Sunday, June 28, 2009

~MORPHING MY LAWNSWING...

I want to thank Susan @ BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH for hosting this fun event and making our Mondays so special.


This is my attempt to save a sturdy lawn swing that I just love because it is so comfortable and large. It used to have a canopy over the top and once years ago it was really rather pretty. Everything rotted and just fell apart. I didn't know that the awning on top was rotted until I began to take it apart to move it into storage. It simple fell apart in the movers hands..and it stay on there in shreds, in storage for over a year. It stayed in pieces beside the house and then one day we finally put it together...and it was UGLY!

And..it sat like that for..months...until..I read a wonderful blog..about spray paint.
Laura @ WHITE SPRAY PAINT inspired me paint this ugly old swing! So..I laid out my plastic sheeting and started painting...and painting ..and painting..

About halfway through the painting I began to think it might look cute again..and I was encouraged.



The seat..well..you see the pictures...a mess..but the cotton batting was really good..so I saved it. The rest I finally cut off and threw it in the trash.



This is an old mirror I found on ebay..for too much money..but the old faded roses and crackle finish were wonderful..and now it graces the patio.

I took an old but very nice bedsheet and threaded onto the front of the canopy because in the afternoon the sun hits and if one is resting on the swing you can untie that ribbon and it falls softly around you, puddles on the floor and shields you from the sun..and is so cozy! And the breeze can still touch you.


And it sat like that for awhile...until I finally took a Shabby Chic twin quilt (I have two alike) and folded up the bottom and stitched it..and the top and stitched it..forming an envelope type case and slipped it over the old cushion.


It worked like a charm. Then I took my grandmother's old crocheted tablecloth that was not completed and used it as a trim. I laid it on the canvas seat, draping it over the back and off the front. Then I laid the covered back and seat (it's one piece ..on top of it. Great!

I took lace curtains and they fit perfectly without any cutting. All I had to do was run some stitching along the hem to form a pocket so both ends would have that little ruffle.
I love it.

And that's about it. All done with old stuff except the spray paint. I also want to mention that the lovely quilt and matching pillow on my lawn swing were acquired from Tammy @
FOR A STITCH IN THYME...are they not just beautiful? Perfect for my swing!

I had fun...for little money and I love my swing again. I did clip the thread and stitch the hole in the bottom picture..lol I get in a rush sometimes! (all the time.)
So..there you have it..my Met Monday! Yippee! I did it!

~smiles and love~
Mona

P.S. I am learning to check for TINY things before I start taking pictures..because they really show up!!

40 comments:

  1. That transformation was AMAZING! LOVE the shabby, romantic touches. You have created something beautiful. I would love to sit here and visit, or read a book with a glass of iced tea!

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  2. I'd like to come over to visit, so we can sit and chat on the swing, with large glasses of lemonade. I am in awe....what a fantastic transformation! Well done! You have inspired me to rethink about some of my old, faded furnishings and accents. Thanks, Mona! Hugs, Kathleen

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  3. Good Morning! In my blog where I showed my glider, you left a comment about a project...this must be it! This swing turned out just beautiful! I just love how you painted it white and added all the draping and lace! it is gorgeous and looks like a wonderful place to sit and relax on a warm summer evening.
    ~Patti

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  4. Sounds as though you used items you already had which also made this a very inexpensive re-do. I love that you are able to enjoy the swing once again. It looks like a place I would take an afternoon nap in.

    ENJOY!

    Di
    The Blue Ridge Gal

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  5. Oh my goodness ! We are wanting a swing and you just gave me so many ideas !!!!!
    Hugs ~ Kammy

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  6. Well if that isn't the cutest thing I have seen in a long time ! I love love love it !!!

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  7. Wow! Your swing is beautiful. You did great! I love all the girly touches.

    I'm so glad you came by. Don't worry about missing me on your blog roll. There are so many great blogs out there with so many great links I find myself hopping from place to place till I'm dizzy.

