Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Foggy Day with Mr. LC



Mr. Lettered Cottage here!

I wanted to take a minute to show you a project I worked on today while Layla designed the day away in her office.

A while back, while visiting our favorite local local flea market, we picked up three chairs and an antique table to use in our Dining Room. It actually came with a fourth chair too, but it was the only one that had arms, so we aren't going to use it in this room.

In an attempt to seat all eight of us Palmers around the table, we're using our beer garden bench on one side, and the three chairs that came with the table on the other.

At the head and foot of the table we're going to use what Layla calls "captains chairs".
I'm not sure exactly what captains chairs look like, but knowing my bride, they're nothing short of spectacular.

We decided to paint the three chairs that came with the table a color called "Foggy Day" (Sherwin Williams 6235). So I went to the store and bought a $5.00 sample pot of the stuff. It's much less expensive to buy paint this way if you're working on small project. It took less than half a pot to do all three of the chairs.

This is how the chairs looked when we bought them:



The pink, patterned fabric that someone had previously covered the seats didn't really coordinate with the color palette we've got going here at TLC.



After removing the screws that held the seats on, they look like this:



We had some leftover burlap, so Layla gave me a quick lesson on re-covering chair seats over lunch, and I successfully recovered all three seats while the paint dried on the chairs.



We're also going to use some tie-on seat cushions on them, for a little extra "cush for the tush".

Tomorrow, I'll coat them with polyurethane and screw the seats back on.



But before they get sealed, we'd like you to help us make one last decision.
We'd like to paint a small number on the front of each of them, in the center, up at the top of the chair back.

So our question is, should we paint the numbers:

- 1,2,3

OR

- 1,4,3 (I've signed all my letters to Layla with "143" since we first met. It's my code for "I Love You". Each number symbolizes how many letters are in each word.)

If you'd like to vote, please choose your answer on the poll located in the sidebar of our blog.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Kevin

149 comments:

Anonymous said...

Definitely 1,4,3...will bring a smile to you both and will also bring queries from guests-another chance to tell of love (or not!)

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story. Definately 1, 4, 3.

Lj82 said...

Definitely 1, 4, 3... What a great conversation starter and absolutely adorable. :)

Judy said...

I'm going with the majority of "voters" and say 1,4,3 b/c it means something special to you two and will be a conversation piece (so to speak)....when people ask why "1,4,3" you can tell them of your love for your sweet bride!

Hugs!
Judy

Anne said...

1,4,3.

You guys are too cute.

Angie said...

Of course 1,4,3!
Love the color of those chairs! I just bought four chair to refinish and this post makes me want to get started NOW. Can't wait to see them finished!

Bluebird said...

of course it should be 1,4,3!

Anonymous said...

143 :) cute storY!

Jersey Girl said...

I also voted for 1, 4, 3. Not only will it serve as a reminder to each of you but during those crowded holiday festivities you can initiate new members of your clan by having them search for the "missing" chair! I know I am bad.

Another option is E A T or K & L

Can't wait to see the finished product!

By the way, Mr Palmer, you did a wonderful job blogging!

Rosie said...

1, 4, 3, For sure!

A sweet little reminder of each other, just there in the dining room...perfect!

Lindsay said...

oh goodness,are you seriously debating over this!? 1.4.3!

Autum said...

Definitely 1,4,3! I recently painted some thrift store chairs and stenciled numbers on the back, 1-4. My granddaughter's chair got 0.5 on the back.

southerninspiration said...

Are you seriously asking a bunch of women which numbers you should use when you tell us what the meaning of 143 really IS?????? :)
Of course, it should be 143......aww....how sweet. It is gonna look fantastic!

Suzanne

Cheryl said...

Mr. L.C. it was nice to see a post from you today.
The chairs are looking lovely and looks like you did a wonderful job on the seatcovers.
I say "143" for the chairs. Only because it has meaning to you and also cause it's so darn cute. Love the story behind it.

Annette said...

Definitely 1,4,3. That's is to sweet and very original:)

Karen said...

I also vote 1/4/3 and think it's just a lovely code you created for that girl you married. You're a pretty nice hubby to be painting and blogging and asking our opinion. You get my vote for Wonderful Husband of the Week!

Bev said...

I love the story... 1,4,3

susie harris said...

