ONE BIG AND ONE SMALL PROJECT!

First, the big project-- We bought this chair at an auction for $2.00. The gross gold upholstery was so bad we didn't even take a picture of it in its true before condition. Bob started right in stripping the chair down to its bones.

Here it is with the wood refinished and the new upholstery.

It has nice wood details.

The more we upholster, the better our skills improve. We still stumble along learning as we go, however.

Now for the small project:

I've always enjoyed using Irene Berry's paper-pieced 3-inch blocks for small tuck-in gifts. She is a former editor of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine, and the patterns can be found in lots of old issues. I've made scads of potholders using these images, but decided to applique these onto kitchen towels for a small birthday gift for a friend.

My friend is from Iowa, so I had to use an ear of corn.

And then, a carrot!

Lots of linky parties going on -- I'm joining the following this week. Be sure to stop by these blogs for scads of inspiration, and thank them for being such great hostesses.

Courtney at French Country Cottage
for the Feathered Nest party.

Marian at Miss Mustard Seed
for Furniture Feature Friday.

Kim at Savvy Southern Style
for the Wednesday Before and After party.

Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage
for Transformation Thursday.