Mid-Century Ben Chair Restoration

I do love a mid century Scandinavian chair. At the first glance you might think this is Danish, but Ben Chairs were actually made in Frome, Somerset in the late 60’s. They are recognised the world over for their fluid designs and use of bold colours alongside natural teak wood frames. So when I found this carver all on its own in Shabitat, looking all sad, I knew I had to give it a second life. These chairs would usually have a vinyl covering. Practical dining room furniture as you could simply wipe off any spillage.

vinatge ben chair for sale

 

So it was obvious this was not the original cover. Well used though looking at the state of it.

After taking the whole chair apart, it was a pleasure getting this ugly grey-green corduroy off it. I think Ben the chair was pretty pleased too.

The woodwork had some surface scratches too that was going to need much  attention.

Can of worms!

 

 

 

After hours of sanding by hand, I used a tinted wax to bring out the natural teak colour. I was well pleased I found a piece of retro damask (from Shabitat again)  that was just the right size for this project. Love it when that happens.

Well here it is in its full glory, happy with its new attire. Bold and beautiful again. Mid Century Restored vintage Ben Chair

Patchwork Tubchair No 8

Looking at my previous armchair post, it was nearly three years ago I upholstered one of these. Well overdue! I found a bag of ready cut pieces of material from the last chair, added a few new colours into it, mainly all from vintage velvet curtains.

I thought people would be over patchwork armchairs by now but it seems they still fly off the shelves! This one has already found a happy home in Saltdean.

Need one in your life made in your favourite colours? Get in touch

 

Corner Sofa Re-Upholstery

Have you ever been searching high and low to find that very specific piece of furniture and eventually you find something that is close, but not perfect? Do you go for second best or try to find a way to make it what you want?

Sian wanted a corner sofa for her flat. Something comfortable that you could fully stretch out on. Preferably in vibrant but earthy colours. She found this in Shabitat. Comfortable yes, stylish and vibrant, not so.

Structurally it was in a good condition  and she didn’t mind the brown, so I suggested we could just recover the seating covers and the scatter cushions to create the look she wanted.

jute fabric for upholstery

I didn’t have enough material of what she was looking for at my studio so I recommended the Fabric Warehouse in Kemptown-Brighton. An amazing fabric shop with a quirky owner that knows his stuff and will try to guess your star-sign and probably get it right!

This is what she came back with. A thick stripy weave of jute in camel, purple and pink. Looks better than it sounds indeed.

And he had just enough of it, so meant to be right!

 

The vibrant fabric paired really well with the sofas earthy brown body and also with her pink feature wall. Three seat , two back and three scatter cushions later, voila! What a transformation!

If your sofa could do with a facelift you know where to find me!

Festival Season 2017

After last years challenging one I was in two mind about doing another season.  But as they say time is a great healer and I hadn’t come up with a grand plan to change career, plus I did think “can it be any worse than last year?” Not possible.  So yes, we did pack our bags and van and made it to six(!) different festivals. How did that happen?

shaboutique Glastonbury stall green fields

Well, I’m glad I did decide to do another season as the weather was (mostly) glorious! Especially Glastonbury. It was so dry people were complaining about the dust! (always something). We also finally got offered a pitch up in the Green Fields instead of down in the main market babylon. Yay! Its like a different festival up there…

glastonbury acid smilers

Latitude, Wilderness and Shambala were sunny too, but sadly Secret Garden Party did get some rain. It was the last one ever too! It was still lovely and it did clear up.

I also went along with Red Mutha to Bestival that now have moved from Isle of Wright to the mainland. I wanted to check out the new site, but we had one dry day and it rained, and rained… Mud bath! Luckily I only had half of rail of stock to pack and de-mud the other end.

bestival denim jackets

But all in all it was an great season in every aspect. Lots of new friend and happy clients.

Customised Denim Jackets

I love working with denim. Especially embellishing denim jackets. It’s a great way to use all those beautiful little trimmings, borders and fringing I find on my adventures. Each piece turns out completely unique.  Half way through the festival season I found some time to make some more. Here they are. Get in touch if there is one you like, when they gone they are gone!

 

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