I love visiting thrift stores. I love looking at old pieces of furniture and through their tired worn fabric, and chipped finishing, envisioning a second life for them.

This week I found myself at VV (Value Village––but “VV” sounds so upscale!) in search of barstools for my soon-to-be remodeled kitchen. I strolled through the furniture aisles, and as in times past, I became giddy as ideas sprang to mind for updating numerous pieces. But this time, I stuck firmly to my thrift store shopping rules:

1) work on one project at a time, and

2) buy only what you need for that particular project

Suddenly there they were! Two barstools with my name on them stared down at me from a high shelf  I snagged them for  a total of $25, a steal!

Today’s venture came about because I’ve been “in a mood” after a couple of particularly stressful workweeks. Fortunately, rebuilding furniture is calming for me and I always love the final results.

If you are following along with your own project, you will need the following items:

1. Pliers
2. Sharp scissors
3. Gloves
4. Goggles (Ever had a staple pop into your eye? Yikes!)
5. Staple gun
6. Old fabric
7. New Fabric
8. Newspaper
9. Spray adhesive
10. Black spray paint (Matte)
11. Frog tape
12. Felt tips for bottom of chair
13. a friend
14. Time, patience . . . and maybe your favorite cocktail

Disassemble stools-

Removing fabric— It is best to remove fabric with a pair of sharp scissors cutting as close to the edges as possible. Cut the fabric in its original pattern to be used later for cutting the new fabric. Lay down newspaper, cushions, old pattern and cut pattern out of the new fabric.

This is a two-person project: one will hold and tuck fabric while the other staples.

Reupholstering/refinishing is a project for a well-ventilated space or fumes from spray paint and adhesive glue can do a serious number on you. Spray paint as needed and let stools sit overnight to dry completely.

Reassemble chair backs on base, then add felt floor protectors.

Aren’t they lovely?!!