Homemade bed skirt - net $0 project

Our new king sized bed was in desperate need of a bedskirt, and as always, I like to challenge myself to find creative solutions while being as resourceful and thrifty as possible.

Since we had just upgraded from a queen sized bed, I decided to use the fabric from the old threadbare queen sized sheets as the material for the bedskirt.  First I flattened the queen sized fitted sheet by removing the elastic from the corners and taking the corner seams apart.  This was the base for the new king sized bedskirt.  I needed to fill in the squares on the corners with some scrap fabric, but since this part lies underneath the mattress, the patches would not be seen. Next I measured the height of the bed frame and box spring together, this is the height of the finished skirting. I cut strips from the queen sized flat sheet, sewed them end to end to create enough length to wrap around the bed, then starched and pressed the material.  These strips were then sewn onto the base around the sides and front, but not the back.  Another pressing, and the project was complete.  Total cost: $0.

Before

Base for bedskirt

corner patches for bedskirt base

corner patches for bedskirt base

Bedskirt - strips for skirting

New bedskirt done!

Sailboat interior design project

My partner Rich and I are new sailboat owners.  Her (current) name is "Miracle", she is a Davidson 18 and she was built in the 1970s (same as me!).

The first re-decorating task was to remove the carpet (yes, CARPET) that was affixed to the inside walls of the cabin.  Next task was to paint the inside walls a nice crisp white colour.

After painting, the next task was to recover the v-berth cabin mattress.  I re-used the existing foam and recovered with new fabric.

V-berth cushions - OLD

V-berth cushions - NEW

The sail cover was probably original to the boat from the 1970s, and was badly weathered from years of use.  Several patches were made over the years, and although it's probably time to completely replace it, I decided on another round of patches instead. I found the same colour marine fabric (at a gazillion dollars/meter), but only needed 1/2 meter.

Next task was to create some bench cushions for the cockpit. I found some cheap foam on Craigslist and cut it to the contour of the cockpit benches. Then I found some remnant outdoor fabric online in the selected pattern.

 Breakdown of the cost for the boat redecorating project:
- marine paint - $50
- v-berth cushion fabric - $60
- sail cover fabric patch - $60
- cockpit cushions - $100
- throw pillows - $20

Brought to you by:
Heather Fulcher
Professional Organizer for Hire
Vancouver, BC, Canada
heatherfulcher@gmail.com
604-618-4829

Dining chairs upholstered with burlap coffee sacks

These eight (8) solid oak dining chairs were custom made fourty years ago by a local artisan and family friend.  They have been in my family ever since, and I've just given them a new lease on life with a fresh coat of pain and new upholstery. The initial thought was to restore them exposing the original wood and integrate them back into the new decor of the family home, but the decision was made to use new chairs instead and get these vintage beauties ready for a new home.

The original fabric upholstery was removed along with all of the fastening staples.  

Each chair was painted with approximately three coats of creamy "Cottage White" paint.

New foam cushions were cut for each chair.

Burlap coffee sacks were used for the seat upholstery fabric.  First they are steam ironed which softens the fabric and removed the wrinkles. 

I then cut the burlap coffee sacks to the correct size using a template made from kraft paper.

Once the burlap is cut to size, I then cut a lining fabric to the exact size/shape.

The lining fabric is then sewn to the burlap creating nice neat edging all the way around.

The seat upholstery fabric is then fitted overtop the foam cushion and tacked into place on the underside of the chair.

As illustrated in the above photos, each seat cushion is unique, and as a set, they are not only function and attractive, they will make for a great conversation piece in your home. These solid oak chairs are build to last the ages, and now they are completely refurbished with a new lease on life.  

Creating a yoga mat bag from a broken Lululemon tote

Framed vintage cutlery

An eclectic mix of antique cutlery in a vintage frame.  This is a unique upcycled combination of vintage cutlery from yesteryear presented on a vintage wooden 8" x 10" frame.  Each piece is unique, with original markings on the cutlery handles, such as "Cafe Waldorf" and "Woolworths". Knife, fork and spoon are affixed to a hardboard backing painted a dark charcoal, and wooden frame is painted cottage white and slightly distressed.  A great DIY project using heirloom or antique store treasures.

I made a number of these framed antique silverware sets with the intention of selling them.  I've listed each set for $30 each.  If you are interested, please let me know.

Pouches from the cuffs of men's shirts

Here is another upcycle project.  Using the cuffs of men's button down shirts, I created a little pouch great for overnight jewelry, coin purse, feminine products or any other purse contents.

Creations with burlap coffee sacks

Burlap coffee sack throw pillows

I was inspired by an online post where a blogger created throw pillows from these authentic bags used to transport the raw coffee beans, including batch and origin markings, and some actually had a few beans left inside.  The coffee sacks were first ironed, then cut 2" larger than the size of the pillow insert. Sew a simple seam around three sides, then install the zipper.  I then ironed the seams flat.

Burlap coffee bag Christmas tree skirt

I think these burlap coffee sacks make such a great conversation piece, and once I got my creative juices flowing, the projects and uses seem endless.  My next project was to create a Christmas tree skirt with the burlap coffee bags. I estimated the size of the finished product in terms of diameter (45"), then cut a piece of Christmas wrapping paper to this size (45"diameter).  I cut a hole for the tree in the middle.  I then used this as a template or pattern to cut the burlap. There are two options, you can either use one single coffee sack and cut it into a 45" large circle with a hole in the middle OR you can cut panels from several different coffee sack and sew them together.  I chose the second method because I wanted to showcase as many of the interesting logos and markings as possible.  Sew together the panels and press the seams, then fold over and sew the raw edges around the outside of the piece.

Burlap coffee sack place mats
Using the unprinted sides and ends of the burlap coffee sacks, I cut out rectangle pieces 20" x 14" making sure to cut square to the grain/weave NOT on the diagonal.  I then used some neutral fabric as a backing liner (raw edges folded under, liner finished size: 18" x 12"), affixing it to the back of the burlap by sewing machine.  Once the backing was affixed, I then carefully frayed the edges by pulling out the woven material on the outside edges.  This leaves a 1" fray on all four edges.

Available for purchase

Burlap coffee sack throw pillows
Most are size: 18"x18"
A few pillows are: 15" x 22"
All have feather or down pillow inserts, most have zipper closures
$30 each

Burlap coffee sack christmas tree skirt
45" circumference
Open flap closure
5 panels of coffee sacks sewn together
$60 each

Burlap coffee sack place mats
Finished size: 20" x 14"
Lined with neutral fabric
$8 each






Contact the artisan directly to arrange local viewing and purchase:
Heather Fulcher
heatherfulcher@gmail.com
Vancouver, BC, Canada
604-618-4829