Saturday, April 11, 2009

Something Sweet ♥ and Icky fingers

Before I get into my post I just wanted to thank Jeannie from Jeannie's Happy World. She made this extraordinary card and sent it to me. I was so touched when I got it today. As you can see she is one very talented lady.


The beautiful embossed paper, the sparkly Fleur de lis, soft butterflies..the whole thing is a feast for the eyes. Thanks Jeannie I LOVE IT!


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A year or so ago, I was looking for a bench for my master bedroom. I couldn't find anything I liked in the price range I was willing to pay. So I decided to build my own.


Just the other day my hubby said it would be nice to have a bench in our closet. He gets dressed in there in the mornings so he doesn't wake me up. And having a bench to sit on to put on socks and shoes would be really handy.



So I figured if I was going to build one I might as well do a post about the makings of a simple bench.


First stop.....off to Osgoods fabric warehouse. I this place. It is a wonderland of fabrics, trims, and so much more!

Gotta have some foam....they cut it to size for you...so you don't have to fight with it at home. I am all about someone else doing the hard work for me!

2 yards of fabric (I wouldn't recommend working with silk or a plaid for your first time out....and working with a silk plaid...well that's just plain dumb....just ask me I know that now!) 2 yards of batting, 4 yards of trim (ouch that hurts the wallet) and a 3" piece of foam 48" x 18"

Then it's off to my favorite place....the Home Depot. Where they'll cut your wood for you. I don't use saws....me and things with big teeth just don't get along! I bought a

24" x 48" piece of 1/2" plywood and had them rip it to 18" x 48"

Then I took 2) 8' 2 x 3's over to the chop saw and let them cut those for me too! 2) 48" lengths from one...and 2) 15" pieces from the other. Which will give me a 4 foot by 18 inch bench when I'm done.


The cute french country legs I bought from Rockler.com they have great furniture legs ....these are maple and are 15" high ...only $18.99 each. You'll need a nice drill, wood glue, clamps, a couple dozen 2 1/2" screws and some 2" screws, and stain or paint for the legs.

This is where the icky fingers from my giveaway post came in. I tend to be really messy when I'm staining.

Simply build a four sided box with the 2 x 3's and glue and screw them together. I used the 2 1/2" screws because the wood is 1 1/2 thick. Once the 4 sides are screwed together you just screw on the top. Easy as can be!
There are a bunch of ways you could attach the legs. But I just used 2 screws on each side and 2 going in from the top. I wasn't sure it would be enough when I built the first bench...but a year later it's still as solid as can be! And it even holds my massive bulk!


Then you just plop the foam on top!
You'll need a nice staple gun. I love this one because it doesn't need much hand strength to drive the staples.

Then simply wrap and staple the batting, and the fabric...hot glue on the trim....and TA DA! you have a bench!



On the bedroom bench I used big nail heads instead of trim....but the trim was quicker and easier...and added a little pizzazz.



Wrapping the corners can be tricky...but after a few tries I can usually get them fairly decent.



Working with the silk plaid was a pain in the rumpus...the silk was slippery and hard to work with...and the plaid made lining the fabric up way harder. Next time I'm going to go with an all over pattern that is more forgiving.




And nooooo I didn't take a picture of it in the closet...because frankly I didn't want to work that hard to clean it up! But it turned out pretty nice. All together the materials cost about $200...it would have been much cheaper with a less expensive fabric and trim. But the fun part is being able to say you made it yourself!




And now my hubby doesn't tip over when he's putting on his shoes!

104 comments:

Shauna said...

Beautiful! And I l♥ve the card too!
♥ HUGS ♥

Laura said...

I'm drooling over that Osgoods place - oh what I wouldn't give if we had something like that! Who knew you built furniture? Oh my gosh, that bench is beautiful!

tammy said...

Looks fabulous. Are you for hire?

Four Paws and Co said...

Oh, this is great & I think I could even do it! I'm so impressed with your corners!

Oh my, I'd love to roam around in Osgoods... It looks like a wonderful place to shop.

Oh yeah... Your bench is gorgeous!!! ♥ Diane

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Girl that is just wonderful...not only can you bake a sexy looking daughter you also use powers tools..Love how this turned out..and here I am getting all excited because I just redid an ottoman..May you have a wonderful Easter dear friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Kristina P. said...

Nikki, you did such a great job!

Unknown said...

Wow! What a beautiful bench. It looks like it was store bought. You're talented lady!

