If you’ve stopped by this week, you know I took all of these bits and pieces and made this jenny lind bench
I proceeded to use more bits and pieces in order to add arm rests.
I used paint and primer in one and painted it black. The plan was to paint it black to get all the bits and pieces to be the same color, then paint it turquoise and distress it to reveal some black.
I started on the seat, but decided to do a dry brush technique instead.
I got a little too much turquoise on it . . .
. . . . so I went back over it with some more black.
I did not sand this, it is all dry brushing. Then I talk to a good friend Stephanie, and she encourages me to do a Damask stencil on the seat. She convinces me that I should do that.
When I got my stencil out, I decided that I should do it on the seat “as is” to see if I like it. Hey! It’s only paint, right? I can always paint over it if I don’t like it.
I did a very light coat because I wanted it to be sort of “barely there”.
I ended up liking it.
I will not be keeping this bench. It will be for sale, which makes it difficult to decide. Because, I am so indecisive, I posted a picture on Facebook. It was a very popular post and I got lots of advice from all of my wonderful friends.
The tally was this
- Wouldn’t change a thing/Love it 18
- Paint the seat black with stencil (ranging from white to cream to turquoise) 13
- Paint bench teal and distress 2
- Black stencil 3
- Whitewash with Blue over Black 1
- Use a Greek Key Stencil instead of the Damask 1
- Black and White with accents on the spindles 1
So, I left it alone, covered it with a sheet and started on another bench made from two old chairs. 
If you would like to see the tutorial of the bench, check out my post Jenny Lind Bed Bench, if you want to see how I added the arms, check out my post Jenny Lind Bed Bench Pt 2
It’s D.O.N.E.
There are a couple of places that need a touch-up, but after that it is done.
I decided to go with Damask pillows instead of a Damask stencil.
gail
wayne says
April 25, 2017 at 5:20 pmlove it well done !!!!!!!!!!!
Gail Wilson says
April 25, 2017 at 6:13 pmThanks Wayne! This was a very fun project.
gail
Megan says
January 1, 2015 at 9:46 pmI just discovered you and I am COMPLETELY in love with this project! I will be scouring thrift stores for the bed!!!!
Angie says
March 6, 2014 at 10:55 pmI LOVE this bench. It’s amazing how you came up with it. This frankenstein of a bench turned out to be a beautiful piece. It doesn’t look at all like it was pieced together. Awesome!
alanna rose says
March 6, 2012 at 4:48 pmGreat job!
I have an old Jenny Lind hanging out in my garage, I’ve thought about making it a bench, but I’m just not sure. I like the distressed turquoise 🙂
vikki says
February 21, 2012 at 10:02 pmVery cute bench. Now I have to pull out my old bed and get to work!
Beth says
February 20, 2012 at 12:11 amI really love how this bench turned out with the stenciling and color choices! this is the best I’ve ever seen a Jenny Lind baby bed ever look!
Terri says
February 16, 2012 at 11:59 amTotally caught me by surprise…I did not see that coming. Love how it turned out, not used to seeing you go so distressed. Love the turquoise/black combo! Great job as always!
Stacey says
February 16, 2012 at 11:49 amLooks great! Love that bench – you are so clever! Would love to have you stop over to my blog home – I am having my first linky party and I would love for you to link this up!
Stacey
http://staceyembracingchange.blogpsot.com
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
February 16, 2012 at 4:15 amI love the stencil idea! It’s a beauty for sure! Nicely done Gail!
Good Time Charlie says
February 16, 2012 at 3:28 amI love it just the way it is, now going to get the 2nd part of the tutorial!
Frazzled Mom of Five says
February 15, 2012 at 8:04 pmOh how I do love this! You did an outstanding job! Adore the damask!!
~Jen @ hutchinsonherd.blogspot.com
Sue says
February 15, 2012 at 5:22 pmIt looks beautiful, the stencils are so pretty, I would hate to put a cushioning on it to sit a bit softer.
Have a great rest of the week,
Sue
schiperose says
February 15, 2012 at 4:27 pmYou did an absolutely beautiful job on this! Looking at the early photos, I never would have imagined such a gorgeous finished product!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
February 15, 2012 at 4:11 pmthose colors are so fun together!
Korrie@RedHenHome says
February 15, 2012 at 3:27 pmThis “puzzle bench” is one of your most amazing projects! Job well done!
Full Circle Creations says
February 15, 2012 at 12:54 pmThe dry brushing looks great. I always love your benches. Love the turquoise. You did a great job with the stencil, but it’s not my favorite…but that’s just me. It’s always a good idea to walk away from it for a while and then come back to it…some time away from it and you’ll know what to do.
Holly
Kat says
February 15, 2012 at 11:54 amThat bench would look goof nestled between potted plants, like palms! It is such a beautiful piece!
Meg and Mum's says
February 15, 2012 at 10:48 amFar out brussel sprout! It looks amazing! I love the turquoise on the black. Perfect. 🙂
Yana says
February 15, 2012 at 8:57 amamazing work! I’m proud to be your reader)))