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!

Linked to:





98 comments:

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

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

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  3. holy batman, this turned out AWESOME!

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  4. 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.

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  5. Wow! You rock! Teach me more! Teach me more!!!!!

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

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

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  8. 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

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

    Jackie
    http://jaclyndesigns.blogspot.com/

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  10. 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! :)

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  11. 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

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

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  13. 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!

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

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  15. 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!

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

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

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

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  18. 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

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

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  20. Your rocker is a sewing chair.

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

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  22. 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

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

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

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  25. 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

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

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  27. Gasp- this is amazing!!

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  28. 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

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  29. 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!

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

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

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  32. You did a beautiful job! Love the fabric!

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

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  34. 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

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  35. 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

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  36. 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!

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

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

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  39. Perfect! I love everything about it.

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

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  40. 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

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  41. 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!

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  42. 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!

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  43. Great transformation. I love the fabric you chose!

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

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  45. 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!

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

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  47. caught my eye on Primitive and Proper! So adorable!

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  48. 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!

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  49. 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

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  50. Looks amazing! What a great save!

    Megan
    www.CutTheCraft.com

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  51. 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

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

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  53. 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!

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  54. 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

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  55. 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.

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  56. 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

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  57. 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!). :)

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

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  59. 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!

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

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  61. 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

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

    trescherevintagemarket@gmail.com

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  63. 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

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  64. Absolutely adorable! Love the re-do!

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  65. 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!

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  66. 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

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

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

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

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  70. 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/

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  71. 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

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  72. 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

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  73. 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 :).

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  74. 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!

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  75. 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/

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  76. 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!

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

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  78. 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

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

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  80. What a great makeover! Love it!

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  81. Great job!

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

    Thank you for visiting my party!

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

    xo
    Jami

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

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  84. 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!

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  85. 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

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

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

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

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

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  90. 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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  91. 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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