Dining In The Rough (Pt 3)

I completed this dining set two weeks ago. Continued from my previous post, I had to reupholster the seat cushions on all of the chairs. I decided to use white vinyl thinking it would be durable and provide a good contrast with the green frame. I like the juxtaposition with the color of the chairs and the table. Thankfully, the buyer did too :). Sold. Thanks Michael.

Dining In The Rough (Pt 2)

The dining set is still a work in progress. I have to add one more coat of lacquer on the table and I have to reupholster the seats for all the dining the chairs.

One thing I'd like to highlight... thumb tacks work great when it comes to painting the lower area of the chair legs. It gives you that much needed room to paint down to edge of the leg (if the chair you're painting didn't come with a glider). If any of you have tips you'd like to share on furniture restoration, please do. Again, I'm new to this, so you're advice would be much appreciated.

Here's the restoration process up to its current state...

Dining In The Rough (Pt 1)

I bought this dining set a short while ago. Unfortunately, it didn't come with the leaf insert. I'll attempt to restore it and hopefully have it in the shop by the end of the month. If it turns out to be a success, I'll provide pics on an updated post. If it turns out less than desirable, someone please remind me to delete this post and we'll forget this restore attempt ever took place :)

Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman

There is no documentation, but I believe this set is made by Plycraft and designed by George Mulhauser. For comparison, visit 1stdibbs.

The Eames Era lounge chair and ottoman are in good vintage condition. There are minor scratches on the walnut shell. There are no rips in the upholstery. A definite statement piece with a unique take on wingback chairs. Sold. Thanks Kiyoshi!

Earth Day 2013

When it comes to design inspiration and gravitating to certain color palettes, I'm influenced by the native plants, driftwood and natural terrain along California's Central Coast. It's a privilege to have all of this right outside my doorstep.

On April 14th, My friend and I volunteered at the Locke Paddon Wetland Community Park in Marina. Both of us share the same interest in environmental issues and we represented the Filipino-American Community Club at this event.

The event included native plant restoration, bench & sign cleaning/painting, trail maintenance, and park clean up. It was coordinated by Citizens for Sustainable Marina (C4SM); Return of the Natives (RON); Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD); and Everyone's Harvest.

The volunteers came from Marina and from the rest of the County, many of whom were students at CSUMB and other local schools. Seeing so many people helping out and the incredible sense of comradery was inspiring. I urge everyone to participate at your local Earth Day event. And, for those who have... THANK YOU! :)

Here are a few pics at the event...

A few days later, I took my Dad and dog, Sunshine, back to Locke Paddon Park.

Coffee Table Conversion

I'm fairly new to repurposing furniture and other items. I blame inspiring sites like designsponge for making such attempts. A few months back, I bought a damaged Lane coffee table. Structurally, it was sound. The only problem were the numerous gouges on the surface of the table. One alternative was to use wood filler and place a sheet of wood veneer on top. The other alternative was to turn it into an upholstered bench. I chose the latter using medium density foam padding, batting and a fabric remnant. Gotta thank friends, Frank and Danielle, for picking it up :)