it on top of the bench and traced it with a black marker.  Then I used my electric knife to cut it.  (Seriously - this is the ONLY time I've ever used that knife - in almost 15 years of marriage!)  

The next thing I did was measure the top because I knew I'd need a piece of MDF or plywood underneath the foam.  I purposefully cut it an inch short on the long sides but full length on the short sides.  I'm not sure why I did that, but I did!  Thankfully the hubby was cutting trim so he didn't mind ripping a piece of scrap MDF for me.  (I don't mind using the circular saw, but it's just so darn LOUD.)

 

After the MDF and foam were cut to size, I sprayed both with Adhesive spray.  

 

I let the foam rest for a few minutes so it would all hold together.

 

Next, I wrapped two layers of batting around the foam to soften the edges.  

 

I used my trust staple gun to adhere the batting.  I love this staple gun!  It's so much easier than using my big air compressor.

 

Next - and almost last - I attached my fabric.  I bought this fabric from Calico Corners back in January when it was 25% off.  I can't remember exactly what I paid for it, but I think it was around $25/yard.  I only used about a yard of it here.  I'm thinking I'll use the excess for curtains!  I followed the same philosophy I used when I put together #4's upholstered headboard.  

 

The corners were definitely tricky.  I had to try a couple times to get them right.  

Lastly, and I don't have a photo of this, I screwed the MDF into the bench through the bottom of the bench.  And one more time...here is the final product.

Now I can't wait to paint my room!  Do you have any project planned for this weekend?

Six on Sunday

I'm here tonight.  That is a minor feat on it's own.  I apologize in advance, though.  I have no pictures to share tonight.  So sorry!  You see, I ran 12 miles this morning, worked on finishing up the bench in my room, spray painted a chandelier, went for a walk with the hubby, #3, #4, and the dog where we ended up holding the dog for half the walk as well as #4.  Ugh.  We finished up the day with dinner at my sister's house so I'm toast right now.  It's a good tired.  But tired, nonetheless...

1.  I got a new iPhone!  After hearing the cost to fix the phone was over $500, I decided to try my luck at the Apple store.  Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything since I hadn't bought a warranty.  I'm not sure why, but they decided to take pity on me and I left the Apple store with a brand new, BEAUTIFUL iPhone including Apple Care Plus which includes water damage.  Seriously, that store visit made my week!  (Oh, and I walked out of the store for half it would have taken to fix my phone.  Sweet, huh?)

2.  #1 has officially decided to quit her synchronized swim team.  Growing up, I swam for a synchronized swim team in Sioux Falls, SD and it was so much fun!  This team?  It was about the exact opposite of my experience.  And after the last two months of having arguments every time we told her it was time to get ready for swim, we had enough!  We gave her an ultimatum.  She decided to take a break and give the Blazers a whirl.  I really, really hope she enjoys the Blazers (competitive swim team) because she is such a talented swimmer, but only time will tell.  And as much as I'd like to, I can't make my wishes become hers.  So cross your fingers that she will enjoy it.

3.  #2 is in Dallas, TX as I type this sentence.  She left without a hitch on Friday afternoon.  She was "50/50 nervous/excited."  She was so excited to get to see her BFF and more than a little nervous to have to sit by a stranger on the airplane.  But when I got the call from Adeline's mom to tell me #2 made it, I was told they were just like two peas in a pod.  I love that.  But I can't wait for her to come home and tell us all about her trip.  I just have to wait until tomorrow.

4.  #4 is almost potty trained.  WooHoo!!!!!!!  (Yes, it deserves that many exclamation points.)  I have been buying diapers for over a decade - with a short break between #2 and #3.  So I am definitely more than a little excited by this little milestone.  She isn't very good about telling us she has to go, but she did stay dry for the last two days with one minor miss while on her McDonald's date with her dad last night.  Of course she still has her bottle, but we're working with baby steps over here.

5.  I took #1 scrapbooking yesterday afternoon and evening.  She LOVES to go but it's so hard to find time.  I decided this was a great weekend to do it since her sister was in Dallas.  She had a great time so it was definitely worth it.  My friend Carmen met us there so it was just the three of us.  

