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Domestic Imperfection: Dumpster Rocker

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Dumpster Rocker


So, my aunt rescued this old rocking chair from a dumpster. She said she found a toddler rocker and asked if I wanted it. I of course said yes....who turns down a free dumpster rocker? Not me! Anyway, when I got it I noticed that it not really toddler sized, it's way too big. It's not really adult sized either though, its pretty small. It's like a 3/4 sized rocker. We're kinda small people though, so I decided to make it a front porch rocker. As soon as the Husband saw it sitting on the front porch he cringed and asked "are we really keeping that nasty thing?" Umm, yes, but its not going to stay that way...did we just meet? Anyway, this is why he cringed, its a homly little thing....


...and it might have had a couple of things wrong with it...


So here we go:

Rip off nasty (nasty!) fabric.

 Sand.

Prime.

Paint.

 Have the little helper help (haha) cut fabric.

Replace nasty foam after drenching with Febreeze.

Cover with fabric, fold under edges, and nail.

Use fabric glue to add edging (I'm fairly certain that this is not how the professionals do it, but whatever).


And here it is!




I spent about $10 fixing up this rocker..about $5 on spray paint and $5 on the edging. The fabric is leftover from being rejected for my dining room curtains.  While working on this I came up with a little challenge for myself...to create an entire front porch for under $100. I would like about four chairs, an end table, a rug, a loveseat/bench and some wall decor. Should be interesting!

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98 Comments:

At July 30, 2011 at 3:26 PM , Blogger Yes! Yolanda said...

That-looks-AMAZING!! It looks like an expensive designer chair! I'm definitely inspired right now!

 
At July 30, 2011 at 3:37 PM , Blogger Katie said...

Ashley that looks awesome!!! Almost too nice for the front porch! =) Awesome job!

 
At July 30, 2011 at 4:09 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

holy batman, this turned out AWESOME!

 
At July 30, 2011 at 6:09 PM , Blogger Jennifer B. said...

Looks awesome!
I don't remember exactly how I found your blog but I'm so glad I did and added you to my reader. I love all your projects and am always excited to see when you have a new post.

 
At July 31, 2011 at 10:18 AM , Blogger LGuest said...

Wow! You rock! Teach me more! Teach me more!!!!!

 
At July 31, 2011 at 10:40 PM , Blogger Love Sweet Love said...

Such a great upcycle!! Love the fabric you chose! Following your adorable blog now!! :)
Angela

 
At July 31, 2011 at 11:46 PM , Blogger Julie said...

What a CUTE out-come! And what a CUTE helper too :) Enjoyed this! You're pretty awesome!

 
At August 1, 2011 at 1:27 AM , Blogger Maggie Lamarre said...

luv luv the redo of the chair.
Any tips for good coverage with spray paint?
I'm inviting you to join our linking party every Wednesday at
http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/07/hgtvs-cash-cari-with-linking-party.html
Have a fabulous week,
Maggie
http://passionatelyartistic.com

 
At August 1, 2011 at 7:33 AM , Blogger idesign said...

wow!!! i'm obsessed with this project!! great job and great fabric :)

Jackie
http://jaclyndesigns.blogspot.com/

 
At August 1, 2011 at 8:01 AM , Blogger Lisa Davis said...

I love this!! I just got done refinishing a curb side rocker too! :) It was a lot of fun and I was looking forward to it hanging out in my living room but it sold as soon as I finished it! I'll have to wait until I find another gem! :)

 
At August 1, 2011 at 11:19 AM , Anonymous Rachel (Lines across my face) said...

Wow this looks awesome! The before and after is very dramatic. I especially love the fabric. I would love it if you would stop by and link this up to the crafy link party going on right now at Lines Across My Face.
:) Rachel
http://linesacrossmyface.blogspot.com/2011/07/craft-link-party-2-cure-for-common.html

 
At August 1, 2011 at 11:38 AM , Blogger The Autocrat: Haley said...

Wow!! You did a really good job! Looks fabulous!

 
At August 1, 2011 at 12:25 PM , Blogger FrouFrouBritches said...

I used to have a similar chair, only mine had a cane bottom. I never got around to redoing it and boy am I regretting it after seeing yours. It's fabulous and I love the fabric you chose. PRECIOUS! Love it!

 
At August 1, 2011 at 2:14 PM , Blogger the cape on the corner said...

holy moly, that looks amazing!! love the fabric you chose!

 
At August 1, 2011 at 5:28 PM , Blogger Suzy www.savedbysuzy.blogspot.com said...

