Rustic Furniture Upholstered With Cowhide

Rustic Furniture Upholstered With Cowhide FARM HOME Furniture Janeen Reid says it’s fun and therapeutic to make rustic-themed furniture using barn wood old metal and cowhide “One day I just started working on a rocking chair for my sister I used a piece of hide with variegated color and it turned out real nice so I’ve just expanded into other things ” Reid has since re-covered the seats of several benches bar stools and chairs using various cowhide patterns for the upholstery She buys her hides from various sources she finds on the internet and finds the old chair and bench frames at garage sales antique stores and estate sales She’s also made covers for new stools and benches “Most of the old things I find are in tough shape The frames are fairly unsteady need new paint or stain and a new seat I try to pick out pieces that will look good re-finished in a rustic or western theme The metal frame pieces are often rusty and sometimes bent ” Reid brings the old furniture to her home shop and with the help of her husband Tom repairs the frames and cuts a new seat base Then she chooses the hide patterns and cuts the material to size over the base before enlisting his help again Together they shape and stretch the hide over the stuffing and secure it tight with brads or small nails in the hardwood bases Since Reid didn’t have any experience in upholstering or furniture building before starting this work she’s quick to point out that a lot of her projects are learn-as-you-go “I guess we’re a work in progress but we’re progressing real well ” she says Reid says “there seems to be a lot of interest in authentic ‘rustic and western look’ furnishings made from barn wood or wrought iron I’ve made items for my sons and their families sold pieces at craft fairs and also have them on consignment in a few stores ” She’s also finished end tables a coffee table and a complete kitchen dining set made from barn wood “Our prices are about half what retail stores are charging for these types of furninshings ” says Reid “I figure my cost of materials add in for our time and some overhead and arrive at a price If someone wants a custom order we can do those too We try to be affordable and creative even though it’s just crazy what people will pay for unique things like this ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Janeen Reid W 5579 County Road CS Poynette Wis 53955 ph 608 516-2288; j hiddenspringranch@gmail com

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