Rocking Chair Makeover With Unicorn Spit and an Old Dress!

Susan Goode
by Susan Goode
5 Materials
$14
4 Hours
Medium

I found this adorable antique rocking chair at a local Auction rooms store which was like an Aladdin's cave of treasures at bargain prices. I fell in love with it especially when I saw the £10 price-tag! and I could see someone had already stripped back its paint to the lovely wood and sanded it so knew my job was just a simple cosmetic revamp!

Rocking chair before

I wanted to experiment some more with Unicorn spit Gel and stain to bring this vintage piece to life and fit in nicely amongst my garden.

Unicorn Spit Gel & Stain

I use artist paint brushes cloths and fingers to apply colour to the wooden frame beginning with the base.

Unicorn Spit Gel & Stain on base frame

I try and blend the colours and work it creatively on the wooden frame.

Using finger to blend gel stain

I am seeing this project as a fun experiment and still not sure if these colours work ?

Unicorn Spit Gel & Stain on frame

I continue to add colours pink, yellow, orange and white and then think to stop and maybe look at it with fresh eyes the next day to decide if I like it.

The vibrancy of coloured stain

I decide I would prefer a two toned look of predominantly pink with a little orange and the other colours can show through at little points and so I carry on with pink staining it on to the sides and top.

Pink sides stained and coated.

I continue to work with these two colours.

Using cloths to stain the wood

I love how the other colours shine through a little and really soak deeply in to the wood for a gorgeous shabby chic unique finish.

Two toned Unicorn Spit Gel &. stain

I am keen to change the plain outdated cushion seat to a more fitting design and colour to match my new chair frame. I choose an old ill fitting dress made of quality linen and just too good to throw away. I choose it because with the African inspired print I think works so so well with the pinky purpley and orange frame!

Cutting up an old dress for cushion covering

I place the pieces with cushions to see if its a good fit

Fabric to fit cushion

I use a staple gun to stretch and secure fabric behind and pull taught to make sure is good and tight across the cushion. I Just keep stapling and neatly fold over the edges at corners for a tidy finished edge.

Staple gun to fix fabric to cushion base

I repeat this all the way on both back and seat cushions until I’m happy with result.

Staple fabric to cushion base

The finished rocking chair transformation certainly has character and really is a gorgeous piece to relax on upon my garden veranda .

Rocking chair makeover with unicorn spit


Rocking chair makeover with unicorn spit
Resources for this project:
See all materials
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Suz Roberts Suz Roberts on Jun 13, 2019

    artsey! I like the picture where there was still bare wood and you were applying color. Awesome opportunity to customize to individual taste....Did you apply a sealer or clear coat it? Your yard is so green...It looks like you live in a climate where you get rain.


  • Sue Sue on Jun 14, 2019

    I love the uniqueness of this project I do my own thing also when I do a makeover, BUT did I understand you are leaving this outside? I would not do that myself due to weather and in London you will have dampness regularly. I would just take it out when I wanted to sit out there and maybe that is what you are planning to do anyway. I love the rescue!

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 36 comments
Next