What an amazing makeover! The fabric is so cute and the white looks great. I host a linky party every Thursday and would love if you joined in!

 
At August 1, 2011 at 6:11 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love it! Where did you find that fabric? It's gorgeous!
www.keepitsimpleyay.blogspot.com

 
At August 1, 2011 at 8:41 PM , Blogger Sabrina Lopez said...

You did such a great job, I love it! Beautiful fabric!

Dropping by from Motivated Mondays, I'm you newest follower :)

 
At August 1, 2011 at 11:54 PM , Blogger Shayna said...

So cute! I am currently looking for a rocking chair to do such a project as a baby shower gift. You should link this up to my green of the week party!
Shayna @ http://shaydesoflife.blogspot.com

 
At August 2, 2011 at 6:36 AM , Blogger Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

That is so sweet!
Love the fabric you chose!!

 
At August 2, 2011 at 8:15 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your rocker is a sewing chair.

 
At August 2, 2011 at 8:53 AM , Blogger Ashley said...

o man i love the change:) thanks for sharing:)
http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/

 
At August 2, 2011 at 10:16 AM , Blogger pbrenner said...

I just found you from Coastal Charm, and really love your blog - I'm also in Texas (hill country) and we're trying to do some similar things at our house (though I think I have one blog post in 2 years or something). You have wonderful creative ideas, and I plan to steal, errr, borrow some from you, lol

Patty

 
At August 2, 2011 at 11:11 AM , Blogger cleverlyinspired said...

OMG I just rescued the same exact rocker from goodwill for $8!!
http://cleverlyinspired.blogspot.com/2011/06/8-rocking-chairrevived.html

 
At August 2, 2011 at 12:15 PM , Blogger jess@balancing the dream said...

wow! way to transform!! great job! I love the pattern and colors!!

 
At August 2, 2011 at 12:33 PM , Blogger Jacque said...

This looks absolutely gorgeous!

Please it with my girls over at my Sundae Shake Up link party! I'm sure they would love it, since my blog is a 1950's vintage theme!

Thanks,

Jacque @ Jacque's Soda Parlor

thesodaparlor.blogspot.com

 
At August 2, 2011 at 8:11 PM , Blogger Lina - Fancy Frugal Life said...

Just a gorgeous transformation!! Love the fabric very much. Great work :)

 
At August 2, 2011 at 8:47 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gasp- this is amazing!!

 
At August 2, 2011 at 9:28 PM , Blogger Twice Nice said...

Gorgeous! I am fascinated by all things upholstery lately. I want to learn how to do it too! I believe your rocker might be an old sewing rocker. My grandmother had one too and they sit really low to the ground. I suppose so you can reach your supplies in a nearby sewing basket. You did a fabulous job! Deb

 
At August 2, 2011 at 10:01 PM , Blogger Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com said...

I cannot help but click on any link that starts out with the word "dumpster!" I love giving new life to unloved pieces!

I would love for you to link your rocker up at my Savvy HomeMade Monday blog party which is still going on at:

http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/2011/07/28/savvy-homemade-monday-party-1/

I am a new follower!

 
At August 2, 2011 at 10:11 PM , Blogger . said...

I can't believe how amazing your trash find looks!! So cheery now!! Not scary anymore. LOL

 
At August 3, 2011 at 2:24 AM , Blogger Colleen said...

WOW...this transformation is stunning! The fabric is just fantastic...all my favorite colors. You did a really great job!

 
At August 3, 2011 at 6:53 AM , Blogger Wren Daniels said...

You did a beautiful job! Love the fabric!

 
At August 3, 2011 at 7:57 AM , Blogger Handy Man, Crafty Woman said...

My grandmother had one of these. Yours looks MUCH better! Thank you for linking to Wicked Awesome Wednesday!

 
At August 3, 2011 at 8:12 AM , Blogger Judi said...

Your rocker looks soooo good! You chose a fabulous fabric for the covers. I love it! I love that you kept it a nice white and didn't distress it. Its lovely.
have a great day...,
Judi

 
At August 3, 2011 at 8:34 AM , Blogger Rachel said...

I love how this turned out!!! It's so bright and welcoming, I'm sure it looks lovely on the porch! And duh, of course rockers from dumpsters have to be taken!
I'm a new follower, too :)

-rachel w k
rwkrafts.blogspot.com

 
At August 3, 2011 at 9:15 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm amazed! I absolutely love it! And you have a very cute helper :)
I'm following your blog now - thanks for all the inspiration!

 
At August 3, 2011 at 9:54 AM , Blogger Cynthia said...