143....yall are too dog gone cute!

Christi said...

great minds think alike ... i have a project in the works with 1, 4, 3 for the same reason!

joanbayonne said...

Definitely 1,4,3. Could you write on the bench - "too!" For I love you too!

karlene said...

most assuredly, 1, 4, 3 good idea!!

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

Beautiful chair color - it's going to look great with the burlap!

I voted 1 4 3 :)

Kim said...

What a great team you both make! Thanks for sharing your tutorial today. I have a table and chairs in my storage shed that I need to get to. What great inspiration to get me going!

Melissa Marie Head said...

1, 4, 3 without a doubt! That is adorable.

The Writer Chic said...

Seriously? When you have such a sweet and unique story behind 143, why would you even consider 123? It's so pedestrian, and you guys are anything but! Love the chairs!

Nancy said...

I LOVE that your husband is into helping you and your projects! And you have to paint them 1,4,3, that will bring some fabulous conversations to your dinner parties!

Melissa Miller said...

1,4,3!! Very cute idea and chairs! ;)

Crystal said...

143 fo sho

Chris said...

Hi Kevin! You don't really know this, but you and I are good friends! I know all kinds of things about you from Layla! :) As for the numbers, it's a no brainer. Definitely 143. Think of all the conversations you could have with your guests over it. Think of all the times you would think about the meaning behind it everytime you look at it. And if I know anything about you two, meaning MEANS something to you. Either way...it's a great idea!

{andthisiswhatshesaid} said...

1, 4, 3 cause its so cute and you guys will always remember why!

Alyssa said...

1,4,3 of course! How could you not...that is too sweet!

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

Great chairs!

1, 4, 3 is the way to go!!

Cindy said...

1,4,3 is just great. As long as you number the captains chairs 2 and 5.

gracefulvintage said...

Can't be anything else than 1,4,3!!!!

EC said...

1,4,3 of course!

Good post!

jennypilgrim said...

Oh I vote for 1,4,3. That is one of the sweetest stories I have ever heard!

Funky Junk Interiors said...

EVERYONE does 1 2 3. Personally, I like random numbers of anything but. 1 4 3 falls along those lines. Makes things original around the homestead.

My mom recently asked why I had a rusty number 5 above my kitchen windows. Makes for some interesting conversation. :)

Loving the burlap idea!

Donna

Love the Decor! said...

Definatly 1,4,3 People will always ask about it and then you can share your wonderful story :)

Lisa said...

There really is no question, it has to be 143.

Beautiful chairs, beautiful meaning.

The Green Pea said...

Great work on the chairs, they are so nice. Definitely 1,4,3...
I love the little story behind it.
Sandi

Le said...

143...great story to tell your kids one day when they realize the numbers on the chairs.

BlueCastle said...

Oh, you HAVE to do 1, 4, 3. That's perfect.

Amy Kinser said...

It has to be 1, 4, 3. How sweet that would be.

Amy

Jack said...

No doubt about it, 1-4-3!!! You can make people guess what it means and repeat it somewhere in the guest bathroom too!

Donna said...

well of course 1, 4, 3..... you two are just too darling.

Dottie said...

Love the color!! 1,4,3 of course, it has meaning which is something that will always keep you two thinking and people talking. Nice work!

Isabel Z said...

I just voted and I went with 1,4,3 b/c of the sentimental meaning behind the numbers. You two are so sweet--you remind me of my husband and me. The little things that keep the romance going especially as long as we've been married. Love and laughter to both of you.

Unknown said...

You two kids are just the cutest! I vote for 1 4 3. Not only is it a great conversation starter it tells your guests that you love that they're gracing your table...by the way Mr. LC, what is the name of your band? I absolutely love your blog guys! You inspire more than you know.

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Love the chairs!! By all means, go with 1, 4, 3. That means so much to both of you. That color blue is so pretty. Love & blessings from NC!

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Awwww...I thought I was the one who made up 1-4-3 for I love you. haha Back in the day of pagers, that was my code for my boyfriend. Anyway, I think you should use 1-4-3 on the chairs. Very sweet.

Sarah said...

Absolutely 1, 4, 3 because it has meaning with you both. They look wonderful! Great job! You two sound so sweet!

pam said...

No question, 1,4,3! How romantic and sweet!

