First of all, one quick note about the glaze formula I shared yesterday. Apparently, some of the Home Depot paint counters out there won’t make my special glaze blend for you. My HD mixed it without question. If yours won’t, here is what I would suggest. Buy a quart of glaze and a test pot of Espresso Beans. mix the paint and glaze at a ratio of about one part paint to three or four parts glaze. Mix it in small batches as you use it, so you can make it weaker or stronger depending on the project. Hope that helps!
You may read through my blog and think that all of my DIY attempts come out exactly as I want them to. That I just whip out my sewing machine, paint brush, staple gun and hot glue and everything looks perfect. Well, I hate to disappoint…or perhaps…you may be relieved to know, that is definitely not the case.
I made a lot of crappy slipcovers and I painted a lot of ugly pieces of furniture and I have failed many times in many ways. Sometimes spectacularly. But that is how I got here today. In all of my missteps and ugly creations, I learned a lot. And I’m still learning. And I’m sure I’ll always be learning.
Case in point.
My very first attempt at upholstering a chair. Oh, I was so proud.
I pulled off this orange upholstery. I got out my electric staple gun (totally the wrong tool for the job) and started working on it. I really didn’t have a clue what I was doing, so I read some upholstery books and just went to it. How am I going to learn to upholster a chair if I don’t upholster a chair?
It looked OK, but it was a mediocre job at best.
I didn’t leave myself enough fabric at the bottom and I couldn’t figure where to staple it. I just tucked it in, knowing it would be covered by a cushion.
Yeah…quality workmanship there.
The back? All tucked in.
I stuck the cotton cording in the groove to hold my tucked fabric in a little tighter…and it kept falling out. Now that I have done more upholstery, I learned from my mistakes and went back to this chair to do a better job.
This time, I had the guts to take everything down to the frame, which is the right thing to do.
I painted the speckled, orange-ish wood frame a very soft gray…
…and I started over again. I did a much better job this time. It’s not perfect. It’s not a professional upholstery job, but it’s much, much better.
Are you an all or nothing person? Are you scared to try something like sewing a slipcover, upholstering a chair or painting a piece of furniture? Do you think you’ll mess it up and you’ll end up having to redo it?
I’ll save you the suspense. If it’s your first time trying something, it probably won’t be perfect. It probably won’t be really good. It might even stink out loud. But you know what? The second time will be better and the third time will be even better. Soon you’ll be a pro.
I have been trying to teach this to my four year old when he gets frustrated while playing Sonic on the Kinect. He pouts, “I can’t do it, mom! You do it.” I encourage him to try again. It sometimes takes several tries to succeed in something that is hard.
I was playing Sonic with him a few days ago and I failed to grind three rails in my allotted time. Bummer. A big “You Failed” flashed on the screen. “It’s OK mom. Remember…keep trying.” He said it so earnestly. Yes, keep trying. He’s getting the message.
Are you?
My numbers are climbing fast, so make sure you’re getting your projects ready for the Copy Me Challenge with Funky Junk Interiors and yours truly. It starts soon after my follower widget hits 4000. Prizes will be involved…
42 Responses
I covered and painted my very first chair a couple weeks ago, and in my post, I said this exact same thing! I knew it wasn't perfection, but I know that with practice and through each project I will get better. I think we too often think, or we assume, everyone is amazing from the very get-go. Thanks for putting all our minds at ease. ~Sara
I am in the process of re-upholstering a chair that was my granny's. I have never seen soo many tacks!! About a million of them. Gonna post about it soon!!
I love the idea of lessons learned along the way – would make an interesting series of posts :o)
I was working on a new table project tonite. And failed at two of the legs. Once I fixed them, I sailed through the next two legs and felt like an 8.5 instead of a -5.
This advice couldn't be more sound. 🙂
Donna
So…you're recommending that I DON'T start with my sofa like I'm planning?
So very right on with this post! It takes so much practice and learning. I too have taught myself how to upholster…I am sure if a professional upholster looked at it, he/she would find my imperfections. But, every piece I do, gets me a little closer to having it right. 😉 I so understand when you talk about how your paint techniques turn ugly…about that point I think, hmmm…maybe I should quit while I'm ahead, but then somehow because I don't give up it get's to the point of what I wanted. As my youngest says, "try, try again!" If we don't try, we don't learn and without learning, we can't progress…we have to just go for it, mistakes and all!! 🙂
Hugs and love friend,s
Victoria
Great post!! How very true, if we don't try and try again, how will we ever get any better? We won't! And who doesn't want to get better? Everybody does, at whatever they are trying.
