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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » 2 repurposed chairs plus 1 bench=failure

    2 repurposed chairs plus 1 bench=failure

    Published by Gail | Published September 1, 2020 | Updated June 25, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    How to NOT Make a Double Chair Bench Seriously, the double chair bench turned out okay in the end, but it was touch and go for awhile. Tips on using two old chairs, and new lumber to make an awesome new bench! #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #chairs #bench #diy #project via @repurposedlife

    I'm going to show you how to make a double chair bench with repurposed chairs. Or maybe how NOT to make a double chair bench.

    Do you ever have a repurposed furniture project fail? I do. I never really  have a plan when I jump into a project. Because I always wing it. Most of the time that works out okay, sometimes not so much. This would be one of those projects.

    Vintage chairs without seats

    I picked up these two chairs at Tickled Pink a few months ago.

    It didn’t bother me that they were missing their seats.

    See more Chair Projects & Benches HERE.

    The design stage of a chair bench

    Repurposed chairs for bench

    I decided to make a double chair bench out of the chairs. Then, I was wishing I had a back and realized that I could use this sign that hadn’t sold yet.

    Dismantling repurposed chairs for a new project

    I needed to dismantle the front rungs of the chairs. The Dremel Multi-Max  does a great “flush” cut.

    Dismantle chairs for double chair bench

    I also had to use a hammer and a small pry bar cat’s claw small pry bar because the back of the chair had several nails in it.

    These would be said nails.

    More trial and error design

    Designing double chair bench

    Dry fit of the repurposed chairs.

    I used some old scrap 1x’s for this project. Some were from a local lumber store that has been closed for about 30 years.

    This is where things.go.wrong. (but I didn’t know it at the time)

    Adding a seat to repurposed chairs bench

    I made a box for the top boards to rest upon. (note: the back is no longer attached with clamps)

    Time to paint

    You can see that I used my Kreg Jig® K4  to make pocket holes to assemble the box. I painted the repurposed chair bench and the slats separately.

    I did so because I wanted to be able to get in between the slatted boards.

    After all that, I put the headboard (sign) back on, and realize it’s about this much too short.

    Is it a project fail?

    Major project fail! What I don’t like about this piece.

    • It’s too long
    • I have to figure out a new back, IF I decide to move forward
    • I don’t like it black

    Maybe I'll paint the repurposed chair bench another color, I may or may not put a back on it. It may end up in a burn pile somewhere! (I don’t have one)  I suppose I could put it at the curb to see if anyone wants to pick it up.

    Want to hear something funny? This is not my first double bench project fail. I made another one several years ago. Aren’t we supposed to learn from our mistakes?

    We should learn from our diy mistakes

    This is the original project fail-double chair bench.

    You can probably tell I’ve never had a bench for the end of the bed. Good news is, this repurposed chair  bench did sell at one of my yard sales. Ohhh, how I wish I had learned from my mistake.

    So, please leave a comment below and tell me I am not the only one that has project failures! What was your biggest, or your last project failure?

    gail

    UPDATE:   I changed up this bench, for the better. I hope you love it as much as I do.

    So, I purchased 3 new boards to create the back for the repurposed chairs.

    I clamped the boards onto the bench and drew a line, then used my jigsaw to curve the boards to match the curve of the original chairs.

    I spray painted the double chair bench with my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer, using a light turquoise.

    Then I then gave the chair bench a black “wash’ with some watered down black paint.

    My Repurposed Life How to make a repurposed furniture Chair Bench



    I’m glad I didn’t give up on this project fail with repurposed chairs! I think this is a very versatile piece, and can be used in a lot of different ways.

    If you love this project, but maybe you think it's a little too difficult, here's the easiest chair bench ever:

    repurposed furniture triple chair bench MyRepurposedLife.com

    See how to make the easiest bench made from chairs.

    You can see more bench projects here

    see more chair projects here

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    1. MrsSW

      February 06, 2022 at 9:32 am

      I don't usually care for "chair" benches but this is one I wouldn't mind having. Excellent design on the save - thanks for sharing.
      Sheila

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        February 06, 2022 at 9:39 pm

        Thanks Sheila!
        I appreciate you letting me know you like this one. It took awhile to get there, that's for sure.

        gail

    2. Lizzy

      June 27, 2021 at 1:05 pm

      That came our great! I've seen many of these chair to bench projects and they have been horrible. By having the chair and bench backs at the same height, you made it work. Now I know that's the key!

