I somehow feel compelled to present an explanation for my summer-born hiatus in which my photoblog has been subjected. One craft project included a desperate need for new chairs in our quaint dining room. Indeed, the ironclad and rattan chairs had massive holes in the buttocks region and many of our dinner guests were potentially plummeting to the dinner room floor. My self-proclaimed thrify-self decided that we going to buy chairs on the cheap (really not an easy task) or get them for free.
Well, I got these for free – on the side of the road from a woman clearing out her late father’s furniture for bulk pickup. But alas, nothing in life is free and after spending just short of the entirety of a season, the once ratty, heat-melted lacquer and plastic-covered granny chairs are now a magnificent distressed shade of English chestnut adorned with a modern twall toile.
So blame the chairs. Not me. 
Editor’s note: I recommend a heavy dose of patience when sanding and a lot of paint stripper for detailed spindles.
creative presentation, really nice
First off, your description is perfect; though I don’t think you quite stressed the time element in these ‘free’ chairs. The chairs themself came out beautiful as did the photgraphs of them. Furtheremore, it appears that refinished, pleasant looking chairs also have a magic ability make shruubs grow and green. Apparently even nature approves of your handywork. Good job!
Hard work it may be Jess, but you have to admit that it’s so rewarding when you see the proverbial silk purse appear from the sow’s ear! Along with the possibility that there may be a hidden treasure beneath the patina of time that covers an old piece of furniture.
Well done
a very nice transformation.
I love that the grass was brown in the back for the ‘before’ picture… it must’ve really taken a long time to strip those chairs since the grass had a chance to thrive and turn green in the mean time. ha!
It turned out lovely!
oh… and I think it’s toile, not twall. Sorry to go all fashion school on ya! :-p
Oh my goodness, thank you!!! I greatly appreciate the correction. Much better to be aware than ignorant.
Jess, those chairs look amazing, the hard work was really worth it – my compliments! I just love the beautiful fabric you’ve chose to cover the chairs with. Your dining room must now look stunning and very inviting!
Wow…nice job! I recall doing this once before and I know what you mean about the sanding…especially in the detailed areas.
great job, there is also a green prosperous bush behind the refurbished chair !!!