"R" is for Rocking Chair

A rocking chair makeover.

Complete with striped cushion.

This was a black beauty with lovely gold detailing:

But the black had to go for something a little more fresh:

Here's how I did it:

1. Sand off old finish:

2. Paint 3 coats off white paint.

3. Sand to distress.

4. Stain with Minwax cherry.

5. Apply Minwax wipe on poly satin finish.

For the cushion:

1. Make a paper template of the seat area:

2. Be sure to mark on the template where your ties need to attach to the chair:

(see yellow arrows)

3. Prepare your fabric.  I used canvas drop cloth taped to the floor.

Use masking tape to mark off stripes and stencil in with navy paint:

4. Let stripes dry and heat set with hot, dry iron:

5. Fold fabric in half so fold is on the outer front edge of the cushion, line up stripes and position paper template:

6. Cut fabric leaving at least 1" border around edges:

(need to allow for fill)

7. Refold fabric placing right sides together, position and pin ties as per marks on your template:

8. Sew cushion shut, be sure to leave an opening for filling then straight stitch shut.

Over time the cushion will become less dense as people sit on it.

Use ties to secure in place.

Now where to put this beauty?

One last side by side:

I'm linking up to:

  

http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/, http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/

The 36th Avenue.

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/

http://www.somewhatsimple.com/

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/

http://www.remodelaholic.com/

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/

http://www.lovelycraftyhome.com/

http://lollyjaneboutique.blogspot.com/
http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/
http://www.iheartnaptime.net/
http://sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com/
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/
http://www.skiptomylou.org/
http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/
http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/
http://justagirlblog.com/