Tuesday, August 14, 2012

DIY window seat cushion

The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of heavy lifting, vigorous cleaning, some stressful tears and many "is this really my life?" moments. Moving from a one bedroom condo to a four bedroom house has its challenges (a.k.a. living like a minimalist because you dried up your decorating budget faster than you can blink) but it is very rewarding to see the rooms come together slowly but surely. 

 

My Mum and sister visited us from Nova Scotia for a few days last week and I put them to work assembling patio furniture, shopping for china and helping with craft projects.  Since I was a child I've wanted a window seat so my new bay windows provided the perfect opportunity.  My Mum (ever the patient artist) and I (ok, mostly my Mum, I wasn't much help) created DIY window seats for my living room that are oh so comfy chic!

You will need:
-window large enough to sit comfortably on
-foam (we used 2 inch high density foam which holds your weight better and costs about $48/meter)
-non-serrated knife
-cardboard and tape (we used duct tape simply because I couldn't remember where I packed the other types!)
-fabric of your choosing (I bought mine at Ikea for $6/meter)
-hot glue gun or staple gun (we used the former, better if you're accident prone like me!)
-craft scissors
-iron & ironing board

Step 1: Cut a piece of cardboard to fit the window with a bit extra in case of error. If using multiple pieces, secure with tape to prevent sliding out of shape. 

Step 2: Lay your piece of cut cardboard on top of the foam as a template and use your non-serrated knife (creates a straighter line than serrated) to cut through the foam.  High density foam is thicker than regular foam and so you really need to use those muscles! You may notice the piece of cut foam above is a bit jagged, simply use a pair of craft scissors to trim off the extra.

Step 3: Pull the freshly ironed fabric taut over the foam and glue or staple gun to the back side.  If you want to add extra embellishments like buttons, ribbon or lace, now is the time to do it.  If using hot glue, allow the gun adequate time to heat up so it is more pliable.  

Step 4: Add decorative cushions to your window seat nook and prepare to spend many sunny afternoons lounging there with your favourite book. Don't worry if the fabric gets wrinkly or bunches a bit as you sit, it adds character just like linen pants!

I look forward to making another window seat cushion for my office/craft room using brightly coloured rainbow fabric!

(On a fashion related note it's monochromatic day over at Everybody Everywear.  I don't have outfit photos to share because I can't find my camera battery charger in the moving boxes so instead here is a peek at my fave blue monochromatic ensemble).

19 comments:

  1. So lovely. I would love to have a window seat. You look just darling sitting there reading.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this so much Emily. I was just thinking yesterday that I need a big cushion for my cats to sit up on the window sill. I am going to do this, thank you so much for posting. You look absolutely angelic. Miss you girl. dawn suitcase vignettes xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congrats on a successful move! I have always wanted a window seat like this. Great job :) Heather

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is darling! Nothing better than dressing up the new house on a budget. The window cushion is a great touch. Congratulations on getting through the move!

    Callie
    www.coffeeandcardigans.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. LOVE IT. I've always wanted a bench like that in a bay window! Congrats on the new home! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I wish I was more of a DIY person. I'm so stupid when it comes to being crafty. I think I am slowly improving, though!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

    ReplyDelete
  7. emily, you look so lovely in light of the window, on your handmade by you & your mum cushion! glad you're hanging in there. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great window seat and such an easy DIY

    ReplyDelete
  9. Excellent! We made a tufted bench last year, because I'm obsessed with all things tufted. I wish we had more windows like this! :) Great job! xo

    ReplyDelete
  10. very nice! love a good window seat and in fact just did one for son1's room now that he is gone again.
    remember you don't have to do everything at once and that there is always something to be done no matter how much you have already done!!
    can't wait to see more pics of the new digs
    brett

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congrats on this lovely new home. And how lucky for your neighbors to get to see your loveliness in the window sitting on that cushion all the time.

    xo,
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great DIY, what a nice place to read !

    ReplyDelete
  13. That is so awesome!!! I love that last pic of you sitting in the bay window. Gorgeous. Ohhh, a house takes time to put together. Don't rush it. Enjoy each treasure you put into it.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. honestly, this is so cool! it's like from some cute movie or something like that. and if I had windows like the ones here then I would LOVE to make the DIY but unfortunately there aren't any in my house..

    Maiken,
    Maikeni blogi - part of me

    ReplyDelete
  15. It looks AMAZING! You and your mom are super talented! I can only wish that we have a little reading nook like this when we finally move!

    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

    ReplyDelete
  16. You did that by yourself?

    That is so impressive Em! Congratulations to you and Maher on your new beautiful house!
     
    oxo,
     
    ML
    TWENTY YORK STREET
    Follow @20YS on Twitter : @20YS
    Follow @20YS on Facebook: TWENTY YORK STREET
    Recent post: http://www.twentyyork.com/2012/08/mercedes-benz-startup-ottawa-edition.html

    ReplyDelete
  17. It's lovely! You look fabulous! And congratulations for the house! It looks amazing from what I could see (the outside looks so sweet!)
    I also always wanted something like you did now (and your mom!), but I live in an apartment, and the windows are "flat". But I put many cushions next to some windows, I need cushions on the floor everywhere I go!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love the idea of a window seat too! Your craft really transformed this little nook. You choose a great mix of fabrics between the cushion, pillows and curtains.

    If I was making a window seat I'd definitely need some buttons on the bottom - so I could remove and wash the fabric on which I'd inevitably spill something! lol

    ReplyDelete

One of my daily joys is reading the lovely comments you leave. It may take a day or two (or three, depending on how hectic life gets!) but I will stop by your slice of the blogosphere soon! xo Emily