I’m sharing my latest project—a rustic crib garden bench! Y’all know I love to do easy projects as fill ins for the larger stuff I do. Designing my own projects and building from scratch is my favorite thing to do. When the weather is pretty and I’m able to be outside doing what I love, it just makes my heart sing!
So, while looking for my next “easy” project, I scrounged around in the garage, and this is what I came up with . . .
I have oodles of crib rails, and I was trying to figure out a way to use up some of the stuff I have in storage.
So, I gathered up one set of rails, some weathered wood, including 2x4’s and fence boards. I also dug out a couple of old porch spindles I got when one of my favorite Peddler’s Mall’s closed. I got a lot of these old spindles for $5. That was months ago, and I haven’t used a single one. It was a chore just finding them, and trying to pry two out of the pile. You will see later that I really should have dug a couple of more out to choose from. I didn’t get the cream of the crop.
Pocket Hole Construction for the frame
After a little measuring and designing the crib garden bench in my head, I cut some of the weathered 2x4’s to use as a skirt for the bench. I chose 4x4’s for the legs of my new rustic garden bench. My Kreg Jig was the perfect tool to quickly attach all of my pieces together.
I used my combination square to make sure all of the the boards were spaced the same as I secured my pocket hole screws.
Basic frame for bench or table
It’s always a challenge getting to the the screws on the shorter sides. I used my right angle drill to secure those screws.
Attach crib rail
I clamped the rail to the back of the crib garden bench, and secured it with screws all along the back.
It’s looking a little funny—I’m not sure at this point that it’s going to come together.
This is the wood I used for the frame, legs and the seat of the crib garden bench.
Add seat and support braces
I had to cut the spindles on an angle to get them to rest properly on the back and the seat.
I used my nail gun and Gorilla wood glue to secure the spindles. To get the great whitewashed look, I used a large chip brush and some watered down white paint. Much like I did for my potting bench/outdoor entertainment center.
I set some flowers around it. Don't you love these planter koozies I made a couple of years ago? I like the way they hide the planters. Have you ever seen my repurposed floor lamp into a solar light? It looks so cute lit up at night.
So, I’m not thrilled with how the bench turned out, but for an outdoor rustic crib garden bench, I think it fits the bill.
gail
Sharing this project at The Vintage Inspiration Party
Bliss
Love it, pinned it, scheduled a post to FB and all that before I knew it was linked at the VIP, so it's my pick as a feature too!
Betsy
Your furniture creations are always jaw dropping! You sure know how to turn a pile of scraps into something fabulous. Thanks, Gail, for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party.
KariAnne
Gail! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an awesome project!!!!!
You go girl! Thanks for the inspiration!
Happy day!
karianne
Angie
I think it turned out awesome - like everything you make! Thanks for sharing it at the Vintage Inspiration Party!
Debbie @ Refresh Restyle
Love it Gail! You are the repurposing Queen 🙂
Debbie
Tracy Shudo
Gail you are an inspiration to us all and I thank-you for that. Thanks for sharing and keep on sharing, I also like the spindle's slanted on the side.
Mindi
This is so fun and different! I think it would be perfect in a garden, I think the slanted side spindles make it look super cute!
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage
I love the pieces you used to put this together Gail. It's a one of a kind piece, and it turned out great!
Kirby Carespodi
Oh, I just love this! I really like it because it's different. We have made a few of the headboard benches, which are fine, but this has a little something different.
Holly
Cute! It would look good with a wreath hanging on the back!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
You are so right Holly! I should have thought of that.... maybe if it goes to Glendale--I'll do that.
chris aka monkey
i think you got just what you were going for a cool rustic bench xx
Terri Hughes
Love it, Gail......very nice job. Great fall setting!
Dorothy McGinley
Gail, I love your projects.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Dorothy,
I love that you stopped by to check out my latest project!
gail
Charlene
Love it!! You inspire me with every project you post, thank you!!!!!!
Wendi @ H2OBungalow
Loving how you pulled all he different pieces together...kind of like a puzzle, to make this bench. I think it's cool and it will be perfect in an outdoor garden:)