Friday, August 9, 2013

How to Dye or Stain Leather Furniture


Several years ago, Dusty & I were given a hand-me-down sofa from my mother. It is American Signature brand and was a taupe-ish colored leather. The sofa had lived a good life, 6 or so years in her living room and 4 or so in our rec room, so when we started redecorating the room we were torn. The color of the sofa really didn't look good in the room. Tan walls, tan tile, tan sofa? I think not. 
Boomer on the Tan Sofa-- BEFORE!

My husband really wanted a darker color but we hated to discard such a good piece (plus we didn't have the funds to purchase a new piece). He said to me "why don't you dye it?" and I thought he was crazy... turns out its not only completely possible but its EASY!! So, here is how you do it:

  • First of all, I think this probably only works if the item in question is genuine leather. Bonded leather, I don't know about.
  • Order your supplies. I ordered online from http://www.fiebing.com and received my goodies in around 2 days. If you can't wait, I know that Tandy's Leather shops also sell this brand. 
  • You will need Deglazer, Dye, and a Finish. I used 32 oz fiebing's deglazer, 32 oz professional oil dye in walnut, and 32oz tan kote finish
  •  I used Fiebing's deglazer in the 32oz size for this project. The 32 oz was fine, but if I were to do it again I might double up. http://shop.fiebing.com/c/leathercraft_cleaners_deglazer
  •  I have also read that you could use straight acetone but the fiebing's really isn't that expensive so I figured, why risk it? 
  • The deglazer removes dirt, body oils, and any existing finish that is on your sofa. We were AMAZED at how easily it all came off. It prepares your surface to accept the dye, so your leather will have an almost suede-like texture when you're finished. Apply the deglazer evenly but don't scrub. We started out using old socks, but switched to some left over felt I had and this worked well.
  • Next is the dye application. I used Fiebings professional oil dye in Walnut http://shop.fiebing.com/c/leathercraft_dyes_professional-oil-dye. I purchased 32 oz of this as well, and could have easily gotten by with about 1/3 the dye. 
  • We used the felt again for this and it worked well. It is a good idea to use an old spray bottle of water to mist your leather as you apply the dye- it does help the dye go on more evenly. Use broad strokes.
  • I did a first coat, the a second coat mainly to even out the color an hour later

The sofa after 2 coats of dye
  • We then left the sofa in the garage overnight to dry. I am not really sure if this is necessary but I didn't want to risk smearing the dye with the finish. 
  • The next morning we applied the finish. I used Tan-kote http://www.fiebing.com/catalogue/top-finishes/?product=198 . There are a lot of finishes available if you want a glossier finish or what not. 
  • We switched back to socks for this application, but I read terry cloth works well too. The finish reminded me of hair conditioner in consistency. It gives the leather a nice, conditioned look and sheen while it seals in your dye and makes the leather and color water resistant. 

After 2 coats of dye + tan kote finish
We let the finish dry for around 6 hours then moved the sofa back in the house have been enjoying it ever since!

Our new old sofa in its spot
Last but not least- Wear gloves!! It took me a week to get the dye off my hands.

Some tips:
  • Wear gloves!
  • Do not try indoors- the fumes from the deglazer and dye were particularly noxious
  • Take a before picture! Sorry, I forgot to do this.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Flower Meanings!


Folks ask us ALL THE TIME about specific flower meanings. I have always had some standard answers, mostly based on hearsay, but recently I came across Victoria's Dictionary of Flowers... and it is an awesome resource!! http://www.scribd.com/doc/53971049/Victoria-s-Flower-Dictionary

It provides us with awesome tidbits like gladiolus mean "You pierce my heart" and yellow roses stand for "infidelity"... There are some positive meanings in there too but I loved those two in particular.

