Tuesday, April 3, 2012

From Bed to Bench

Hillcrest Cottage heralds warmer weather by the annual 'Sprucing of the Porch Ritual'.

The porch is my favorite place in the entire cottage... a place to sit... a place to drink coffee... a place to hear the birds sing in the morning... a place to listen to summer's cicada symphony in the evening.

Yesterday, I jumped quickly into this project, neglecting the "before" pics... sorry.

This new comfy bench was once an antique bed (which I unsuccessfully attempted to sell for a friend). Rather than donate the bed to the local Goodwill, my husband built a bench.

First Step: A quick coat of Annie Sloan chalk paint (This paint has changed my life, so check it out!). No primer is needed with this awesome paint.

Second Step: Quick, light sanding to distress.

Third Step: Fun, new fabric to cover the cushions. Successful fabric store outing produced material in the exact colors and patterns for which I was looking. The striped fabric came from the $5.00 bin; the floral fabric was 50% off.

I made quick. loose covers (like pillowcase open on one end) so I can frequently wash the covers without the hassle and struggle of getting the covers off and on.

This was the result:

The dark brown unpainted parts will be cut off and an arm rest added. Also, more Annie Sloan paint on the ottoman.

Fourth Step: A Simon and Garfunkle 60's song popped into my head; Instantly the lyrics
became my new porch mantra:

Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Looking for fun....
Life, I love you.
All is groovy!



Fifth Step: Pour the coffee, prop up my feet, and experience some quiet.

4 comments:

  1. The bed looks amazing!! I just came across your blog, love it! you def have a new follower!

    door251.com

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  2. I love it! You always take something ... and re-create into exactly what I would dream up if I was as inspired as you!

    Smile!

    MaryJane
    www.lifelessons-mj.blogspot.com

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  3. just kickin' down the cobblestones ♪♬♪♫♬ looking for fun...and feelin' groovy. It's a brilliant thing you did to that bed. I'm putting it together with the "before" picture in my head and I can see it's even more brilliant than I thought! Someone has to explain to me why a man so much loves reading things like this – a man who would NEVER described fabric as "fun". But I did! Big smiles here. God bless and keep you Bev.

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