Weekend DIY Projects!

I love house projects that you can do yourself! So here are a few projects that you can do over the weekend to add a unique touch to your home!

How to Antique A Mirror

Materials You Will Need:

• framed mirror
• muriatic acid (available at home improvement stores)
• aerosol paint stripper
• plastic putty knife
• paper towels
• cotton rags
• spray bottle
• funnel
• ventilation mask
• chemical-resistant gloves
• protective eyewear
• antique gold spray paint

Step 1:

Put on your safety gear!!

Step 2:

Protect your work surface with newspaper

Step 3:

Remove cardboard backing from framed mirror and place mirror on a flat surface

Step 4:

Apply paint stripper. Spray a thick layer of aerosol paint stripper on to the back of the mirror. Leave it on long enough to loosen the layer of paint that protects the silvered finish.

Step 5:

Remove the loosened paint with a plastic putty knife, be careful not to damage the mirror itself. Then gently wipe the surface with a damp cotton rag then follow with  a dry cotton rag to ensure that the surface is dry.

Step 6:

Pour the muriatic acid with a funnel into a spray bottle. Make sure you wear plastic gloves. Then lightly spray a small amount of the acid onto the back of the mirror in two or three random areas. Spray more around edges than in the middle. It will take about one minutes for the acid to go through the backing and show the mirror. When this happens blot the surface carefully with a paper towel or cotton rag.

Step 7:

Last coat the entire back of the mirror with  a layer of antique gold paint. This paint color will show through on the front side of the mirror. Then reassemble your mirror and there you have it! A fabulous antique mirror!

How To Recover A Dining Room Chair

Materials You Will Need:

• upholstered seat dining chairs
• 1/2' fabric per seat cushion
• 1/2' lining per seat cushion
• temporary fabric pen
• scissors
• tape measure
• staple gun
• staples
• screwdriver

Step 1:

First select your chairs and pick out your fabric. Remove your seat cushion and existing fabric. Place seat frame cushion side down onto the lining. Trace three inches out from the edge with a temporary fabric pen. Next cut along the line. 

Step 2:

Attach lining to frame with a staple gun, start at the center of each side then work to corners then continue stapling around the frame. Trim excess fabric from edge of stapled line. 

Step 3:

Next place seat frame cushion side down on your selected fabric and repeat the steps. Trace three inches from the edge with a fabric pen then cut along the line. If using a patterned fabric make sure to line up the design on the cushion. 

Step 4: 

Staple the fabric starting from the center to the corners, then filling in around the seat. Make sure to pull the fabric tight around the cushion. 

Step 5:

Attach your new and gorgeous cushion onto chair frame using original hardware. There you go! You now have fabulous chairs! 

How to Modernize a Traditional Brass Chandelier

Materials You Will Need:

• brass chandelier
• painters' tape
• can of spray primer
• 3 cans of spray paint
• snap-on spray paint can handle
• sheet plastic
• globe chandelier bulbs

Step 1:

Protect your work area with paper and plastic. Use a damp cloth to wipe off all dust and remove socket sleeves and cover with painters tape. Shake your can of spray primer and attach snap-on handle to the top. Hold can six inches from chandelier, lightly pull spray handle back and prime chandelier using controlled pressure on handle. Spray evenly and let dry for an hour.

Step 2:

Next attach spray handle top onto spray paint and hold six inches away from chandelier. Coat the chandelier with spray paint and let dry an hour then apply the finishing coat.

Step 3:

Remove tape from sockets, slide sleeves into place, and screw in light bulbs.

Now you have a modernized and stunning new chandelier!

Add Nail Head Trim to Furniture

Materials You Will Need

• chair or other upholstered piece of furniture
• nail head trim
• tape measure
• hammer





Step 1:

First pick the the piece of furniture you would like to work on and figure out which areas of the piece you would like to add the trim to. Choose style and size of nail head that compliments your chair.

Step 2:

Start at the beginning of the line of trim with your first nail head. Push it into the frame. Continue placing nail head trim along line, positioning them an equal distance apart. Use tape measure as a guide.

Step 3:

Secure nail head trim into chair foundation with a hammer.  Now you have added a unique and stylish touch to your chair!