      Reply
    3. Donna

      June 27, 2021 at 8:43 am

      That "fail" turned out to be such a beautiful WIN!!! Looks great and I love the turquoise color with black wash. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    4. Terri Hughes

      September 01, 2020 at 5:35 pm

      Beautiful, you are so creative, I love the bench!!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        September 02, 2020 at 4:16 pm

        Thank you so much Terri! I truly appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment!
        gail

    5. Toni Brewer

      May 14, 2018 at 8:53 pm

      I was so inspired by your bench that I had to try my hand at it. I had some chairs that were going to the trash so decided to make two benches. Sized them to some settee cushions I found. I cut the second one wrong so I think it’s destined to become a coffee table but the bench is awesome! It is nearly done and I’m so proud of it I can’t wait to show it off. Thanks for the great idea and tutorial.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        May 14, 2018 at 11:06 pm

        Toni,

        I'm so excited for you! Thank you so much for letting me know I inspired you. I hope you share with me on Facebook or via email. I can't wait to see it.

        gail

    6. Angie

      July 15, 2017 at 11:31 am

      So excited for this project! THANKS for sharing in detail! I love all of your projects.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 15, 2017 at 12:36 pm

        Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment Angie! I truly appreciate it. This is still one of my long time favs.

        gail

    7. Lynn S.

      April 23, 2017 at 1:48 pm

      How wide was the finished bench approximately?

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 25, 2017 at 8:30 am

        I no longer have this bench, it's gone to it's forever home. The chairs were the standard wider chairs, hope that helps!

        gail

    8. Kim Sirmans

      January 29, 2017 at 7:30 am

      I am a repurposer myself...... and I have a plan in my head, but truely am a wing-it type of person too..... I just finished making a bench out of an old dresser someone was going to throw away... as for me I look at the wood and not the item.. if the wood is still sound you can use it for anything..... I love the 2 chair bench idea... less cost in material, but still get a great look and style.... I am also all about comfort....... I would have lowered the sides just slightly so your arms rested comfortably...... I also love your original idea with the sign... I wish you would have kept that or made another sign that would have worked.... Remember... " to try and fail is really success if you learned from your mistakes...!"

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        January 29, 2017 at 9:14 am

        Thanks for stopping by and checking out this project from the archives. We all learn from each project. Were I to do this project today, it would be different. However, I wouldn't lower the chair back heights because this isn't a "sitting" bench for reading a book. It's a resting place to kick off your boots, or set your handbag while you put on your scarf. 🙂
        I hope you check out some more of my repurposed items someday soon!
        gail

    9. Carla kelley

      September 07, 2016 at 11:54 pm

      On the double chair bench how did you connect the bottom boards.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        September 08, 2016 at 1:53 pm

        I rested the boards on the bottom rung of the chair.

        I hope that helps.

        gail

    10. Cristi

      July 02, 2016 at 9:41 am

      Hi! Thank you for posting your project fail. I am beginning my journey into the repurposed world and its nice to know even those who have been here for a while still have "uh- oh" moments lol.
      This bench turned out great! I really like how the boards for the back go with the curve of the chairs.
      I love your blog. You have given me so many ideas. Looking forward to future projects.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 03, 2016 at 9:43 pm

        Cristi,

        Thank you very much for your comment. Oh... we all have our fails. Especially when you do as many projects as I do. 🙂 I'm so happy you love My Repurposed Life! I do so love what I do!

        gail

    11. carrie

      June 19, 2016 at 1:23 pm

      I have two chairs with no seats. Been trying to think of how to repurpose.? Now I know! Thanks! I think these are adorable!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 20, 2016 at 8:54 am

        So happy to inspire you Carrie! Happy you found my double chair bench tutorial.

        have fun!
        gail

    12. Bridget Wemhoff

      June 14, 2016 at 1:10 am

      I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the way that this "fail" turned out. If only half of my fails would eventually turn into something this beautiful- then I would be very happy. You are most definitely not the only person with pinterest project fails... Or up cycle project fails. I have had many. ????????. But I continue to try and try again, and have had some great successes in there as well. Have a wonderful day- and keep up the great work.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 14, 2016 at 9:50 am

        Thank you Bridget for your kind comment. No, I'm not the only one with fails, but sometimes people may get the wrong idea about diy bloggers thinking we always get it right. Sometimes we get it right only after we "don't give up".

