Kathryn Lemaster

Art and Design

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Archives for May 2013

Bench Project: Part 2

Picking up where we left off  in my previous post (Part 1)…

… while was waiting for my bench to dry, I worked on recovering the bench seat.

Step 1: Flip over and start pulling up the old fabric from the corners. Work your way around ripping up the fabric. Use scissors, pliers, or whatever tools needed to destroy any stubborn fabric refusing to surrender.

If there is another fabric layer discovered (like I’ve found on most of the treasures I pick up) simply repeat the stripping process until you uncover the actual “fluff” of the cushion. It should look something like the stripped cushion above.

Step 3: To add a little extra substance to your cushion, unroll a piece of quilting batting, lay the seat cushion and existing fluff face down on the batting, and cut out a piece of batting around with with about a 2 inch margin for wrapping around. Starting with the corners, wrap the batting tight around the edge and staple into place. Trim any excess batting.

Covered with a layer of batting, the seat should look something like this.

Step 4: Roll out your new fabric of choice, face down, over a flat clean surface. Place your batting covered seat cushion face down on the portion of the fabric you want to use. Depending on the pattern, you may want to hold in place and flip over to line up or center the pattern on the seat. (I chose a solid white linen I had extra yardage of from another project.) Cut out your fabric around the seat cushion, with a 3-4 inch margin to give you wiggle room to adjust the pattern placement. Trim off any excess fabric.

Step 5: Similar to step 3, pull tight, wrap the fabric around the edge, and staple in to place. Begin with a corner, follow with the corner diagonally across from it. Then the third corner, then the last corner diagonally across from it. Picture stretching an artist canvas – you want it pretty tight! Then fill in with as many staples as needed along the edges to hold tight and not pucker. It should now look something like the seat cushion above

Step 6: This was a total experiment. I wanted to do an insert border of grosgrain ribbon, without cutting, sewing, etc. I would have normally tried ironing it on with Stitch Witchery, but alas, all I had in my cabinet at the moment was Liquid Stitch. (Which was also a total experiment.) I laid out the ribbon where I wanted it, pulling tight, pinning, and pleating to turn corners as I went. Once it was all laid out, I went back and turned up the edges to squeeze the glue under. I removed the fabric pins after the glue had set but was not completely dry.

Step 7: Once the seat cushion and the bench base had both dried enough to handle, they were finally reunited!

I am quite happy with my new bench. Only thing I would have done differently would have been to try sewing or using Stitch Witchery to attach the ribbon to the top, as I was not completely happy with how the Liquid Stitch fabric glue dried. It was supposed to dry “invisible,” but I can still faintly see the glue lines through the ribbon even after it dried for over 24 hours. What can I say – that’s why an experiment is an experiment – they can’t all go swimmingly. It’s not that visible, but as a perfectionist I had to mention it. 😉

So there you have it folks, a $10 bench gets a makeover with for no more than the extra materials I already had on hand and a few hours spent in the spring weather on my back deck. Not too shabby!

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MORE TO LOVE:
Bench Project: Part 1
House of Turquoise Feature: Before & After Reveal of Rustic Modern Bath
Barstool Fix

Bench Project: Part 1

I hope you all had a special Memorial Day holiday! I surely did. Spent alot of time with friends and family and even extended the long weekend a day longer by following it all up with a surprise party for my parent’s 30th anniversary Tuesday night. Such fun!

But as you may have seen if you follow my Facebook, I began the weekend with a little “crafting” on my back deck. I wanted to jump into the beautiful weather as fast as possible while still doing something productive, so I tackled a few fixer-upper furniture projects I’ve been meaning to get to for a while.

I started with this sad little bench that I picked up for $10 at an estate sale a couple months ago.

It was the perfect little bonus piece I needed to fill an empty space in the kitchen to serve as extra pull-up seating, a surface for the purses that get tossed or a shield for the shoes that get kicked off.

It had potential… just needed a little TLC.