Wow, you definitely turned a frumpy old piece into something totally cute! Love the fabric, too.

 
At August 3, 2011 at 1:31 PM , Blogger Cassie Bustamante said...

awesome! that fabric is sooo fun and totally makes the chair stand out!

 
At August 3, 2011 at 8:47 PM , Blogger Christy said...

Perfect! I love everything about it.

(hopping over from a linky party) Have a great day!

 
At August 3, 2011 at 9:27 PM , Blogger Chad and Mary Beth @ Nothing But Country said...

What a really great redo on that chair. I LOVE THAT>



Would love to invite you to link your creative project up on our link party @ NothingButCountry.com We feature new blogs every Tuesday and start a new party. Hope you will join us!!

--Mary Beth
NothingButCountry.com

 
At August 4, 2011 at 12:24 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

hello! Great job on the chair! I was shocked to see it, because I have the same one. Only mine does not have anything on the bottom - it's a hole like a toilet seat! I'm wondering if you could describe what supports the foam and cushion on the bottom? thanks!

 
At August 4, 2011 at 6:22 AM , Blogger Tamsyn said...

WOW!! If I saw the 'before' chair in a thrift store I would've walked straight past it. Seeing what you turned it into has definitely opened my eye up to the potential!

 
At August 4, 2011 at 10:18 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

Great transformation. I love the fabric you chose!

 
At August 4, 2011 at 1:14 PM , Blogger Life With Lucy said...

um Holy COW this is AMAZING! Great fabric choice. I am so jealous!

 
At August 4, 2011 at 8:32 PM , Blogger ashley said...

I have this EXACT rocker!!! My parents bought it for me at an antique store. They said it is a nursing rocker. I have debated painting and re-uphostering it and I think I will after seeing your redo!

 
At August 4, 2011 at 11:23 PM , Blogger Julia @ 551Eastdesign said...

I love little helpers but sometimes their a distraction because their so cute! I love the chair too!

 
At August 5, 2011 at 7:35 AM , Blogger oops! said...

caught my eye on Primitive and Proper! So adorable!

 
At August 5, 2011 at 8:05 AM , Blogger Megan Gunyan said...

Fun challenge! I love the fabric on the rocker. I'm so glad you saved the chair! Great re-do! I'd love for you to share this on my link party today! www.alittleknickknack.com Have a great weekend!

 
At August 5, 2011 at 8:43 AM , Blogger Betty Whatley said...

lOVED THE CHAIR AND THE FABRIC. I AM DOING MY BEDROOM IN THOSE COLORS AND WONDERED WHERE YOU BOUGHT THE FABRIC. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST CHAIRS I HAVE SEEN DONE IN A LONG TIME. FOUND YOUR BLOG FROM ANOTHER BLOGGER AND HAVE SAVED YOU ON MY FAVORITES. LOVED IT.
BETTY WHATLEY
BJWHATLEY@YAHOO.COM

 
At August 5, 2011 at 9:21 AM , Blogger Cassandra @ The Life of CK and Nate said...

So cute! Amazing transformation.

 
At August 5, 2011 at 9:47 AM , Blogger Megan @ Cut the Craft! said...

Looks amazing! What a great save!

Megan
www.CutTheCraft.com

 
At August 5, 2011 at 10:03 AM , Blogger Angie Holden said...

I loooove this!!!

 
At August 5, 2011 at 10:21 AM , Blogger Tanya Anurag said...

Nice make-over. I love the fabric you used.

Saw your link on 'Coastal Charm'. I am hosting my first Link-up party - Tea Time Thursdays. Would be glad to see some of your awesome posts there. Hope to see ya at the party :)

http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/2011/08/celebrating-one-party-time.html

 
At August 5, 2011 at 10:25 AM , Blogger Ali Rockwell said...

This looks really good! Fabric glue is pretty much my best friend and I use it for everything.

 
At August 5, 2011 at 10:43 AM , Blogger The Mommy Therapy said...

This is amazing! I can't wait to see the rest of the porch for less than $100, I'm sure it will be fantastic.

Stopping by from Amanda's Weekend Bloggy Link Up!

 
At August 5, 2011 at 11:20 AM , Blogger Maureen said...

UH-MAY-ZING!
This turned out absolutely incredible! Makes me want to go dumpster diving to find an old rocker!

Saw your amazing project on Nothing But Country!!

http://www.releasemecreations.com

 
At August 5, 2011 at 1:02 PM , Blogger Carolyn said...

Just to let you know, I featured your amazing rocker transformation today. Come grab a featured button if you'd like.
http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2011/08/inspiration-board-link-party-spotlight.html
Thanks again for the beautiful inspiration.