        Don't be a stranger, I'd love for you to stop by again sometime soon.

        gail

    13. Sue

      June 05, 2016 at 8:55 am

      I've seen the headboard bench ideas, but never a chair to bench!
      LOVE the look of this! Will have to try it myself. Thanks for your post!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 05, 2016 at 7:20 pm

        So happy you happened by Sue! I love sharing my tutorials with new friends. 🙂

        gail

    14. Sancé

      May 25, 2016 at 3:11 am

      Merci pour tes superbes idées très beau banc.

      Reply
    15. Yvonne

      May 16, 2016 at 11:35 pm

      Gail, i really think it was a happy accident. Not that the headboard wasnt cute too but the slatted back on the finished bench had a classic style. I wish i had been your buyer! Keep up the good work. KUDOS

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        May 17, 2016 at 12:31 pm

        Yay! Thanks so my Yvonne--so happy you love it! I still smile every time I see it on Pinterest.... for an "almost" failure, I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

        gail

    16. Alex

      April 17, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      I would like to see somebody sitting on one of the bench chairs.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        April 19, 2016 at 9:41 am

        Do you doubt that it holds the weight of real people? My furniture is always sturdy enough to do what I build it to do. 🙂

      • Margie Netro

        May 14, 2016 at 4:20 pm

        I believe you did a beautiful job and truly believe you thought of the wieght of the people who would be sitting on it. I make a lot of projects and tutus and always make sure of the weight or fitting first before I make it. Awesome job!

    17. Roxanne Jenkins

      March 31, 2016 at 12:18 am

      I love repurposed idea's, if you have any more be sure to post, now I can create a treasure that could've been trash!!

      Reply
    18. Hloria

      January 26, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Omg. Lovely finished bench.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        January 26, 2016 at 4:53 pm

        thank you so very much! I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave such a sweet comment.

        gail

    19. Heather Z

      January 22, 2016 at 6:52 pm

      Wow! I'm SO glad you stuck with it! The bench is fantastic! Almost every thing I build is a fail, but I stick with it; I take a break and rethink of a way to fix what I messed up, because there is always a solution. And after every project I remind myself how much I hate construction, and I say I will NEVER make anything ever again......until the next project 😉

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        January 22, 2016 at 7:09 pm

        thank you Heather!

        I'm so glad I stuck with it as well.

        Building and designing is my very favorite part of the process. Granted, some are more challenging than others! Since I never do sketches or drawings, I'm always flying by the seat of my pants! 🙂

        This bench found a new home with a lady that loves it. It's a win/win for me.

        gail

    20. Paint It White

      January 19, 2016 at 2:29 pm

      Gorgeous Job! I love the black wash you added at the very end. It really makes this project jump from great to wow! that's one fab project.
      Oh! and yes I have lots of fails, that's what makes the ones that turn out right feel so great don't you think!
      Marie

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        January 19, 2016 at 10:43 pm

        failures... we all have them, right?

        I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.

        gail

    21. Beth

      January 18, 2016 at 10:42 pm

      I love your benches. I'm sure if you put it to the curb, it was snatched up immediately.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        January 19, 2016 at 9:06 am

        This bench as been so popular on pinterest and facebook. I ended up selling it, and I'm so glad I stayed with it and completed it. 🙂

    22. Melodie Chambers

      November 07, 2015 at 1:22 pm

      It's very nice..so glad u took the time to show how to do it....I think you need to do a bench using the sign..I really liked it.

      Reply
    23. Thom

      November 03, 2015 at 7:47 pm

      Absolutely beautiful !!!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        November 03, 2015 at 8:51 pm

        Thank you Thom. I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.

        gail

    24. jeanne

      October 30, 2015 at 9:07 am

      Love the looks, inspiring, will follow!!!

