Thursday, January 27, 2011

Bench Makeover

I found this bench on Craigslist.  It has had many lives.  Originally it looks to have been stained a very orange color. Then it was painted bright blue.  Then someone must have debated between painting it brown and antiquing/ distressing it.  By the time I got my hands on it there was definitely an identity crisis going on.



I have a very small front porch that needed furniture and color.  I wanted a bench so basically my bags and shopping would have somewhere to land while I unlocked the door.  I also wanted a fun color out front especially since we are going into the spring/summer season.

First I started by priming the whole thing.  Sometimes I skip this step but with all the finishes this piece has had I thought this step was crucial.

this is the first coat of blue after priming
After I primed it I lightly sanded the whole piece.  This is really important to get a smooth finish.  I found my paint color in the oops section at Home Depot.  It is an exterior paint so hopefully it will hold up being outside (my porch is covered though).  It was $1.00 for the quart, my favorite price!


 It took two coats to get the dark even finish I was going for.  I sanded between the coats to make sure my finished product was smooth.

After it was painted I wanted to add a fun detail to the front and top of the seat.  I used my cricut to cut two different birds out of vinyl.  I used the outline as a stencil.  They were really simple, stick on, paint over, peel off.    Fast and easy.  I did the same for the leaves and freehanded the branch.




I like how it turned out, bright and a little whimsical.  Just what I needed to get me ready for warmer days.  Plus I love that the seat lifts up and has a good amount of storage.  Perfect for Pyper's outside toys.






Up next I think I need a fun door wreath to match!

Linking to these parties!

Furniture Feature FridaysgrabttTT buttonHookingupwithHoHThe Shabby Nest<br><br><br><b>Join us every Friday...</b>The DIY Show OffChic on a Shoestring DecoratingJoin the Party!

20 comments:

  1. This is both gorgeous and adorable! I need a cricut! What a great CL find that you changed up perfectly.

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  2. oh my gosh, how cute is that? love it!

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  3. OMG that is soooo cute. I would love for you to join my weekly party on Wednesdays.

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  4. This is just too cute! I love the birds.

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  5. I'm so jealous of all these awesome CL renovations I keep seeing in blogland! Love it!

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  6. LOVE THIS! I could see one of these in my mud room to welcome me home each day! I would be delighted if you would link this up to my VIP party today =)

    http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/01/vip-party-2.html

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  7. that's a huge difference. i would love for you to join my weekly wednesday party next week.

    http://typeadecorating.blogspot.com/

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  8. I really like the graphics you put on it. Very cute. I found you on The Shabby Nest and I am your 51st follower!

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  9. So cute! I love all the little bird stuff.

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  10. CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE! good job:)

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  11. You've done an amazing job, it looks so cute!

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  12. It looks so much better with it's new coat! Very fun color and I like the detail that you added.

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  13. This is fabulous! I love the color and the sweet lil' birdies. Looks like $500 designer piece!
    Amy @ http://amy-showalter.blogspot.com/

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  14. Love it! Its got everything I love...blue and birds! Very cute.

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  15. This looks so lovely. I look forward to you stopping by at My Dream Canvas:-)

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  16. I know I already commented, but just wanted to say thanks for linking up to the Paint Party! Hope you're enjoying your weekend...

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  17. this is super cute...oh how I long for a cricut or silhouette to make these quick stencils...what a great bargain project you've made!

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  18. This is beautiful! TLove the birds!! I'd love for you to link it up at I Heart Nap Time

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  19. Wow what a difference! I love it. The bird stencils are adorable!

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