Nori said...

How fun that you posted today! Great hearing from you and I can already see that those chairs will be fabulous!

CountryCouture said...

Loved this post. I guess y'all dated back when everyone wore beepers too! The inside of my husband's wedding ring is engraved "143" and mine is engraved "1432." I think y'all should definitely do the 143. Can't wait to see the finished product! 143269911!!! haha

Denise said...

I agree with everyone else - 1~4~3

Enjoyed the video of the headboard conversion to the bench!! Great job.

Tammy said...

I look foward to T.L.C.'s blog reading every day. It gives me the creative boost I need to get through the day. Kevin you ROCK in more than one way-te hee. You can keep on blogging and we'll keep on a reading away.

Amber said...

This is a little different. Use 1, 2, 3 on the chairs but on her chair, put 1, 4, 3 somewhere, maybe big, maybe small, maybe the arm, maybe a pillow.

Megan @ Megity's Handmade said...

Did "1,2,3" ever have chance to compete with "1,4,3"? You already know the answer. Great job with the chairs!

picknstitch said...

Of course 143, but I also have a question. How do you make one sample jar last for 3 chairs? Honestly, for me, just one dip of the brush in the jar soaks up most of the paint. How do you do it?

Pokey said...

that's a no-brainer, we go for the love story every time!! pokey

jen said...

for sure 1,4,3,!! Can't wait to see the finished project!

Kimberly said...

1,4,3 of course!

Lauren1964 said...

Hi-

I think it would be much more special using the numbers 1-4-3, because of the memories tied to it.

One question...do you find using a satin or flat paint with a polyurethane coat the best treatment for furniture?

Thanks,
Lauren

Laura said...

No question about it- 1,4,3

Unknown said...

Mmm, well to be honest, if you hadnt told the world what those numbers mean to you, I would have said to keep them between you,as something special.
Some things should be kept just for you and Layla!!
So Im going with 1,2,3, and maybe something for the bench seat!
Sorry to be different!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

You guys kill me! As if it wouldn't be '1,4,3'. Bloggers are romantics too!

Robyn said...

Great revamp of those chairs! DEFINATELY 1,4,3! I've fallen in love with that since I first read about it on here a while back! oh, and I like your hair cut! LOL

Kristie @ Comfy Cozy said...

It has to be 1,4,3! That is the sweetest story!

And the chairs look great already...can't wait to see them put back together.

Mrs. Foot said...

Definitely 1,4,3!

And it has nothing to do with the fact that my hubby and I say the same thing :)

Anonymous said...

Gosh...just when I thought you two couldn't get any cuter, you did! !,4,3--love it. You're such a guy. :)

duchess said...

No question - 1,4,3!
Y'all are so sweet.
Can't wait to see them all finished.

Colleen said...

how sweet is he ... definitely 1 4 and 3

vintage girl at heart said...

143!!!! What a wonderful couple you two are!!!

susan said...

This is great! 1,4,3...no question! Lots of folks will be stealing this idea. I am going to start texting those numbers to my kids!!---No embarassing "mom moment" :)

The Starr Family said...

Goes without saying. 1 4 3

Cindy said...

Hello Mr. TLC: Great post! Love the paint color and the burlap seat. Can't wait to see the finished chairs with 1, 4, 3!! Cindy

Aimee said...

Without a doubt, 1,4,3

Candace said...

Umm, 1,4,3 FOR SURE! No way around that one, mister!

dedeetsyshop said...

That is such a great idea! My husband and I do the same thing!!! When I read it, I was like "What!?, we do that too!"

Maclaine said...

Can't believe 123 was even up for discussion lol

Unknown said...

I think I'm in the majority when I say 1, 4 & 3. What a great story to tell all of your guests when they come over for dinner! As long as they actually ask about the numbers instead of keeping quiet because they think you just can't count... :)

June said...

Definitely 1,4,3! I can't wait to see the chairs and table!

paperjunk-lc said...

Got to be 1, 4, 3

Samantha said...

LOL! When I read your 1/4/3 story, I thought, "Well, duh...go with the romantic option!" :-) I just voted and it looks like there are a lot of romantics reading your blog. I love it!

Nancy said...

You are the sweetest!!!! it has to be 1, 4, 3

Anna said...