      Reply
    25. MJ

      September 29, 2015 at 12:07 pm

      I love the classic lines of the re-jiggered bench. and of all the benches you show in the photos, this is my favorite.

      Reply
    26. Cindy

      September 28, 2015 at 12:16 pm

      I just love this bench! I wanted to know how you attached the bottom shelf on the bench.
      Thanks

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        September 28, 2015 at 1:04 pm

        It's been a while, and I tend to forget these things... but if you look at double chair bench (13) (hover over the picture for the name) you can see that there are rungs on the bottom of the chair that allowed the shelf boards to rest.

        gail

    27. Linda Anderson

      July 19, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      I have a couple of old wooden chairs that the seat if splitting down the middle. How can I fix them?

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 20, 2015 at 8:31 am

        Linda,

        I would try turning them over, gluing with Gorilla Wood Glue, and clamping them tightly. (Not so tightly that all of the glue oozes out)

        If you don't have clamps, you can try belts, rope, or some other means. You could use a Kreg jig to give a tighter repair (google My Repurposed Life Kreg Jig)
        You could also (along with gluing) use some mending plates (found at your local hardware store)

        While you're visiting your hardware store, talk to the employees, they may have additional ideas.

        good luck,
        gail

    28. Lene Quebec

      July 16, 2015 at 6:17 am

      Hi Gail!

      I love your bench ... it is simply magnificent.

      Must say the change of the back and colour did it for me 😉

      Reply
    29. janet papich

      June 25, 2015 at 4:26 pm

      Wow I love the bench seat, what a clever idea.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 25, 2015 at 5:42 pm

        Thank you Janet! I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment on this double chair bench project!
        gail

    30. Carol Imler

      June 10, 2015 at 10:09 am

      I love how this turned out! Sometimes our "mistakes/fails" turn out to be the best designs!

      Reply
    31. sonia

      June 06, 2015 at 1:01 pm

      I love your project. Thank's for sharing.

      Reply
    32. Billie Sue

      May 25, 2015 at 11:59 am

      Your finished piece is lovely, but I have a question/comment. There is very little left of the original chairs. Was it worth it, or would you have been just as well off building a bench from scratch? I too have two seatless chairs (impulse purchase) that I'm trying to figure out what to do with. My husband doesn't like them period and says to just ditch them. I hate to admit a project fail before I even start, but I hate to get sucked into a bigger project than I originally had in mind. Been there, done that. My current thinking is to turn them into planters. I'm a better gardener than woodworker. lol. Anyway, thanks for sharing your project. It's nice hear about the fails amid the overwhelming Pinterest perfection.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        May 25, 2015 at 2:08 pm

        It was so totally worth it. I love a good challenge. 🙂 I don't really like making stuff from scratch. I'd much rather repurpose something. I also love using old chairs in the garden. Good luck with whatever you decide. have fun!
        gail

    33. Clarkphoto

      May 12, 2015 at 10:32 pm

      I love all your ideas. So glad to hear of someone else who just jumps in and figures it out as she's going along 🙂 The benches are beautiful and have inspired me to explore further. Thanks!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        May 12, 2015 at 11:19 pm

        yep, that's me--I just jump in! 🙂 I like to make stuff up as I go along, sounds like we have that in common.

        I sure hope you find something to inspire you.

        gail

    34. Baud Françoise

      April 07, 2015 at 3:28 am

      Thank you so much for this very nice bench.
      The final project is, on my point of view, much better than the initial one.
      The proof that a mistake can be a positive point !
      We already bought some old chairs, and we are going to try to make one.
      We will send you a picture of it as soon as it's finished.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        April 07, 2015 at 9:35 am

        How fun! I would love to see pictures when you're done. 🙂

        gail

    35. MsD

      February 27, 2015 at 1:58 pm

      I love love love all of your benches and the many permutations shown. They are not fails but "Adventures in bench upcycle diversity" ! I'd be glad to have any of them in and around my home. You are phenomenal!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        February 27, 2015 at 2:49 pm

        Thank you so much! 🙂

        I do love making benches.

        gail

    36. Sandra J.

      November 01, 2014 at 2:11 am

      Good job Gail! I love your sense of humor and determination. The finished bench is inspirational.