The Society of American Florists is also a great resource for flower meanings.
Alstroemeriaaspiring
Amaryllisdramatic
Anemonefragile
Apple Blossompromis
Astercontentment
Azaleaabundance
Baby's Breathfestivity
Bachelor Buttonanticipation
Begoniadeep thoughts
Black-Eyed Susanencouragement
Camelliagraciousness
Carnation
pinkgratitude
redflashy
stripedrefusal
whiteremembrance
yellowcheerful
Chrysanthemum
bronzeexcitement
whitetruth
redsharing
yellowsecret admirer
Cosmospeaceful
Crocusforesight
Daffodilchivalry
Delphiniumboldness
Daisyinnocence
Freesiaspirited
Forget-Me-Notremember me forever
Gardeniajoy
Geraniumcomfort
Gingerproud
Gladiolusstrength of character
Heathersolitude
Hibiscusdelicate beauty
Hollydomestic happiness
Hyacinthsincerity
Hydrangeaperseverance
Irisinspiration
Ivyfidelity
Jasminegrace and elegance
Larkspurbeautiful spirit
Lavenderdistrust
Lilacfirst love
Lily
Callaregal
Casablancacelebration
Dayenthusiasm
Stargazerambition
Lisianthuscalming
Magnoliadignity
Marigolddesire for riches
Nasturtiumpatriotism
Orange Blossomfertility
Orchiddelicate beauty
Pansyloving thoughts
Passion flowerpassion
Peonyhealing
Poppyconsolation
Queen Anne's Lacedelicate femininity
Ranunculusradiant
Rhododendronbeware
Rose
pinkfriendship
redpassionate love
red & whiteunity
whitepurity
yellowzealous
Snapdragonpresumptuous
Star of Bethlehemhope
Stephanotisgood luck
Staticesuccess
Sunfloweradoration
Sweetpeashyness
Tuberosepleasure
Tulip
pinkcaring
purpleroyalty
reddeclaration of love
whiteforgiveness
yellowhopelessly in love
Violetfaithfulness
Wisteriasteadfast
Yarrowgood health
Zinniathoughts of friends

I have decided that if I had my wedding to do over again (which hopefully I won't!) that I would want to choose flowers for my bouquet that conveyed a special meaning. I went back to my own bridal bouquet recipe and here is what I came up with (using victoria's flower dictionary):
White roses- A heart unacquainted with love... hmmm? 
Craspedia- Edgy OR Good Health... lets go with good health on this one
Dusty Miller- Delicate, Happy ... better...
Stock- You will always be beautiful to me... perfect!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

10 Beautifully Blossoming Spring Centerpieces


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Your Valentine's Day Headquarters!

We are getting geared up again for Valentine's Day this year! This year we are soooo excited to offer unique and creative valentine's day gift ideas.

We saw this ADORABLE arrangement in February's Martha Stewart and thought "I can't do that!"
So we are doing it! We are offering a similar bouquet to this one, in a birch bark vase with personalization for $100


This year, we decided to do something else new and ordered a few boxed of David Austin's garden roses. Now, most of our Valentine's day customers love the classic red "freedom" rose, but if you love peonies then these Garden Roses are for you! Their HUGE heads are fragrant and in full bloom they are just spectacular!


For $90/dozen we are offering the garden roses arranged in a vase with greenery and filler. 

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Wedding General Info!


Hi folks! We got a lot of calls regarding general info about booking wedding flowers by The Flower Pot so I thought I would post some general information and pricing guidelines here. Please keep in mind that all weddings are different- don't feel like any of this is set in stone. Its just a little information to get you started on planning your magical day!

Bride's Bouquet

The bridal bouquet is one of the most important elements of the bride's attire, and deserves special attention. There are many colors, scents, sizes, shapes and styles of bouquets to choose from. The most popular style today is the hand-tied bouquet, although cascading and free form styles are also common. The traditional bridal bouquet is composed of white flowers. Stephanotis, gardenias, white roses, lilies of the valley and orchids are popular choices when creating an all-white bouquet. If you prefer a colorful bouquet, you may want to also consider using colored roses, tulips, stock, freesia, lisianthus and gerbera daises, which all come in a variety of colors.


