Upholstery Project: The Fabric Search

Back when I bought this couch on Craigslist,  I called my mom as I was driving to go see the couch and asked my mom if she would "help me" as I attempt my first upholstery project.  She said yes.  I purchased the couch for $50. Here is a reminder of what it looks like:

My goal while my parents were here a couple weeks ago, was obviously not to finish the couch, but to at least start.  It is an overwhelming project.  So like my mom does with everything, she jumped right in!  We flipped the couch over for the first step, taking off the bottom [black] lining.

Staples, staples and more staples.  I was actually supposed to have the whole thing stripped down to the "bones" before my mom got here.  Like I said, overwhelming! (...did i mention I'm a  procrastinator too?!)

The lady I bought it from said she bought it at an auction and had it reupholstered 20 years ago! wow! It turns out the springs ties are still in good shape.  A few of them had come loose where they were stapled to the wood frame.  Not a problem though.  We will reattach them and cover with the new batting and padding.

The cushions are in great shape and filled with down feathers. Besides being dirty as heck,  the only thing that is broken is the front left leg, which Ernesto broke while pulling it out of his truck after I bought it.  He already bought a new dowl so he can fix it.
Lucy is wanting to learn the art of upholstering too, so she came over one day and help us rip out staples, and staples and more staples.

The current status of the couch project:  stagnant.   My mom did say she would fly back to Atlanta when I have all the old fabric off the couch, staples removed and new fabric purchased.  I am determined to get this done!   I don't know why but all of my energy has gone into the fabric search instead of the labor intensive, carpel tunnel creating staple removing. ha!

In the past, my favorite fabric stores in Atlanta have always been Forsyth Fabrics and Lewis & Sheron. Both are filled with designer fabrics and frequented by "the trade."   Sometimes I'll find a great deal, but most of the time I go, it's for inspiration because the fabrics are just too darn expensive.  That being said, the selection can't be beat!

Recently, a women I met, told me about a store called Fabric World (1555 E Park Place Blvd # C)  in Stone Mountain, just 15 miles east of Atlanta.  It also is a huge store but all of the fabric is $3.99/yard!!!!   Oh.My.God.  It was so fun. My mom and I were in there  for over 2 hours the first time.  They have so many rows to search through, and this is my favorite part of shopping: THE SEARCH.  The same owner has another store on Memorial Dr. called Discount Fabrics and he sends fabric to this store and sells it for $1/yard. 

I am going to need 12 yards for my antique couch.  The fabrics at the designer shops are $15/yard and up.  I want need will find the perfect fabric at the discount stores even if I have to go there every week. ha! With my new found discount fabric stores, I can't justify paying more.

For example, I am in love with this Ikat fabric [below] at Lewis & Sheron.   But at $20/yard, I have compromised on buying just enough for pillows.  1 yard.  Although I love this chair, I think this fabric in a smaller dose will still be effective.

GREY & BLACK IKAT CHAIR FROM NANDINA

At first I was thinking a neutral fabric, but really I think this couch calls for something a little less boring and safe, don't you agree?  I see it sitting in our office or my studio one day.  I am always looking online at furniture before & afters for inspiration.  Design Sponge has a whole section dedicated to readers' projects, you can browse them here.  If I ever get my couch done I will have to send it to them.  Even though I would never do red, this couch redo below is one of my favorites.  I wonder if this fabric come in bright yellow?

 

I found this couch on Bloom Girls. I have had a swatch of this fabric on my inspiration board for over a year.  Forsyth Fabrics doesn't carry it anymore (plus it was really expensive) and I can't remember the maker. Anyone?!  I love it, but I would rather use this for the two club chairs my mom has waiting for me in her basement instead of my couch.

I also love this deep blue velvet with a contrasting white wood trim....oh the possibilities are endless!

Anthropologie couch via Casa Sugar

The "plan" [and I use that term loosely] is that I will work on tearing this couch apart in the next couple weeks, while also searching for the perfect 'wow factor' fabric so I can get my mom down here to help me bring this couch back to it's original glory. Updates to follow.....