      Reply
    37. Joanne W

      October 25, 2014 at 12:41 pm

      Gail, I love where you ended up! The double chair looks so graceful, and I am confident you will find many uses for it. Congrats on a job well done.

      Reply
    38. Gail C

      August 30, 2014 at 11:08 am

      I'm glad you didn't give up!! I love the look of the final bench. I must run now and rummage for some chairs. Thank you for sharing your creativity.

      Reply
    39. Sam C

      August 27, 2014 at 9:33 am

      I loved them all but I really think the first one with the sign across the back is my favorite.

      Reply
    40. kathleen

      February 25, 2014 at 5:43 am

      I love this bench!!!! as I do all your projects!

      Reply
    41. Rosemarie

      December 31, 2013 at 8:35 am

      I love this chair. Thanks for posting your error so we can learn from YOUR mistakes 🙂 This is what I was looking for and did not realize it yet. I have a 40's dining/kitchen and this would make a great bench for that period size table, so I do not have to worry about a corner nook this will do it. I want red.
      I have two chairs for the opposite side, now I have to start a search all over for the bench part. This is going to be fun.

      I love my Kreg jigs (I have three) it makes furniture making so easy. It's simply perfect, you do fine work, mistakes and all.
      Thank you for this..

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        December 31, 2013 at 8:42 am

        Thank you very much Rosemarie for taking the time to leave a comment on this post. I really appreciate it. I'm happy you are inspired by this post to solve your diy problem 🙂
        I too love the Kreg jigs, I have 3 also. hahahah

        have fun, I'd love for you to share your finished project with me.

        Happy New Year!
        gail

    42. sarah

      June 30, 2013 at 11:37 am

      It turned out great in the end!! I wouldn't feel down, i've had a few project fails.... my finest was a two drawer end table that I had I picked up with a french provincial lingerie chest for 15$!!! I didn't want the end table, but figured i could do something with it... Pinterest always makes everything look so glamorous.. My big plan was to take out the top drawer, take off the top and put a back on to make it into a cute little reading seat for my two year old... I tried to get fancy with the back... i traced the design along the bottom of the endtable.... but when it was flipped the other way on the back it just looked like boobies:P i STILL tried to save it by getting out my dremel and etching the boobies into a heart shape... it all turned up looking so wrong lol... junk pile for that one.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        June 30, 2013 at 6:39 pm

        thanks for sharing your story with me. I have had a few that went to the junk pile too. 🙂

    43. Crazyhound

      March 27, 2013 at 6:16 pm

      I love your benches made from such apparently hopeless pieces, this one looks great in your final design. I will never look at a couple of seatless old chairs in the same way, thank you !

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        March 27, 2013 at 6:20 pm

        Thank you ! I'm glad you have been inspired to look at thing differently.

        gail

    44. Anonymous

      June 28, 2012 at 3:18 pm

      Planning to attempt my first bench, but I know the headboard I have is not solid wood. In the weather the layer are going to curl. Has any of yours been out of similar material? Will putting a sealer help or just delay the inevitable?

      Reply
    45. Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking

      March 16, 2012 at 2:08 am

      You are WAY too hard on yourself! I like the bench, like the back with the saying, like the colour. If the back is too short, there must be a way to lengthen it.

      Reply
    46. The Polka Dot Closet

      March 15, 2012 at 10:06 pm

      I have to many failed project to mention, I love the bench in black. Can't you just cut the boards shorter to to fit? I think it is gorgeous!

      Carol

      Reply
    47. Carmen

      March 15, 2012 at 9:16 pm

      I really like the bench - you can send it to me if you don't want it :). I also like the black even though I normally don't like black furniture. The white lettering really stands out on it.

      Reply
    48. Craftygyrl

      March 15, 2012 at 8:53 pm

      Well, if you don't want this bench can I have it? I love it!
      I have project fails all the time. Recently I wanted to sew a pattern as a new type of art (using just the pattern itself, not material), it failed miserably and I wasted so much time on it. I am unable to throw it out, but don't want to look at it!