 
At August 5, 2011 at 1:22 PM , Blogger Jacque said...

Hey Ashley,

Thanks for linking up your vintage chair at my Sundae Shake Up. I have taken the time to check out your blog and absolutely love your style!!!! I am your newest follower!!!!
Please stop by again on Sunday for another fun Link Party! Can’t wait to see you there, my friend!

Jacque @ Jacque’s Soda Parlor
thesodaparlor.blogspot.com

 
At August 5, 2011 at 1:32 PM , Blogger Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

What a beautiful piece!! I love the fabric you chose, and the chair is so pretty in white. My only suggestion would be to size your photos up to Large so that readers can really get a good look! :)

Thanks so much for joining my Weekend Bloggy Reading party (and for linking back-I appreciate that!). :)

 
At August 5, 2011 at 4:16 PM , Blogger Brandi said...

This is amazing! I love the fabric you chose!!

 
At August 5, 2011 at 4:35 PM , Anonymous Dee said...

That chair and fabric are spectacular! I have a little foot stool that needs to be done. You have inspired me to get it done!

 
At August 5, 2011 at 6:21 PM , Anonymous Joselyn @ The DIY Spot said...

I love the chair, the fabric and what you've done with it. What a beautiful transformation.

 
At August 5, 2011 at 6:39 PM , Blogger Adrianne Surian said...

This looks just amazing! "I'm sure that's not how the professionals do it, but whatever." You crack me up! So glad I found you!

I would love, love for you to come link up with me at Freestyle Friday.
happyhourprojects.blogspot.com - open all weekend!

Happy to be your newest follower ~ Adrianne

 
At August 5, 2011 at 8:55 PM , Blogger ShareandRemember said...

It's really nice. I like it!

 
At August 6, 2011 at 9:53 AM , Blogger Tres Chere said...

This is exactly the kind of pieces my daughter and I look for on Wednesday nite curbside hunting.Beautiful job!!!

trescherevintagemarket@gmail.com

 
At August 6, 2011 at 10:27 AM , Blogger Sommer said...

Omigosh that is the cutest little chair ever! I love the fabric. It turned out so dang perfect! I hope you will come show this off at my VIP Party today. http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/vip-party-22.html

 
At August 6, 2011 at 3:44 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Absolutely adorable! Love the re-do!

 
At August 6, 2011 at 7:34 PM , Blogger Buttons in a cup mama said...

Nice restyling !

 
At August 7, 2011 at 4:06 AM , Anonymous Beth said...

Love it! I have the same rocker, which a friend of mine rescued at a garage sale. I didn't go so far as to strip and paint mine, but I did reupholster it in a toille fabric and trimmed it (using glue) and some brown ribbon. I love your take on it!

 
At August 7, 2011 at 5:48 AM , Blogger Kei said...

Absolutely gorgeous makeover!
It always astonishes me what people will chuck out, especially when a bit of TLC can turn old and worn into beautifully reborn! Thank goodness the world has people like you who can see the potential in worn out things :D

 
At August 7, 2011 at 5:55 AM , Anonymous Carolyn said...

Wow that looks fantastic. Amazing the difference you've made with the rocker.

 
At August 7, 2011 at 7:10 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

This is an A-mazing transformation! What a difference a little paint and fabric makes!

 
At August 7, 2011 at 8:51 AM , Anonymous Gayle from Vintage Farmhouse said...

I can't believe this is the same chair! Great job and I love your blog design.

 
At August 7, 2011 at 3:19 PM , Blogger Christina said...

I LOVE THIS! The fabric...the paint...the trim...the price! Amazing!

I featured this on my blog today :) Come grab a "featured" button!

http://christinasadventures2010.blogspot.com/2011/08/sunday-features-32.html

I also "pinned" it on my Pinterest board!

http://pinterest.com/christinasadven/20-below-features/

 
At August 7, 2011 at 8:09 PM , Blogger Lindsay said...

This is amazing! The fabric is beyond beautiful!

By the way, I am hosting my very first giveaway--a blog redesign! Check it out!

http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/2011/08/first-giveaway.html

 
At August 7, 2011 at 8:25 PM , Blogger Be Colorful Coastal said...

I can hardly believe it is the same rocker. Kudos to you. I will be featuring your lovely save this week on Motivated Monday at BeColorful
Pam

 
At August 7, 2011 at 9:07 PM , Blogger SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime said...

Hi, friend! You've got so much creativity and I'm admiring them all. Can you please share your creative posts at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop? Hope to see you there at the party :).

