Shabby Chic Thread?

sandieb

Well done Icandream - beautiful job - can tell it's been time-consuming but well worth all the effort. What a transformation.

nimbo

wow i can dream that is beautiful...

and i will try wilko's for the corks... hadn't thought of new ones to be honest... many thanks to you all

LizD_2

Frames - I just buy them from Ikea! Although I think I'll try charity shops now and paint any I find.

Icandream - that is gorgeous! I really want one now and I do sew, so it would be very useful.

moanymoany

This thread has been a revelation as to what you can do with furniture that looks very unpromising.

I love the before and after pics, I can't wait to get started.

wizzkid_3

Nimbo:
"needed to store all of my earrings (seem to collect them) so i got a smallish pinboard, painted it, and covered it in that nylon mesh stuff, and have hung my earrings onto it... (i though it would look awful but it's actually ok...)

but i will need a more permanant idea so any would be welcome... they do need to be hung as it stops tangles etc..."

My DD has used the side of her canvas wardrobe, it looks stunning!

"i was thinking maybe 2 or 3 patterned fabrics with plain white checks in it??? was also hoping to make it a blanket, with that really thin foam inbetween it and some plain fabric to back it, but i have no idea where to get the faom from..."

You need 'wadding' and can get it by the metre in John Lewis or Dunelm. You can get differenct thickness's of it. Best to go along and feel it to see what you think you will want.

As for the corks! :eek: He's having a laugh!

icandream

charleybabes wrote: »

icandream i love your sewing box.. you've done such a good job with it... how did you line it so well... did you glue the material in ??
it looks so pretty.. im defo keeping an eye out now for one.. !!!!!

Thank you all. And thanks, Katie, re the wallpaper - I'm looking out for a glass topped table I could stick paper under next! If any of you do find one, please do post pics of progress - I'd love to see another one revived. And to be honest, it could be used for all sorts of things, not just sewing. My kids have currently commandeered it (not for long!:rotfl:) as they love putting things/sorting things into all the compartments.
Yes, I glued it: I've blogged about how I did it, with a few more pics of the details - you need to click on the sewing box heading on the right (it was my first post). (If you like wallpaper, don't follow the wallpaper link or you'll be there all day! :rotfl:)

http://lacehearts.blogspot.com/

rosieben

Bibbity bob, love that chair :T and icandream, that's beautiful, great job! :T

so much talent on here!

EmptyPurse

I am sooooo depressed. I live in a rented flat with cheap Argos furniture that I don't really like but can't replace/refurbish. I'm really envious of all the projects here; I just wish I could do something like that to make my own place a little bit nicer. I don't even have access to a garden so even painting small boxes is impractical - I'd be terrified of getting paint on the carpet :-(

Has anyone got any bright ideas? Or am I doomed to blandness?

icandream

Honestly, there is so much you can do, and very cheaply and easily. Don't get depressed about it. The jumble sale where I got the sewing box had a room full of clothes/curtains/throws/cushions/etc, and there were some gorgeous prints. I got a couple of lovely things to cut up and use for 50pence, and I've already sewn some fabric hearts. Or you could make a couple of cushions, as a starter. Or craft a wall-hanging: just something simple. If sewing's not your thing, painting a small box would be possible: just make sure you lay out lots of paper to protect the carpet. I have to say, when it's a small project, you really could do it on a table top (better for your back), and protect the table surface. With small projects, the paint really doesn't go everywhere.
I'm sure there will be lots of other ideas, but please don't get depressed. There's always something you can do.

EmptyPurse

Sewing something would be rather cool. I've got an electric machine but no idea how to use it, though! I did get a couple of books from the library but probably need practical classes; does anyone know of any in central London?

Wall hangings is a possibility. I've got a batik print my sister brought back from Sri Lanka but no idea what to do with it/how to hang it. Likewise I've got a hand embroidered cushion cover from Jordan that I always meant to turn into a wall hanging - but again, I don't know what to do!!!!! Honestly, I'm hopeless when it comes to these things. I'll see if I can take a photo of them and upload here for suggestions. Might also take a few photos of the flat to see if anyone can come up with ideas.