Wednesday, August 25, 2010

I really have been busy

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Life has been extra busy lately, but something that has me feeling good is the completion of a new project--another bench! I found this treasure at a garage sale:


Isn't she purty?? Let me just say that there was a LOT of great furniture at this particular yard sale, but the owner obviously thought VERY HIGHLY of what he had! This little bench, however, with the caning completely missing from one side, was a good buy!


My friend "D" had been wanting a bench for her bedroom, so I sent her a picture of this one immediately. Sold!

The plan was to put an upholstered seat on the bench. I had a piece of plywood cut to the general dimensions by my table-saw-owning friend. Then I made a pattern out of scraps of wrapping paper to follow the curves and corners of the bench. I taped the pattern directly to the plywood, and...


Look at this! I cut this shape out my very own self with my very own jigsaw! (I bought the jigsaw a couple of months ago. Had to wait until it was properly "aged" to use it, you know.)

Please ignore a couple of little zigs into the wood. I promise they won't show.


First a layer of 2" Nu-Foam went on the plywood, and then I stapled a layer of batting on with my pneumatic stapler (another fun toy) to give nice smooth edges.


Next came the fabric! Do you recognize it? It is the same that is on this bench at the end of my bed! I had just enough left.



Oh, I probably forgot to mention the paint job. I used Rustoleum's flat black paint, and then distressed it to show the pretty details.

I love the pretty curved handles.


I added three buttons on top. I used my stapler to staple through all the layers of fabric and foam, and then hot-glued the buttons on. That particular method seems to work just as well (and it's a lot easier) than stringing them through holes in the plywood.


Here she is in all her glory!



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17 comments:

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

What an awesome bench!! I just love the frenchy legs!!! Great job!

Keetha Broyles said...

Bravo, Henny Penny! It is beautiful.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Lovin this beautiful thrifty makeover...hop over and show her off at my NIFTY THRIFTY party!

Blessings,
Linda

M said...

That is one terrific transformation! Great job. Love the choice of fabric and colour.

Lisa

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

great bench! hahaha love the "cheating" of the buttons!
gail

Kori said...

Gorgeous! I, too, love the button shortcut.

Ashlee Marie said...

I love the button cheating! Looks great! I'll be featuring this bench tomorrow! Thanks for linking up to Topsy Turvy Tuesday!

Melissa said...

It turned out great! I love the lines on it. You asked where my sil got her bedding...she said it was at Bed, Bath, and Beyond a couple of years ago, so I don't know if they still have it, but you could check. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

FABULOUS!! That bench is stunning, absolutely stunning. Great job.

Anonymous said...

This looks awesome. I love the arms on the bench...so pretty.

I Play Outside The Box said...

Awesome!!

Shelly @Crafty Creative Studio said...

This bench is SO yummy I can't stand it! Thanks for the link! There is one (maybe 2) really awesome bench transformations out there. When I find where I made notes of how to find them again (depends which computer I was on..) I will let you know so you can check them out too. :)

Shelly @Crafty Creative Studio said...

I was inspired by looking for those bench links, so I decided to create a Favorites post! I linked up to your creations too. :)

Unknown said...

Wow you really saved that bench! It looks great- you would never have known it was in such bad shape before. Awesome!

Heather at Farm to Fork said...

I have been looking for a bench to redo for ages. I just love your end product. :-)

M said...

again, absolutely amazing! You have just gained a new weekly if not daily visitor!

Unknown said...


I was wondering if you connected the cushion to the bench when you were finished?
Thanks!