Spruce

Spruce New Class Dates Available!

meredith — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:31:56 +0000

Hi Everyone! We are hope you are having a great week We have now been able to nail down the new dates for April through August of 2012. There will be lots of variety for everyone and we will be offering one to two classes a month . Here is a quick list of what we will be offering.

April 27-28th: BYOC Class
May 4th: Bench Class
May 18-19th: BYOC Class
June 15th: Bench Class
July 12-13th: BYOC Class
July 20-21st: Headboard Class
August 10th: Lampshade Class

Check out the link below for the new dates and even register online!

http://spruceaustin.com/shop/classes

We hope to see you in our classes and hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

The Sprucettes

Spruce Classes in Country Living!

meredith — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:56:33 +0000

Happy President’s Day everyone! If you have the day off (lucky ducks) I hope you are out and about enjoying the day. I know many of you have been inquiring about the new class dates for this year. Have no fear, we are finalizing them this week! They will be up and ready for you to register online very very soon. Speaking of classes, a few months ago Country Living wrote to us letting us know that they wanted to include our classes in their March issue. We certainly jumped at the chance! The issue just came and I know many of your have emailed us hoping to snag a spot in one of the classes. We are so excited to have folks from all over come in for some redesigning! Check out the write up below and check the site for new classes this week!

Headboards and Benches…Oh My!

Katherine — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:16:31 +0000

We have been busy busy busy at the shop cranking out client and retail pieces, so our classes have been a welcome interruption. During the past few weeks we have hosted a bench class and more recently a headboard class. These two classes are pretty cool because you literally show up with nothing and leave with a special custom piece. Before you arrive, our little elves (Clar and I) magically construct your headboard or bench. People really love these classes because while they are simple, you learn tons of skills that you can apply when reupholstering other projects at home.

Check out some action shots from our bench class.

You guys did great! This was such an easy going group and you really made our jobs easy. I hope you are sitting on your new bench as you read this!

Last weekend we had our headboard class. This class is truly one of my favorites because it is so rewarding. The end product looks as though you ordered it from a magazine. It is such a practical idea because once we teach you all of the tricks of the trade you can go home and go nuts making custom headboards for every room.

See for yourself…

See!…I told you they were awesome. Not only did everyone leave with a pretty awesome headboard but we also had a good time and stuffed our faces with homemade king cake (filled with cream cheese…YUM!) in preparation for Mardi Gras!

I hope everyone has a relaxing President’s Day weekend!

Before And Afters: Crazy Custom Edition!

Clar — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:44:26 +0000

In this episode of “Before and Afters,” Spruce brings you some pointedly unique creations. We have had a slew of client-designed furniture that speak to the designer/clients’ personal vision and individuality. We applaud you! If you’re going to spend the money on a project, why not do it big and bold and fearless as these brave hearts have done? Eyeball feast ensues…!

I will announce simultaneously this first piece of furniture with the coming of a new life in the family. Our fearless leader Amanda has a twin sister that is delivering her first baby in coming months! Yaaaay!!!! (Congratulations Jennifer and Justin – you can do it! Amanda becomes an auntie!) Check out this rocker, a gift from Amanda to sis that was rehabbed to FAB!

Blah old rocker from whatever store or garage sale it emerged from. The inspiring factor: comfort. There's the potential!

Rocker re-made for mom and baby. Moms: jealous? So am I!

The next is so cute. A couple came in to design this chair several times, selecting the perfect vintage sari to work around. Pink velvet and yellow chenille to complement. Here’s the before:

An antique chair and ottoman that will be a zinger...just wait!

Come on! Notice the attention to detail. Each individual surface of the chair has been designed and considered. An antique sari adorns the inside back, cushion and outside bottom perimeter of the chair as well as ottoman.

Here's a shot of the outside bottom arms and outside bottom back to use the remaining sari. Interest and attention is given to the outside back with yellow. Wow ya'll! Very unique chair. We hope you love it. We have had many other customer comments and interest to the positive on this piece. You have certainly made a statement. Kudos!!

Okay next, next, next….this one’s close to my heart. Tell you why in a minute. The client brought in a perfectly clean and lovely chair that obviously needed some pizzazz.

No problem, just not enough interest for our fun client.

Get a load of this! (I love this: it reminds me of fun beach living in one of my favorite silly places on earth – Florida! This is not for everyone – but I LOVE it! Ms. J – I will come looking for this chair someday!)

There is a stinking new fabric on every part of the chair! So fun. They threw that caution right into the warm Gulf of Mexico! YEAH!

Be so endeared by what’s next. It’s a sweet, spicy Valentine’s Day present. (Nice job to you gentleman for thinking ahead! We hope you’ve delivered ’cause here comes the reveal!)

Yep - it gets better.

BAM! Red and black snakeskin embossed vinyl. Boudoir behold!

Finally there is only an after as we share a custom creation for an Austin iconic businessman. This was designed by the client and created from scratch. With much work and button-tufting we finished this 170-plus-inch lovely headboard in stark white vinyl. CHIIIIC.