      Reply
    49. cheltenhamroad

      March 15, 2012 at 7:31 pm

      I don't think that looks like a "fail" at all.
      But I know how you feel. I have a really cool chair that I transformed and CANNOT GET BACK TOGETHER. It's been sitting in the garage, mocking me, for about a year.
      David

      Reply
    50. Laurie LW

      March 15, 2012 at 1:18 pm

      Ummm-Yes, I have many fails. I am like you, not always going in with a clear plan. I like working that way, but it also means I have some major oops.

      I just had one yesterday. I am planning on sharing it today, or tomorrow, or whenever I get around to posting. Like you I have been super busy.

      Reply
    51. Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic

      March 15, 2012 at 10:16 am

      Those chair benches from curved backs can be tricky. When I did my last one I had a terrible time with the seat box. It was so difficult to get the correct angle of the backs once the front of the chair was removed. I had to rework that thing several times before I got it right, and the back never made it onto the bench...same problem as you're having: despite all the measuring and cutting it still didn't fit right! If you recall, my triple chair bench sat in the garage a full year because I got stumped at one point and set it aside. When I finally got back to it I had no problems at all! Must be I was just having a bad day way back when I started. I like the black on the bench, but then again black is my go to color. Have you considered making cut outs in the seat and using the bench as a planter? Or even turning the seat box upside down so it makes a box to hold pots. It's really cute and I can see it on a porch filled with flowers....
      The sign (back) does need to go higher like you had it in the first picture. How about adding a piece of wood to each end of the sign to get the right length again? Your kreg will do the job easily!
      Not a fail, just a challenge. 😉

      Reply
    52. Stephanie

      March 15, 2012 at 4:08 am

      I never learn, that is why me and the seam ripper are such good friends when I sew, and why I always buy extra paint when paint. The first, second and even third time are usually a fail for me, but I just take it in stride, but I never learn. Maybe it is our age, we do get forgetful sometimes...well at least I do! I think it is the scale of it that is throwing you off. The curves aren't meeting the back in the right spot. Oh well, just come back to it another day and it will come to you.

      Reply
    53. freddyandpetunia

      March 14, 2012 at 11:36 pm

      Gail--funny girl! NOT a failed project, you just need to make a "simple" revision! I'll guide you through it if you want--but please don't throw it on any burn piles!
      Catherine

      Reply
    54. Toqua's Crafts

      March 14, 2012 at 10:40 pm

      Oh gosh Gail... if you only knew!
      The latest one was the door shelves I made... I really needed clamps... I really simply needed more time to work on them.

      Just before I left for far northern NV to see the kids and to work on the door shelves... I have a twin sized head board bench I've been working on for MONTHS! I refuse to give up! I messed it up and now have to re-do. Grrr...

      Do you remember the Beaded Baseball Card I was doing for my husband? Well... it's been nearly a year and it sits in the unfinished state... I'm now feeling guilty about not working on it... but I was so disheartened it was (is) hard to go back to it.

      My mother used to tell me, "A mistake is not a bad thing as long as we learn from them." You, like me, have to do them a couple of times to actually learn anything! How soon we forget! It's like God is slapping us along side the head... "see... you didn't listen the first time did you?" LOL

      If all of us bloggers blogged about all of our fails I think there would be a LOT of fails out there!

      I'm sure you want to get back into the shop, but at the same time it's good for you to have a break. All work and no play makes Gail a dull lady. 🙂

      ((hugs))

      Reply
    55. Terri

      March 14, 2012 at 8:56 pm

      What a bummer...it was such a cute idea. I can't even count my project "fails"...it would be too depressing. I know you though...you will get right back on the horse and make something work!

      Reply
    56. Cindy

      March 14, 2012 at 6:27 pm

      I think you might be too harsh of a critic. I like the bench very much would build a simple back to match the seat. Guess this is one of those time the old adage comes into play. "Measure twice, cut once".

      Reply
    57. Cindy

      March 14, 2012 at 5:38 pm

      I hate it when that happens!! When you see something in your head and then the thing in front of you doesn't look like what's in your head. I think there might be some type of time warp thing that happens cause then it's like my brain shorts out and it's "to the burn pile with you!!!" Saying that like the Red Queen says "Off with his head!" in Alice in Wonderland 🙂
      For the record I rather liked your bench although black isn't my decorating color either. Obviously you want to make a bench with chair backs and you're on your way to getting exactly what you vision. 🙂
      Good luck!!

