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Upholstery Projects
We've recently tackled some upholstery projects. Nothing seems too difficult if you watch enough youtube.com videos!
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Enlarge photo 1 HEADBOARD
This is the basic shape and framework of the headboard. We followed instructions from Kim's Upholstery on Youtube for the construction. It was from 2 x 4s and 1/4" birch plywood.

Enlarge photo 2 I followed another Youtuber, "gacmkc", for the upholstered portion since I wanted a shirred border. They made it look doable--and it was!
Enlarge photo 3 Upholstery cardboard strips were laid out, inside the interior pattern line, then foam was stapled down onto it.
Enlarge photo 4 A layer of Dacron goes down next, stapled into the same cardboard strips, then trimmed close.
Enlarge photo 5 Décor fabric came next. This is "Rustic Retreat" by Waverly, and was stapled onto same cardboard, pulling taut. Unfortunately, I  was so anxious to get to the 'pretty' part, I didn't realize that it had a distinct direction, until it was too late. Oh well...
Enlarge photo 6 Contrasting fabric was bias cut, and covered 1/2" cording. I chose the fabric because it resembled burlap and should relatively match my burlap bedskirts from Ballards. It also was stapled to same cardboard.
Enlarge photo 7 Gathering enough panels was a guessing game. "We" kept laying them along the perimeter, until we had what looked like enough.
Enlarge photo 8 The panels were stapled along the piping. Next came the 2" thick border foam.
Enlarge photo 9 Dacron was then added to that, and after smoothing and more staples, we were left with a nice rounded edge.
Enlarge photo 10 Here was a fun finishing step. Lupe pulled the gathers over the edge and steamed the pleats in place with an iron.
Enlarge photo 11 Pleats were stapled to the back side.
Enlarge photo 12 Excess fabric on the back was trimmed, and we're almost done!
Enlarge photo 13 Enlarge photo 14 We covered the bottom front and legs with no foam, but we used half the thickness of our batting to still add a softened look.
Enlarge photo 15 I bought a twin-sized sheet for the backing. One long edge was aligned with the bottom of the headboard and it was cut close to the curve of the top.
Enlarge photo 16 The edge was turned under and stapled. Literally, a few thousand staples went into this project.
Enlarge photo 17 Done! Proof that you don't have to hire a professional to have something that turns out great!
Note: This project evolved over the course of several months, and was actually put away for the Holidays--definitely not a quick DIY, but fun!

Thank you, Lupe!

Enlarge photo 18 Enlarge photo 19 Enlarge photo 20 LOVESEAT PROJECT
My friend spied a neglected loveseat, left outside to the elements. She fell in love with the front apron and legs and saw potential. You can see why the owner was happy to see it go. Ewwwwww!

Enlarge photo 21 We started taking pictures of all sides and angles, trying to capture placement of pleats, etc..
Enlarge photo 22 While this tapestry fabric was probably pretty in its day, the pattern is so busy that picking up details, like pleats, is difficult.
Enlarge photo 23 You notice that she is in the garage until she's undressed.
Enlarge photo 24 Cushions with pleats and piping....
Enlarge photo 25 ..."ears"...
Enlarge photo 26 ...and zippers
Enlarge photo 27 She used to have nail heads, even though they were not individual.
Enlarge photo 28 Pretty little oak legs
Enlarge photo 29 Enlarge photo 30 Enlarge photo 31 This framework looks like it was a pallet project, with questionable quality wood. Many brads and staples missed their mark.
Enlarge photo 32 After the fabric was off, we added more wood, screws and glue.
Enlarge photo 33 Fabric pieces came off in reverse order and labeled.
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