 
At August 8, 2011 at 2:51 AM , Anonymous Rachel said...

So awesome! I usually throw a furniture away when they're useless . I didn't expect you can make something out from an old stuff and make it look good as new!

 
At August 8, 2011 at 9:47 AM , Blogger Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home said...

AMAZING! I wish I could find treasures like that in the dumps around here. If you get a chance I would love you to link your chair up to More the Merrier Monday. It lasts through Wednesday so you have plenty of time to stop by. See you there. http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

 
At August 8, 2011 at 3:03 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hallo, It looks very nice! In Holland we call this chair a knitting-chair.
I have the same as yours. Only I painted mine blue. Yours is much better!! I like the idea two people so many miles apart, have the same chair!
Greetings from Holland!

 
At August 8, 2011 at 9:21 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Beautiful! I'm a sucker for chair makeovers, well done!
Molly
http://www.justalittlecreativity.blogspot.com

 
At August 8, 2011 at 9:23 PM , Blogger Chad and Mary Beth @ Nothing But Country said...

I just wanted to let you know that tomorrow (tuesday) we will be featuring your project on our blog. :)

Thanks so much for sharing it in the link party. Hope to see you back to our weekly link parties as well.

Kindest,
Mary Beth
NothingButCountry.com

 
At August 9, 2011 at 9:32 AM , Blogger Lisa said...

I can't believe how great it looks! Love the new transformation!

 
At August 10, 2011 at 9:47 PM , Anonymous Kristin said...

What a great makeover! Love it!

 
At August 10, 2011 at 10:04 PM , Blogger Korrie@RedHenHome said...

This is adorable! Great vision.

 
At August 11, 2011 at 12:26 PM , Blogger Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE said...

Great job!

I love your makeover so much that I am feauturing it tomorrow on my blog...

Thank you for visiting my party!

 
At August 11, 2011 at 10:02 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Wow. You did an amazing makeover on this piece. Thank you for linking with air your laundry Friday!

xo
Jami

 
At August 12, 2011 at 1:54 AM , Blogger Chelsea said...

I love, love, love this! You did a great job, now I want to find a dumpster rocking chair too! ;)

 
At August 14, 2011 at 11:17 PM , Blogger TheDomesticatedBee said...

I must say... ADORABLE !

 
At August 16, 2011 at 5:36 AM , Blogger laniebp said...

Do you know that the fabric you used for this is being used on the couch and curtains of the main room of "The Bachelor Pad". It is a new show taking the place of Bachelorette and Bachelor for the summer months. I almost bought this same fabric for my kitchen only in a different colorway. Your chair is gorgeous!

 
At August 24, 2011 at 12:43 AM , Blogger Jacque said...

Ashley,

I have looked through your blog just barely, and I have got to say you are one crafty chick! I can't believe you redone your kitchen while you were pregnant. I've gotta give you kudos for that!

So hey, I've got some pretty exciting news for you. I have awarded you the "Versatile Blogger Award". Please stop by my blog to snatch it up and wear it proud on your blog! You deserve it! Congrats!

Jacque @ Jacque's Soda Parlor
thesodaparlor.blogspot.com

 
At August 28, 2011 at 6:01 PM , Blogger The How-To Gal said...

I, like most of the other commentors, LOVE the fabric you chose! Where did you find it??

 
At September 30, 2011 at 5:36 PM , Blogger Rica said...

Love the chair! Can't wait to see your finished front porch, i'm sure it'll be beautiful.

 
At October 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM , Blogger Lindsay said...

What a transformation! I love the fabric and can't wait to see how your $100 porch turns out!

 
At December 28, 2011 at 10:42 AM , Anonymous Linda @ It All Started with Paint said...

Um, WOW!

 
At December 31, 2011 at 1:25 PM , Blogger Kim@todayismysome-day said...

So obviously everyone loves this rocker since I'm commenter #99!!! This is such a great transformation!!

 
At March 17, 2016 at 8:51 PM , Blogger Barbara Bartram said...

OMG! My husband just bought the exact same chair at an estate auction! I googled "rocking chair" and came across your post. Amazing great job! It was auctioned as a "Nursing chair made around 1910"? Anyway it is a great little rocker. Bought for 14$.

 
At March 17, 2016 at 9:02 PM , Blogger Barbara Bartram said...

OMG! My husband just bought the exact same chair at an estate auction! I googled "rocking chair" and came across your post. Amazing great job! It was auctioned as a "Nursing chair made around 1910"? Anyway it is a great little rocker. Bought for 14$.

 

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