June 16, 2011

Garden bench with birds and Plaster Ornaments


Birds seem to be all the Rage and I hate to get left behind!


After I picked up this bench at the thrift store


I saw this post by my buddy Lynn at The Vintage Nest 

She hand painted the cutest bird on this table


With thoughts of birds flying around in my head I picked up this stencil at Hobby Lobby 


After painting the bench with heirloom white paint

TIP..When I have large pieces I don't use spray paint as it can get expensive.  I had a gallon of heirloom white paint mixed by matching the cap from heirloom white spray paint.  A gallon of paint goes a long way compared to a can of spray paint!

I Stenciled on my birds


With the birds done this bench was just screaming for some plaster appliques

You can find the whole tutorial HERE


Where did I get those fabulous metal pieces to make plaster molds?

Hobby Lobby!  They were 50% off in the knob section.  I think they were $1.50 and $2.00 and when I am done making plaster molds I still have some neat knobs!




I wasn't to sure If I was in love with this bench when I finished. 

  Humm "Maybe this was a bird brain idea"!



But, when I brought it to Orange Tree to put in my booth, the ladies at the register gave it a thumbs up. 

 I priced it at $45...Lets hope it FLYS out the door!

I just want to tell you once again that I am having more fun than a girl deserves. Your comments are way beyond kind! I had a comment on a recent post that said "Blogs are better than magazines" How true is that?  
Visiting your blogs I find a treasure trove of ideas. 


 Thank you for inspiring me!
Happy Creating

Carol


I am linking up with
Random Thoughts Springtacular
Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Feature Friday
My Romantic Home Show and Tell Friday

55 comments:

Stampindamour said...

Carol - I LOVE it! You are right, birds are always popular! This looks fantastic!

Now, you also inspired me to get a gallon of Heirloom White matched paint...at least it will be cheaper and not smell as bad with those spray paint fumes!

HUGS!

-pamela

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Beautiful job Carol. Love the birds on top.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

I LOVE IT Carol!! Martina

the old white house said...

Ever since I read your post about the plaster molds my brain has been spinning, and now you go and show us another fabulous idea! Your bench is awesome, I bet it goes flying out the door! t. xooxo

Deneen@dreaming-n-color said...

I think it looks great!!!!

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

The plaster molds were a complete surprise - and you made them too! They look great. Love the bench and the stencil work. DH just looked over my shoulder and was very impressed.
- Joy

La said...

This is not a bird brained idea; it is amazing. I think it will sell quickly.

Ido said...

Your bench is beautiful, it will fly out the door for sure!
Have a lovely day!
XXXX Ido

Ruffles and Relics said...

Love it.. I have a similiar bench and now some inspiration.. Thanks so much, I have learned alot from you and have finally decided to open a booth..your articles and tutorials have been a blessing.. Have a great day!!

Ruffles and Relics said...

Oh yes.. I forgot to mention I am a new blogger so excuse the mess over there I am a work in progress:)

Anonymous said...

wow, thats beautiful,,you have the best imagination,, coming up with beauties every time,, your style really shows through in each piece,,

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

Thank you for inspiring US!!! You always have the greatest ideas!!!

Anonymous said...

The plaster molds really make this bench....what a great idea! I saw the same stencil at Hobby Lobby and had it in my cart, then put it back because, well, I shop too much in that store. Next time they have a sale, I may buy it because I love it on your bench.

Back when I sold crafts, I used to paint benches like this and they were always very good sellers. I'll be surprised if yours doesn't go quickly!

Deborah said...

Wow, this looks amazing, I wouldn't use it in my garden it would take pride of place in the hallway so I could see it everday!

Bee happy x
Have a delicious day!

Terri said...

I don't see why it wouldn't fly out the door..fantastic interpretation! Brilliant use of the stencil.

Me said...

Carol this is beautiful!! I keep hearing about this Hobby Lobby wonderland. Is it a store near you or do you buy from their online shop? Also, what are the measurements on this bench? We've been looking for one for our back porch...this one looks like the perfect style. If it's the right size, I will take the (hopefully NOT 3-hour) drive over to your booth this weekend! Seriously! :) Let me know! Josie

Kim said...

Oh Carol I just love it! And I can't wait to check out your tutorial on plaster appliques. Have an awesome weekend!
xoxo,
Kim

Ruffles n Raspberries said...

Great job, Carol... your new bench is beautiful! The twin birds are too cute!!

