During travels in Canada and abroad I have come across some fun and whimsical art sculptures, chairs & installations which I tried to capture in photos. I often wonder how people come up with some of these ideas, but I do hope they are enjoyed by people who visit. These are some of the pieces that inspired me to come up with the Decorate a Chair project for the Navan Fine Arts show, and especially to involve members of the community. For details on the chair project, visit www.navanarts.com

​If you have any photos you'd like to share, please email me [email protected] 

Short on ideas to do a makeover on your chair? Sometimes getting started is the hardest. The first step is to find an idea or theme. Perhaps one of the following will provide you with inspiration. 

​- Leftover paint in old paint cans, in several colours if possible
- Leftover wallpaper can add interesting textures or patterns
- Use old maps, papers, books that are falling apart to make a collage
- Old photos or recipes can be re-assembled into new pictures
- Toys or games could be incorporated into a games theme
- Clothing no longer worn or old fabrics & linens, potholders, tea towels can dress up a chair
- Could an old suitcase be repurposed into a chair
- Objects, or collection of objects, make interesting patterns, textures or shapes, such as grommets, washer, sewing supplies
- Bottle caps, food labels, food boxes can make an interesting collage
- Any junk you may be throwing away or recycling could make a patchwork quilt
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And of course there are lots of websites to check out too, including Google and Pinterest. 
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With an idea in hand, the next step is to gather the materials and tools needed and to set up a space to work on your chair.

Some like to play music while creating, if you are one of those then turn up the volume and let the music inspire you. Others prefer quiet, with the distraction, giving a strong focus on the task at hand. Do whatever works for you. 

Remember to step back once is a while to see how the chair looks from a distance. Look at it from various angles. Or even come back the next day to get a fresh perspective on how it looks. And most importantly, have fun.