A Gentleman in Corduroy

I feel the strongest nudging to give things a second chance.  I know this may seem the weirdest compulsion but I can't stand for things like this chair to be thrown to the curb especially when he still has so much life left in him. 

He did look somewhat like he was on his last leg ~ indeed, he was even minus a cushion.  Yikes, actually my friend Gloria's dog ate a good portion of it.  Despite the missing seat, I fell for the amazing lines of this fab mid-century modern chair and was so anxious for him to have a makeover.  

After scouring options for fabrics to reupholster the piece, I decided to dress him in this rich brown corduroy.  

And look how handsome he turned out ~ doesn't a little love and a chocolaty corduroy go a long way to enhance his frame?  I'm so happy he won't be taking up residence in a nearby landfill anytime soon.  

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A Console Table / DIY

Today I'm posting about a console table I fashioned from a piece of salvaged wood.  I couldn't believe when I discovered, of all things, a remnant piece of boxcar flooring.  I found it months ago for $10 at an architectural salvage yard and thought someday I would figure out what to do with it.  After taking up valuable real estate in my shed, I finally tackled this simple DIY.  I know the family is thankful not to be tripping over it any longer ~ let's just say it was a topic of discussion more than once. :)

When I needed a furniture piece to hold the flat panel in my studio, I searched for something unusual but wasn't very excited about buying retail.  My choices were too pricey and then I remembered the boxcar flooring.  I know the likelihood of finding something random as this is slim, but I think the idea is worthy of sharing and is something you could adapt with other pieces of lumber you might locate or purchase.

Making the console was pretty simple.  After cleaning and sanding the piece of wood, I gave it a coat of water-based polyurethane.   

 

For the legs, I bought plumber's pipe at Home Depot and had them cut to the desired lengths.  Then I had the ends threaded so they could easily be screwed to the flanges.

Don't let this step frighten you away, the salespeople at Home Depot are always happy to help out.

I spaced out and measured where I wanted to position each flange.  I marked and pre-drilled the holes for the screws, then attached the flanges with the wood screws.  

 

Finally, I screwed the legs to the flanges on the bottom of the wood piece.  I also added additional flanges to the bottom of the poles to serve as feet.  

I love the texture of the boxcar flooring combined with the shiny metal legs.  I think the console would look awesome in any number of places ~ as an entry or hall table, or even a bench (if the legs were shortened).    

I also love it in my studio.  I may in time add cross supports between the legs, just because I think it would add some more interesting detail.  What do you think?  I would be happy to know your opinion.  I hope your Tuesday is wonderful!

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Family Time

We slowed the pace around here last week when we had the wonderful surprise of all three boys being home.  Momma Bird is happy when all her chicks are in the nest.  Stepping back from the norm was a nice reprieve for us all.  We relished our time spent together lingering over meals ~ time to laugh and share and catch up on life. 

Nate, Gavin (our youngest who will be attending college this fall) and I did have to sneak off one day ~ for a couple of college visits.  Southern Methodist University was our first stop ~ isn't the ceiling of the Dallas Hall at SMU spectacular?

 

We also headed to Waco and toured Baylor University.  While making the Baylor stop ~ we took a break at Common Grounds for tea and coffee.  The lovely above was parked outside their fine establishment ~ so cool!

We also spent many hours at our favorite local bakery and coffee shop ~ find it here.  During our coffee breaks, Corbin made some time to do what he loves best ~ draw.  He is currently majoring in drawing and has the most unique style.  If you're interested in commissioning a work, you can contact him here.

 

One evening we braved a thunderstorm and took a drive up to Denton.  Denton is a wonderfully quaint town where Corbin is attending the University of North Texas.  After we enjoyed a delicious dinner here, we headed over to the town square.  Isn't it charming? 

Before our evening came to a close, we had the pleasure of spending a little time at Corbin's favorite hangout, Paschall's.  Once we stepped in the place, it seemed as if we took a step back in time.  

