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Summer Projects

I was given two 1930s chairs from a factory that was closing down. The brown velvet wasn't really to my liking so I thought they could to with a bit of a makeover.

First of all I unscrewed the seat and put that aside for re-upholstery later.  I stated with an electric sander but I didn't really like the noise and dust, it wasn't very relaxing!  So I changed to sand paper and block.  It was much more time consuming but I really got a feel for the chair and you sort of get into a rhythm.

Once I had sanded it down I did the first coat of primer. This was my first chair to re-do so I learnt from my mistakes as I went along.  My first mistake was painting the primer onto thickly, I needed a smaller brush.  On the next chair I watered down the primer. After each coat the chair was sanded down.  I found that it was better to do a thin coat then sand when dry.  It needed more coats but the finish was much better.

I did three thin coats of primer.  I was super eager to get painting, the first chair was a bit rushed and I learnt that taking time to sand in between coats had a lovely smooth finish.

Sanded down ready for first coat of primer

After four thin coats and sanding in between, I was ready to start on the seat.

 I started by taking all the staples out.  I took photos of each stage as a reminder of the order, so it would be easier to put back together.

I referred to a few upholstery books.  The base was good so I was ready to put it back together with new foam and calico.

 I cut the foam out and stapled it to the seat and then followed each stage from the photos that I had taken earlier.

 I had chosen two fabrics that were similar for each chair and stapled it to the base.

I finished by putting the calico base on.  On the 2nd chair I doubled the calico so that is wasn't see through.

Ta Da!!! My finished chair.  

It was so satisfying and I loved every minute.  On the 2nd chair I cut the edges of the foam so that I wasn't so square.

Copyright Urban Artist

I love, love, love the work of this artist!
I will have to leave a note so my boyfriend will know what to get me for my birthday!

Change of name to blog

I cant believe I havent looked at my blog for so long, and I have had so many visits.  After much deliberation, I have decided to change the name of my blog, and a new look to go with it.  Casa Divina was suitable when I was living in Ibiza and my only passion was interior design. 
I have so many more passions than interior design and I think my new blog needs to reflect that.

So the new name of my blog is..........
Love from Zi. 
Passions and inspirations.....welcome to the world of Zi.

Mood Boards

Inspiring me this week, mood boards.  I love mood boards, they are a great tool to develop design concepts to communicate to clients.  They can consist of  images, colours, textures, wallpaper samples and fabric samples. They really set the mood for the room.

Ebay Finds

I would love a plan chest, have no ides where to put it but just browsing!

I love this cabinet but I would have it in the bedroom, displaying all my lovely shoes!

Lovely home in Spitafields