Sara's superb crafts

 

How did you start making hand-made arts and crafts?

I've crafted since I was a child but never really settled on one thing. I started with cross stitch which I was tought by my grandmother. I have also done crochet, rug making, made teddies and toys. I also paint. 

And I've recycled an old didgeridoo into a mobile for the garden. 

I have made a hanging Christmas tree. I also make Christmas presents for the family. More recently I have been making masks, clothes, paper cutting, I have made a bar and started re upholstery. You can learn most things from the internet.

Tell us about the chaise longue you re-upholstered...

My son and daughter in law moved into a new home last year and my daughter in law wanted a chaise lounge which I happened to have. I purchased it for myself a couple of years ago but never used it, so I said she could have it but she wanted a bright pink one to match her new curtains.

 

I decided to surprise her by purchasing some lovely pink fabric from an online store due to lockdown.

 

I purchased, fabric spray glue, stapler and staples, also some pink spray paint to paint the legs of the chaise.

 

I cut the fabric to mimic the back, front, arm etc of the chaise and began to glue and staple the fabric to the chaise. The piping was the most difficult but due to the curves on the arm but turned out lovely and she loved it, it takes pride of place in the music room.

What tips would you give to someone who wanted to start re-upholstery?

If anyone wanted to start to re upholster, I would start with something small, take off the existing fabric but keep it and use it as a template so you have the exact size for the new cover.

 

The best place to look for old furniture is social media market places, you can get things cheap and even sometimes free. But remember start small and take your time don't think you have to do it all in one go.

 

The best fabrics to use for upholstery are heavy fabrics for longer lasting wear and tear. You could use old curtains or towels if you wanted something different. You don't have to waste anything, you can recycle lots of things.