Step 1: Detach the top from the base, in this case by unscrewing the screw in each corner underneath the bench with a flat-head screwdriver.

Step 2: Prep the “splash zone” for painting. I layered plastic trash bags over my patio table.

Step 3a: Assemble the troops. Liquid sander and applicator (rag or paper towels), paint of choice (with corresponding paint tools) and disposable gloves for the splash-inclined like myself.

Step 3b: Station your trusty guard dog is at his post to keep an eye on things and keep you company. This step is not required, but recommended for a more enjoyable painting experience.

Step 4: “De-gloss” the piece with liquid sander. This is a quick and easy way to clean the item and break through an existing top coat finish. It basically makes the surface better for paint to adhere to without the mess and elbow grease of sanding with sand paper.

Step 5: PAINT!  (Prime first if needed. I didn’t in this case as I planned on two coats of thick paint, so the first coat was like my primer.) I used a high-gloss oil base paint from Sherwin Williams (color: SW 6938 Synergy) as it was a color I had on hand and had used elsewhere in the kitchen. Oil base is harder to work with and takes longer to dry… but it sure is pretty. For easier clean-up and faster dry-time, I’d recommend latex paint or even spray paint if they have the color you need.

Step 6: Wait. Follow the dry-time instructions for whichever paint you use. I let the first coat dry overnight, and put a second coat on the next day.

Meanwhile… I tackled recovering the bench seat. Which I will cover in a Part 2 post tomorrow! 🙂

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MORE TO LOVE:
Bench Project: Part 2
House of Turquoise Feature: Before & After Reveal of Rustic Modern Bath
Barstool Fix

Saturday Special: Before & After Reveal

Today I’m very excited to share with a fun before and after post! This guest bedroom revamp was part of a larger project for one my amazing clients. I’ll share more from their project soon, but today let’s just start off in the first guest bedroom.

Ready? Here we go…

BEFORE:

Exciting, huh? 🙂 To start off,  the furniture plan needed editing to optimize the function of the space. After that, the goal was to bring in a more transitional look while still incorporating some of the original antique pieces. Other important goals were being budget-friendly and catering to their personal taste by incorporating some southwestern inspired “flair.” Here was the end result:

AFTER:

The color scheme was inspired by the client’s own original artwork, the still-life triptych of pears. The bedside tables were original but placement was swapped to make the vanity more accessible. The bed was originally in the guest room across the hall, but this headboard handcrafted out of antique ceiling tin by the clients belonged perfectly in this room.

 Finally new textiles, lighting, and other accessories added much needed texture and color, bringing it all to life!

Special thanks to the fabulous Karen E. Segrave of KES Photo and her amazing husband Michael McCall of Backfocus Productions for the wonderful “after” photography (be sure and check out their websites!) Thanks also to my fun and adventurous clients. You are always a joy to work with!

Have a space like the “before” in this post and have higher hopes for what it could be? Contact me to find out how I could help!

Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

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MORE TO LOVE:
Guest Room/Office Before & After Reveal
Heights Remodel Project Featured in At Home in Arkansas Magazine!
“Heirloom Revival” Guest Room & Bath Reveal on House of Turquoise!

Souvenir

We made it to Dallas this past weekend to visit family, friends, and some favorite stores. It was a fantastic trip, mainly because of the people we saw, but also because of places we got to go.

Our lunch destination with friends after church took us to the Knox-Henderson area, which was just packed with wonderful stores. Among them being none other than the fun and funky Jonathan Adler!

Jonathan Adler

I have admired the shiny pretty things this brand has to offer for years via the web, but this weekend was my very first time to actually step foot in a store. Yep, it was an exciting moment. So of course I had to purchase something to remember the trip by.

Jonathan Adler Lighting

So after being torn between the $1,250 Mini Sputnik Chandelier and the $2,200 Giant Sputnik Chandelier (in my dreams…) I decided on a humble $18 coffee mug. Normally I would not spend $18 on a coffee mug, but after staring at the larger price tags hanging all over the store, 18 bucks started to look like a good deal for a drinking vessel.

