Hallway Bench - 1st DIY of the Year

Chaz-Bear
2016 began with the completion of a project I started last summer: a hallway bench using the footboard of an old bed. Antique beds are shorter and narrower than today's standards, making them rather impractical. At the risk of being cyber-chastised by the antique furniture purists, I decided to re-purpose the footboard and its wood frame into a bench for our hallway.
Measurements: 54½" wide x 14" deep x 19" heigh


Our basement has many pieces of scrap wood left behind by previous DV owners.  I was able to find an old plank for the seat. Although warped this part would be hidden by the cushions.  I had to purchase a piece of wood for the two front legs, customized to match the two back legs. Staining will come later.


Below are my two mitred corners.



With leftover fabric from an earlier sewing project, I made two thick seat cushions.
So they wouldn't look like pillows, I did some basic tufting.



Almost done.


I also had some beautiful fabric to make some cushion covers.


Very 'William Morris', in keeping with the vintage of the house.


The original railings are affixed to the board with metal hooks, but that makes the bench wobbly so I added a very long screw at the back to stabilize it.

original hooks 


Here we are, the front legs have been stained and all the scrapes and scratches have been touched up without loosing the original patina of the wood.


It sits below a tapestry dear to my heart for its romantic medieval scene; a couple in a garden surrounded by little creatures of all sorts.


Another creatures dear to my heart, my little senior Beauty.

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Ending 2015 on a Soprano's Note



Earlier in December, I had the lovely surprise of having my Christmas tree gown appear on Faerie Magazine's Facebook page. I was literally floored by the amount of 'Likes' and 'Shares' it generated and genuinely touched by the very kind comments and sweet compliments. Ms Carolyn Turgeon, Editor-in-Chief at Faerie Magazine, later asked me if she could include my dress in their newsletter.
I was honoured.

18th-Century Christmas Tree Gown 2015
Faerie Magazine is an enchanting publication that celebrates beauty and imagination. The style captures an otherworldly dimension that many creative types can retrieve to. My spirit friend, The Countessa Papera Ephemera, for whom I design these dresses, would approve wholeheartedly.


About Faerie:
Faerie Magazine is a quarterly print magazine that celebrates all things enchanted—from a scattering of mushrooms in an ancient forest to a sweet, scented gown made only of roses. Every issue features exquisite photography, original fiction and poetry, travel pieces (from bioluminescent bays to Scottish fairy hills and castles), artist profiles, recipes, home décor, otherworldly beauty tips, craft tutorials, and much more—with a dash of faerie (and mermaid, and dragon!) magic sprinkled throughout. Regular contributors include Alice Hoffman, Wendy and Brian Froud, Charles Vess, and many more. Faerie is published four times a year—in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—and is available in the Lifestyle section of Barnes & Noble (ask for magazine #28145) and through the Faerie Magazine website. We ship all over the world.

Faerie Magazine also as an online gift shop offering unique and carefully curated products, many of them made by artisans. From intricate miniatures, limited edition prints, jewelry, crowns, books, soaps, candy and much more. For every budget, age group and occasions, all in keeping with the enchanting spirit of the magazine. 

Below are a few of my favourites.


Blueberry Cluster Necklace
Mermaid Lollipop
Nesting Herb Spoon Set
Thank you Carolyn for an enchanting journey into your world.
On this crowning note...
To all a magical New Year!
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Christmas Diamond Ornament 2015 - Last DIY of the Year.

A cazillion karat diamond pendant for my house
The last DIY creation of 2015 was made by my daughter, Astrid. It started out as a school art project about three years ago, made from shards of broken mirrors. I was incredibly worried, but not wanting to smother her creativity, encouraged reluctantly with many words of caution. As it was progressing, I could see tremendous potential as a bold and festive holiday ornament for the entrance to The Dusty Victorian.


The base structure was made with corrugated cardboard and every bits of broken mirror she could get her gloved hands on from her clumsy family and friends. We are not superstitious. The shards of mirror were applied with hot glue creating a sort of mosaic madness.


To securely suspend the diamond, I used a 30lbs-capacity picture frame wire. Starting at the bottom point, I weaved several strands together, similar to a basket and made my way upwards to the widest part of the diamond. I then gathered all the strands at the top centre to form a strong loop.


And voila! It's now hanging at our entrance with delicate strands of pine greenery.
Note that for obvious reasons, I do not recommend to anyone this DIY project.


Wishing you all a very cheerful holiday season!
And Chazy-Bear, at the top of the stairs,
wants me to remind you of the many animal shelters that need help.

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