I built this bench last year as a toddler/doll bench. I painted it pink, hoping it would find a special home with a little princess. Almost a year later and it didn’t sell. So, this Take 2 Tuesday is a little different. Instead of just showing you an older project, I’m going to show you how I changed that pink bench into this new version.
Here is the toddler/doll bench in it’s original state. You can see how I built it in the post Pink Toddler Bench. After having it in the shop for months, and then putting it in a temporary booth for about 6 weeks, I decided to ask opinions on Facebook. I sort of decided that I would let a local rivalry football game decide the color. Red or Blue. Red won the game (University of Louisville). I had suggestions of adding vinyl and removing the ball posts. That’s something I hadn’t even thought of.
I used my Dremel Mulit-Max to cut the tops off.
I started painting it with ASCP in Primer Red.
Here it is after 3 coats of red.
I got out my ASCP dark wax and got busy giving it some character!
Here she is in her new red dress. 🙂
For fun, I added some Fall Scarecrow people. I had this bench marked $20 for almost a year. Do you think I should mark it a little higher now?
gail
See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Diane
I have tried the link to the building of the original Pink Toddler Bench but nothing happens. did I wait to long. I just picked up a single bed head and foot board in great condition for $2.50 yes, almost as good as free. I am ready to dive in, but need some direction.
Sherry Ramsey
OMG I would have bought it ASAP if I'd known about it. I love pink and it was so beautiful that color. I can't believe someone wouldn't have bought it right away. I usually buy anything pink and then find a use for it. LOL
Lakya Turner
This is very nice. I loved it in PINK! Maybe because I have 2 daughters. I am new to your site. Are you in Michigan ?
Laurel Stephens
This would be such a great display bench for an American Girl Doll!
Bliss
Well I'm surprised someone didn't buy it for their little princess, but yeah, I rather like the after.
~Bliss~
Anonymous
I like it better now, but it still isn't one of my favorite of your pieces. I think it's kind of "clunky" or "heavy" - that's probably not the right word - you know, a little big in its proportions, especially for a child. If it doesn't sell as a bench, I'd put a shelf in the middle and reinvent it as a little plant/accessory stand for a porch.
sandra
It was cute before, but kinda limited to sellers who wanted it for a little girl. Now, it would be beautiful in any spot, I can totally see it on my front porch, especially if you put the wheat on the back. I would say that since it didn't sell at $20 (which seems like a bargain to me), you might not want to go too much higher, unless you don't mind waiting for it to sell. I would price it a bit higher, though, as it is totally worth more than $20, now that it will appeal to a wider group of buyers.
mia rose
Like it a lot now in its new look and color. Its ready for fall. I think raise the price a little higher. Its worth it.
Interactive Presentation
Cathy
I love that you did a redo on a project that didn't sell. I have an Etsy shop(bestllovedchild) and one of my early Noah's Arks hadn't sold for over a year even when marked down. It was favorited quite a bit but never sold. It had an Americana theme. I finally sanded it down, repainted it and it sold right away. Interestingly, my sons and son in law were devistated to hear it was gone. They loved it! Maybe my target audience was wrong. Funny how some things do or don't sell.
Pam Jackson
Gail dear you are always so busy. I like the red more than the pink. Hoping you have all your little projects done for awhile cause that shoulder is going to put you down for a little bit. Hang in there and I will be thinking of you.
Anne
Aww so adorable! Love that little bench & your rag dolls are perfect. I'd totally charge $50 for that one!
Corn in my Coffee-Pot
Ooo! That looks great. I like the red w/ wax much better than the pink. I'm not sure on the size. You call it a toddler bench...I'm guessing made from a toddler bed. So it is a child sized seat?
Or adult sized seat for one?
Also--I'm trying to be a stickler...;) But, How is the tipping factor.
Shoppers may be taking this into consideration. The front to back looks narrow like tipping may be a factor.
I'd bump up the price a little--if it doesn't sell after awhile, you could mark it back down. Then shopper might think they're getting a deal!:)
"THEY" DO IT WITH GAS PRICES ALL THE TIME!
...Pat
Full Circle Creations
I like it so much better now. Great redo. If it were me, I'd add a little detail in the middle of the back, like a little bundle of wheat using vinyl and definitely mark it up to $40 because it is worth it.
Holly
Susan @ homeroad.net
So-ooo much better Gail! I think it will be snatched up in a second at $20... go for $40~ Perfect seat for those little scarecrows!
Susan
Sue
Pink is not really my color, I like it better now. Marking it up, not sure, you could try it for a little while.
Amanda Masters
It looks lovely! But it did before too, perfect autumn decoration with those scarecrow dollies.
The Gingerbread Gem
Great! Looks so much better now. Perfect for Fall.
Goedele