Candler Park Fall Festival 2010

Come one and all! 
What:  This weekend Zafiro Jewelry will be at the Candler Park Fall Fest 2010. 
The weekend will be filled with a variety of events including an artist market, a food court located at the end of the festival street, live entertainment, free children’s activities, the Candler Park 5K at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning and the Tour of Homes on Sunday from 12:00 ~ 6:00 p.m. They anticipate up to 15,000 attendees during the two-day festival.

When: Saturday and Sunday noon-7p

Where: Inside Candler Park, 1500 McLendon Avenue, Atlanta, Ga. 30307 • One half mile east of Little Five Points on McLendon Avenue • Three blocks walk from Candler Park Marta station (East line)  
Zafiro will be in booth #8 on the right side of the street near the entrance of the park. 

It looks like the weather is going to be a beautiful, so come out support your local artists!

Mad Men Yourself!

I can't believe this season of Mad Men went by so quickly. Sunday night was the season finale, and I don't want to spoil it for you, but Don, what have you done?!  Are we really going to have to wait till next year, July even, for season 5 to begin??  I think I may die in anticipation.

My friend Lucy found Mad Men Yourself on the AMC website where you can actually pick your traits/accessories and create a Mad Men avatar for yourself.  How fun!!  I did Ernesto first.

He does have a fedora hat like this one that he looks so hot in, the sport coat is also something he wears, but the skinny pants are not him.....yet!  (I did buy him a pair of skinny jeans that he promptly made me return)  Notice he has a donut in his hand and a "lady friend" on the couch. 

For my avatar, I picked the airplane setting (of course) and dressed myself like Betty Draper when they went to Italy.  Remember that episode?  Oh the beehive hair and gloves and jewelry.....

 

I also added the donut in my hand because when Ernesto does sneak the donuts by me at the grocery checkout, I end up eating one or two.  

I cannot stress enough that you must watch Mad Men.  I don't think any other show would convince me to share [or even make] these silly avatars.  You just want to be a part of it...somehow.

Fit Fridays: Ti ti

This week just flew by, didn't it?  Mine was filled with joy.  I think this picture will explain it.
Look at my cute little babies:

TI TI & HIS PAPI HAVE A LOT IN COMMON

I didn't even want to leave the house all week so I could spend time with my little Ti ti.  He is doing really well.  He's using the litter box and eating kitty food.  He is really funny too.  He's chasing around his toys: balls with bells and a squeaking mouse, jumping up for feathers and climbing his way up the bed, chairs and legs.   I already have him trained to come running when I call him.  He likes to hide in my Tico pot.

He also likes to sleep a lot, especially on my sheepskin rug. 

Nothing seemed more important as giving lots of attention to my new kitty.  However we did manage to get a lot of work done for The Christmas Light pros,  do a few more estimates and get our workouts in.

Saturday: rest
Sunday:  Run Atlanta Belt Line to Piedmont Park
Monday:  Run 4 miles
Tuesday: Crossfit: 5 rounds:  run 800 meters, 30 wall balls, 30 box jumps,
Wednesday: Crossfit: 9-27-27 /6-18-18 /3-6-6 of thrusters, pull-ups, bar dips
Thursday: Crossfit:  4 rounds or 50 sumo dead lifts
Friday: rest

The Christmas Light Pros of Atlanta

www.thechristmaslightpros.com

That's right!  I know you aren't ready to say it yet, so I will!  Christmas is right around the corner.  Believe it or not, we have already been getting calls and going out for estimates.  We are scheduling our current clients and offered a discount for early installations.  I am determined to raise our sales by even more that I did last year.  It is my job after all.

We will be doing a lot more internet marketing this year.  We had a postcard designed and will be mailing it to the neighbors of some of our current customers in hopes they saw the awesome work of the Christmas Light Pros and want to do the same.  We have also posted it on Craigslist, & Flickr.  Registered on Merchant Circle, a great site for local advertising and connecting with other businesses . 