      Reply
    58. Kat Bennett

      March 14, 2012 at 7:21 pm

      Geez, I wish I could fail that good! I adore all your projects, wishing mightily that I had the guts to do them myself. Fail? You? Not! Only YOU can turn it into a Happy Accident! Think, backwards, upside down and inside out- you'll get it!

      Reply
    59. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      March 14, 2012 at 3:17 pm

      i barely notice the non-reach..... could you just throw some wood putty in there? and frankly, i am glad to see you are normal, just like me. (ok scratch that i am not normal- glad to see we all make mistakes!)

      Reply
    60. Oklahomaredhead

      March 14, 2012 at 3:15 pm

      This doesn't look too bad for a fail! It's got potential even if it didn't turn out like you wanted. I see it being used as a plant table on a porch. Or it still would make an excellent bench on a porch or patio. Just set it against the wall and there's your back. Even though it is low some one could use it as a potting bench. Just sit down and pot your flowers to your hearts content. OR Add a top to the chairs and make it a slightly higher potting bench. Ok I'll stop there. Hey if I lived close by I definitely would buy it from you.

      Reply
    61. Suzanne@Meridian Road

      March 14, 2012 at 2:49 pm

      You didn't ask, but here's what I think. What if you cut the backs of the chair down to that first slat, and put a board across the back at the same height? Then paint it a color you like. It would have a lower profile, but that's not a bad thing. Honestly, I don't think it looks too long, and I like the black. I think this could totally be salvaged.

      DId I ever tell you about the time I was going to make my own wire birdcage? It turned out like some weird instrument of torture. That never saw the light of day on my blog!

      Reply
    62. Jennie

      March 14, 2012 at 2:42 pm

      Honestly, I like it. Its not a fail to everyone. If you dont want to keep it or work on it anymore I suggest listing it on Craigslist for at least $100 with pictures. I bet you will get tons of interest!

      Reply
    63. Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama

      March 14, 2012 at 2:38 pm

      I dont really think its a fail Gail.. (haha poet and didnt know it).. is there a way to cut/shorten the chair part of it and make it a lower back bench..does that make sense?

      Reply
    64. Finders Keepers

      March 14, 2012 at 2:34 pm

      Gail,

      You could move this minor setback into the "win" column by cutting partial small semi-circles from the top left and right edges of the sign, thus making the defect into a feature. It would give the back/sign a neat scrolled appearance.

      Cheers,

      Scott Phillips
      http://www.FindersKeepersAntiques.us

      Reply
    65. Sandy A

      March 14, 2012 at 2:33 pm

      I don't think this bench is a fail--I think an easy fix would be to remove the sides and cut bottom of the legs off a few inches and reattach--for me I think they are too high for the "arms" of the bench. I like the black and the sentiment a lot. Just a thought...

      Reply
    66. K. Marie :)

      March 14, 2012 at 2:26 pm

      I agree not really a "fail"! You're being too hard on yourself! I think most people usually are though.

      I found an old ladder a couple of months ago. It was covered in paint, so I sanded and sanded and sanded, took it apart, and stained it a very dark brown. I had intended on hanging it horizontal on the wall and using it as a makeshift shelf. However, it is not flush with the wall, so my other half said it couldn't stay. He says it will damage our walls. So it's new home is propped against a wall to hang our living room blankets on.

      Reply
    67. Anonymous

      March 14, 2012 at 5:09 pm

      What if you just scoot the sign down so there is no gap in the back? Seems to me the curve of the chair backs would mean they are closer together nearer the seat. I love it, black and all, and would have it in my house!

      Reply
    68. Anne

      March 14, 2012 at 1:03 pm

      Love the bench with the sign! (glad you could sell the other one! lol)

      You rock Gail!!

      Reply
    69. Midwest Cottage and Finds!