1,4,3 as those numbers have sentimental value.

Too Cute!

Wendy said...

I love the idea of painting them with 1,4,3! Just be prepared to explain to EVERYBODY why the 2 is missing. Of course, it's a great story, so it's worth telling.

I have numbered dining chairs in my kitchen (as well as numbered bar stools - and just about numbered everything else - even some 1, 4, 3 things myself) and I've had to explain to people why I numbered them in the first place. *obviously these are not people who are THAT into design - ha!*

Katie said...

I have always loved the code 143 and think that is the clear choice, especially because it is a sentimental thing between the two of you.

Anonymous said...

Seriously?! Someone chose the 1,2,3? How could they after that sweet story?

Simply Dandy said...

It's no wonder people adore you guys....definitely 1, 4, 3. The chair colors are perfect for TLC.

LeAnn:)

Kathy said...

Absolutely 1, 4, 3. How great is that! You two are so cute. My handy man and I have codes too. Ain't love sweet?!!
Love the color and shape of the chairs. Great job.

The Stivender Family said...

1, 4, 3. it means so much more and will be a great conversation starter!!

Anonymous said...

I couldn't find a poll, so I think 1 4 3 is the greatest. Very cute
deezie

Anonymous said...

You two are Too Stinkin' cute. Love the 1 4 3

Anonymous said...

Oh, go for 1, 4, 3! 1,2,3 is boring and overused! 1,4,3 is personal and unique to you all! Great job on those chairs and I love the color!

VA said...

MUST be 143 - that is your thing and makes it so much more personal.

Six in One Hand said...

Most definitely 1-4-3.!!!

What a sweet notion.

Cute Beams said...

143! That is the winner. It makes it so personal. Love the message behind the story.

Anonymous said...

1♥4♥3!!!!!

Of course....

Andrea said...

{143} for sure!!!

Nina Diane said...

~ 143 of course!

Anonymous said...

The chairs came out great !!!

143 I remember that code from way back in the pager/beeper days.... I remember 43 too YIKES

I voted for 143

Kathy :)

Ryan said...

I used to page my ex with 143 for the very same reason.

Cindy Logan said...

1 4 3

G said...

I agree with Sue: 1,2,3 for the world - 1,4,3 is just for the two of you.

christy said...

WOW, 100 comments!

Totally 1, 4, 3, no question! Everyone is going to ask.wonder what happened to #2, and that will make it even better when you tell them why. Love it!

reena. said...

1,4,3

DEFINITELY! :)

Tina Schiefer said...

My vote is for 1.2.3 - just to be different or is it to be the same? Or different?

Oh heck - now I'm confused!!!

I actually vote 1.4.3! With the bench being "2" - as in "too" or seats "two".

Love the post and all the comments!!!!

A fun time had by all at TLC!!!!!

denise @ little ant design said...

I've been wanting to number our chairs too. And of course you should go with 1,4,3.

W said...

143! so sweet!

Anonymous said...

143 definitely! Layla is a very lucky girl to have such a romantic husband. You haven't done too badly yourself. You are both just too too cute.

Anonymous said...

143 You two are just too cute! Lucky couple.

The Tattered Cottage said...

143 definitely :)

BUIS LIFE... said...

Ooohh...definitely 1,4,3. It has meaning. It's funny that you write that. My hubby & I use the number 3 to say "I Love You" (by holding up 3 fingers as one of us is driving away or across a large room from one another). It's great:D

Gloria Fox said...

I think its unanimous....1,4,3!!!

Marie said...

Hello Kevin - what a fabulous chair make-over! And you learned how to re-cover the cushions over lunch? Oh my. Although it is Layla we're talking about so I'm sure she's a great teacher. Love the color you chose for the wood. And since I'm a hopeless romantic at heart, I would definitely vote for 1,4,3. How sweet is that!

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

{darlene} said...

oh, totally 143. tell your stories!!

Pauline Wiles said...

Just a few more comments needed, and you'll have 143 votes for 143 :)

Rae said...

Looks like 1,4,3 is winning hands down! That's my vote! Fun Idea!!

Anonymous said...

Hands down 1,4,3

8 said...

of course 1,4,3~

Laura said...

DEFINITELY 1,4,3. So romantic!

Geo said...