If you live in the Atlanta Metro area, this discount applies to you as well. If you book your installation for before November 8, you will get a 15% discount.  Call us for a free estimate on your home or business.

Also, if you live in Atlanta, you are bound to see our commercial:


It's not just Christmas time that we work.  For example, one of our xmas light clients was celebrating a birthday of a friend and went all out a couple weeks ago.  Ernesto wrapped trees, lit up the entrance and a wooden garden arch that went over the "red carpet" entrance.  They also wanted Ernesto to make a Happy Birthday sign, which which ended up taking him a long time, but it turned out so great!

Needless to say, the clients loved the sign and since they did not want to keep it, we now have a great Happy Birthday sign to rent out to clients. (we will cut off the Sandra, or Sandy do you want it for your New Years Eve Party?) I know we will be using it for my birthday!

A New Addition to the Espinoza Family

Yes!!! It's a baby!
A little kitty named Rare.  Or Ti Ti, I can't decide.  (Ernesto said he wants to pick a "real name" whatever that means)

When I saw this ad, I knew she was the one.  After weeks months of searching Craigslist, I finally found the fluffy tabby kitten I wanted.   It pays to be patient and persistent.   I knew I would get lucky. I had even bought a cat bed at Marshalls a few weeks ago to prepare.

Cynthia Rowley Cat Bed -clearance $12

I had to drive to Duluth, (20 some miles north of Atlanta) to pick her up.  She** and her 5 siblings were born in the bushes in front of this sweet lady's house.  The mom is a feral cat, but Heidi took the kittens in is trying to find loving homes  for all of them.

As I drove home last night, Rare was in a box [with a blanket] in the passengers seat.  I could not remember being this excited about something.  The 25 minute drive home was killing me.  I just couldn't wait for Neto to see her.....and to my relief, he really thought she was cute, I mean, cat lover or not, look at this face.

I felt like a new mother last night as my "baby" was up then down, tossing and turning.  She is so small(about the size of my shoe) we were scared we would roll over on her.  Yes, Nester allowed her to sleep in our bed.  Amazing!  I love to see him affectionate with an animal.  It was so exciting!  I don't think I have ever had a more interrupted night sleep.  I guess this was a good test for human babies, and the fact is, it didn't bother me at all.  She is so cute and small, I just want to cater to her and give her love.  I have heard this is how it is being a mother. 

I woke up early with her.  (3 hours earlier than Ernesto)  We enjoyed each others company.

** I am guessing Rare is a girl.....until I take her to get her shots, I will not know.  Good thing the name Rare is unisex.

 I introduced big Rare to little Rare this morning and and it went swimmingly.

[Not So] Fit Fridays

VIEW OF MIDTOWN FROM PIEDMONT PARK

Mis padres came to the ATL this week and we had such a nice time!    I went walking with my dad on the freedom trail twice.  Although we did walk 4 miles each time, and at a fast pace I might add,  Nester says that doesn't count for a workout.  I kind of agree, but it's better than nothing, right?

Other activities during the week:
* guys played golf & my mom and I hit TJMaxx 
* Ate at Taqueria del Sol (my parents' favorite restaurant)
* Neto made his fish tacos
* Smoked a huge pork butt (just like last week)
* started on upholstery project (separate post on that)
* searched a couple fabric stores for said upholstery project 
* relaxing/reading on the deck
* played cards every night
* relaxed at Piedmont Park (played cards)

New Earring Cards & Bridal Necklace

 

Above are some make shift earring cards that I recently bought via 123print.  (They are really business cards that I cut in half)   The whole point was to have my contact info on the cards when customers purchase earrings, but when I received the printed cards, the quality was not the best. (you get what you pay for!)  I was also worried that the logo and wording would be too busy for the board when grouped together.  After all,  I would like the focus to be on the earrings instead of the cards.  Quick fix: I stamped a Z on the back of the printed cards and let that face forward instead!  I think they look so much cleaner and modern. Don't you agree?

