rethinking things

husband has an uncanny ability to rethink things and decide to go in a completely different direction, not being stuck to an idea just because it's what he originally thought and just because steps were taken towards realizing it. he's very open to change and new ideas. and i feel like it's very good for me.  two summers ago, he built a rather significant building to house his sawmill. he now has outfitted a rather nice workshop for himself out there and we were even able to hold sabin's confirmation party in the building. it's a pretty great space.

we're getting ready to buy a barn and a little bit of property for a paddock for the horses from our neighbors. we first broached the subject four+ years ago when we moved in and now they're mentally ready to consider it. we already rent part of that barn from the neighbors, and have two stalls there, as well as our bunnies, hay, straw and a stash of building supplies in the building. it's not really much of a barn, more of a machine shed, really, but it has potential and with a new roof on it (paid for by the insurance after a storm last december), it would be good for us to have it.

and husband is already planning on moving his sawmill and workshop over there, which would leave the lovely sawmill building for another purpose. perhaps a party space to rent out? a bed & breakfast? a space where i could begin to have blog camps at my house again? or maybe we could move into it? the possibilities are endless. and it's so much fun talking all of the ideas over with husband. he just makes it seem like anything is possible. being so open to new ideas and rethinking old ones is really a gift. just another way in which that boy is a keeper.

transformation

a long time ago, we bought this mid-century modern chair by an unknown designer in a flea market for 50 kroner (approx $10). i was always going to recover it and never really got around to it. in pondering simplicity and making do with what we have and recycling and all those attendant thoughts, i finally felt motivated to recover it. it was so easy, i didn't even remove the old fabric, i just put the new one on right over it. that was possible because the old one was so neutral. it was also heavy quality upholstery fabric, so i thought it would be a good layer underneath the lighter-weight cotton i was covering it in.

i unscrewed the seat and untied the pillow.

then i cleaned and waxed the wooden parts with a neutral furniture wax.

it really should probably be stripped and refinished, but i'll wait 'til next summer to do that.

then i covered it with a patchwork that i made.

the fabrics were some michael miller and lizzy house designs that i bought here a few months ago.

i was inspired after seeing this on flickr.

i just covered the seat and fastened the fabric securely in place with a staple gun.

it took me a total of about three hours of work.

i think i'll be faster the next time.

and although my time is worth something, it feels a bit like getting something for nearly nothing.

a brand new, transformed chair for under 100 kroner (approx. $20).

and it's #93.