Well, I didn’t wait very long to try it in blue.
I bought this bench last summer at a yard sale for $3.00. It actually didn’t look that bad. The wood was dry, it was a little rickety and someone had done a poor job upholstering the top. They had used a pretty toile fabric, but it still needed to be redone. So, I started pulling out the tacks and nails and got a little excited when I saw the corner of what looked like an old plank top. Major let down. It was nasty plywood.
Once I pulled back all of the fabric, I saw why it was so lumpy. Someone had used pillow stuffing instead of foam and batting to cushion the seat. I can hardly knock the person. I’ve done stuff like that before when I was hot to get a project done.
Before I started with the upholstery work, I glued, sanded and stained the bench. The wood on these legs had a gorgeous patina and I didn’t want to cover that with paint.
Once the stain was dry, I cut a piece of 1″ thick foam and two layers of high loft batting to size. I used Osnaberg fabric to reproduce the look of an antique European grain sack. You can check out my tutorial here. The only difference is I tried out DecoArt’s So Soft fabric paint. I had to mix the blue with burnt umber to make the color what I wanted, but it worked great.
I used the “grain sack” to upholster the top of the bench. The foam, fabric and batting were attached using a staple gun. Since the top was nailed to the base, I had to staple the fabric to the sides of the bench instead of the bottom.
I glued on strips of upholstery webbing to hide the staples, which was quite a happy accident. I think I like the look with the webbing trim better.
Remember that reproducing these grain sacks is not a project that requires perfectionism. You want it to have a hand made quality.
I am so in love with this bench. This is going to be a tough one to sell.
I found this vintage train case when I was out at yard sales this weekend. Isn’t it cute?
I am just bursting with all of the things I have to share. I’ve slipcovered a couple of wing chairs, bought fabric for my living room curtains, found some great pieces on clearance at Hobby Lobby and yard sales, lots of exciting things.
Make sure you check out my interview on Houzz. You can be entered to win a $50 gift card to Pottery Barn for leaving a comment, so don’t miss out! For those of you who have left comments already…thank you. I was almost moved to tears by your compliments and kind words. It’s so great to hear that all of the time and energy I put into my home, blog, and business are an inspiration to others.
I linked this to SNS at Funky Junk Interiors, Trash to Treasure at Reinvented, DIY Inc at the Whisper Wood Cottage, Show and Share at JAG, and DIY Day.
30 Responses
This bench is adorable! And I love the train case too. Looks so cute sitting under the bench. Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day. Love & blessings from NC!
i love the train case. i have ocd when it comes to old suitcases. they store everything in my house from pictures to magazines to my sewing supplies.
Love how your bench came out! Looks great!
Oh, my, you've done it again! I love the faux grain sack and your painting on the piece looks so authentic! Awesome work! That little train case is just adorable!
Every post, I tell ya, is brilliant! Keep up the great work!
xoxo Beth
Inspiration is right!! I pulled off the drop cloth fabric that I was starting to tack onto my dining room chair so that I can do this "grain sack" look first.
Love your stuff and style girly!
Oh wow, I can't wait to do this.
So simple yet so cute!!
Thanks!
I would never have thought of painting the pattern – and the initials. Did you do it freehand or use a stencil (doesn't look like a stencil – maybe just inspiration + a steady hand!
Hi Marian, I love the stool, I wasn't sure if I would like the blue as much as the red, but it looks fantastic! Don't you wish we could just keep all the cute stuff??
🙂 Flick
Great interview by the way..
You should know better than to use blue on something you have to sell. 🙂
Chalk it up to another winner, MMS! The stool is beautiful! Love the wood against the linen and 'your fav blue.'
Donna
Wow just like that another bench…love the blue! Train luggage is so cool. Have a wonderful week.
Just discovered your blog. Wow its amazing. Thanks for the inspiration. Have a great week.
I am amazed at how that fabric looks like a grain sack! This is the cutest little bench and the little vintage case underneath is precious.
I think I would have a hard time giving this one up.
hugs
Sissie
Love the bench!!! I too would have wanted to keep that bench. The fabric is perfect.
Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve!!
Hugs
SueAnn
A sweet hello from Frog Hollow Farm! I love how you just get things done – you're amazing. I have so many ideas but don't know how to do many of them. I know, one thing at a time, buty I do admire you! Ciao, bella!
I can't get over your ability to make those letters look like embroidery.
What a bench that has character. Looks like it should have always been that way! Great job!
Ok, I am in love with the bench, PLUS, those are my initials!!!!!!!!! AMAZING!
Very nice work! I know that feeling of wanting to get it done quickly, but it sure does pay off to do it the right way!
Liz
Loving This Mom Stuff
Wow, I like this bench even more than the ottoman. The homemade grain sacks are really sweet. And I LOVE the train case. What a great score. 🙂
That is so lovely!
What is Osnabruck?
It looks great! Love it!!
Great job on this bench, I love it!
Beautiful job on the bench! It looks great.
I'm new to your blog and am loving it!
What a great bench! I love how you upholstered it!
I love the bench, I love each piece. I am working on redoing some chairs I got and trying to do a grain sack feel to them.
And I know I have featured projects of yours on my blog. You are more than welcome to grab one of my buttons.
Cheri
I love this bench. It is fabulous. The grain sack the artwork on it…perfection. I want one now! Thanks for linking to the DIY Club.
Holly
http://www.504main.com
Awesome looking bench! Love the train case too!
Simply gorgeous! Beautifully done. Thanks so much for joining The DIY Club this month! We greatly appreciate it! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Hey, Marian, congratulations on your Houzz interview (I've skipped your blog for a few days – ouch!) Anyway, you deserve it, you know I love your style/stuff. I can't wait to see all of the things you're doing for Lucketts.