This Easy Method Turns an Old Faux Leather Armchair into an Awesome and Practical Piece of Art 

I am in a flair the past few weeks,an I needed to find ur sight u have put my drive back in gear an yes I live ur papers they are what I was looking for Thank U so very much.Stay well take care.Yes I understand about love an loss my husband 32 yrs passed 13 yrs from lupus he is my light he gave me so much conference in life in death he brings me joy because we made each day count.

Your Dad would be oh so proud of the lovely lady he called his daughter. They're always close to us, in our hearts! Love the chair!!!

To say I can relate is a understatement. I lost my Dad to brain cancer years ago but in so many moments it still feels like yesterday. I was lost for a long time then found my painting again. Creativity has always been my outlet since a childhood. I still miss his laughter and his sweet voice singing proudly on Anzac day. Thankyou for sharing a part of what makes you you. This journey of life is not always easy but I bereave we go threw great sorrow to be able to share and help others with the wisdom we learn in these times. I no longer morn my dads last moment ,I've chosen to celebrate all the moments and wisdom he shared with me in his life. Sending hugs from Oz . You keep doing what your doing your amazing and I'm sure your dad be so proud of the amazing woman his little girl has become ♥

I lost my darling dad 3 years ago and started my business after that. I totally agree that creativity is so important for your mental health. The whole in your heart never goes away it just heals round the edges. I talk to my dad and ask him questions. I talk it through and come to a answer. You were very brave. I still get emotional at times especially talking about him. The chair will be your connection to him. Say hi to him when you look at it, sit in it and think happy thoughts of him and you.. your tribe are a,ways here to support you. Just like Una you are a brave woman.

Thank you, Lel, for sharing that story about losing your dad...

Oh goodness Lel 😢 I had to pause the video. I’m so sorry for your loss. I relate to everything you said about our creativity helping with our grief, I lost my Dad this Christmas and my Mum a few years ago and I’ve put all my emotions into my furniture, it just takes you away to a ‘happier’ place for a while! In grief there is no right or wrong, cry, scream, kick walls but never stop your beautiful creativity! Sending love. Carole x

Thanks so very much for sharing with us. I am truly very fond of both you and Martin. You’re such a truly beautiful people. God bless you ♥️🌹

Last video you've made me laugh, this time you've brought tears..lost my dad over 20 years ago and many time I would create with him in my mind, kinda using him as my force..your chair turned out absolutely beautiful..love the branches above her..ahh it's so hard sometimes to give you a comment because it's a feeling that comes over me seeing your art..anyway..absolutely love it..❤️❤️❤️

The first time I watched one of your videos, the switch was flipped and the lights came on. I totally get your style and know that it is my style. In this video you spoke of your tribe and right then I felt a part of it. I feel I am just a beginner though I have been painting furniture for awhile. I so look forward to your channel subscription. This is so exciting. You and Martin are fabulous. Thank you!

And his premier was a grand premier!

Thank you for sharing your story of you precious dad.

This will be my first year of painting furniture. I wouldn't want to do it without you. Thank you.

12 years now since my father died of cancer. I went back to the States to care for him for six months when he was ill, then dying. He was a B-17 pilot in WWII, stationed in England. He was incredibly creative, there was nothing he couldn't do.I miss him more all the time. I think of things I never told him, things I never said and even more, questions I never asked. I often think about having just one hour with him now. This year, or the tail end of last year, on the 22nd of December, my beautiful, wicked smart, loving desert-bred Arabian horse had to be put down. I'd had him since he was a baby and he would have only been 14 in April. He was the only horse, I'd raised and trained from the ground up, and I know that such a gift will never come again in my life. I think each grief brings along some of another behind it. You'd think it would get easier, like a skill you've practiced for years gets easier, but that has not been my experience. Thank you for telling the story about losing your Dad, your grief, and how it relates to that piece of unfinished furniture with Una and the Lion. It was the piece I asked you about after watching your tutorial on painting and decoupaging chairs. I could only glimpse it in the corner when the camera caught it, but I fell in love with it. Then I found Una and Lion in your decoupage collection. And now you're doing this chair in tribute to your father. I can understand why you burned that other beautiful piece, why you couldn't bear looking at it. For years, I tried to get my father to write a memoir of his time in the war, of being shot down, captured, imprisoned, then having to escape from the Russian liberators. He finally wrote it in his 80's. I have a copy, along with some of his letters, but I don't dare to read them, even after 12 years. Thank you too for telling the story of Una and her friend, the lion, and the courage he gave her. I'm glad you have your lion in Martyn. A wild fox began visiting a couple of months ago to play with one of my cats. Every night I leave out a raw egg and piece of parmigiano or pecorino cheese for her. Sometimes I see her, most often I don't. But the egg and cheese are always gone by morning, so I know she's been there. She's been a great comfort in the midst of my grief. The weather tonight is dreadful, bone deep cold, with rain and sleet. I left the cantina door propped often for her. Foxes hate being wet. I hope she's in there, sleeping in the wood pile. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your prodigious talent and creativity, for your artistry, your dismissal of perfection, your bravery in painting, your sense of humor and your wild nature. And your beautiful Scottish burr. ❤💔😘 I am stunned to learn that you have grandchildren. You must have been a child bride. I thought you were in your 40's at the most. The very most.😯