Love your posts!
Carol in GA
I'm so glad you came to see me!!Thanks!!You are so encouraging!
I should read a post like this everyday. Blogland is getting so professional looking that it is easy for me to get intimidated. I just bought a set of 6 " dream chairs" for my dining room, so I'm gonna have to get over it. Or, never park the car in the garage! : )
I can see the chairs finished, but how many trials and tribulations are between points A and B ???
Thanks. ~ Christie
I so appreciate this post.
Thank You for the encouraging words!
good word, Marian!
I'm a newbie to furniture restoration and greatly appreciate such a supportive post. Thank you!
such a great post and something we all need reminding all the time….
especiallay the kids who all seem to want to do it right the first time…
So true! I was thinking back at all of my ugly creations over the last few years too and how they taught me things I know now, and I had to smile.
BTW, I followed your chair painting tutorial on an ornate frame that hangs on my front door… I cannot tell you ALL the many ways I LOVE IT!
Thank you for being you, and sharing with all of us!
So true.we all make the mistake of comparing ourselves to people we perceive as perfect. What we don't see is all the hard work and failed attempts that went into acquiring their skill. Thanks for reminding us that nothing that's worth anything ever comes easy.
I botched two entirely different projects today and was feeling all bummed out… then my kids randomly chose Meet the Robinsons as our Saturday night movie. "Keep Moving Forward" 🙂
Then I read your post. Someone's trying to tell me to buck up and start over. Thanks for being a medium. 😉
Aloha,
charlie
"If at first you don't succeed, try,try again", was the old saying and it's true in your blog and it's true for the rest of us. I've come back home from the working world and getting back into crafts is so hard for someone who hasn't done it in a long, long time. Thanks for your encouragement here…visit Mel's Cabin for my projects and sip a cup of coffee with me.
I usually am not afraid to try new projects as long as i am making them for myself. I never take on a job for money that I do not think I can do very very well. I agree in that the only way you learn how to do something is by trying and you get better by practicing. I have always wanted to try upholstery but have yet to take the plunge. Perhaps now is the time!
Great post – and good for a "newbie" like me to read. Thank you so much for sharing because yes, after seeing pics of all of your lovely creations I had indeed decided your pieces are all perfection! 🙂
Wise words indeed
You are SO right! A very wise message indeed. Thank you for the reminder. Happy Sunday to you.
God Bless,
Kathleen
So I ran(drove) to my HD yesterday to buy the RL glaze. The HD guy tried so hard to help me. I guess I spelled Espresso wrong and he couldn't find it. So I bought something from Martha Stewart. It will do for now but I'm going back.
Did he call you and tell you about this so you could post it? I'm trying! And will keep trying! Thanks for your inspiration girl!
What a great post! And an important reminder for many areas of life. I often procrastinate on starting something because I don't think it'll be good enough. You can't fail if you don't try. But that's no fun! Thanks!!
I have a lovely chair I found that is in need of upholstering. It will be my first attempt. Your many tips will be helpful. "I think I could, I think I could" 🙂
I went to HD and they also told me that they could not mix up the glaze like that because it wouldn't work. But I kept talking to them about it and they agreed to try and guess what it worked! They were so excited because they had learned something new! Also the Lauren glaze is on clearance because they are moving it out because Martha Stewart products are coming next week. So go grab some cans-$7 each- and save for later. I did not think about mixing my own but now I am going to.
Once again, I appreciate your words of wisdom so much! I just did a less than spectacular job slipcovering a rocking chair, but I am determined to learn how to do better. It's one area I definitely need more practice in and am willing to learn. It's hard to know sometimes how often do I post the epic fails or should I just show the good stuff? 😉 I'm glad to know that even the people I admire most still learn and grow.
I love your posts! My Home Depot told me they are going to stop selling Ralph Lauren products. 🙁
Thank you so much for this post, I'm so glad I stopped by, you described me to a T! Right now I'm looking at my hutch that I'm going to paint, not hard I know but to me it looks like the Empire State Building looking back at me! It will be my 1st BIG painting project and I keep putting it off. I also have a hunter green wing chair that I could cover with a dropcloth from Lowes, like I have seen people do all over blogland, but I don't because I know it won't turn out great like I want it too. I have to take the time to LEARN. Thanks again,
Rondell
Great post – so true. My Home Depot hasn't mixed glaze for over a year and hasn't had Ralph Lauren for at least that long. When I first found out I went to all the paint stores including Sherwin Williams and they wouldn't mix either. Finally I went to Benjamin Moore and they were more than happy to help me find just the color I wanted and mixed the glaze for me.
