because i like to decorate...

I was given this bench by a family member whose children have grown past their toddler bench phase. I was excited because the seat lifts for additional storage and my girls are all about seating that is "just my size" -- as Adi likes to put it. We've been using it as shoe storage downstairs, so we don't have to go all the way up to their rooms when we need to grab shoes quickly and leave the house. I thought it needed some updating to blend in with our other furniture, so out came the paint brush.


This is my final product:

And here is what the bench looked like before:

I first needed to use some Liquid Nails to repair the loose armrest. Then the next day, I got to work.

I chose Annie Sloan Pure White for the base, it took two coats.

After that was dry, I sketched out my lettering. Remembering a tip that I recently saw on Pinterest (see tutorial here). I printed out the font that I had previously chosen in the desired size and traced the lettering with a ballpoint pen. This left an imprint on the freshly painted bench. I was then able to paint inside my imprint with a mixture of AS chalk paint in Pure White mixed with a little Graphite.

Once everything was completely dry, I distressed lightly and finished with AS clear wax. Now my girls have a pretty place to put their shoes.


Lots of love,
Mary


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