Lel, I lost my father almost 30 years ago and my sister about 16 years ago. I just started working with Una first because she looks like my sister at that age and it’s how I want to remember her. Grief and depression from lost has been one of the hardest things to get through, but it is possible. I still miss my dad, especially when my kids accomplish something because I want to brag to him about it. ❤❤❤

We are your tribe, by no mistake. God has us all, right where he wants us every moment. Either I am there for someone else or you are there for us. A message, a bit of laughter, learning, etc. In each of your video's. Believe me, I do not message any other artist., by design maybe. Martyn is correct in the grief process. How we carry on a day without a loved one is beyond explanation but we have no choice, do we? My sincere condolences for the loss of your dad. A daddy's girl no doubt. The 'process' is what saves us and at the same time, allows us to create. Biggest of all hugs from Texas.

Love how you bend the colors. Sorry for the loss of your father.

I love my Una and the Lion paper. I know exactly where I want to put it, and this tutorial helped me enormously. I'm sure I'll watch it many more times. Thanks so much to both of you for all the time you take to teach all of us who love your work. As much as I love the work, I love all the banter and laughter between you. It always makes me smile. 💖💝🦁🦁🦁

Such precious wonderfully human sharing, thank you! I'm going on 10 years and 7 years in my grief journey and there are still tears but they're not all sad anymore. It's so good to feel connected and all it takes is talking about it, I so appreciated that, thanks Lel! Also, a nod or two to Martin...How wonderful to have a happy partner who dances down the aisles! Awesomeness!!! And lastly Lel, he took so long with that table because it had 7266338 legs that you didnt wanna tackle! Just sayin' 😂 Love you two! ...Glad you've washed your hair Martin! 😊

You're a beautiful person Marley!!! Love your shows and talent

Thank you for sharing your story. For the last year, I've flown into my house redoing everything, for the same reason. Beautiful chair, amazing skills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Lel, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your dad sounded wonderful. I didn't know. This has been a very tough year. As Marty said, first time experiencing all of the seasons, all of the occasions and special events without him. It is so very, very hard. so glad that you continue to have another loving man in your family, Marty. Thank you for your courage to share this very personal part of yourself. Thank you for sharing how being creative is a healing process. Being creative is doing what we are meant to do, period. I love that you have come to a place where you are able to use Una and the Lion again, this time for a special chair that will be in your own cottage, something to remember your dad by, but this time to celebrate his life and to remember what a special, loving person he was. and for the love that he has given you that you have to share with everyone that comes in contact with you. Thank you for everything. Marty, I am a bit like you. I love being silly. I have danced in supermarkets, doctors' offices, etc. if I like the music. I think that wanting to dance with Lel in public, in a supermarket is a WONDERFUL idea. People could slow down and enjoy shopping, instead of rushing around. May there be more dancing. Congratulations, both of you on the forthcoming grandchild. I think it is awesome. Lel, I watched you painstakingly paint all of these leaves on the tree branches, many, many leaves. That takes patience. The times when I try to match paints to what I have, I fail. I come up with a "matching" color, only to find out that it is not when I put it next to the color on my decoupage. Ha, ha. It has gotten to the point that when decoupaging, I just use the best match paint mixture and sometimes I go over the decoupage colors so that everything is cohesive. So very happy that your decoupage paper is a success! yay!!! So excited about the plans you have for this year to create a paying program when we get to see much more of what you do, how and everything involved. Marty, you have completed the painting challenge and you are off the hook for the rest of your life. Hurray! I think that this will be the most watched video, not just because it is fun and wonderful and that you did an amazing job, especially with frotage (most memorable, ha, ha), but also because Lel will be reminding everyone about it in every new video she makes. You will be a star! Yay Lastly, Lel, I think you look wonderful, just as you are, so wholesome and loving and beautiful! Thank you guys. I love you all. Eve

Fabulous outcome for the chair although a sad but inspiring story about loss....