You must have read my mind. As I was failing miserably at a project yesterday, I thought, "It would be so inspiring to hear that Miss Mustard Seed didn't always get it right the first time". Thanks for sharing that we have to practice and stick to it. You really are my hero.
Janet
You inspire so many thanks for the words of inspiration you give us.
Sherry
Thanks so much for this post. I really needed it. I have a chair I got at a garage sale that Smelly Cat used to live in. lol. But it is good quality and I really want to either make a slipcover or reupholster it. I've been so intimidated b/c I'm a perfectionist. But I'm gonna go for it! Thanks for giving me some gusto.
One question: do you use upholstery thread to make slipcovers?
I'm glad I'm not the only one with mediocre results now and then 🙂
As for the glaze, if my Home Depot paint staff said that they wouldn't mix what I clearly had a 'recipe' for, and I assumed the risk to buy the product regardless, I would ask to speak to the manager and remind him that SW or Ben Moore is just around the corner!
i always dive right into a project…takes too long to read instructions, etc. to do it the right way the first time! 😉
i have pretty much learned the hard way most of my life, so that's just how i do it i guess. any which way you attempt something, the old adage is true, "Practice Makes Perfect". Great post!
You are so good at 'Keeping it real'
Janet xox
Marian, I think a lot of your readers, including me, would like to know how long it takes you to upholster a chair, such as the one in this post. I have a feeling you work very fast. I fear that if I attempt real upholstering on a real piece of furniture, it would take me a couple months to complete!
Well, I think I'm in agreement with MOLLY–
and so I DON'T KNOW if I'm actually ready to tackle the settee and chair yet… I'm busy tweaking my skills on other pieces.
Thanks for the advice– I'm trying not to take myself so seriously (I tend to be ALL OR NOTHING,in my thinking)
Pat
SOOO helpful!!! Do you ever do upholstering of chairs that need new springs in the seat? Mine needs new springs. My Mother-n-law and I redid it several years back using those tiny brads and then decorative tacks on the edging. Man, there's GOT to be an easier way!!
Also, are you doing that work right in your house, in the living room? I never have room to work, but my kids would drive me crazy if I did that where they are! You are amazing! 🙂
I've only done minor upholstering and have used my staple gun. So before I tackle some chairs what are you suggesting to use if not the electric staple gun? I need the practice! Thank goodness they were free 🙂
This is such sweet advice! I sew (ha ha) remember the first slipcover I made for a friend's daughter's room. When it was finished, I told her, "well, I learned a lot, I learned that I have a lot to learn!". I have come far with upholstery, but have a long way to go with slip covers. I needed this encouragement! My daughter, now almost 14, started playing Volleyball two years ago, and she was terrible! She so wanted to play on a team so that child practiced, and practiced, and practiced. Guess what, she is on a very good competitive team now and she plays in her first tournament on Saturday. Yes, I too needed reminding that with practice, miracles can occur. Thank you for being so honest!
We no longer have Ralph Lauren paints ANYWHERE up here in Canada. And no HD will mix paint into a glaze (at least none of the five HD's I called/visited would)!! It turns out it's pretty easy to mix your own though. For our projects, we used the Behr glaze and mixed in 1 part water, 1 part paint and 4-5 parts paint, depending on the colour. Love your pieces and wish you were closer. 🙂
Shannon
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Thanks for the encouragement. I've had the exact same pride in a project, only to look at it a couple years later and say what was I thinking? We learn and grow so much along the way and each attempt makes us better. I have plenty of fails, but the successes are so worth it.
Good for you for going back and doing it over, I'm pretty weak at that myself. I need to get better with do-overs. My readers are helping me, as they just recently prompted me to try again on a window treatment I thought was done. It stung a bit, but it was so worth it in the end. I love how it finally turned out.
It's so good to know that even the very talented and accomplished Miss Mustard seed has been in the same boat. I love that you keep it real for us!
I've been studying your posts with the french chairs. I've had one in my attic for years. Just the frame, no seat. I painted it white and then hit a brain freeze. I think I am going to tackle making the seat and a slipcover now though!