Coffee Table turns Ottoman

I got the DIY urge again!  For days on end, I looked at Craigslist hunting for that perfect coffee table - it had to have simple clean lines for legs, be made of real wood, measure in at 16 inches or shorter and be cheap!  It only took four days to find one that met my criteria, and to make it even better the seller lived just a hop skip and a jump away from my work!  I brought the table home on Tuesday and it was just a matter of days before it had a whole new look.  Here's how I did it:

Step 1: Take a before picture

Step 2: Sand, prime and paint the table legs - I painted them black to match our living room decor.

Step 3: Measure out where the buttons will be when tufting the ottoman and drill holes.  (Sorry no picture of this step)

Step 4: Using spray adhesive, adhere foam to the table top and sides

Step 5: Have your buddy test out your materials just to make sure they are comfortable

Step 6: Cover the entire tabletop in quilt batting. Use a staple gun to staple the batting on the inside/bottom of the table top

Step 7: Cover the table in the material, I used a tan vinyl.  To give the corners by the legs a finished look, I used a braided rope attached with upholstering tacks. 

Step 8: Attach the buttons (I used a DIY button making kit so the buttons matched the ottoman) using an upholstering needle and thread to give the ottoman a tufted look. In order for the buttons to stay tight, I used buttons on the under side of the table to hold the thread.

And here is the finished product:

 

This was certainly a learning experience.  The corners proved to be quite the challenge, but Dan assured me that they look good :)  If I ever tackle a project like this again I'd like to come up with a better solution for the corners.  Until then, I'll be proud of this finished product!

Splash of color

Spring is here - the sunshine outside tells me so! (though who am I kidding, its MN, it'll be snowing again next week I'm sure)  Along with spring comes the bright colors of flowers and sunshine and easter eggs.  I've been on the hunt for a table runner for years now.  The problem is I am picky and cheap - two things that make it nearly impossible to find a table runner that I actually like!  While at Joann Fabrics tonight looking for materials for a different DIY project, I decided I'd add my splash of spring color to my dinning room table with a homemade runner.  It took me nearly 45 minutes to decide on what material I wanted to use.  First I was going to go with the polka dots - turns out there wasn't enough fabric left on the bolt, then I was going to go with a modern funky pattern - but that material was awfully pricey, so I finally decided on some simple stripes.  Turns out the stripes were a smart idea!  I was planning on sewing the runner by hand and the stripes made it REALLY easy to sew a straight line!  I jazzed the runner up a bit with some beading on each end, which is my favorite part.  Pair the runner with some sunshiny tulips and my table is set for Spring!

Running Goal

I have made a goal for myself, a running goal.  And I'm typing it, so it's out there to be seen by whoever actually reads our blog (Hi Mom! ;) )

My goal is to run 275 miles before 2011.  That is a little over 6.75 miles a week.  To some that seems like nothing, but to me its a realistic goal as I'm not a runner at all! 

So if you're reading this, hold me accountable, ask me how many miles I've run every now and then.