I absolutely love your channel. You validate all the creative ideas and projects I’ve done over the years……even when some look and can’t see the potential and art in each piece. I get a lot of “oh, now I get it” after a piece is finished.

I wanna say! As I watch your teaching and sharing I'm so thankful for you both! What an amazing team. I appreciate you sharing parts of your lives journey. Your a treasure! Really!!

Lel, I must tell you this, I have lupus-sjogrens syndrome, and rheumatoid. In the last 3 years I have had both my hips replaced and a new wrist. I have my mother in law here with us who is now on hospice or end of life care. When I started trying this type of painting it helped my soul so much, thank you for being an excellent teacher, dar p.

Thankyou for sharing. I suffer from depression but sometimes when I'm painting I suddenly feel lighter and happier and have forgotten all the woes. I recommend any creativity as a really good salve for what ails you 🧡🧡🧡

Absolutely bl**dy gorgeous, I love this chair. I am starting to get braver in my colour choices and you have a lot to do with that so thank you 🙂

Your chair is beautiful & so is your story! Thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you for sharing this very private moment. Mourning and creating do go hand in hand. And i feel that in this last year you have grown and became more and more creative. Thanks again for sharing you with us. Blessings from Israel.

You did a beautiful job! You honored your Dad today in such a beautiful and special way: through your art which is with your heart! What an inspiring beautiful video!! ❤️🙏

I had to watch this again. It is so beautiful. Thank you for telling us about your journey.

Such a beautiful video- I am a health care worker and didn’t realize how much the pandemic had taken out of me until last year- we moved from the city back to my home area in the bush( middle of nowhere) and a local woman and her videos got me into painting- I absolutely watching your creativity and color- my house is full of decoupage and inlays and stamps to the point of running out of space- can’t wait for the color mixing - was thinking of that today as I desperately tried to make some sort Of pinkish purple to blend out some decoupage- thank you for sharing your story- can’t wait for my magic decoupage papers to arrive

Oh lell I so appreciate you! I have lost both my parents and I get it! Life goes on and we move with it. I am blessed to know I will see them again.

You are BRILLIANT! Love watching an artist at work!

I just listened to your story about your precious Dad. I too have lost my father, my dad, my very best friend and have struggled deeply. All I will say now, honestly all I can articulate at the moment is, I'm gonna go buy this lady with the lion paper. My prayer is it will be transformational for as it is for you. My love, sincere positive thoughts and energy are going to you and Martyn. Warm long hugs to you both!

You are amazing I love that you stop things from going into the landfill and make them masterpieces I have learned so much from you but nowhere near am I talented like you are you're amazing

Another masterpiece you have done. Thank you so much for sharing your private side with us, your Dad must have been a great personality because he raised a daughter like you. Thank you also for your encouragement to be brave. You are a big inspiration for me in many ways. You and Martyn make a wonderfull match, so enjoyable to watch. Xoxo Anthia ❤

I'm sorry about your dad. My grandparents raised me since I was 3 months old, lived with me until god need them. My grandpo left me in 1998 , I was born in 1972. He was everything to me. I actually attempted to go with him, I thank god now that it didn't happen because my daughters at the time were 9 and 5. It was so hard for me, because I had never been apart from him. My grandma left on Xmas eve of 2006. It was also difficult for me, but I took my granpo's harder. The pain never totally goes away, but Martin is right it does get easier. O.K. about your chair, I love it. Everything about it. The sentiment part is the best. God bless you Marley and Martin

Marley..you really touched my heart today in so many ways. From sharing the story about your love for Dad, to your message of bravery and healing through creativity, to the strength of yours and Martyn’s relationship and finally to the beautiful art piece created on this chair! Thank you for sharing your journey!