 Back at the Atlanta Arts Festival, I met a client looking for her daughter's bridal jewelry.  She wanted a bib necklace, and Zafiro had several in it's collection.  This is the style she liked best: 

MYSTIC GREEN AMETHYST ON GOLD FILL

Her dress is strapless and a champagne color.  Together we decided on some modifications.  I picked a slightly smaller chain and spaced them out.  I think the stones are going to really sparkle against her dress, but not steal the show.

WHISKEY & LEMON TOPAZ ON GOLD FILL

I love it when someone asks for a custom piece and I feel honored that Zafiro is part of someone's wedding day! 

Smokin' Butt

I really cherish my free time, and I am fortunate to have quite a bit of it at my disposal these days.  I love that I can wake up every morning without an alarm clock.  I love that Ernesto and I can enjoy our cof cof (coffee) in the morning for a couple hours while lounging and browsing online, maybe even watching a movie or a couple episodes of Entourage (our latest HBO craze).  Inevitably, Neto will turn to me and ask, "what do you want to do today?" 

I know this is all about to change with the Christmas Lights, but let me revel in it now please.
Right now there isn't a huge difference between my weekdays and weekends, and there won't be when we get busy either.  Working.  7 days a week.  We are excited for the craziness.  Bring it on!

Although we did go to the movies (The Social Network, the story of how Facebook got started) the highlight of our weekend was food.  Smoked Pork...Tim Style!

My brother is the king of smoking.  My dad has used his recipe many times with great success, and this is our second time.  Yes, it is a repeater.  The process is not hard, but the main ingredient is patience.   The whole process takes about 10 hours.

Ideally the butt should be in the smoker for 8 hours, which is why it is usually done overnight.   As with most things, Ernesto was not concerned with the time and started smoking the butt at 6pm.  "Dinner should be ready at 3am!" he announced.

Directions for Smokin' Butt
Pick your cut of meat.  We chose a 5lb pork butt and a rack of beef ribs. 

Tim's Smoked Meat Rub
2 Tablespoons Black Pepper
2 Tablespoons Salt
2 Tablespoons Cumin
2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
2 Tablespoons Sugar
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
4 Tablespoons Paprika
1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper

Ernesto placed the spices into a jar so we could keep any extra, and it looked like an elementary art project. Generously rub this rub all over.

HICKORY WOODCHIPS SOAK IN WATER

PORK BUTT COVERED IN "THE RUB"

RUBBED BEEF RIBS

You can buy smoking wood chips or if you have logs that will work perfectly. Once the fire is hot, (and don't forget, you'll need to keep it that way for the next 8 hours*) place the meat in the smoker.  Add a bowl of water for moisture and close the lid.  That is it! 

The pork should pull apart very easily when done.  I made a delicious cole slaw to go on our sandwiches too.  It was a mix of this recipe and this one.   Any other questions, you will have to call my brother, he is the expert! 

* The meat will probably need some oven time after the smoking. Cover it in foil and set oven to 200 for  a couple hours.

Fit Fridays and Cooler Weather!

Finally, cooler weather seems to have descended on Atlanta.  The days are still sunny and warm, but we have turned off the air conditioning and have slept with our windows open the past few nights.  I love it! 

As the picture above shows, Ernesto's back is pliable again.  Those deadlifts were a killer, but after a week of "rest" (and that just means no workouts) he is able to swing a golf club again. Progress.
This week went by so quickly, I can't even remember what I did?!  Boring.
Because Ernesto was not working out, I slacked a bit on mine too.  Only one Crossfit and a couple short runs.  Bad girl. 


Saturday-Monday: rest
Tuesday:  run 4 miles

Wednesday: Crossfit: 5 rounds of: run 400 meters, 30 box jumps, 30 wall balls (Lucy blogged it!) 
Thursday: rest 
Friday: run 4miles