This headboard could happen to you. Just ask us!

We hope this encourages you to say to yourself, “that idea for my sofa wasn’t so unattainable!” If you can design it, we can do it! Trust yourself, and trust us to deliver. Happy Valentines Day lovers!

Sprucette Internship Available!

meredith — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:13:34 +0000

Our lovely intern Holli has sailed off into the sunset (miss you terribly little lady), which means that the Sprucettes need some help! We are looking for one, possibly two, ambitious individuals who are interested in gaining some practical experience in design. Here are the nuts and bolts for ya!

Spruce’s internship is for 10-15 hours a week and can be accommodating to your schedule. He or she will be assisting me in managing our retail space, fabric collection, and clients. Some exciting things about this internship are the opportunity to take ownership of shaping the position, gaining industry knowledge in fabric and furniture design, and possible further employment at Spruce! Below are a few requirements and characteristics we are looking for in our next intern.

He or she must:

- Have an interest in design, specifically textiles and furniture.
- Have great work ethic and a real go-getter attitude!
- Be a self-starter, can take a project and run with it.
- Be personable and love to interact with new people.
- Be able to communicate professionally with customers and
vendors.
- Be currently enrolled in higher education (undergrad or masters
program).

If being a Spruce Intern interests you (and you want to hang out with Meredith all the time), please send your resume and information about yourself to the below email address:

Design@spruceaustin.com

We look forward to hearing from you and can’t wait to have a new face around Spruce!

Check out the February Design*Sponge Post!

meredith — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:04:14 +0000

February’s Upholstery Basics column is up on Design*Sponge. Click HERE to learn how to transform your plain-Jane coffee table into an upholstered beauty!

Take a look at these previous posts to learn tips and tricks for other upholstery projects:

Fabric Pick O’ The Month!

Clar — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:44:06 +0000

We at Spruce are gonna try our ‘darndest’ each month to bring you, lovely readers, a new or hip or funky-fresh-fun fabric/fabric line to whet your tactile textile appetite! In this post I bring you Hable Construction! If you’re unfamiliar with this company get friendly by visiting their site (click the link above, please.) Hable Construction has teamed with one of the heavy hitters in the textile biz, S.Harris, to introduce a line of textiles suitable for home and hospitality. We just received a stack of samples here in the showroom that you’re gonna love!

Sneaky peaky of collection - Hable Construction for S. Harris!*

*Featured top to bottom is: “Wailea” in color Sorbet; “Makena” in Confetti; “Volcano” in Coral Reef.

Hable’s collection is clearly inspired by a Hawaiian island trip and Polynesian dreams, having names like “Volcano”, “Wailea”, “Hilo”, and “Kahala”, among others. While some of these fabrics are overtly referential in pattern or name, many would work beautifully in a mid-century modern interior, an Asian inspired room, kid’s bedroom or playroom, you name it! You’re not required to have a Tiki bar to use ‘em. (Or if you do, cheers – these fabrics are for you!) The big bonus is that they are high-traffic prepared – i.e. DURABLE! Wear it well!

"Lahaina" pattern in color Seaglass- Hable Construction for S.Harris. Plenty of colorways! Come see!

Hable Construction (home-site proper) also has a well curated retail department that offers finished goods such as bags, hats, aprons, dopp kits, garden gloves, etc. If you need a little Hable fix, you can just grab and go online – no need to make something from scratch yourself!

More Hable Construction swatches for S. Harris.*

*Featured from top to bottom: “Pololu Valley” in Volcano; “Hilo” in Umber; “Hawaiian Palm” in Coffee; “Akara Falls” in Umber.

I pressure you to come into the shop to see these and other fabrics in person, and I can’t stress to you enough how much more impressive a fabric is when you have it in your hand and on your eyeballs. See ya’ll soon at Spruce!!! Get yourself to the shop!

Class is back in session!

Katherine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:52:16 +0000

Now that the madness from the holidays has subsided, Clar and I are ready to get back to teaching classes! We have a variety of courses that are sure to excite you. Back by popular demand we will be hosting a BYOC (bring your own chair) class, bench class, headboard class, and a lampshade 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 will 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. 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. A lovely group of gals brought a variety of chairs, all in desperate need of a makeover. Take a look at our students in action.

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.

So, as you can see, this is not your grandma’s upholstery class. We have tons-o-fun in theses classes and we want you to be a part of it! Stayed tuned for even more classes to be added for the spring and summer!

Tip: Get your Supplies at Capital City Upholstery Supply!

Clar — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:06:27 +0000

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!

Front desk at Capital City Upholstery Supply

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.

Tool and supply case at Capital City Upholstery Supply

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!

Upholstery supplies at Capital City Upholstery Supply

“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.

More vinyl and material than you can imagine...in stock!

Wide view of the back supply warehouse. Foam, cotton, dacron, oh my!

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!

That bar extending vertically from the table is a huge blade that cuts the foam. Wow! Industry.

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!

The Price is Right!

meredith — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:06:58 +0000

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!