Adorable. I guess it's unanimous. I'm not feeling a number or 'too' on the bench though. I love the color of the chairs and what a great tip about using the sample pots. Mr. LC, did you get a haircut? I like.

Anonymous said...

What about TLC instead?

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

143 for sure!!!!!

Lisa Marie said...

I vote for 143 and how freaking sweet are you...I 143 143 143 that... what an awesome and cute thing for you two to remember, I again 143 IT...

Anonymous said...

1 4 3

Katy said...

DUH! Mr. LC, very nice and sweet story...but COME on, WHAT PUTZ would vote for 1,2 and 3 with a story like that.
If you DON't put 1, 4, 3 on the chairs I think a bunch of women will come rushing to your house and take you down.
1-4-3 it shall be, no other option shall be permitted.

On a much lighter note:
Love the color of the chairs!

Fenima said...

Like most voters, I vote for 1 4 3.
Fun project and great job as always.

Anonymous said...

1,4,3
Love it.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the others 143. At first I would have said 123 but the story that goes with that makes it the winner I think. jennifer

Anonymous said...

Absolutely - 1, 4. 3 -

Rebecca said...

143

Little Lovables said...

they are going to be great, I love the color!

def 143

this reminds me of an episode of Designing Women where one of them made burlap covered stools for a company. Only later, did they find out it was for a nudist colony and it was too itchy for the guests!

random, but funny :)

Live a Colorful Life said...

Absolutely definitely 1, 4, 3.

thevintagecupboard said...

Hi Kevin
Great job on the chairs, I like the grey blue color. Burlap is a nice texture but not to comfy for sure. I think the number 1-4-3 is sweet and sentimental, you should definately do that. I have noticed the trend lately in decorating with numbers and I have to admit that I don't really get it. Do you know how this trend got started? I'm just curious.

Anonymous said...

1, 4, 3 but save the 2 (as in too) for a high chair!

and promise if you ever have an argument not to take it out on # 4 chair.

Kelleigh said...

Uh, yeah. 1, 4, 3! Of course!

Anonymous said...

Hubby sends me 143 as well, it's even inscribed on our wedding rings. I vote for those : )

~Brighton

Unknown said...

Oh my, DEFINITELY 1-4-3, how romantic!

Eloise said...

Absolutely 1,4 3.

But!

Think of this. To get the conversation going even more, what about I, IV, III? Roman numerals!!!

Mary Frances said...

Dood!
Are you serious????!!! Of course 1,4,3!!! I, however, would paint/stencil the numbers on the chair backs so they can be seen even with the chairs tucked in or when being occupied....I love that you have special meanings attached to ordinary things. Our special numbers are 786. When we named our children (a boy and a girl born two years apart) we realized that without intention both of their names have exactly 7 letters in their first names, eight letters in their middle names and, of course six letters in their (our) last name. When we come across these numbers for any reason, we always smile and say the kids are thinking of us!! The kids are now 23 and 25. :)
Mary Frances

Sarah said...

That is such a cute story! Can't wait to see the final outcome. =]

Pony Girl said...

I have a question, did you put any cushion under the burlap before you stapled it on, or is it just wood underneath? I've never recovered chairs either. I love the paint color! Of course, I can see the overwhelming vote was for 1,4,3, which was my choice, too! ;)

Rebecca said...

1,4,3 for sure! The polls are closed now, but i wanted to let you know that i love that story that would be behind the numbers.

The chair look awesome, and i can't wait to see the finished product.

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

I can't believe that you painted 3 chairs with one paint sample pot! I love those samples and whenever there is a coupon, I grab something! Thanks for the info and 1,4,3 for sure.
Love your story and MaryFrances'story, too!
~Nancy

Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs said...

I know this comment is late, but my internet has been really slow, and I couldn't comment before...anyways, I love the idea of having 1,4,3 on the chairs...how sweet! It's wonderful to see a couple so in love! Blessings!

p.s.original said...

Love this project. You and Layla are a match made in heaven. My vote is 1-4-3, definitely.

Anonymous said...

Wow, and here I thought that me and my sweetie were the only ones who used "143" to say I love you. We have been married for 23 years and together for 25...and to be honest I don't even remember how or why we started doing that, but it is also our special secret so my vote is 1,4,3!!!