How to replace missing trim pieces by making your own mold

http://midwestcottageandfinds.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-replace-missing-trim-pieces-by.html

I picked up this beauty at a local Goodwill store…If you look at the top large drawer on the left 
you will notice a strip of the decorative trim is missing…. On most makeovers I would just 
leave the missing piece and paint over the area—but this trim is part of the outline 
on the drawers and would really distract from the look if not repaired…..
So here we go---step by step process on how to make a trim mold and 
then a new trim piece to replace the missing trim.  In the past I have used 
silicone for this process – but this time I decided to try a different product…

1.        First step—I used Das Clay to make the mold…This step is easy…roll out the clay on a 

cutting board or another smooth surface..

 

2.        Next I cut the clay into a long strip that would fit over the piece of trim 
that I was using as the mold…

  

 I sprayed WD 40 on the clay prior to pushing it on the trim so it would be easy to remove...

Next  I pressed the clay on the trim strip that I was using for the mold and 

pushed into the detailed crevasses so it would form the detail… .Then I gently peeled 

the clay off the trim piece as to not stretch it out of shape and placed it in the oven 

for 5 minutes at 350 degrees.  Below is a picture of the clay as soon as 

I removed it from the trim. 

3.       Once hard and dry all the way through—this is your mold.  It will continue to harden 
so if you leave it over night that would be the best option.... Below are 2 of my molds 
after being removed from the oven. 

4.       Now to make the actual trim piece....On this step I first tried 
KwikWood - an epoxy/wood filler type product…I had trouble removing this from the mold 
in one piece so I decided to try the Das Clay again….(I think I may have pressed to hard on the 
KwikWood… so that was operator error – not the product….. )

5.       I sprayed the mold with WD 40 and pressed the clay into mold– leaving some clay 
over the edge giving me a piece to hold on to when I removed it…. I only left it in the 
mold for a few minutes and pulled it out and let it set overnight..I did a few different 
pieces so I would have enough for the entire strip and some extra’s .......just in case… 
I sanded the edges of the new pieces and glued them to the dresser…since I will be 
dry brushing the area I needed the new trim to match the original trim so I stained the 
trim and painted it a bit to help match…New trim left--original trim on right......

6.   And here is the trim with the first coat of paint.....if you did not know the difference 
it would be difficult to tell!  Give it a try--any questions send me a message on my 
facebook page (there is a link on the left sidebar) and I will be happy to answer 
your questions....Good luck!! 

          

       

How Coffee Grounds Can Fix Your Furniture Woes

http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Coffee-Grounds-Fix-Furniture-Scratches-31845041

When you've got a scratched table, coffee grounds can make it better. Simply mix together coffee grounds, 1/4 cup warm water, and 1/4 cup vinegar to create a helpful stain that naturally fixes scuffs. Shake the mixture up, and let steep for at least an hour before using.

Simply rub into scratches, applying as often as needed. The result is naturally fixed furniture that's absolutely glowing.

Apply a quick coat for lighter woods, while the coffee stain can sit on dark-wood scratches for up to an hour before wiping away.

What You Need to Know Before You Reupholster

(Article from Better Homes and Gardens)

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/fabric-paper-projects/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-reupholster/?sssdmh=dm17.745754&esrc=nwdi070514

Images courtesy of Calico Corners

Thinking about reupholstering a worn-out piece of furniture? Take a look at these tips to make the process simple and easy.

Reupholstery is major surgery -- the furniture is stripped down to the frame, then rebuilt, which explains the project's cost. However, you get a "new" piece of furniture as a result. We checked in with the upholstering experts at Calico Corners for more information.

What to Look For

Look beyond ugly fabric to the furniture's bones. Check the following:

Look at the bottom frame and make sure it's hardwood and kiln-dried. Check for strong, intact corner braces and stable construction.

Ask if the furniture was made with 8-way hand-tied springs. They are tailored to each piece for prime comfort and support.

Test the furniture to make sure it doesn't rock during use.

Look for a recognizable brand name. Henredon, Vanguard, Michael Thomas, and others produce furniture worthy of reupholstering and using again.

Know your upholstery fabric options and take these factors into consideration before buying costly fabric for reupholstering:

 The weight of the fabric depends on where and how the piece will be used. Furniture for the bedroom doesn't need to be heavy-duty, but living room furniture does. Non-upholstery-weight fabric works for a purely decorative piece.

Take a look at the back of your fabric swatch for the Weisenbeck rating. The rating is determined by an abrasion resistance test; a machine rubs the fabric and keeps track of the number of rubs before the fabric is worn through. A heavy-duty rating translates to 30,000 double rubs. The Weisenbeck rating is most commonly used for commercial fabrics.

Take home a fabric sample and tuck in existing furniture to see if you like it. Ask to borrow a bolt or a large hanging sample to cover as much of the piece as possible. Live with it for a few days before making your decision.

Choose a fabric that will truly update the piece, not just copy the look it had before. Choose a different color, go from a solid to a pattern, or change pattern scales.

Here are some ways to really change the shape and contour of a piece:

Add a contrast welt to define lines. This looks best on a sculptural piece.

Try a mingled cord (three colors twisted together) or a cord with a lip instead of a contrast welt.

Change the skirt (or add or remove one). This works great on older furniture that now look squat because of their short skirts. Have an upholsterer install a skirt higher up on the piece for a more graceful look.

Add banding to the bottom of the skirt.

Take the channeling or tufting out for a more modern look.

How Much Will This Cost?

Remember, costs will vary according to region, fabric choice, and project details. For example, Calico Corners gives these cost estimates for the most popular types of furniture to reupholster. These estimates are for custom labor only, not fabric.

Standard wing chair: $450-$700 (includes a bias self or contrast welt, decorative trim, and tailored single-pleat skirt)

Sofa, three cushions over three cushions: $850 to $1,250

Club chair, one over one: $550 to $700 (one seat and one back cushion)

Ottoman, attached cushion, no skirt: $225 to $300