in progress: volume 5

 

I feel like I haven't made any progress this month, because the unfinished projects that I mentioned a few weeks ago have yet to be completed. My goal is to have the rocking chair and this ^  side table finished by the end of October.

This fine side table has yet to make a blog appearance, so here is a brief look at the refinishing process (so far). A step by step post is in the works and will be posted here once this side table makeover is complete.

in progress: volume 4

I'm still scraping away on that rocking chair. I've also been project-hopping: working on refinishing a side table, transforming a tree stump (seriously!) and have another Young House Love-inspired post in the works. Like I said earlier: I tend to do things in the wrong order!

Since I didn't think anyone would want to look at ten more pictures of a half-scraped rocking chair, I thought I'd share some recent DIY attempts that haven't been so successful (consider them DIY mis-adventures...). Hopefully I'm not the only one learning from my mistakes?

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Mis-Adventure #1: Slipcover vs. Bed Sheet

There's nothing wrong with the couch in our living room (other than the pillow zippers that Freddie chewed apart as a younger, less mature pup). While I'd love to update our furniture with a couch in a solid colour, it's not in the budget this point in time. I thought I'd make do in the meantime by buying a basic slipcover for the couch - my sister has slipcovers on her couches, and they look great. Seemed easy enough. I even remembered to measure the couch before setting out in search of the perfect slipcover... should be foolproof, right?
After spending an evening at home wrestling with the supposedly simple slipcover, I deemed it too messy looking. (Maybe our couch measurements are unusual and awkward?) Not what I expected. My husband suggested throwing a bed sheet over the couch instead and getting my money back (a wise and frugal Dutchman, he is). I ended up taking his advice and returned the slipcover for a refund (the money saved will go into the New Couch Fund)... but have yet to test out the bed sheet-as-slipcover suggestion.

Mis-Adventure #2: Spray Paint Problems

I found a patterned ampersand at Hobby Lobby for less than three bucks, and thought it would make a nice addition to a bookshelf after a spray paint mini-makeover. I've never used primer before spray painting anything, and haven't had any issues... Until now.
I guess the finish of the ampersand didn't agree with the spray paint I was using (Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Semi-Gloss in White). The result is a frustrating, ugly mess of bubbles. I'm determined to salvage this one somehow! I'm thinking I will have to use a combo of paint thinner/remover and sandpaper before starting fresh.

Mis-Adventure #3: Questionable Frame-Wreath Combo

Around the same time that I made the springy-wreath, I was also planning to transform this old frame into some sort of a square wreath. My intentions were good; I think I was planning to add tons of floral pieces so that you wouldn't be able to see the frame at all. At some point this project was forgotten and left as is... which is incomplete. Not quite a frame, not yet a wreath...
I'm not sure why I thought that wrapping an ivy garland would make a good starting point, and am 99% sure that the ivy will be removed before starting fresh on this project.

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Have you had any DIY mis-adventures?

How have you been able to rescue or salvage any not-so-successful projects?

in progress: volume 3

Three things I've learned since my last blog post:

• Swapping out one item in a room really does make a big difference. For example, an inexpensive new rug (check out the picture below, top left - I found it at HomeSense last week, on clearance!). 

• Slipcovers are deceptive. Not what I expected. Maybe my couch is awkward. Not sure if I'll be keeping the one I bought... Based on my recent slipcover attempt, I should have saved the money and tossed a bed sheet over our couch. (Any tips? Has anyone else wrestled with a slipcover before?!) 

• I was pleasantly surprised that my five dollar palm sander actually works. I found it at the infamous Caledonia Townwide Garage Sale and was willing to gamble a few bucks... I'm planning to use it to refinish a side table, a dining chair rescued from Value Village (also seen here), and the rocking chair for starters.  

Rug swaps, a side table for the palm sander, rocking chair diaries,

 ampersand paint problems, & slipcover issues.

in progress: volume 2

My partially finished projects are slowly taking over our spare room. Which may or may not result in an organization-themed post in the future...

Here is another little taste of what is in the works:

Yet another YHL-inspired project, the power of (spray) paint, no sew blankets,

initials, that chair with the potential, candle-abras, & thrifty trays. 

in progress: volume 1

I do not necessarily do things in the right order. For example, I was a bride and a month later was a bridesmaid for the first time. I don't mind eating dessert before the real meal (especially when the dessert has an especially high chocolate quotient).

And so I have been project hopping: I've gotten started on a few different things but have yet to finish one. Here's a taste of what is currently in progress...

A chair with potential, storage DIYs, decluttering, 

clothes swap parties & another flower pot mini makeover.