J. Baxter said...

I just like how you throw around words like "Simply..." and "Easy as can be..." to try and tempt craft-clutzes (like myself) to try such a project! I can only imagine what my bench would look like next to your gorgeous specimen - I shudder to think. The world needs people like you balance out the people like me. Glad you're out there!

Tristan said...

that looks great!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, you are not only funny, but very talented too!

So......is there a bench in a future giveaway!

*begs and pants*

heh heh

Kathy said...

Oh my gosh Nikki, I bow to you, that bench is stunning, i'll swop you a 100 tablescapes for a bench like this one. I know you said the fabric was hard to work with but it is my idea of perfection and it turned out more than perfect to me, in fact it knocked my socks off heehee. Happy Easter oh talented one, hugs, Kathy.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

wow, you are soooo talented! I'm impressed and amazed at your never-ending talent.

♥ Braja said...

I am so happy to be here :)))
love you Nikki girl...
xxx

Anonymous said...

Osgoods.... WOW... that's all I can say about the bench too! You are one exceptionally talented chick.

DI
The Blue Ridge Gal

LadyFi said...

My goodness, I'm exhausted just looking at your pictures! How very talented you are!

CB said...

Nikki - The bench IS a real Wowser! It turned out so nice. I love the fringe detail! You are really talented. I have needed a bench for the end of my bed for awhile now. I have not found one I liked - Hhhmmmm the wheels are turning....Thanks for the great tutorial!

Twice as Nice said...

WOW. I love it! I just wish my closet was big enough to need a bench.

Kris said...

Nikki, you did an amazing job on the bench. Looks wonderful and I love a good easy craft project. Thanks for the easy to understand directions and photos.

Have a happy day

Kris

P.S. the card is sweet and the barbie below reminds me of myself. haha

Unknown said...

Great instructions, great instructional photos, spectacular bench!

I have the Power Shot stapler too and you're so right about the strength thing; this one is easier to use.

Wish I had your fabric store in my area!

The card is lovely.
Jane

Queenie Jeannie said...

WOW!! That is a gorgeous bench!!! You did a wonderful job on it!!!!!

I'm glad you liked my card - that makes me really happy!

onlymehere said...

Oh my, I so want a fabric warehouse like that one here!! I don't have a table saw either so I have Lowe's cut my long wood for me but I have to cut the smaller ones. I love the smell of fresh cut wood, weird huh?! You did an absolutely beautiful job on the bench! Way to go. Power tools rock! Cindy

P.S. It's kind of funny that you posted this bench with what I'm working on right now!! Hopefully it will be done soon but I have so much going on I don't know when I can post it. Stay tuned, LOL!!

Shannon said...

Fabulous! I am digging the plaid fabric!

Becky said...

Whoa girl!!! You are some talented chick! How gorgeous....I think you and I have the same taste!!! Happy Easter to ya sista!!!

Becky said...

I'm in awe! You are so talented!!! The bench is beautiful!

Beth said...

I am truly impressed! And I'm going to show this to my husband because he is the decorator/furniture maker in this house. I used to try out this kind of stuff but he is sooooo much better than me that I just gave him the reigns. That makes both of us happy!

I love all the pictures. You have good taste in decorations.

Happy Easter!

imjacobsmom said...

Nikki, That's amazing! It turned out so professional and it looks great. I like your choice of fabric and trims. I wish we had an Osgood's here, too. (We probably do, but I don't go out of my 5 mile radius that much to find out....) Happy Easter to you and your family! ~ Robyn

cindy said...

That is darling! You did an awesome job! Love the fabric too! FYI...(I did see benches on sale on Macys website for $69.00...~just what you wanted to hear....) Yours turned out cuter than what they have available though.

jill jill bo bill said...

Okay, I saw this bench in one of my many magazines and thought> "I could make that!" It is the EXACT one. You must be psychic or my husband and your husband must have been chatting about falling over in the closet.

GREAT JOB!!!! You are so dang inspirational I am going to do it!!

Unknown said...

You are my idol!
Seriously.

Anonymous said...

Nikki,
Where were all these talents when you were at home - you never made me anything like that!!!!
Love, Mom

nanny said...

I am so impressed! That is a beautiful bench! The card is beautiful also,,,,you two are talented ladies....
Now get busy and make Mom one,,,I love her post!

Mama Freemans' cafe' said...

