I’ve been hunting for a sofa for the studio for a few weeks now. I wanted one that has a great look for photo shoots, but is something we can also sit on or take a power-nap on…depending on the day! I also didn’t want to pay a lot for one, so when I saw this pretty caned back sofa on Craig’s List for $80, I jumped at it.
Aside from the obvious…new cushion covers, refreshing the finish, it needs some structural work and comfort-enhancing upholstery work done as well. I think we can get it looking and sitting pretty with some elbow grease.
For now, I threw an antique hemp sheet over it and plopped on a ticking pillow.
This has me thinking I may make a loose slipcover for the cushions instead of making a cover for each one.
I’ll start dissecting it once I have a good idea exactly what I want to do with it.
This is the second sofa, although it’s really more of a settee. This victorian piece is a little different for me, but I like the idea of tackling another furniture style. It has a sort of cool, deconstructed look right now, but it’s not functional at all. Anyone who sits on it will end up with a rear covered in hay.
So, while it’s tempting to keep it as is and just enjoy the sculptural quality of it, I’m going to reupholster it. I also want to make it look a little fresher…less fussy.
I want to highlight the detail, but transition it into our century.
So, I’m going to paint it in Ironstone (white) MMS Milk Paint and upholster it in an off white antique hemp sheet. I’m excited about this one.
If you’ve ever tried to paint a piece with a reddish wood white before, you know how difficult it is. You end up with the “dreaded red stain seepage” that turns white paint pink. I tested out Tough Coat on another dresser that was bleeding yellow stain and it sealed it, so I’m going to test it out on this piece.
As I was working on another piece, Kriste brushed a layer of Tough Coat on the wood frame as a primer/sealer.
She fixed the drips. I know some of you are ready to grab a brush and fix them through the screen!
I had to show a picture of her painting. She looked so cute; like she stepped out of the 1950’s with her Converse and head scarf. We have such a fun time working together and the more we chat, the more we realize that we have a ridiculous amount of things in common.
I’ve been so, so blessed to work with amazing people… Faith, Heidi, Reni, Cari, Kriste and many ladies (and some guys) who have volunteered when we needed a hand over the years. Not a dud among them!
We did a lot of first coats on pieces last week, so we should get a few pieces finished and photographed this week. I told Kriste to not even bother wearing cute clothes for the next few weeks as we get ready for The Chapel Market. We’re going to be painting and getting messy just about every day. Oh, speaking of the Chapel Market, Layla posted details on the other vendors attending, if you want to check that out. Also, Kriste and her husband (the one who propose on the “Anne of Green Gables Bridge”, ladies) will be coming to the Chapel Market as well! It just gets more exciting every minute.
As I kept handing Kriste a brush and paint on Friday, it finally occurred to me that she may not enjoy painting. I hired her initially to manage the online shop and her position just keeps evolving. We don’t even know what to call her. Anyway, I asked her, “Do you like painting? Are you okay with painting this much?” The corners of her mouth turned under and she confidently nodded. “Oh yeah. As long as I’m not sitting behind a desk all day.”
How perfect is she?
Also, I posted this on Facebook, but thought I would share here. I’m interested in selling my old Nikon d7000 camera and some lenses. Since I upgraded my gear last summer, these have been sitting in a drawer, so it’s time to put them back out in the world, so they can be enjoyed. The camera was professionally cleaned, so it’s ready to go and in great working order. I’m including an 18-200 lens with it, charger, strap, corded shutter remote, SB-50 flash and I think I can dig up the manual for the camera (SOLD).
I will be also selling two prime lenses…a Nikon 50mm 1:1.8 D (SOLD) and Nikon 35mm 1:2 D (SOLD). I also have a wide angle Sigma 10-20 1:4-5.6 that’s been used about 10 times ($275). I’d like to sell these to a reader/fellow blogger as opposed to just trading them in on Amazon, so let me know if you’re interested!
Just send me an e-mail if you’re interested and I can give you more details… marian@missmustardseed.com.
26 Responses
i finally bought some of your paint this weekend. Can’t wait to try it out! You inspired me to try slipcovers and now milk paint. Thank you.
Marian,
I am crazy about both couches, but that Victorian one is beyond amazing! I just kept staring at the carving on it. I am anxious to see what you do with it as I have a few similar pieces that I have been wanting to paint but haven’t got a clue about what color I want. I have so enjoyed reading your blog lately – thanks for sharing the process of getting your studio ready. It is so fun to be along for the ride!
Sue
Love ’em both (oh, and Kute Kriste, too!) If you want the nap option, then change the 3 cushion couch into one bit long cushion. Your back will thank you.