Blue Carnaby Talitha Mug

So here is my beautiful little blue baby, the Blue Carnaby Talitha Mug, modeling a fresh pour of French Roast.

Close up

I love the bold graphics and of course love the navy and turquoise color combo.

Mug Shot

I’m quite thrilled with my first JA purchase and look forward to adding to my collection in the not-so-near future. Gotta start saving for my Sputnik light. 🙂

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MORE TO LOVE:
Ikea Love
Spring Inspired Color
Painting Party

Buttons

So remember in my Barstool Fix post a couple days ago when I said I’d tell you how I made buttons for them? Well that’s what I’m going to share with you today.

Picking up where we left off…

2QRko8uzD9YuJE5R1vIN_FyqbyvHDXWD73m0XLAH4-cSo I had these lovely recovered barstools. I wanted to add a touch of pizzazz with a single button in the center. After attempting to various methods of recover the existing button (not worth it), I consulted my sewing savvy friend Rachel. She recommended this button making kit available at Hobby Lobby:

This kit is super simple and comes with everything you need to make a button except the fabric. I chose an aqua gros grain ribbon.

Start by cutting out the cardboard template on the back of the box. Double your piece of fabric over, align template with straight edge against fabric’s folded edge like so:

Cut the fabric to the shape of the template:

Unfold your cut fabric piece. Place your fabric circle over the rubber mold, with the right side of the fabric facing down into the mold, like so:

Place the shell of the button face down on top of your fabric circle:

Once you press the button shell into the mold, tuck the excess fabric edges inside the shell and hold in place with the button back, as shown below:

Now you’re almost done – simply place the pusher (thimble like device) over the back of your button:

Press the pusher until you hear/feel the back snap, locking the button back into place within the button shell rim. This creates a seal so that your fabric is pulled tight and can’t escape – mwhaha. When the button is complete, peel the mold back and stare in awe at your adorable little button:

In this application, I secured the button with heavy duty needle & thread straight through the center of the seat cushion, pulling tight from the bottom and stapling the thread into place.

And so there you have it folks, a pretty cute collection of inexpensive custom barstools.

And they all lived happily every after.

(Shout out to Rachel W for the button kit tip and Laura K for documenting the process on camera – y’all rock!)

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MORE TO LOVE:
Barstool Fix
Bench Project: Part 1
Bench Project: Part 2

YOU’RE INVITED TO KATHRYN’S E-PARTY!

Join the e-party below to get personal notes, news, decor advice and inspo from Kathryn and receive a FREE copy of Kathryn’s new e-book, “7 Steps to Design + Decorate like a Pro” as a party favor for joining!

YES, I’D LIKE A PARTY FAVOR!

Happy Friday my friends! It’s been a chilly week Happy Friday my friends! It’s been a chilly week around here with an ice storm yesterday, and snow in the forecast for next week, which is a central Arkansas rarity! ❄️ I hope wherever this finds you - that you are well, you are safe, you are warm.

May this aerial of peonies and coffee, reclaimed wood and sunlight, bring you peace and joy, as well as encourage you to switch up your perspective now and again. 🌸🌿☕️☀️🪵 

Consider what it’s like to walk in the other person’s shoes. Stretch yourself beyond the box of comfortable norms. 

If your usually a “big picture” thinker, try focusing on the joy of one small, beautiful detail. If you’re normally fixated on one thing in front of you, try stretching your sights to be in awe of the vast, grand(e) scheme. 

Do whatever it takes. Stand on the chair at the restaurant to see what birds can. Pull over and take a shot of that sunset through the sunroof (that’s what it’s for, right?).
 