So beautiful. The paper ,the result, and the giant burning heart of you. The cracks are what lets the light in, or something., right? Hard not to love actual feeling, creating humans. 🏵🔥🎆♥🦁

Another creative inspiration. Thank you for sharing something so personal. Hugs from California. It's been a rainy floody mess and a slew of earthquakes, staying brave ;-)

The very first video of yours … my eyes popped out as I thought …there IS another crazy lady on this earth that loves that type of colorful bohemian that I fall for …I have thrilled with each of your videos since 🦋🌸🦋 Brave to have share your pain story and thank you for trusting us as a tribe 🌺🙏🌺 Don‘t need to write : super duper beautiful creation 💜🦋… again 🙄😂 PS: Decoupage… any retailer in France, Germany or Italy ? Have a wonderful creative day 🌸🌸🌸

I just love this chair! I'm getting braver with my designs. 😍

I lost my mother when I was 33. I was never close to my father because he was out of our lives when I was about 10 months old. But I can remember, as the youngest of 11, how furiously angry I became at all of my older brothers and sisters because they had more time with my mother than I did! Lol it was so hard to overcome! Here I am in my 70s and I’ve never stopped missing her! There’s not a day that goes by that I would not love to just have a cup of coffee with her. So I quite enjoyed your talk as well as, once again, having my mind blown over your extraordinary furniture art. I’m sure you’ll see your father occasionally in the faces and actions of your children and grandchildren. We go, but we leave a little bit of ourselves behind. When I go to a family reunion, I see my mother in all of the laughter, singing, and storytelling She instilled in us even in the grandchildren she never met.

This is a spectacular result, Lel. And how lovely to hear you talk so fondly of your precious Dad - he was clearly loved very much indeed. Grief knocks you sideways like a speeding truck doesn't it, and nothing quite prepares you for it. I lost my Mum 5 years ago next week and think of her every single day, though with less anguish and racking sobs now (though they too still come on often the most unexpected days). I'm so pleased you clearly have such a good relationship with the *Frotteur-in-Chief™* operating the camera. 😳 I've yet to witness the delights of his table, but shall treat myself tomorrow. So pleased your channel and business is going from strength to strength, Lel. And yes, colour rocks - who wants beige, ffs! 🙄

Thank you for sharing the story about your dad 🤗

Thank you for sharing about your dad💕 I love everything you do I always think wow she so brave with her colors and designs I’m going for it because of you and Martin bless you❤️

Reading the comments, you have such an adoring audience. You might not have the viewers you should, but those who do watch love your art and take the time to let you know what you mean to them. I'm sorry to say I missed viewing this video when you first posted it, but it appeared in my feed yesterday so I took the time to watch it from beginning to end. So happy I did. Glad you shared your story, not at all like the style that Debbie does on her channel. You spoke candidly about dealing with your father's passing, something we all go through at some point in our lives. I lost both my parents and my husband, all within a year and a half of each other. It was traumatizing and it sent me into a mental breakdown. I wasn't sure if I'd ever return to the person I was. After a couple of years of total blankness, I started to make a comeback. Yikes! Art has always been a part of my life, from early childhood to old age. And it has been an outlet for me to escape into when all else overwhelmed me. I only wish I could spend all day, every day, creating ~ sigh... Survival forces me to spend those precious hours making a living, doing something that is absolutely uninspiring. If only I could get by with only a couple of hours of sleep, so I could have the time & ENERGY to do what I love. Just wishful thinking... I imagine you are planning on keeping this chair in your home since the subject was chosen for your father. And it's beautiful. Your decoupage papers are beautiful and you always provide a link to them on every video you make! Thank you for sharing some of your personal life with us, it is not only your art we love, it is also YOU.

Sincere condolences to you Lel. You're very right about creativity being good for your mental health. Thank you for expanding my knowledge and creative processes. You're a lady.

My goodness your really opened yourself up so much- I hope this year you are doing even better. The other thing is this is one of the most beautiful pieces you have done. You do a beautiful job all the time, but this time was just so lovely.

It's like a Fairy tale. You made my day!

And thank you! Spectacular!

Hi , Its Evelyn from Peru again. It´s ok to talk too much. At a moment with out warning you may have touch someone's life and have been able to easy their pain, many think they are alone , only to fine many of us go through the same pain. I have gone and have had my share, I have had cancer, and have Sever RD, Sever Tendinitis and sever Fibromyalgia. But with crafts You focus on what you are doing and not on the pain. It sounds impossible. But , I reinvented my life through pain and sadness. After years of pain I now can say thanks to my illness I found that I have all this art, I didn´t know I had in me. I´m an American, my parents are from Puerto Rico and my husband is from Peru. We came to Peru when he retired because I´m allergic to high humidity and where we are it is dry. I see you enjoy color. There is a reason for everything. And so the reason, For me to meet you in RU-vid maybe also so I can give you a gift. Look for the colorful mountains of Peru and The indigenist people in Peru and you will see color. How here color rules. In America everything is beige, Now I´m not afraid of color. Some.thing you said, ¨" be brave"

Oh my goodness 😢❤but this beautiful and I love the paper design and I love the stories.