    I'm surprised no one could come smoke out the bees and relocate them. In our area we have agricultural departments that help out in anyting ag related. I suppose your close were already ruined anyway but it is a shame the bees were lost. As much as they are a pain we do still need them! I bet your clothes had traces of perfume or something the bees liked. They knew what we know ~ your a sweetie!
    Dawn

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  8. oops, should be "clothes" not close, it's early out here, my brain is still sleeping
    DAwn!

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  9. Hi Mona, so great of you to come by my place. Your lawnswing looks amazing. Just lovely and very cottagey with that sweet quilt.

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  10. My goodness...it's beautiful! What a smarty pants your are :)

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  11. Mona! That is absolutely amazing! How beautiful you have made that lawn swing. Can I come visit and sit on it with you? We could sip tea and have a great time talking.
    Hugs,
    Penny

    p.s. started on your mosaic teapot lamp this weekend!! I have ordered some new material for the shade and it should be here mid week...xo

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  12. You turned an ugly duckling into a swan!! Just the cutest...I love the vintage romantic look that the quilts add. Have fun swinging..I'm over at my place rocking...it's all about the motion, right??

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  13. I am so impressed with your "new" swing! It is beautiful and so very creative. Love it and love your blog!!

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  14. WOW! What a beautiful transformation. It is amazing. I would sit there all day...read and drink cold sweet tea! Great job!

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  15. Dang girl, that is just darling!! I need to make slipcovers for my sofa and chaise and already have the fab fabric, would you come help (do it)??

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  16. OMG Mona thats wonderful what you did girl..I have one of those swings that my brother got me 10 years ago and been trying to get a new bottom cushion for it...now I see yet another prject for me to do...THANKS!! ha ha!!How was your weekend my friend...I have been tearing off wall paper border in my guest room...oh girl I have gotton myself in a huge mess in there...My daughter #3 is coming on wednesday so I have to get done so she can find the bed...How did you get the lace curtain to stay on the top...Well my friend hope you have a great day...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  17. You can come and transform my porch anytime. This is lovely.

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  18. What an amazing transformation.. I love all the romantic touches you gave to a once common swing.. Girl this is totally over the top fantastic!!!!! Would love to sit there and watch the world go by..
    hugs ~lynne~

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  19. This is brillant. I had a swing and after several years the sun had ruined it. Notice I use the word HAD...yep, it is gone and NOW I am sad. Very romantic!

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  20. WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! This is gorgeous!!! What a wonderful project!!! It is so cozy and romantic!!! I think I am in love!!! You should make these and sell them!!! Simply stunning!!!

    Absolutely wonderful!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  21. Well my dear, you have my dream swing. I bought a swing last summer and have wanted to make it pretty like yours but since I don't sew I was out of luck. I have not found anyone that can do this for me. I'm so jealous of yours. Very pretty and by far the nicest swing I've seen!

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  22. It's so beautiful! I just love it. I could sit there all day long.

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  23. Mona, Mona, Mona.... what an amazing transformation. This is a to die for place to go read a book, watch the wildlife or sit with someone with your feet up just taking in the fresh air. "I" want to come sit on it. You did a fantastic job my friend. BEAUTIFUL!!

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  24. Your swing looks amazing, a lot prettier than you could ever buy! I need to do something with mine, your inspiring me! Thanks!

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  25. oh how romantic did that turn out!!! I love it! you did a fabulous job!

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  26. What? Is that Romantic Home knocking on your door for a magazine interview???????? Oh* My* Goodness! It is fabulous! Wow, am I impressed with your abilities. GREAT transformation!

    Did I saw wow??????? :)

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  27. You are entirely too good at decorating. I hate you. *just kidding*

    HUGS

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  28. Your swing turned out to be gorgeous, Mona! Love it painted white and the way you covered the cushions! So lovely - I love the family heirloom crochet! You did so good! I love it!
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia :0

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  29. Absolutely stunningly beautiful sweet Mona! I LOVE IT ALL!

    I think you are brilliantly talented...I do!

    xoRebecca

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  30. Great transformation!!! That is soooooo cute! I love it! I want to come sit in your swing :) It's perfect if I had a swing I would do it exactly like that!