Seeing things another way leads to new discoveries, opens new doors for connection, increases compassion, deepens empathy, grows adaptability, adds gratitude, wonder, and much more. 💝

Love y’all,
K

•

#pursuepretty #verilymoment #flashesofdelight #thehappynow #theartofslowliving #interiorinspo #homeimprovement #kjlartanddesign #interiordesign #interiordecor #interiorstyle #thatsdarling #personalgrowthjourney #dailywisdom #itsthelittlethingsinlife #peoniesaremyfavorite #peoniesofinstagram #coffeeflatlay #floralflatlay #flatlayfriday #flatlayoftheday #ihavethisthingwithflowers #reclaimedwood #farmtable #eatlocal #littlerockarkansas #boulevardbread
This #tuesdaytransformation brought to you by the This #tuesdaytransformation brought to you by the happy bright, white + blue breakfast room that’s an extension of the kitchen remodel from a few posts ago! 😄🙌🏼 (Check there to see how cute they coordinate together... 💙🤍) 

Swipe to see the “before” and construction photos. 😱 Yes. Drastic. I know. 

There to remind us yet again, that anything is possible. ✨ And that likely if it gets worse first, it’s because it’s about to get worlds better, because, #process. 🙃🙌🏼

Stay hopeful my friends. Warm and cozy, too! It’s about to get extra cold and icy here in Arkansas this week but - I imagine it’s because spring is just. around. the. corner. 😌🙏🏼💐

xo,
K

• 

@rettpeek 📷 
@steph.space 🌿🥭
@athomearkansas 📰 

#kjlartanddesign #interiordesign #interiorstyle #kitchenremodel #homeimprovement #interiorinspo #kitchendesign #breakfastroom #diningroomdecor #breakfastroomdecor #kitchengoals #homesweethome #interiordecor #interiorinspo #diydesign #theartofslowliving #thehappynow #flashesofdelight #diyhomedecor #verilymoment #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #homeimprovement #dreamkitchen #tuliptable #vintagechairs #scoutstudio #scoutdallas
Today I want to introduce you to @monarch61project Today I want to introduce you to @monarch61project - a project near and dear to our hearts for many reasons.💞 Toward the end last summer, @emmilyy23 and I had the honor of partnering with this new nonprofit to design their amazing new space for women to heal and connect in!! 

Inspired by the mission in Isaiah 61 (my favorite book!) “to heal the broken-hearted” - this place will be a place of hope, healing, community, and support for all who enter their doors. 🦋 

This haven will include a cafe, marketplace, creative arts studio, wellness studio for yoga, self defense classes, therapy rooms that will convert to cozy bedrooms if a safe place to stay overnight as needed, a beauty bar, spacious laundry room and kitchen, and more!!! ✨ 

Swipe to learn more and catch sneak peeks from their design presentation! Follow @monarch61project here and on Facebook to help support them and get the word out! Reach out to @chefmarynicole or @stirredmarybec to learn how you can donate toward the warehouse renovation costs to help this vision become a reality! 

If you or someone you know have experienced trauma of any kind, including the trauma of being a victim of abuse of any kind (and yes, spiritual / emotional / verbal / psychological too) know that you are not alone. I am here for you. This is a safe place. You do not have to process and heal alone. 

Whether you’re a woman who could benefit from connecting through Monarch61 with other ladies who’ve been through a similar hell, or a man who can relate to any of the above and just need someone to sit with you and hear your story - I am personally here for you, and have walked with friends, ladies and gents, through challenging stories of many kinds. Yours is every bit as valid and deserving of being heard and held. You have an advocate and friend here, and can message me any time. 

If you need help defining what trauma or abuse is, please oh please, ask me. I will help you find the answers. Being able to name your experience is the beginning step toward more wholeness. 

You are loved, treasured, and myself and other safe people as I have come to discern them, are here to surround you with so much love and support. 💝
On this wonderful Wednesday, I bring you a winning On this wonderful Wednesday, I bring you a winning Kitchen before + after! 🤍💙 Swipe to see the “before” of this view (and swipe again to see a fun little initial thumbnail sketch from early on in the design process!)