I think I've mentioned it here before, but I used to love to scrapbook.  The older girls have books and books and more books.  But then, that was back before digital was widespread.  It was also back in the day when I had a lot more time to devote to it.  However, I think it's very important for the younger two to have baby albums.  Thankfully, #3 has a beautiful album that is almost complete.  (Totally forgot about it, too!) But #4 only had about four pages complete.  So I worked on that last night.  I also worked on my December Daily from this past Christmas as well as last year's Project 365.  It was really nice to get a few uninterrupted hours to concentrate on my old hobby.  I realized I still enjoy it and hopefully I'll make a little more time for my hobby this year.

6.  #3 was not left out of the specialness this weekend.  She had a sleepover Saturday night with her BFF, Taylor.  From what I hear, they had a great time.  Lots of Strawberry Shortcake movies were watched as well as Barbie's Christmas.  And when she walked in the door this morning she was PO'd.  She was mad that she had to leave!  Too funny.

OK, folks.  That's all I've got tonight.  Have a great week! 

Thrifty Thursday...my Design Notebook

I promise a fun reveal next week.  For now, I'm going to show you my design notebook.

This isn't innovative or fancy, but it works for me.  You see, I had oodles of paint samples littering my house.  They were in the basket in the kitchen, in my nightstand, in my secretary...you get the idea.  I decided it was time to find a home for all of them - preferably in the same place.  Thus, the idea for my design notebook was born.

I picked up this notebook on clearance while I was at the art store.  This notebook is perfect.  The spiral binding allows the pages to lay flat.  And the paper is super thick and unlined.  Perfect.

 

Check out the spirals - love them!

 

Below is my kitchen.  After 7 years, I still have the paint sample for the walls.  I'm a little sad that I no longer have the green paint sample for the cabinets.  (We desperately need to do some touch-ups!)  I also have fabric samples for my curtains and the chair I'm going to reupholster for the desk.  

It would have been awesome to have the green paint sample with me while fabric shopping  I literally carried around a small drawer from my kitchen so I could make sure the fabric matched.  Classy, I know.

 

Below is the spread dedicated to my living and dining rooms.  This is kind of funny in the fact that both rooms are empty sans a piano.  Oh well.  A girl can dream, right?

 

And the last one I'll show you is my laundry room.  This little book came in handy because I just bought paint to touch up the walls since we finally dry walled where we replaced the window this summer.  

All in all, I love having this little book.  I stash it in my purse so when I'm out shopping, I've got all the colors.  It's great because I often end up stopping at stores when I haven't planned on it.  Now I know immediately if something will match rather than buying something only to have to take it back.  

Easy peasy.  Do you have any tips for how you organize?

Happy Valentine's Day

From our family to yours...

...we hope you had a delicious day!

Six on Sunday

Happy Sunday!  I'm attempting to blog, watch the Grammys, and hang out with the family - all at the same time.  And you know what they say about multi-tasking.  It's hard to do anything well!  But I'm here to try!

1.  We had a great weekend.  My in-laws came for the weekend and in my house grandparents are like rock stars.  The girls could hardly wait for Grandma Rori, Grandpa Jerry, and Uncle Sean to roll in on Friday night.  

Saturday morning the whole entourage (minus myself - hee hee) headed to gymnastics to watch the little girls.  They loved having an audience and I loved visiting the grocery store by MYSELF.  

Grandma Rori took the three older girls shopping and #1 scored some adorable shirts for her birthday (coming up).  Of course the other two did not come away empty handed.  They each got some sort of stuffed animal and they picked out an outfit for #4's doll since she was home napping.

Did the fun end there?  No way.  Uncle Sean had a room at a nearby hotel and the girls went swimming.  I managed to skip the pool - thank goodness.  I was able to snap a few pictures, instead.  Now that's my kind of pool visit.

After swimming we headed out to dinner (courtesy of the grandparents!)  All in all, it was a fantastic day. 

2.  #3 and #4 found all the doctor kits in the basement.  They've been playing doctor for the last two weeks.  They like to check us all out.  Here they are playing on the window seat.  For some reason that is a favorite location for #4.  Go figure.

3.  Supposedly there is snow coming our way.  I will believe it when I see it.  

4.  This cold weather is totally cramping my style.  I need to bust out the spray paint but I can't do it yet.  Even my garage is below 50 degrees.  So sad.  