    All the best,
    Allison

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  31. That's got to be the MOST beautiful Met Monday post I have ever seen! You out did yourself and deserve a nappie on your LOVELY swing! Stop by my blog for my 100th post giveaway if you get a chance!
    Have a great week!
    ~Really Rainey~

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  32. Looks wonderful and so pretty and restful. Funny that your post was on your swing, on Sunday I bought 10 yards of outdoor fabric to redo our patio swing and 3 cans of spray paint!. I love what you did with lace and the sheet. I will be sewing all 4th of July weekend.
    Take care and enjoy your day,
    Elizabeth

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  33. Hi Mona, your swing is just gorgeous......so graceful and beautiful. What a wonderful job you did!!

    Hugs, Barb

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  34. I remember my grandparents lawn swing. I had some kind of plastic as cloth to stand our weather better. Could sit in it for hours :-) drinking soda and eating cookies :-) I never got to buy one myself, but perhaps this year I will, just love them.

    Yours became really nice!
    Christer.

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  35. Domestic Designer...Really? You really like it? (I promise to repair the hole in the crochet! ) :)

    Gaston Studio...Jane..were I there you know darn good and well I would help you..in a NY minute.

    Mimi...aw..thanks Mimi!! :)

    Happy To Be...Gloria...you sweeite you! Thanks...we've emailed so have said it all there..hugs!!

    Blossom...Nawww...I've seen your porch...you need nothing at all transformed...nothing! :)


    Lynn (Lynn's Gifts From The Heart...You are such a sweetheart ...thanks so much Lynn!

    CeeKay...I understand. Innearly did the same thing..but thank heavens I didn't. It took a year to get started on it...and even then...I am not completely satisfied..but it is clean, presentable and SOOO comfortable!
    Thanks and I am glad you like it.

    Cathy...LOL you are too cute! If I could bottle what you have and sell it...I would be one rich woman!! :)

    Joanne Kennedy... An old twin quilt folded, two lace panels and stitched..spray paint..old sheets and an OLD crocheted tablecloth..and you are done.

    Bella Della..I do that..I sit and lay there with ice tea and waste hours just swinging and enjoying my book and ice tea. LOVE it. Mornings and evening are amazing..Naps on the Porch had the right idea! Totally..

    A Stitch In Thyme...You just come on sweetie..the tea is ready...we'll chat for hours...

    Carol...If someone made these (better than mine of course) I think they would sell. But than again..maybe not..but..can't you imagine it with a red and white quilt, white sheers on top and sides? Yum...

    Tootsie...Thanks so much Sweetie..I had fun doing it!

    Donna@DesignsOn47thStreet....Hi Donna..it's always so nice to see you! I 'm glad you like my swing..but...no one has knocked on my door..LOL Not likely too...but thanks so much!

    Midlifeslices....You make me laugh..and that's worth a million swings..

    Shelia... Thanks so much. I am sort of surrounded with things I love on that swing...it's nice and I am glad you like it.

    Rebecca... You are always so kind to me..so loveing...and I appreciate you and everyone soo much! People that are generous with their words of praise touch my heart...you make people feel so good, Becky...

    Allidink.. Thanks so much. Did you see I copied your cupcake thingy. Come sit a spell any old time.

    Really Rainy...OH MY! How sweet of you to say such a thing! I will be by asap! and..thanks again!

    Gary and Elizabeth...I am so glad you like it. I cannot wait to see yours. I didn't want to invest in material at this time..but perhaps one day. I cannot wait to see yours! Please give me warning when it is finished. I don't want to lose you!!

    Barb~Bella Vista...Thank you so very much. I am glad you like it..

    The Cottage By The Cranelake... Yes..many of remember them as children. I did and that is why I bought it. I will probably always have one. You MUST get one and sit it out near the pond to lay on..or sit with your cup of tea...and watch the sun go down...Just cover it in winter! Nice!

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  36. Mona, your lawn swing is just so pretty! I love it! What a great idea you had, and it gives me some ideas for my old raggedy one!!
    Have a wonderful week, Thanks for sharing with us...
    xxxooo
    Marilyn

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  37. OH MY GOSH MONA!!!!
    All I can say is "WOW". Girl! You did awesome!
    I wanna come over! I'll bring the wine! :}

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  38. That is beautiful! You are so clever and talented!

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