Beautiful pieces, I can’t wait to see the final transformations. Kriste sounds like a jewel! I would love to figure out a way to visit you at the Chapel Market and see your beautiful things in person. I’m in Alabama so it wouldn’t be much of a stretch…..just to find the time! Have a great week!
Would you mind sharing the source where you had you camera professionally cleaned. I need to do the same with my camera. Thanks in advance.
I really love both of the new sofas. This is just an idea thrown out there. On the cane backed one, I thought maybe one complete cushion, but make it look like the old ticking mattresses…
Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
I want to work for you! 🙂
I want to know how you search Craig’s List for such amazing pieces.
I could search til my fingers fell off and never come across anything remotely close let alone
for $80! Can’t wait to see the finished pieces.
I was so EXCITED to see the pics of the dark red Victorian settee. I have its twin in my garage, waiting for a new life. I look forward to reading about the steps you take to transform it (especially any tips for dealing with the exploding straw!)
I love the couches. I cannot wait to see what you do with the Victorian settee. I think it will be stunning.
Marian those are both amazing pieces. I think I would have fainted if I came across either one of them. They are unbelievable.I can only imagine how stunning they’ll be after you work your magic. I cant wait!
Seriously….How Awesome is that cane back couch!!! OMG….can you scour craigslist in my area for me ? You are so good at finding these ridiculously amazing pieces!!! Can’t wait to see the finished piece. I think an all one piece slipcover is the way to go on that one 😉
Why have I never been so lucky to find such amazing furniture like you do on Craig’s List? I am going to have to look beyond the state of Indiana! Gorgeous pieces ~ I hope they nap well too (at least you will look good napping).
I can not wait to see how these turn out. Working with people you respect really makes a difference in every aspect. Too bad I use Canon, would love to get my hands on your old equipment.
Oh, too bad you already sold your camera, Marian! I’m pretty sure my husband would have been interested.
As for the sofas, you always find such pretty things! I suppose that comes with living in Pennsylvania. I can never find anything THAT pretty here in South Dakota, and if I do find something that comes close, it’s outrageously expensive.
Everything you touch turns to gold.
In my mind I am trying to imagine a young couple buying that couch in a store way back when. Probably thought it was the most beautiful thing they had ever seen and so proud. Wouldn’t they be happy to
see your progress? I am assuming that it is part of a “parlor” suite thus probably other pieces
are around tucked away somewhere. It was so common to cover them in black horsehair……….
We have come a long way thank goodness in that department. Mary
Hi Marian – I love that victoria settee. Anxiously waiting for the reveal. I really am looking forward to trying out your tough coat.
The cane-back has daybed written all over it! What a beautiful resting spot it will provide in your busy busy studio space. Rest is good!
I love the caned back! I’ve been looking for some dining room chairs here in NC but there are so many other people looking too!
Hello from Tennessee!!! Can Kristie tell where she got her glasses? Love them!!!
BTW, I agree with everyone about the sofas!!! 🙂 They are both totally awesome!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE both pieces. I have been looking for a rattan back love seat much like your sofa. What a fabulous find!! I KNOW it is much more work, however I would consider making a new single cushion for the seat of sofa; down filled or partially down filled of course.:) It is more comfortable AND I think you will like the look better. Look at your photo; it is a clean unified piece with the sheet when it is not broken up by three cushions. JMHO…. either way it rocks!!
S
Your comment about us (we?) readers wanting to wipe the drips cracked me up – that’s exactly what was running through my mind! Can’t wait to try Top Coat – I’ve had that red through issue on pieces too.
When I see carved pieces like the settle, I don’t think Victorian, I think Scandinavian and I am reminded of beautiful wood carvings…
Like several of the other girls posted, I can never find anything worth having on Craig’s List. All I see is 1980’s oak castoffs and big overstuffed furniture with no style whatsoever – never anything remotely resembling your wonderful finds. And as for antiquing in the Raleigh/Durham area, the shops are either very high end or full of nothing but junk. Evidently your area is full of amazing furniture/accessories/ironstone. So jealous! If there are any secrets to your success, please share!
I picked up a similar settee at a garage sale a few weeks ago. It has a rough coat of paint (maybe latex). I have never tackled painting furniture so I look forward to seeing your settee in its finished state. Do I need to use Tough Coat over the paint to seal it before applying paint
I just bought an antique sofa (well it looks old) and the cushions are stuffed with this dense insulation like fiber. Do you know what it is? It is kind of a cream color. Any tips for getting a musty odor out would be appreciated as well.