The chair

I did an initial post about this chair a few weeks ago and neglected to post anything more about the finished project! 

I started out with a nice little chair I found on Craigslist for $30.  It was definitely in need of a little love, but I had no idea just how much.

After I got into it and really started tearing it apart, I found a lot of interesting things… like the original layer of upholstery fabric under the REALLY BADLY DONE top layer.

Or perhaps a little horsehair stuffing?  So weird… this would be when I was glad I decided to wear gloves for this project.

Once I got all the burlap, strapping, stuffing, upholstery and 7,325,892 upholstery tacks removed, I found this sticker on the inside that gave me some clues to it’s history.

The sticker is from the Phoenix Chair Company of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.  When I tried to look up a little of the company’s history, I found that I probably had a legitimate antique chair from sometime around the 1870’s.  Well… I guess it’s too bad it’s getting painted… the folks at the Antiques Roadshow haven’t found out about my indiscretions yet, so keep it quiet.

Then I did a little puttying…putty-ing…puttifying… meh

Then I moved onto painting and a layer of poly to lock in all the freshness. Much like a Ziploc.

See, Antiques Roadshow people?! I left the sticker uncovered so some other schmuck can uncover this thing in 50 years and find out more about it!

I completely biffed documenting the actual reupholstery project.  It’s best that way because I would rather no one know how bush league I am at projects involving math, conceptual space and measuring.  🙂   The Tall Kid (my brother) helped me with this and gave up after a while.  I can’t say I blame him, but it was so sweet of him to make the effort!

Here she is, all clean and new!

It’s too overstuffed, and I want to put a piece on the back (maybe black leather with upholstery tacks all around?!) but for now it’s cute.  And it turned out well in pictures, too!