Looks like a lot of your commenters are like me and morning people!I would have read your blog earlier but duty called and I had to hook up the horse trailer and catch my daughters horse so she could leave by 8:30 for a barrel 3-d race in Freemont Nebraska.Now onto fun stuff, thanks for showing me your way to build a bench. Looks pretty easy and very cute. Its nice to see the work of other do it yourselfers. At my house I am the do it your selfer.Check out my blog and see my chicken coop. Not completely done but getting there. Happy Easter I love your blog!

Becky said...

That turned out beutiful! If you enjoyed making it, I bet you could make alot of money selling those!

Tracey said...

Great job on the bench! My kitties would love that trim...LOL!!

Jan said...

That is fantastic Nikki. You did such a great job. I love how it turned out.

Have a wonderful Easter over there on the East coast. Take care.

Barbara Jean said...

Wonderful bench, and instructions.

thanks

blessings on you day.

Barbara Jean

PS I'm having a little giveaway for my 200th post. Drawing on the 15th.

Michael said...

So you now take orders, right? LOL

Amazing bench...absolutely a great piece, and I must say, much too pretty to hide in your closet, even if it does have a practical use in there.

I love the nailhead trim on the bench at the foot of your bed...what a great detail!

Justine said...

OMG! The TALENT!!!!!! Nikki, this came out SO good. I want one! Can you make me one and then mail it here? Pwease??????? I just love this thing and I know I could never do all that myself. Nope, I'm too stupid.

Justine :o )

jori-o said...

You are amazing.

Really!

Erin said...

Your bench is beautiful!! Even with your instructions, there is NO way I could make something that awesome! So...when are you going to come down to Texas?? I could use your creative eye!!

P.S. Super jelous my mom gets to see you!! Only days away...She is stoked! Ya'll have fun!!!

Anonymous said...

OMG I want one :) can you like make me one? I love it!

Unknown said...

gREAT LESSON TODAY AND IT LOOKS FAB. MISHELLE

Shell in your Pocket said...

oh so pretty...I love a fringe~
sandy toe

amelia bedelia said...

You crafty little thing you! I love it!!

Ginger said...

Your bench turned out beautiful. You have talent!!!
I think thats sweet that you said your hubby dresses in the closet so he doesn't wake you up. I think my hubby used to make as much noise as he could, just to wake me up. lol.
Happy Easter
Ginger

Sue said...

Hi Nikki....so your not just a comediane...I am highly impressed that you built this thing...It's fabulous...I was telling the Boss..you had the whole thing going on with the clamps and the glue and the staining...Very talented!!

leslie said...

These benches are great!!!!! I am quite impressed!

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

That card is absolutely gorgeous! Loving the bench! I have been wanting to make one for my daughter's room and now I shall!

(I'm adding more to the giveaway on Monday!)

Happy Easter!

Anonymous said...

you did soo good.i am so proud of you .this is fabulous.thats why your little fingers were stained huh?
my hubbt runs around with a flash light and dresses in the other bath so as not to wake me.aren't they sweet?,,
did i give ypu a fan award?if not,please come get it.seens everytime i come to your blog dh comes home and i never finish...ann

Mary@Holy Mackerel said...

You are one talented woman!! And thoughtful, too!

And the card is amazing.

Carolynn Anctil said...

Both of those benches are magnificent! Seriously, you could go into business selling those. And, thank you for posting a How-To. If I ever get that energetic, I'll know exactly what to do.

Linda's Blue Gate said...

That is just gorgeous..... look at you..... I didn't know our Nikki was so handy... love the fabric you used just perfect..... and that card is a thing of beauty...
HUgs
Linda

Heather said...

It's gorgeous!!! I didn't know what a handy lady you really are!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Nikki,
That is just a beautiful job you did on that bench. Happy Easter, Cindy

wendy said...

Very, very VERY cool. I am impressed. I would NEVER attempt that. I've always thought a good place for a husband is in the CLOSET.

H.K. said...

That is one beautiful bench and you've inspired me to go make a headboard for our bed!

kado! said...

hi there sweetie...I was just showing my husband the pics of your HOT daughter...because I'm a nice wife like that...and I wanted to be sure to show him my work-out inspiration...(and by the way...he thinks she is gorgeous!)

BUT....I just have to tell you how funny this is.....as I was reading your tutorial on your do-it-your-self-project...backwards...since I was scrolling up your post after looking at those pics....this caption Stopped me COLD....and I absolutely laughed OUT LOUD! Underneath the photo of your darling Home-Depot guy it says, "The cute french country legs I bought from Rockler.com"

I'm sorry...but that is TOO funny....reminds me not to read posts backwards...things may be taken out of context!!! LOL! LOL! LOL!