You're a very creative lady!

Membership! I'M IN!

A very moving story. xoxox

just magic💖

Absolutely fantastic, you made it look so easy....although I am sure it is not. But you have motivated me on a grand scale. Thank you.

Love this chair

I absolutely loved your video. I have lost both of my parents and I understand what you were saying. I love your work and your spirit. Can you tell me when your membership program will start? I would love to be a part of it.

Love your inspiring story💕, love so many things you do. you inspire me everyday while I craft. thank u and your hubby.

I'm seeing your vision and love it. Thanks for all your inspiration.

Thank you so much for sharing this personal side of your life. Yes, we need to be brave. I can relate, but I can't saw how. Your words REALLY helped me, just knowing I'm not alone... God bless you both. Such a beautiful and creative tribute to your dad. xoxo

Thank you for sharing the story of your father and how his death impacted you. I so appreciate the honesty and vulnerability.

Very unusual chair. Great colours and amazing decopage.

You have gave me the momentum to paint my leather chairs. I love your work it is so so awesome you inspire me.

Beautiful work

Tickle it! ❤

Dreamy fab work!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤

Beautiful ❤

Thank u Marly and Martin

Love !!!!

How about, we come to Scotland and have classes???!!!

Yes absolutely love your paper!

Beautiful!!

Love this chair!!!! Beautiful story, thank you so much for sharing, sharing is a big step to healing 💖 I've lost both of my parents so I can relate. Martin is a Godsend!! Where do I find your decopodge paper in the USA and how often do you rewax your chair?

What a beautiful and inspiring video! I love the chair (have wondered for a while whether painting fabric on furniture actually 'works'), gorgeous colors! I find your blending really soothing to watch. I know you apologize lots for having long videos - but I feel very soothed by your taking your time (I'm NOT a fan of those rushed-up-timing videos - they leave me exhausted). And I really, really appreciate your sharing your story about your dad and Una and this chair. And courage. And the power of art and deepening into our own creativity to heal us. Oh, and yours and Martyn's sense of humour too! Well done! So many reasons to enjoy your channel. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing your story about your Dad with us. You have done him proud for sure. I am about to start my own furniture up-cycling & hope to sell some pieces too if possible. Thank you for inspiring me to give it a go xxx

Looks so amazing 🙏🙏🙏 Question: I know u said u’ll put a couple of coats of wax on this, but what happens if someone spills a drink on it? Will the wax totally protect it? And will it be protected if after a bit of wear & tear when it may get area cracks in the finish? I wanted to ask what u thought of using a poly acrylic instead of modpodge to stick it down? Again u’d use a poly acrylic over the top of the decoupage to seal it…what are ur thoughts on this please?

Thank you for your bravery! What type of wax do you use to seal it? Will that prevent it from peeling? Can you also use fusion mineral paint or will that be sticky or rub off on clothing after it's dried? Thanks so much! I've never done something like this but I want to try.

I forgot to say regarding using acrylic caulk that on the day after you use it go over any over spill with a baby wipe. Water ones are fine or a damp cloth. Work away from the edges of the mould and clean it all off. Otherwise you will have to remove the film off the cast and its flimsy and can be fiddly. Sorry this is so late but I didn't want to forget it as it makes a big difference. Store the casts away from each other as they will stick together in a bag. You don't need to dust the mould before using it. You could dust the casts with talc or cornstarch to stop them sticking together in storage and wash off before painting them. Make sure they are fully cured before unmoulding. They will feel spongy and hold the dent if not ready. Hope nobody gets woken up.

Will your channel prescription be available in NewZealand 🤔🥰

A beautiful yet sad story about your dad but the message is something we all need to hear. Amazing work again❤ Are you selling your découpage papers also?

could you list where we can stockists in the US? I'm in Spokane, Washington

Great! What kind of paints are they? That's my kind of chair. You stated not chalk paints...Right? I want to make one.

Marley, I was very taken with this Scottish picture, how do we order.

What paints did u use for chair? They don't crack?

Is it the chalk paint that's causing the paper edge to disappear? I have never used chalk paint.