craft verb \'kraft\ to create with care, skill and intention



Thursday, June 30, 2011

Patio Furniture Makeover!

A while back I showed you a sneak peek of a project that, at that time, I hoped to complete and show off in just a few days. So now it's been a month :) Better late than never is becoming my personal mantra!

Some history: About 5 years ago, we were the lucky recipients of a really nice, gently-used wrought-iron outdoor dining set when my sister-in-law bought a new set. After 5 years, however, it was not looking so nice anymore.







A few years back I fell in love with a similar set that was bright cherry red. I came across it at a local plant nursery and I have never seen anything like it again! And since we were going to have to put some fresh paint on it anyway...well, you see where this is going right? A few Several Many cans of Rustoleum Sunrise Red later:






I picked up a drop cloth at Lowe's for about $12.00 and I only ended up using about half of it, so $6.00 for this project. I cut out pieces of the fabric to make cushion covers for the chairs and ties to hold them on. I just made the covers by folding the pieces in half, seaming up the sides (sewing ties into seams along the way), stuffing them and sewing the back closed. I made the ties by making strips into double-fold (not on the bias though) tape and sewing along the edge. Easy peasy.


I got those pads at Wal-Mart. A 2-pack is about $7.00 and I needed 2 packages. Stuffed the cushions, sewed them shut, added a couple of stitches in the middle to give them little tufts and stenciled on designs using acrylic craft paint. Including the cheap stencils and craft paint, the total project cost was less than $25.00 for all 4 cushions. When I shopped Home Depot I found plain beige cushions at $28.00 EACH! Ouch. Even with the many cans of spray paint, this entire makeover cost much, much less than 4 new cushions at a big box store. Woo hoo!

I love it! I hope you're having a great time with summer vacation! If I don't make it back before the weekend, have a safe and fun 4th of July!
~B

Come to Meg's party!
A Little Knick Knack

Check out the party at Tip Junkie's! Literally HUNDREDS of projects!
Tip Junkie handmade projects

Come to Beth's party at A2Z. You'll find lots of great project inspiration plus some awesome pics of Beth's West Virginia vacation ~ gorgeous!

4 comments:

Megan Gunyan said...

Hi Brooke! Thanks so much for joining the party. I LOVE red---it's such a bright and happy color. You did a great job on the seat cushions! It's inspiring me to make some for my own outdoor chairs! Thanks and have a wonderful 4th!

I hope you can join the canvas pillow giveaway going on now! www.alittleknickknack.com

Jenn @ Frugal Upstate said...

I adore the red color. A few years back I painted my wicker porch furniture red :). It really pops against my white house and folks comment on it all the time. Maybe it's time to revamp my old patio set as well :)

Gerry Bossier said...

The looks of those first three images are nasty! Did you used steel brush to take off those rust and excessive paint? Anyway, I admire you for your effort, and the things you've shared are awesome! Accentuating that furniture with red color is perfect for your personality – It's definitely lady-like and gorgeous. By the way, if you're planning to do some makeover, I would suggest you to use some wicker furniture for your patio. Not only they are durable from extreme heat, but they also have high tolerance against any type of weather.

Anna Hewitt said...

Cherry red is really a nice colour of choice! Good job for sharing your tips on patio makeover. :)