 

Feeling like the luckiest mom in the world ~ and so thankful to have had Gavin, Reagan and Corbin home for a few days.  By the way, just wondering if you can guess who the chalk art guy (above) is?  

Our week ended all too soon and today we resume our normal routines.  Before I go, here's a toast to you and to Saint Patrick's Day.  Maybe you can tell from the pic above, we're all about juicing these days.  Reagan led the charge in making this yummy green concoction.  I hope your Saint Patty's Day goes without a pinch!

P.S.  You can follow Tattered Style on Instagram here. 

Mornings

I'm not a morning person ~ I wish I was but I'm not.  It usually takes me awhile to come out of my sleeping stupor.  And I've come to the realization that life for me simply seems to go more smoothly if I ease into my day.

I crawl out of bed and put on my tattered house shoes.  As I make my way down the hall, I pull on a sweatshirt and rhythmically turn off every light switch that beckons me to wake up.  The morning people I pass (darn those happy folks) know me well enough by now and leave me to myself as I wander into the kitchen.  My daily ritual begins with my favorite cup of tea ~ (find it here).  

I'm becoming more human now and begin to open up curtains allowing the day to come in.  All the while the water heats on the stove as I anticipate my first cup of heavenly nectar.  As my tea is steeping, I may even tidy up a bit ~ but not too much before the real day begins.

As I cradle the warm cup in my hands, Penny and I traipse into my office and I snuggle up with a blanket in my favorite cushy chair (I recently realized my house slippers and chair have something in common ~ can you figure out what it is?).

I light a candle, take a deep breath and I'm still.  I tune into Pandora and close my eyes and let the music woo me awake as it gives life to my soul.  Then I spend a while reading.  It usually consists of a daily excerpt from The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle, a passage from the Bible and possibly a few pages from a self-help read but never, ever, fiction.  Not this early in the morning.  Currently, I'm reading Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin.

Then I have my quiet time ~ I think of all the things I'm thankful for and also do some soul searching and pray for those I love.  I'm by no means standing on a soapbox right now but have learned ~ for me ~ I can't do this life on my own and it's comforting knowing I don't have to.

I'm wide awake by now and am anticipating what the day has in store ~ Carpe Diem is my mantra by choice as I draw in another deep breath to go take on my day.  However you choose to embrace your morning ~ I do indeed hope it is lovely in every way.

P.S.  I would be happy for you to follow me on Instagram ~ it's snapshots of life as I know it.  You can follow me here. 

A Visit / Holly & Olive

One of the sweet things in life is being able to spend time with friends.  A couple of weeks ago, I had one of those rich moments when I paid my dear friends, Holly and Little O a visit.  I had to share some photos of our afternoon together.  Here's a glimpse into their world.   

Holly and her husband, Cody and their precious little girl, O (short for Olive) recently moved from Portland back to Dallas.  When they decided on an area to plant their family in, it was no surprise (being the hip couple they are) they landed in a really cool area of Dallas. Their neighborhood is made up of charming houses, cool coffee shops, restaurants and stores that are all worthy of lingering in.  Their home is no exception and has tons of character.  Case in point, I think the built-in cuphoard (above) is dreamy.

 

When I arrived,, O was sleeping so Holly and I had a little time to catch up.  The vintage tea kettle (above) is one of Holly's favorite things ~ it was a surprise gift from her brother.

 

  

Our afternoon was filled with oolong tea (all the way from Portland), healthy snacks and warm conversation ~ the makings of a perfect visit.  

Little O's" Domain

 The vintage metal "O" and anchor banner were decorations/gifts Holly received at O's baby shower.

Finally, she wakes!  Olive ~ playing in her room.  

Beautiful hardwood floors, original doors, built-ins and period lighting abound in the house. 

All too quickly our visit came to an end (I might add, that was after a quick jaunt to Trader Joe's!).   What else can I say...the day was delightful ~ how else could it be when getting to see this sweet, smiling face.  By the way, guess who turned one yesterday?  Happy Birthday Olive ~ we love you!   Thank you Holly and Little O for the wonderful afternoon we spent together.  XO ~ Dana