      March 14, 2012 at 12:49 pm

      Gail-you are being WAY to tough on yourself!! It is pretty cool--I would paint it gray-distress it a bit and put it on a porch with some pillows or in the yard with some flower pots on either side...and yes--i am excited for you to get back in your shop...LOVE your projects!!
      chris

      Reply
    70. Midwest Cottage and Finds!

      March 14, 2012 at 12:49 pm

      Gail-you are being WAY to tough on yourself!! It is pretty cool--I would paint it gray-distress it a bit and put it on a porch with some pillows or in the yard with some flower pots on either side...and yes--i am excited for you to get back in your shop...LOVE your projects!!
      chris

      Reply
    71. Full Circle Creations

      March 14, 2012 at 12:40 pm

      I know you see this as a fail, but I don't. It may not be what you want but that doesn't mean fail, at least not in my book. I think because you wanted to use that sign as the back is maybe why it's a fail. And I certainly don't think it's too long. Why don't you make a different back and paint the whole thing a different color. More of a Gail color! Black benches are my thing! HA! Fail would be if you made it and can't sit on it...then maybe you could call it a fail.

      Holly

      Reply
    72. Anonymous

      March 14, 2012 at 4:33 pm

      Sniff.Sniff. I loved those chairs before you dismantled them. I'm more of a chair, than bench person since we never have enough chairs around here.

      I always marvel at how inventive and confident you are with wood.

      Reply
    73. Cindy

      March 14, 2012 at 12:13 pm

      I think you're being too hard on yourself I love this bench. Maybe add a cross bar a little higher to attach the back too.

      If this is a fail I don't think I'll ever post my projects as your fail looks better than a lot of my non-fails...lol!

      You are my inspiration to try re-purposing, keep up the wonderful work!

      Reply
    74. Kathy@ Gone North

      March 14, 2012 at 11:59 am

      Oh, don't you hate that?? You see it in your head & it is perfect... then the finish?? not so much... Happens to me all the time.
      I think you can save it though... I like it so far.. set it aside for a while & then come back to it.. you may be inspired to finish it differently : )

      Reply
    75. Sharon

      March 14, 2012 at 11:36 am

      I think it looks fine. I can totally see that bench sitting in my garden.

      I wasn't sure how that would turn out from the first pictures. But wow. You give me so many ideas.

      I need to go find two chairs for my headboard still sitting here waiting for the right stuff to come along.

      Sharon

      Reply
    76. Paige @ Little Nostalgia

      March 14, 2012 at 11:11 am

      Yeah, I think the sign is a little too narrow/short to be with arms that tall.

      I have project fails all the time! I'm in the middle of one right now: I tried to paint the inside of a vase, and there are some definite naked spots. Whoops! It's hard to get the brush in there at the correct angle.

      Reply
    77. A Pretty Pastime

      March 14, 2012 at 11:01 am

      What ?!?! I LOVE this bench! I love the color, the back and every thing about it. I wish my fails were as awesome as yours.

      Reply
    78. jeanetteann

      March 14, 2012 at 10:43 am

      I say it looks not too bad, I would put it on sale,I reckon,there is always someone who will love what we don't. In a bedroom piled up with cushions maybe.
      I don't do huge projects,but do have things not work out with my sewing projects. I always say to myself, it's never a mistake, it's an opportunity to be creative. So many mistakes have turned into something special.

      Reply
    79. Lisa

      March 14, 2012 at 1:09 pm

      There isn't anything wrong with the bench. Anyone that didn't know your plan would not even notice what you "think" is wrong with it. I think it is beautiful just the way it is! 🙂

      Reply
    80. Anonymous

      March 14, 2012 at 12:54 pm

      i think it's really cool. the only suggestion i would have to help you with the things YOU don't like about it is: maybe dry brush some vertical stripes on the seat part to fool the eye. instead of the eye following the horizonatal slats, it will break up the length and make it appear shorter. just a suggestion.....but i would buy it. i think she's a beauty.

      Reply
    81. Amanda

      March 14, 2012 at 7:39 am

      I always have fails, most times not a real fail, just me being too hard on myself!

      This would be a great bench if the back had been the right size!

      How about making a smaller bench, find / make a different back, the chair backs look wonderful as the arms of the bench.

      Reply

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