Featured in HGTV iPad App

I just adore the HGTV iPad applications and have fallen in love with the HGTV SHELF magazine. To my greatest surprise a little birdie told me that my HGTV video would be fetaured in the newest issue. So.... check it out!!!


My Video

I am asking all of my blog followers to download the app ($.99 for the new issue) but I promise you won't regret it. It's full of DIY ideas, modern trends, and projects galore. Satisfaction guaranteed, by me!

Live Morning Show from UT's Campus

Kathie Lee and Hoda's Today Show will be live from the University of Tennessee on Monday, October 1st.  In celebration, Knox Fox Morning Show will also be broadcasting live from campus.

Tune in or join me live on campus in creating a UT dress for any female sports fan!

Steps to Refinishing Wood Furniture

I have made many mistakes when refinishing furniture and I want to share my advice for a professional final product.

Tips and Tricks Video on Knox Fox Morning Show

Step #1- Clean furniture piece
I have skipped this before and created more work. Cleaning the piece will allow a shorter sanding job and allow you to better assess what grit sandpaper to use.



Step #2- Remove Existing Finish
If a lacquer or stain exists then sanding will be needed.  The job is tougher if you have a painted piece of furniture.  Depending on the thickness of the paint you may need to use a liquid paint stripped and scrap the paint off with a metal scrapper.  After paint is removed you may sand.

There are many sanding options.  You could use an electric sander, sanding block or sheets of sanding paper.  This is a preference but also may depend on your piece.  An antique detailed chair would need sand paper to get into the detail.  Always start with a low grit (lower by number) and ease into a finer (higher number) sand paper for a smoother finish.

Always use your hands to evaluate your sanding.  It may appear to be smooth but graze the entire surface before moving forward.

Lastly, clean your piece again.


Step #3.5 (Only if nessecary fix any scratches or holes)
If your piece has unwanted scratches, holes or knicks now if the time to use wood filler to create a smooth and even finish.  You won't regret this step.
 Step #3- Prime (If painting)
I have skipped this step and always regretted it.   Use a primer to allow the paint to last longer, better overall coverage, and actually saves you paint.



Step #4- Stain or Paint
This is the best part, choose your stain or paint color.  Always stain and paint with the grain in the wood.   Start with minimal paint/stain because you can always add more.  For stain you can use a foam brush or a rag or cloth.  Painting options include spray paint (be careful of drips), foam roller brush (my preference), bristle brush (careful of brush strokes), or a paint sprayer (I just got one that I want to try out).

Repeat for multiple coats as needed.



Step #5- Protective Coat (Optional)
I suggest a protective coat if the piece will be used on a daily basis.  You'll never regret it and might be upset it you don't.

Follow these steps for a professional refinish look every time.  Don't get discouraged if you make a mistake; practice makes perfect and you can always sand and start again.

My Favorite Refinish Project: Dresser Makeover

One Seam Scarf Tutorial

Tune in this Wednesday for another easy scarf tutorial on Knoxville's local Fox Morning Show at 8:00am.

On the show I'll show you two alternatives to the traditional sewing machine.

Detailed instructions: HERE

Tune in to the Morning Show with Decorella

I was so honored and touched when Moria Kay from WBIR reached out to me and asked me to be on the Fox Morning Show. I think my first instinct was to plan my outfit, then what segment I should do. I have now done two segments and can't wait to do more. The videos from each segment are posted online if you didn't catch them when they aired.

How to make chalk board paint: CLICK HERE
How to reupholster a chair cushion: CLICK HERE

Twitter Plugs @Moira Kay, @WBIRAbby, @FOXMorningShow

Perfectly Charming Wedding Video

I am so excited to share this wedding video with you. Kirby and Tyler are very dear to my heart. I am so honored to have played a very small role in their wedding day. Their videographer did a fantastic job of showcasing their love, glamour and personalities.

Kirby + Tyler // St. Paul, Minnesota from Colin Cabalka on Vimeo.

Kirby is also a VERY talented fashion designer and runs a beautiful blog- check it out! http://colorsofhoney.blogspot.com/

First HGTV Web Video Dream Come True

Thank you HGTV for highlighting my passion for reupholstery! I have a tutorial video on HGTV.com, my dream come true. Please check it out and share it with friends. I'm still pinching myself to see if I just might wake up.

VIDEO

Lesson Learned, Zippers!!!

Thank you to the FABULOUS BRETT BARA! I found this fantastic crafter, blogger and writer from Twitter. Check her out here at www.brettbara.com. On here she has great hot-to videos including a video on a simple zippered pillow.

Zippers are on thing I have always been intimidated to try. Earlier this month when my mother came to visit we discovered that she also had never attempted a zipper. With the help of her online video, my mother and I completed the pillow in under 30 minutes. It's actually not hard! I scored some vintage zippers for $.25 and used leftover fabric from my Ms. Pac Man chairs and made a small pillow for my office chair.

I highly recommend her book, Sewing In A Straight Line. The projects are well designed, modern and make great tutorials for the beginner sewer.

Online DIY Upholstery Videos

I get asked by a lot of people where I learned to reupholster and refinish furniture. The number one thing that worked for me was just trying it. To be able to have the confidence to try a project I watched a lot of online videos. I read a lot books that included directions and photos but seeing someone do something step-by-step on video made me feel comfortable to try it by myself at home and from doing it I learned my own tips and tricks. I recently found some great videos about building and upholstering ottomans; this is my next project.

 

This Todd Oldham video is great but even the boring homemade videos are very helpful. You can type just about anything into YouTube and get various results of helpful videos. I can't even imagine living with the internet and technology- it's fast and free!!

Stop Motion

I love this blogger/photographer and overall creative diva http://colormekatie.blogspot.com/. This is one of many creative projects of hers.

Stop Motion Save The Date Video

Jessie and Amy's Lego Save the Date from Jessie Weirich on Vimeo.

Our Save The Date

YouTube Link HERE