Price Range: $95-$500 
Average Price: $150-$180

Bride's Toss Bouquet

You may want to consider having a smaller, less expensive bouquet specifically for tossing.


Average Price $40

Bridesmaid's Bouquet

The bridesmaids' bouquets should compliment the bridal bouquet and are usually smaller in size. Size and color should coordinate with the bridesmaids' dresses and overall style of the wedding. While bridesmaids' bouquets are usually identical, you may want to choose different flowers/colors/styles for each of your bridesmaids.

Price Range: $55-$125 Average Price: $85

Maid/Matron of Honor's Bouquet

The maid of honor's bouquet can be as similar or as different to the other bridesmaids' bouquets as you wish. Many brides choose to make the maid of honor's bouquet somewhat larger or a different color than the other bridesmaids' bouquet.


Price Range: $55-$125 Average Price: $85

Corsages (Mothers, Grandmothers, etc.)

Corsages don't have to be identical, but like the bridesmaids' bouquets, should coordinate with the dresses and overall style of the wedding. Gardenias, orchids, and roses are excellent choices for corsages, as their availability in a wide range of colors allows each corsage to compliment any outfit. Corsages can be pin on, magnets or wrist corsages. Some mother's also prefer to carry a small posy of flowers as opposed to something wear.

Average Price Corsages: $25 Posy: $35 - $55

Boutonnieres (Groom, Groomsmen, Fathers, Grandfathers, etc.)

Boutonnieres are generally just a few blossoms such as an orchid, rose, stephanotis or freesia.


Average Price: $15.00

Ceremony Main Altar

The purpose of flowers at the main altar is to direct the guests' visual attention toward the front of the ceremony space. Therefore, this arrangement must be large enough and tall enough to be seen by guests seated towards the back. Since each ceremony is different, these flowers can be as elaborate or simple as your style dictates.

Price Range: $95-$750 each


Average Price: $95-$250 each


Free Standing Arch with seasonal flowers $450 - $1000

Chuppa $500 - $1,200

Aisle Pew Markers

Flowers, candles, and ribbons are often used to mark the front aisle pews and to add color to the ceremony site. A cluster of flowers, a cascade of greens, or a bundle of flowers and ribbons are all popular choices.


Average Price (Greens and Ribbon): $10 each

Average Price (Flowers, Greens, and Ribbon): $25-$50 each


Centerpieces

Table centerpieces should compliment the flowers in the reception space. The centerpieces should also work with the linens and table settings you have chosen. It is important to keep centerpieces low enough so your guests can easily converse with each other. If you want a more dramatic, tall centerpiece, a raised floral arrangement that begins above eye level is a better option. If budget is a factor, alternating high and low centerpieces is a cost-effective way to add impact to your event.


Price Range: $50-$300
Average Price: $75-$175

Buffet Table/Cocktail Tables

If buffet tables are used, a floral arrangement will add beauty and color to the food display. Depending on the size of your buffet, you may want several arrangements across the table that uses the same floral scheme as your centerpieces. Likewise, if you will be utilizing cocktail tables, they can be decorated with petite arrangements using the same floral scheme as your buffet tables and centerpieces.


Buffet Table Price Range: $175-$750


Buffet Table Average Price: $400


Cocktail Table Price Range: $15-$50


Cocktail Table Average Price: $25

Wedding Cake

Fresh flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding cake. We can work your flower scheme into cake decorations.


Price Range: $40-$200


Average Price $65
Reserving Our Services

To confirm our services we require 50% of your proposal estimate non-refundable deposit. This deposit is credited toward your balance and will allow you to make any necessary changes to the proposal. The balance is due 14 days prior at which point we will place your floral order with our growers.

We take great pride in the quality of our work and the detail and attention dedicated to each event, this is why we only accept a limited number of events to ensure we achieve our standards. Please contact us at 865-522-4825 to check date availability and to set up a consultation with one of our designers. This consultation allows you to plan your wedding flowers in detail with the help of your wedding designer. You will also be provided with a detailed pricing proposal for your flowers. We look forward to beginning the planning process with you!