Citra Solv Transfer Method - French Cat Chair

The Citra Solv transfer method has become my favorite way to create my own design on fabric.  You can see the pillows that I made using this method HERE.
My sister wanted to recover 4 dining chairs, and requested a design that incorporated "French" and "Cats".

The above picture shows my supplies - bottle of Citra Solv Concentrate (I ordered mine online, I couldn't find it locally), small paint brush, old spoon and ruler.  I also made sure to use put something on the counter to absorb any extra - I used a paper grocery bag.

For my design, I found clipart cats online, and used MS Word for the text.  The text has to be a mirror image, so that when it is transferred, it will come out properly.  Computers and programs differ, but the program I used was Mac Preview (Tools - Flip Horizontal). 
The hardest part of the project might be finding a toner based printer/copy machine that will work with the Citra Solv.  I had to try a couple before I found one that worked (my local Kinkos copiers did not work).  I found an old copy machine in a grocery store that worked perfectly. 

 First step is to tape the design to the fabric, so it doesn't slide around.  I did mine in layers, starting with the cats.

A small paintbrush works well - dip it into the Citra Solv and lightly paint over the design.  The design will show through as soon as the liquid touches it.
The spoon is used to burnish the image - I used the back of the spoon to rub over the design.  It needs to be pressed fairly hard - but not hard enough that the paper rips. 

A large design with lots of solid area can come out kind of splotchy.  I don't mind, I was hoping for a Vintage-y look. 

 I used a ruler to line up the words.  Taped on and then burnished.

 I also added numbers to the bottom.  Same process as above.

And this is the finished product (it is still a little wet).  Once the Citra Solv has dried completely, I ironed it to set the image.
Check back to see the finished chairs!

French Inspired Pillows

I have finally tried the Citra-Solv Transfer method, making two French themed pillows.

I found extremely helpful tutorials and tips at The Graphics Fairy and 2 Vintage Sisters.
Citra-Solv was hard to find in my area, I ended up ordering it online.  
It also took a few tries to find a toner based printer that worked - my local Kinkos printers did not work.  I found an old copy machine at a local grocery store - it worked perfectly. 

I used some vintage fabric pieces that I had in my fabric stash. 

Both images are from The Graphics Fairy. 

  

The pillow forms were old pillows I had around the house. 

 

This image transferred a bit blurry on one side - but I don't mind.  I think it adds to the vintage look (hopefully).  

I was very happy with this method and will definitely be trying other projects. 

Linked up to The Graphic Fairy's Brag Monday.

White Peter Pan Collar

I love the Peter Pan collar style, but it's hard to find, especially at a decent price.
I decided to try to add one to a dress myself.
Started off with a plain gray shift dress.
And a couple of linen vintage dollies, one round, one long oval, each cut in half.
Pinned them on to the dress - folded the inside under twice, to make it look neat.
This is the long oval on the back.
Sewed along the edge. Added a few buttons from my button stash.
And there you have it. Instant Peter Pan collar.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway...
Some mismatched vintage flatware. CLICK HERE to enter and for more info.

Linked up to White Wednesday, hosted by Faded Charm.

Halloween Crafts

There have been so many cute Halloween decorations out there this year, I decided to try my own version.
I started with this mirror, picked up for next to nothing at a garage sale. I painted it black with a foam brush, so that some of the gold just barely showed through.

Using regular white glue, I then attached an old vintage Halloween postcard to the mirror. It shows 3 witches dancing around a cauldron. And that was it, new wall decoration.

For the next project, I wanted a coffee table type of book. I found this book of quotes (heavy on the Shakespeare) at a thrift store for $0.80.
I also found mini women's heads at the thrift store. I glued a head to the cover of the book, cut out a witch's hat from black foam core and glued that on as well. Painted the whole book cover black.
And then stenciled on the word Quote. A new Halloween coffee table book, for much cheaper than anything in the stores.

Linked up to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

Table and Peacock Transformation

I found this cute little table at a garage sale for $5:
It had been painted gold, and was very dusty and dirty, but it had really beautiful details.
I also found these peacocks. They were $0.15 each. Also very dirty and chipped in some places.
I used a can of flat white spray paint to transform them.
I think the white really brings the pretty details out.
As well as hiding flaws.
I love white spray paint.


Linking up to The Shabby Chic Cottage's Transformation Thursday and
A Soft Place to Land's DIY Day, stop by these great blogs to see other DIY transformations.

Matching DIY Wallet

I decided I needed a lightweight wallet that would hold paper bills only.
I thought I would use the same stencil that I had used on my travel bag makeover:
I used the same white fabric paint to fill in the design.
I took a piece of heavy weight gray felt and cut out 2 rectangles slightly larger than a dollar. I cute a small piece that would serve as the flap. I sewed that to the back piece, then sewed 3 sides together on the larger pieces, and trimmed the excess with pinking shears.
I used Velcro to make sure the flap would be secure and...

DIY Upholstered Bench

I wanted a bench to sit underneath my window. OK, I'll admit it, I wanted a bench for my cats to have something to stand on to look out the window. I didn't find anything the right size and the right price (cheap!), so I decided to make one myself.
At an estate sale, I found a bunch of wood legs for a dollar. There were 8 total - 2 sets. I also picked up an abandoned shelf. I first painted the legs, glued them to the shelf, then drilled a long screw through the top into the leg. I know this is not proper procedure (I probably should have used leg brackets) - but it worked for me.
I also pre-drilled holes to pull my buttons through later.
Next, I cut 2" upholstery foam to the size of the shelf, and then layered upholstery batting over that.
I found some gray faux suede fabric at a discount fabric store, it was under $5 for the yard that I needed. I stapled the fabric to the bottom of the shelf, securing the foam and batting (I skipped the step stapling a layer of muslin underneath the fabric, because I didn't have any - you can see the end product looks a little lumpy. The muslin would have helped with this).
Scraps of fabric made up the buttons, using a covered button kit from the fabric store.
I then used a heavy duty thread to attach the buttons, through the holes that I had already drilled in the shelf.
The last step was attaching the Nailhead Trim. I use a shortcut, the trim comes in a kit, and is already attached together, you only have to hammer in every 5th nail. I highly recommend it. It is much easier to get a straight(ish) line rather than nailing each and every nail.
This can also be found at most fabric stores. Oh, and I spray painted the trim white before I nailed it. I had to go back and touch up some of the nails when I was finished.
And here it is.

It is definitely not perfect, but it works for its purpose.

Linking up to A Soft Place to Land's DIY Day.
and
Linking up to The Shabby Chic Cottage's Transformation Thursday.
Check out both of these great blogs for other projects!