And this morning it was 9 degrees when we ran.  Did we chicken out?  No way!  Did we run 10 miles?  Well, not quite.  We went 8.  And it was hard.  And it was cold.  And we weren't very chatty.  But we are tough!

5.  My phone is at the "doctor".  I will receive a call tomorrow.  My fingers are crossed.

6.  #2 is flying to Dallas next Friday.  By herself.  I know.  The hubby and I are a little crazy.  Countless people have told us they wouldn't let their 8 year old fly by herself.  But I trust #2 and she's mature for her age.  I think she'll do just fine.  The flight is really short and I get to go through security and wait with her.  Most of all, I think she's going to have an awesome visit!  She's had a countdown chart in her room since February started.  Will I be nervous?  Of course.  But I know she's going to have a blast and I doubt she'll even think about us back here in Kansas.  

OK, kids.  That's all I've got tonight.  Have a great week! 

Thrifty Thursday...Kitchen Cabinet Organization

OK, so this isn't a fun, sexy project.  But it had to be done.  Doesn't everyone have "that" cabinet in the kitchen?  Or "that" drawer?  I do!

Here is the before.  It's not terrible.  But it's not great, either.

The first thing I did was take everything out of the cabinet so I could see it all laid out:

There was definitely some random stuff in there!  

• A Little House on the Prairie book?  What?  Why?  
• A bunch of pennies.  Nothing silver.  Just pennies.  
• More than a dozen Sharpies.  I think only about half of them actually worked.
• Several decks of cards and math flashcards.  In the kitchen?  Really?
• A cheese cutting board that I've never used but had for years.
• A bunch of plastic things that I had no idea what they were.  They went in the trash.
• Superglue - admittedly the china cabinet is a great hiding place.  Who would look there?
• First Reconcilliation candle.

After I removed the extra junk, I found an extra shelf and that was it!  I put everything back and it looked better.  It made me happy.  So simple.

Here's another shot showing my chord control below the cabinet:

I saw this trick ages ago on some blog and I loved it.  It's so simple and everything is right there, within reach.

And lastly.  My secret weapon.  Hooks on the "ceiling" of the cabinet.  This is such a space saver.  I love it!  (Scroll up.  You can see the tea cups hanging above the plates.)

And that's it!  This probably took about 30 minutes, tops.  But it felt so nice when it was done!  I love to be organized.  It helps me feel better living in my house of controlled chaos:)

Sneak Peak...Three Months Later!

A thought dawned on me today...I haven't blogged all my sessions from last fall.  I started out on a roll and then BANG!  I hit a wall.  I was struggling just to keep up with editing and designing cards that blogging took a back seat.  I think I'll rectify that situation over the next few weeks.

First up - the McDowell Family.  These guys are repeat customers and Carmen is my great friend and running partner.  Although I have to admit I did a double take the day of the pictures.  I'm so used to seeing Carmen dark and early in the morning with no make-up and pony tail that I hardly recognized her!  She cleans up GOOD:)

I could go on and on about how adorable these boys are and how much fun I had with them but I'll let the pictures do the talking...

 

 

Six on Super Bowl Sunday

Did you watch the big game?  I had it on TV but probably only actually saw one or two plays!  I also didn't really notice any good commercials.  Am I sad about it?  Not at all!  I still had fun.

1.  We had good friends over to watch the game.  (Our Okoboji friends!)  In total, we had eight crazy kids running around tonight.  We had a great time.  I made meatballs for subs.  And we had a bunch of other munchy food.  Now that's my kind of night!  

2.  I gave the hubby the Steve Jobs biography for Christmas but I hijacked it.  I'm nearly done and I have to say, it's been a great read!  It's really fun because I grew up in this era and I recognize all the major markers in history.  Pong?  You bet!  The first Macintosh computers?  For sure - in school.  iPod?  iPhone?  iPad?  They were all in the last 10 years so it's been very interesting.  He definitely wasn't Mr. Nice Guy but learning all the ins and outs of these devices has been fascinating.  I highly recommend it.  

3.  #3 had her kindergarten check-up last Monday.  She was so brave.  She cried a little while she got her three shots but she rallied quickly.  I was very proud of her.  And to celebrate we stopped at Dunkin Doughnuts before I dropped her off school.  I know she liked her doughnut and hot chocolate but she LOVED spending one on one time with me.  And that was precious.

