travel Archives - Slipcovers by Shelley

Dark denim sectional

May 3, 2017 by Shelley

My client had a great sized little sectional that needed some sprucing up. She wanted a dark denim sectional with “jean topstitching”.

BEFORE—

AFTER! I love the pop of color in the room. It adds so much.

There’s a thread that’s actually called “Jeans Topstitching” by Coats and Clark. Dual Duty plus. It’s a TON thicker than normal thread, so your stitching will actually stay on the top of the fabric and show more.

Side Notes–

My oldest son went to his first Prom a few weeks ago, I made him a bow tie and matching wrist corsage to give to his date out of my scrap ribbon and linen. I love that he’ll let me be a part of it, and I can be creative and make girly stuff.

2. We took the kids to Costa Rica last month. It was an adventure! We drove to Las Vegas to catch flights since they were half as much as from SLC, and we all know I’m frugal…so there you go. Plus we were hoping Logan was going to qualify for a race in Arcadia, the day after we got back to Vegas. Which he did! So we drove the rest of the way to California, so he could race. He got 9:22 on the 2mile race! Then we drove 10 hrs home the day after the race.

Traveling with big kids is so much more enjoyable than when they were little! We got to sleep in, read books, swim in the ocean at the same time–instead of momma staying on the shore holding the baby. I’m really cherishing phase 2! When did they get so big?! Two out of the 3 are taller than me now.

Sitting room slipcovers

March 3, 2017 by Shelley

My client wanted new sitting room slipcovers for her master suite area. She had a darling shaped loveseat and a wingback to work with. She chose a white denim for the loveseat and a blue/white print for the chair.

Chair-BEFORE—sturdy and great lines, but she wanted to update the colors.

Chair–AFTER! There was quite a bit of matching, but it turned out beautiful! IF you need tips on how to match painlessly and efficiently check out my “Get it Covered” Advanced Slipcover guide. Use code APPRECIATION for 30% off.

Loveseat–BEFORE- with the back exposed to the room, she didn’t want the slipcover to ride up and shift and show the green fabric underneath. I installed velcro under the arms and the upper outside back to help keep it in place.

Loveseat–AFTER!! She decided to switch it up and drop a skirt to the floor and had me make a set of arm pads to keep the arms protected.

Side Notes- I realize my blogging is getting less and less! I do post every few days on my instagram account @slipcovershelley. Follow me there if you want more updates, and mid project photos.

Every January we go on a couples trip to someplace warm with a beach. This year we headed to Maui. Four other couples joined us, it was AMAZING! It was 85 degrees and the sunset swims at the beach were my favorite. I booked us a few condos and minivan rentals and we used points to book our flights, and cooked at the condos.

2. Since I paid off our BYU condo rental last summer, I’ve been saving up to buy another condo rental. We just went under contract this week! It’s definitely not as scary this time. I’ve been obsessing about buying a second one for the past 2 years. I’m clearing up some head space by just doing it already! My plan is to pay it off in 2.5 years. I’ll be applying rents from both condos and my income to pay it off asap, so then it’ll be cashflow after it’s paid for.

My biggest tip for getting ahead if you are a two income family–live off one income and save the other (invest, pay off debt, save). My husband is a fireman and for the most part we live off his income, and mine has been used to pay off our house, cabin, cars, and condo rental.

3. I’ve been obsessed with learning about retirement stuff. It’s our next phase that I need to plan for. Over the past year I’ve been listening to a few podcasts about it. I was so confused how much we even needed. Here’s what I’ve learned…

a) Yearly spending at retirement age x 25= how much you need to retire. Then once you retire withdraw 4% per year to live on. That’s a safe withdrawl amount that your lump sum will never disappear. Basically that 4% is the interest. So let’s say I think we will be spending $3,000/ month after the boys have left home and we no longer need to feed them 3 dinners per night, that’s $36,000/yr. $36,000 x 25= $900,000 is needed to retire.

b) Saving for retirement? Invest into Vanguard Total Index Fund (VTSMX ticker) with a target date retirement–it matches the market and every money podcaster guest that I’ve listened to TALKS ABOUT THIS FUND. It is the LOWEST in fees and it is diversified and matches the market. Don’t try to beat the market and invest in separate stocks–you’ll get eaten alive in fees.

c) We are planning on retiring in 10 years! Heber will have 30 years on as a fireman and will be ready to retire with his pension. I want to supplement that pension with 2-3 condo rentals. That’s the plan for now.

Polka dot wingback

November 4, 2016 by Shelley

I’m booked till January! Please email me to get on my list for January. Thanks!

My client wanted to transform her chair into a polka dot wingback. She chose a great grey and cream barkcloth fabric which shaped all the curves perfectly.

Chair–BEFORE –Cute, but my client wanted to update and freshen things up a bit.

Chair–AFTER! 4″ box pleat skirt along the bottom to finish it off.

Wingbacks can be tricky with the tuckins on the inside wings. This fabric bent and shaped well, so it went great.

IF you want tips on wingbacks or doing a box pleat skirt. Check out my Advanced Slipcover Guide. “Get it Covered” offers these tips as well as many more on matching, rounded inside back chairs, different skirts, on site fittings, etc. It’s an instant download.

If you aren’t ready for advanced tips. I also have a “How to Slipcover” DVD that teaches you the basics and walks you through doing a basic rolled arm chair with piping, cushion, and skirt. It’s a great skill to learn to freshen up your home and update your space.

Side notes– I’ve been obsessed and working hard on my camper! Yesterday I finally got to sew the awning out of 20 oz outdoor fabric, while Heber did the hard part and figured out how to install the flag pole brackets. He had to cut open the walls inside and put in extra bracing. 14956061_1509018442457961_5332741991170380631_n We finished right before dark and I was able to set it up and get a pic. I’ve been envisioning this whole awning part for 6 weeks–so it was exciting to see it come together! I couldn’t be happier.

I will be renting out the camper starting next spring for $75/night. You hook it up and take it where you want. NO bathroom. Sleeps 2 adults and 3-4 smaller kids. If you want to get on the reservation calendar before I officially get it set up on Airbnb send me an email. I’ll do an official post with more pics in the next few weeks.