Anonymous said...

Oh I love it...that materail and trim are gorgeous....

This project is perfect I have been looking for a hassock/coffee table and this fits the bill, (my hubby is very handy he can do this,and I am very handy with pictures and his charge card LOL)

Thanks for the inspiration...GREAT job !

All the best,
Kathy :)

nikkicrumpet said...

Hey Kathy...if you build one...or the hubby does lol...make sure to email me a picture!!!

Jessica said...

Adorable....love the card, too.

Have a Happy Easter

Tabitha Blue said...

Great job, that is gorgeous!! You're so talented!

:)

Jenners said...

All I know is that if I had tried this, it would have taken four weeks, 1000s of trips to rebuy materials and lots of blood would have been shed. I'm amazed at your talents!

Lisa Loo said...

It was all over for me when you said the word--SIMPLY---

That is my cue to know that I will never be able to do it--simply...I pfft on simply......

But I do heart your benches--funny and skillz--what will you think of next??!!

Anne Fannie said...

Your bench turned out great! I love it! That card is adorable too BUT I want that store to be near me.....Osgoods Fabric warehouse? Just the name sends goosebumps down my back! Where is it?
Happy Easter to you and your family!
~Ann

Anonymous said...

WOW! That table is amazing!!!!!!

And Jeannie's cards are always awesome!

jeanne said...

Good morning Nikki, I am waiting for the master to get up and the best way I know to make time disappear is to start commenting. LOL. I can make a bench After reading your directions. This is awesome. I really came over to find your email as I want to send you something. I sent something that didn't go through. I'm looking. If you don't rec. an email from me you will know I didn't figure it out. Believe me I am lame on a computer. Happy Easter. Did I hear my dh say what's for breakfast??? YEP.

Hugs...Jeanne

Tomarie said...

What an absolutely STUNNING bench! WOW!
Please stop by and pick up your Fan Award as I've always been a big fan of your blog (even though I'm still a fledgling blogger! lol), or add me to your Fan Collection if you already have it!
Have a beautiful and blessed Easter! Laura

Rue said...

Good morning Nikki :)

After covering my chair with that needlepoint, I have a new respect for anyone that can do this... yours turned out beautiful!!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter sweet friend :)

hugs,
rue

Stacy Uncorked said...

Oh how I wish we had an Osgood's or any 'good' fabric store in my area! The only option is JoAnn's - which all but one closed, and the other is a bit of a hike.

BEAUTIFUL job on the bench! I'm so impressed! :)

Happy Easter!! :)

Natalia said...

You have got to be kidding me!? Is there anything - and I mean anything - you can't do? It is perfect.

You = my hero!!!


Love the card, too.

-Nat

Ash said...

Are you kidding me!?

I'll pay for your flight to come to Dallas and make me one for my closet.

I want a round one though - is that difficult?

You rock on so many levels, lady!

E.

Anonymous said...

I made a coffee table several years back, painted it and took it to my sister's as a gift. She said "but I want a tile top". After hitting her with the table, I took it home and learned first-hand how to tile. It's fun to learn yourself cuz then there's no instructions to read.

I love YOURS!!! And mine is still sitting on her verandah.

Did I mention I broke two fingers when I hit a knot with the drill?

coffee table = $150
medical procedure = priceless

Bridget said...

Happy Easter and thanks for the bench tutorial. I've wanted to make one since I saw you bedroom bench on RMS.

Anonymous said...

Happy Easter, Dear Nikkiness! Oh, my goodness! You're amazing! Look at these gorgeous benches you're creating. Even with your fabulous instructions, I don't know if I could do it. Slippery silk or not, the plaid silk fabric is beautiful!
Be a sweetie,Shela :)

Fragrant Liar said...

Amazing! Your work and your instructions were awesome. I bet your hubby loves his new closet bench.

SmilingSally said...

I have 6 words:

1. Ab
2. Sole
3. Lute
4. Lee
5. Gore
6. Jus

mCat said...

You go girl! Amazing! It's beautiful and you are to be proud of yourself!

~♥~ Monica S said...

WOW!!!! GREAT JOB!!

Monica

bj said...

Gol-leeee....with these great instructions, even I might be able to do this...I love it, Nikki..you are really good at this.
Oh, and I am thrilled to death that your titties are healthy!!
It is just about time for my yearly mamo, too....

