"So, let me 'splain. No, there's too much. Let me sum up".-Inigo Montoya
Okay, to recap this project...
First, you'll need a piece of unfinished furniture, either something you've assembled,
or an orphan you've dragged home,
or that awful thing your sister dropped off because it was "perfect for you."
Next, choose a motif, whether off the computer...
...or right out of the yard.
Trace your design on the paper side of some clear contact paper.
Cut out said pieces.
Make as many as you want.
We've already wasted a whole week on this mess, what a little more time?
We'll wait.
Peel the backing off of the plastic.
Still with me, or are you surfing ThePeopleofWalmart.com yet?
Smooth the pieces onto the bare wood. 
Make sure the edges are down completely.
Run a credit card over them to be safe.
I like using leaves as my pattern because they're very forgiving.
If one of your leaves comes out differently, no one knows.
Leave the head off a bunny and you have scarred children.
Haul that bad boy outside and break out the spray paint.
I used Rustoleum Key Lime Gloss for a bright shot of color.
MIST on three light coats of your color.
This will keep the paint from bleeding under the stickers.
We're keeping the coverage light for a stain effect
so that the wood grain will shine through.
Allow your piece to dry completely.
Now, peel off the stickers and...TA-DA!
Gorgeous wood grain flora.
Once you're done, give it two coats of gloss sealer and let that dry.
As a bonus project while you're waiting, get some cloth placemats that are two layers thick.
These are from Dollar General and ran me a whopping 25 cents on clearance.
Slice the end of the placemat open and slide in a worn out pillow, or stuff it with fresh fiberfill. 
Stitch the end shut and boom!
Now, let's have a good look at this ridiculously drawn out hot mess.
*Sigh*
Totally worth it all.
Now, about this little bench...
Next week, we're going to make some things to go with it.
Like a solar chandelier.
Oh, and a lantern.
We're going to put together a great outdoor reading nook just for one special person...
ME.
Because after the week I had...
...a place to escape to, even for 15 minutes...
...isn't a luxury.
It's kind of a necessity.
Meet me outside next week.
I'll bring the peach lemonade.
5 comments:
You've done it once again! You've made me green with envy with your botanical themes and your bright paint. I love the long leaves on the arms! I'm intrigued by the solar chandelier.
Cool, tropical theme, that's great for reading! I think you'll need something to prop your feet up while relaxing! Love the idea using contact paper for the stencil. Does it leave a residue?
Excellent question, Gail. The reason I like contact paper is because it's self-adhesive, sure, but it also comes off of most surfaces completely cleanly. Hope it helps!
Nice bench! I need to get more creative, I think.
Sunny! Simply beautiful! I have to go back and catch up on the travails, but seeing the finished bench just made some angels sing a heavenly chorus in my head. so whatever the hassle, it was all worth it!
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