The Quest for My Own Great White Way Continues...

Don't ask me why. I can't tell you because I don't know. This strange attraction to a white palette is growing stronger. It's not even a conscious decision. Look at my latest two projects before they were lightened up:

#1 - A handmade sort of wonky mirror purchased for $4 at Goodwill. If I had some of the famous Annie Sloan chalk paint, I would've used it. Sadly, Annie Sloan has not made her way to Amarillo yet. 


Instead, it received a coat of faux "chalk paint." I've seen half a dozen recipes, each adding a different substance to latex paint. I know it's still latex paint with other stuff added, and not the chalk paint everyone loves. Still, I had some unsanded grout from a past project, and some flat off-white mis-tint paint, so I decided to try it. My faux was very thick - 2 Tbsp. grout to 1 cup paint. Still, the coverage was pretty good compared to straight paint. I'll probably use it again, but I won't buy more grout for this purpose. 


After painting it, I lightly distressed it, and lightly stained it with Minwax Gel Stain walnut stain. You'll see it toward the end of the post.

#2 - A chair I have recovered once before. I bought it for $15 at a Thrift Store a few years back. It's sturdy, and I like the shape. I recovered the seat, but left the newly exposed second layer of fabric on the top. It was in great shape, and it coordinated with my black floral print. I liked the two-tone look, so I just trimmed it with black gimp. It's been this way for 3 years.

The wood details on this chair are pretty. It's a little beat up, but I'm not going to paint it. (Amazing, I know!)

First things first: Remove the old fabric. Next, little touch-up with Minwax Gel Stain Walnut. Next, add a layer of batting. Use the fabric that covered the chair as a pattern and cut new pieces - I used drop cloth. Staple it on. 

• For any simple upholstery project like a seat cushion or back, it's usually best to begin at the centers. 
• Pull the fabric snugly and staple. 
• Move to the opposite side and repeat stapling at the center.
• Continue out from each center,  pulling and stretching and stapling your way out to the corners.  
• When you get to the corners, fold and tuck the remaining fabric until it looks neat. (It's sort of like wrapping a package.) 
• Staple and trim as needed. 
• Each project is a little different, but this usually helps your fabric to lie smooth and taut. 
• Any wrinkles end up at the corners under the tucks and folds.

• To finish the raw edges, trim any excess fabric with a straight edge razor blade. 
• Using fabric glue, glue on trim to cover staples. 

I went to Hobby Lobby after work to buy ivory gimp trim. They wouldn't sell me 3 yards, only a whole bolt of what was remaining - over $16 for the trim. It wasn't in the budget to spend that much on trim. So, I used grosgrain ribbon. I don't really like it, and will probably purchase the gimp later from another source and redo it.

One by one, pieces are getting lightened up in my home. It makes me smile. So does she, the little hairy beast.

Here's a little bit of trivia I only just learned when the title of this post floated to the top of my brain. 

The Great White Way is a nickname for a section of Broadway in the Midtown section of the New York City, specifically the portion that encompasses the Theatre District, between 42nd and 53rd Streets.

Nearly a mile of Broadway was illuminated in 1880 by Brush arc lamps, making it among the first electrically lighted streets in the United States.

The headline "Found on the Great White Way" appeared in the February 3, 1902, edition of the New York Evening Telegram. 

The journalistic sobriquet was inspired by the millions of lights on theater marquees and billboard advertisements that illuminate the area, especially around Times Square.

It is so interesting what you can learn on Google these days! I don't know how we ever lived without it. 

Word for the Day:

Psalm 51:7

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.


May we all see each other on wash day!


-Revi


Posting this week with:
http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/ Knick of Time Tuesday

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/ Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

http://capersofthevintagevixens.blogspot.com/ Blog Hop

http://restoreinteriors.blogspot.com/ Restored It Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/ Wow Us Wednesdays
http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/ Piece of Work Wednesday

http://www.fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/ White Wednesday

http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/ Under $100 Link Party
http://savedbysuzy.blogspot.com/ Suzy's House Party
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/ Transformation Thursday

http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/ Thrifty Thursday
http://www.houseofhepworths.com/ Hookin' Up With HOH Thursday

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ Feathered Nest Friday

http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/ Furniture Feature Friday
http://www.remodelaholic.com/ Fridays on Remodelaholic
http://redoux.blogspot.com/ Friday Redoux Link Party
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/ Frugal Friday
http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/ Frugalicious Friday
http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/ Potpourri Party
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/ Inspiration Friday
http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/ Vintage Inspiration Friday

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/ Saturday Nite Special