Now that the madness from the holidays has subsided, Clar and I are ready to get back to teaching classes!  We’ve got a variety of courses that are sure to excite you.   Back by popular demand we will be hosting a  BYCB (bring your own chair) classes, bench classes, a lampshade class and even a headboard class.  We still have a few spots open but I suggest you hurry because they fill up fast.  If the class you fancy is full…don’t fret…we’ll gladly put you on the waiting list.  These classes are so much fun and I am not just saying that because I  help teach them.  Not only are they informational but it is such a fun activity to do with your friends or a family member…or you can make friends with other do-it-yourselfers in the the class.  Oh and might I add that it has become an unofficial tradition of mine to make a special confectionery treat for each class.

We had our first class of 2012 a couple of weeks ago.  It was a BYOC class and it was delightful.  We had a lovely group of gals that brought a variety of different chairs that were in desperate need of a makeover.  Take a look at our students  in action.

Oh and the dessert of the day for this class was a pastel de tres leche.  I topped it with a bruléed Italian meringue instead of the traditional whipped cream topping.

 

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This tip is appropriate for Austin-area residents and non-Austinites alike. Our “old faithful” upholstery materials supplier has been bringing provisions to us for 4 years plus and has locations in Austin and San Antonio. They also have an online catalog presence for your DIY needs. How do we love “Capital”? Let us count the ways!

Capital City Upholstery Supply runs like clockwork. If we order our supplies by 8:30 am, our materials are delivered to the shop by 9:30am/10:00am latest. For a  full-tilt shop this service is key and vital to our functionality. We rely on and appreciate their punctuality! We enjoy the option of ordering supplies a second time during the day, allowing us to have supplies delivered sometime in the early afternoon. They are truly there for us all day, every day.

If you have ever taken any of our classes and think, “how can I repeat this in my home space/garage/kitchen, etc.?” I highly recommend getting supplies from them for your home projects. Simply call them at 512.326.9968, order, and pick up your goods! They have everything: foam for seat and back, dacron (batting), cotton sheeting, tools, staple guns, tacks, staples, materials for automotive upholstery, leather, vinyl… I urge you find your materials here. They really do have everything you’ll need. If you have any questions, call us or Capital City Upholstery Supply for inquiries. Additionally, we at Spruce are happy to be a receiver or a “go-between” for your goods!

“Capital” offers leather in a gazillion colors, vinyl in even more colors, some canvas, as well as auto supplies for those of you who are brave enough to tackle a vehicle.

Another practical plus…if you plan to take on building new cushions, re-padding your dining chairs, creating a window seat cushion, etc., you’ll need different sizes and densities of foam. Have no fear, “Capital” can provide any amount and density or thickness that you desire (even down to 1/2 inch thick foam – they’ll slice it for you!!!!!) Check out their high-tech foam cutting apparatus below!

Get it together here ya’ll! Just to re-inforce the recommendation, there are some lovely, professional gentlemen who run the joint (Randy, Carlos, Dustin – you know who you are!) They are endlessly patient and helpful, and keep the place more clean and more organized than any other supply warehouse I’ve seen in my days. “Capital”, YOU’RE THE JAM!

Click the text to visit Capital City Upholstery Supply‘s website. Catalog, contact info, hours of operation, and location are contained within. Don’t be afraid to call us if you need any ordering advice! We’ll be happy to help!

 

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Fabric. We all love it, can’t live without it. There is the occasional experience when you see a fabric across the room, you lock eyes, and you’re in love. I mean TRUE love. I see it every day at the shop. Our clients come in, start to wrap their head around all the options, and spot that perfect fabric. If all goes according to plan, that fabric makes its way to their redesigned furniture. However, tiny details can create a few speed bumps. One of those details…you guessed it…price! Most everyone has a budget when it comes to their furniture, and sometimes that first-love fabric just isn’t going to fit in it. Luckily, this isn’t the end of the road! Very often a particular print is redesigned in various ways and at various prices. You see it all the time in fashion, why not in fabric!? Here are a few fabrics we have found that make for a great substitute when faced with a price predicament.

We all know how popular Ikat is these days, and I am on board! An embroidered Ikat is certainly something to behold. Martin Lawrence’s collection from Schumacher offers this style of fabric for $205 per yard, while B. Berger has created a similar look for $120.

 

The newest collection from Dwell Studios has brought in a similar yet affordable alternative to Studio Bon’s “Fuzz” ($149) at $50 per yard. Great substitute!

If a Chinoisee is what your heart desires the options are plentiful! Quadrille has created “Lyford Pagoda” that is a stunner ($141 per yard), while Duralee offers an affordable option at $45 per yard.

Hable’s newest collection offers a great ethnic woven at $147. In similar fashion, Robert Allen has come out with their new collection of value fabrics that can serve as a fantastic substitute! This print “Gila Mountain” is affordable and durable at $40 per yard.

A new modern classic out there is a trellis pattern. It can compliment all kinds of prints! Celery Kimble rose this style to popularity with her “Imperial Trellis” from Schumacher at $141 per yard. In similar fashion Windsor Smith for Kravet has used this style at $70 per yard.

What beauties, you can have your cake and eat it too! However, something important to note is that price is definitely one of the indicators of quality. So your first-love fabric is that price for a reason. Artisans all over the world can spend hours making one yard of fabric, depending on how it is made. Often times, you get what you pay for. But if finding the look for less is what you need, it can be done!

Come by and check out all our lookalikes if you have a piece that needs to be “spruced”, but on a budget. We’d love to help!

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Check out this month’s Upholstery Basics on Design*Sponge: Boxed Cushion Sewing!

Have a great weekend!

 

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I recently revisited an Elle Decor magazine from many months ago, and as I was flipping through, my eye caught this little beauty.   It was so simple….yet so complicated and intricate.  The design is by Inga Sempé, a French designer from Paris.  She began her design career with intentions of designing casters and screws, hence her utilitarian aesthetic.  More recently her focus has been on designing furniture, lighting, objects, and fabrics.   One of my favorite tidbits that I read about Inga Sempé is that she cringes when asked what inspires or influences her.  She simply says, “My aim is to do things I’m interested in.”

I really like her no-nonsense approach to design, she simply wants to create things “that don’t bore her.”  My favorite pieces would easily be her ruché sofa and bed for Lignet Roset, but I certainly wouldn’t say no to her lovely lamp plate.

Enjoy her remarkable creations!

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