Carma Sez said...

wow-eeee. You done good :D
carma

John Deere Mom said...

Is there anything you can't do?! Those benches are awesome. And I would like to move into your bedroom. Please and thank you.

Marrdy said...

You don't need to borrow anybody else's crafty genes!! That is one awesome bench. You totally rock! (I can't find a desent fabric store here in SL County...)

roy/elisabeth dean said...

Tell the truth.....
Did you name you DOG after your favorite fabric store???
If that's the case, I'm naming my next pet Outback Steakhouse!

The benches are BEAUTIFUL!!! I am not the least bit crafty, but when my Dad was alive he would create beauty like that!

I am on vacation this week and just MIGHT attempt a rough copy of this for the end of my bed....it would have to be in a hearty fabric to withstand cats and dogs jumping on it though. Maybe tent canvas?

I hope you had a wonderful, blessed Easter. Thanks, as always, for your sweet message today!
♥,Lilly

santamaker said...

Just gorgeous! You are indeed very talented my friend! Thanks for sharing all of the steps in the making of this great piece.

Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

So beautiful. Amazing how talented you are!! :)

Jannie Funster said...

Amazing bench. And woman. You, being the woman, of course.

It's late.

Life on the Edge said...

You are amazing! That bench is just incredible. I love when people share how they created something.

Kady

Deb said...

Hi Nikki! You did a wonderful job on both benches, you are amazing! Congratulations to Lacey! She's a beautiful girl! Deb

Beth at Aunties said...

I am so impressed! Your brown fingers were so worth it. It looks so professional. Could an ordinary woman like myself attempt to build one? Both of your benches are beautiful and your husband is a sweetheart to dress without waking you. Mine does the same:)
Simply gorgeous!

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry said...

Just saw this post - the fabric caught my eye :). I absolutely love this and really believe I could make one myself. Thank you for posting the details.

Sassy said...

HOLY CRAP! Not only are you funny...you are SUPER TALENTED as well!!!! That is beautiful! Totally impressive!

Auds at Barking Mad said...

Awesome! You make it look so easy.

Wanna drive two hours north and come make me one? *lol*

Seriously, me and tools of ANY kind do not get a long. Maybe if I took your blog, printed it out and took it into Lowes, someone would have pity on me and put it together for me. No? Well, it COULD happen.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

You are just amazing! This is such a great bench, and I am soooo impressed hat you built it! Love the fabric and trim you used. laurie

Jen said...

OMGosh! How talented are you?! You are a Martha Stewart clone! It's beautiful! *Applause* *applause*.

Progressive Momma said...

Wow that is awesome...your so crafty. I'm inpired!!!

Pearce Fam said...

I'm in awe. I can barely sew and look what you made! Gorgeous!

Jourdan said...

This is awesome...and totally clever. I have some learnin to do when it comes to building stuff :) Great job!!

Susie Q said...

I am jealous enough of your creativity and talents but sheesh! Did you have to go and say this was for your closet?? ACK! I wanna closet big enough for a bench!! I wantoneIwantoneIwantone...
whew. I am better now.

And it IS purty.

Oh. The bathroom post. Oh my! That last one...even if i KNEW they couldn't see...well...I just don't know! Cool concept though....do you know where I can get my hands on some of those lovely faucet fixtures?? Egads! Did I just say *get my hands on* OY vey.

You silly girl you.

Scrap for Joy said...

Funny and talented-the bench is amazing and the fabric you chose is beautiful!

Ann Marie said...

Hi... I cam over from Cherie's blog.. She is right.. The bench is gorgeous! Good work!!

Heather said...

I came from Cherie's blog too. I love the bench. I might have to make on someday. You did an excellent job!

Kimmie said...

Hi, I came over from Cherie's Blog...that is AWESOME that you just took it upon yourself and made that bench and I love all of the "step by step" photo....Amazing job you did!!

My hubby and I love to be creative and that looks like a fun project to tackle. My hubby has made many furniture projects in our house and I love projects that have "material" to them.

Anyway, thanks for sharing and have a great day!

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

I can't believe this TOOTorial passed me by... after seeing this I've no doubt your bf's project worked out just fine. which I hope you'll show us.
Your closet must be ginormous!! That gorgeous bench is the size of my whole closet!!
I'll be posting some M-day ideas that I think you'll enjoy.

Sweet wishes,
Sara

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

You go girl! I think you'd look awesome behind a big saw!

Love the bench...that's what I'm looking for! :)

 

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