Going back to the “before” had me thinking about process. Oofph. Sometimes “the process” can be grueling and discouraging. Often, it must get worst before it gets better, or as a friend recently reminded me “sometimes you have to take one step back to be able to go two steps forward.” But that is how we arrive at the “after” stronger, better, more lovely in time. Slow and steady. Hold the vision, do the work, take the steps. The “after” will be reached in it’s perfect time. 😉

Whether it’s a home remodel, a health journey, a relationship you’re building, inner healing you’re braving, a dream you’re leaping for, an opportunity you’re waiting for - remember that there’s One who sees and knows you and this process. One who works along side of us to bring the vision about. One who promises to “make all things beautiful in their time”. 

Whatever process you’re beginning or in the midst of, don’t be afraid of what you see walking in on the proverbial start day, or on demo day when you take that “worse” step back, hit delays, or even lose sight of the original vision. There is One who remains steadfast and holds our hands even on days we’re unsure what the heck we got ourselves in to or where it’s going. One who promises to “be faithful to complete the work He began” and helps us do the same.

Remember what it’s all for. Remember where you’re headed with it and why. Have faith. Do your work. Stay the course! It will be worth it, m’dears.

Cheering for you always! 📣
#tbt to warm sunshine and hot coffee on a crisp da #tbt to warm sunshine and hot coffee on a crisp day at @fortsmithcoffeeco with my partner in design @emmilyy23 . 
☕️🌸☕️ 

Wherever you are today, I hope you keep your heart-eyes open, eager and expectant for the little gifts today holds. 😊 Be it the foam art in your coffee, the way the sunlight will surprisingly find you, or the dandelion that smiles at you from the curb. With gratitude and wonder, may you collect these little moments like big treasure. 

•

#kjlartanddesign #goodmorning #itsthelittlethings #thatsdarling #itsallinthedetails #cheerstoyou #coffeeshopvibes #coffeesesh #coffeetime #coffeeshop #coffeeart #foamart #rusticindustrial #modernrustic #interiordesign #interiordecor #thatsdarling #verilymoment #flatlayoftheday #flatlayphotography #photostyling #interiorstyle #newmorningmercies #fortsmith #fortsmitharkansas #shoplocal #eatlocal
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It is a delight to work with Kathryn LeMaster. She is a good listener who has been able to help us transition into a smaller home while still keeping the essence of our family intact.

- CINDI C.

My husband and I decided to update our house focusing on the kitchen and bathrooms. We were so impressed from the beginning with Kathryn! She was easy to work with and took our vision and made it all come together! She was extremely professional and we highly recommend her. Thanks Kathryn!! We couldn't be happier!!!

- LAURA D.

I have been doing business with Kathryn for several years, where she had played an integral role to enhance the quality and appeal of the visual impact of our furniture in TV commercial s. She independently picks products that perfectly match each commercial. She is also an absolute pleasure to work with. She is flexible when needed, and always has a positive disposition.

- LAWRENCE ZIGERELLI, PRESIDENT/CEO, FFO HOME

We asked Kathryn to create sets for a food shoot with multiple items. She created sets with for each dish and had them passed them off with the client who was out of town. She was extremely organized and methodical about how she purchased and approved each set. Not only was her work exceptional, her presence made the client feel at ease.

- DERO SANFORD, OWNER, THINKDERO

We highly recommend Kathryn. She listened to us as her clients and executed ideas based upon our design style. We had bought a new house and asked her to help us furnish, design, and style It. We appreciated her detailed drawings and ability to "show" us the vision and plan. She is quick to respond and allows for flexibility based upon timeline needs. Once deciding together on budget, she works toward that goal. She is a lot of fun to work with!

- CHRISTY H.

Kathryn assisted me in styling and accessorizing our new home. She nailed my design ideas and style based on the questionnaire and my comments. I was amazed at how she was able to match my style exactly! It would have taken me years to accomplish what she accomplished in one day. I would highly recommend her and look forward to working with her again in the future.

- BEVERLY R.

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