Here is the shot I took on my iPhone.  I altered it slightly to put in my Project 365 album:

4.  I have a really, really sad story to tell.  You see, I was so excited to get my iPhone last month.  I loved it and it was fabulous.  Yes, I'm talking past tense.  Yesterday, I absentmindedly put it in my back jean's pocket.  You know where this is going, don't you?  Yep.  It fell in the toilet.  And then it got stuck.  I couldn't get it out.  The hubby finally got it out and ran upstairs to blow dry it.  Right now it's sitting in a bowl of rice.  But I feel like I've lost her.  And although I didn't have insurance, it wouldn't have done me any good because it doesn't cover water damage.  

I can either buy a new one withOUT the subsidy or I can use my old Blackberry.  Neither option sounds very good right now.  And I'm currently without a phone.  I'm giving her 4 days to dry out before I officially lay her to rest.  Please wish me luck! 

5.  #1 and I each tried a new recipe this weekend.  She made these chocoloate covered chocolate chip peanut butter cookie dough football shaped cookies and I made these dill pickle french fries.  I would classify both a success.  Try them!

6.  #1 and I made the trek out to Lee's Summit yesterday to pick up a $10 brass chandelier.  Don't adjust your glasses.  You read that right.  Brass.  Chandelier.  But don't worry.  It's going to be awesome!  I'm going to put it in my laundry room after I spray paint it bright red.  The hubby thinks I'm nuts but I can't wait!

All right, folks.  That's all I've got.  It's been a long day.  Have a great week and please say a little prayer for my iPhone.  Just kidding.  Kind of.  But not really.

Thrifty Thursday...How to Recover a Lamp Shade

In truth, these lamps got a TOTAL make-over!  But I'm only going to show you how I recovered the shades tonight.  I'll do a full tutorial on how I silver leafed the bottoms.  But that will be a little later.

Here are the lamps in their before state:

I never had any intentions of using them while they were red.  But then I found them hidden away when I was putting out the holiday decorations and they worked.  So I used them for a month.  They were on clearance at Target for only $15.  Not bad, huh?  $30 for two lamps?  (I think the shades were extra but I can't exactly remember.)

First I tried spray painting the bases.  But I used Krylon.  I decided I hate Krylon.  Every time I've used that brand I've had issues.  (For example, I sprayed a paint can red for the holidays and the spray can back-fired on me and ruined my ski jacket.  But I'm too cheap to buy a new one so now my ski jacket has red splatter marks on it.  I think it looks a little bit punk rocker.  So I'm keepin' it.)

After the yellow turned out horribly wrong, I decided to try silver leafing the bottoms.  It was so easy!  (Tutorial coming)  But they were still boring.  Check out the lamps with the plain white shades in my family room reveal.

See?  They get lost.  I knew I had to do something.  I had some fabric I bought back when I reupholstered my cane chairs.  It was a perfect match to the chairs so I decided to forgo the pillows and use the fabric for the lamps.  I have bought fabric from www.fabric.com a few times and really like them.  Their prices are great and shipping is fairly quick.  

Here are my supplies.  (I am missing my spray adhesive.)

The first thing I did was very lightly trace the lamp shade onto the wrong side of the fabric.  One hint: make sure you cute the fabric extra long!  It's nearly impossible to cut it for a perfect fit and you'd rather have extra fabric than not enough.  

You can see how much extra fabric I had:

Hold the phone!  This is actually the second step.  First you need to "hem" the exposed edge of your fabric.  I just used iron-on tape and it was SO EASY!  

Once this step is over, it's actually time to adhere the fabric to the shade.  I used spray adhesive and did it out in the garage.  It's tacky but allows you to move your fabric if needed to get a perfect fit.

After the fabric is glued down it's time to trim the top and bottom.  In order to give myself some wiggle room, I used trim to hide the top and bottom edges.  It was genius!  Not my idea.  But genius, nontheless.  

Isn't that pretty?  My trick?  I used binder clips to hold the trim in place while the glue was drying.

And that's it.  It took maybe an hour - total.  And I love the punch of color it provides.  Fun and not too serious.  

And there you have it.  Fun lamp shades!  What are you going to work on this weekend?