Sue@Uniquely Chic said...

Carol...I love this bench and think the bird touch was not bird brained at all. I have got try that plaster mold thing out. I swear, you have had me on the look out for good things to mold since I saw that post.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Carol,
You done gone and did it agin! LOL!
I just love what you did to the very plain bench. Our shop owner's husband makes these by the truck load and out the door they go. I would love to try stenciling one like you did but he sells them for $55. unadorned. So, chances are that customers won't pay much more.
I need to find one at a thrift like you did.

Love it. And yes, blogs are better than magazines. Althought I still buy a few of my favorites I don't buy as many.

hugs
Sissie

Char said...

Hi Carol, you just always amaze me with all the lovely and beautiful things you manage to create. I have no doubt this sweet bench will sell fast.
You had posted on my blog that you would like to have some of the french tissue paper I used on the shabby bottle I made. I am including the shops blog address for you. You can contact them through that. If this doesn't work for you, please let me know and I will go visit them and get the tissue for you. After all, what is the postal service for anyway!!?? ha
Just let me know, Char
http://mysticpaper.blogspot.com

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

HOW am I EVER going to do all these great projects?! I have a couple small benches that would look so cute made up..When you come, maybe you can stay longer and "help" me with my projects! LOL!
Darling bench!
Warmly,
deb

. said...

Everything about this bench is fabulous, Carol! :)

Gina said...

This is a beautiful little bench! I love what you did to it.

Char said...

Carol, if you have any trouble at all getting the tissue or hearing back from mystic paper, PLEASE let me know. I will make sure you get the tissue, Char

Sharon said...

That bench is absolutely beautiful! You are so artistic and creative!

Anonymous said...

THE POLKA DOT CLOSET

Best "how to" and decorating magazine I know of. :)

Debbiedoos said...

Loves it. I have the same bird stencil and have used it only once. I need to dig that out and jump on the rage too.

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Looks fabyoulous and I bet it flies out the door !
(())

Natasha said...

It is beautiful!

Screaming Sardine said...

$45!?! I'd scoop that beauty up in a heartbeat! You did an amazing job on it.

Cheers,
Tracy Screaming Sardine

Anonymous said...

I love it. I have a similar bench and you've given me some ideas. It looks great.

x

Dina said...

Carol, this is absolutely stunning!!

Debbie said...

They ARE better than magazines! I realized the other day that I was two issues behind in a magazine that comes to the house. I used to devour one in an afternoon.

And that bench is a huge keeper! Thanks for the tip about getting a gallon of paint to match the lid for heirloom white. I will do that.

Diann said...

The bench turned out wonderful Carol!

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Oh my Carol! Your table is beautiful! I love it!
Kelly

Tammy said...

Umm... Don't second guess yourself--it looks Fantastic. I love the moldings. I think it will sell quick. Your newest follower. Hope you can visit me sometime.

Ricki Treleaven said...

I bet it's already gone....*adorable*

Sylvia said...

Nothing wrong with bird brain ideas...super cute!!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

GREAT WORK I LOVE IT

Susan said...

This bench is a brilliant idea!! I love it!!

Anita said...

What a steal! Thanks for inspiration! My forms finally came...(they were out of stock probably because of your awesome tutorial) I am ready to Modge podge....

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Carol,
I love all of your projects and this one is no different!! It is so pretty. I will now be on the look out for a bench!! I save all of your tutorials on my computer in hopes that someday I will find the time to try some of them myself!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Rebecca said...

Hello
Thanks so much for stopping by! Your bench turned out great and I am sure it will sell quickly.
Looks like you are having great fun
Blessings today
Rebecca

saltbox
treasures
said...

Hi Carol, Your bench is wonderful, and I'm sure it won't last long in your shop.
I just love your blog! You are so creative, and, of course, I love roses too. I'm having a vintage rose giveaway if you want to check it out :).
Have a great weekend!
~ Julie

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How gorgeous! I have a small bench that I need to repaint...stenciling may be the answer! ♥

Angela McInnis said...

As usual you have hit a home run! I love it...I'm still laughing about the creepy little girl post. I linked it from my FB page and all my friends loved it! You are the best medicine!
Love,
Angela

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Love your bench! I love blogging for all the great ideas too-I just can't find the time to do any of them!

SueBee said...

Love this bench Carol! I just did one but it's staying home for a while. Because I like it!
I have never felt crafty or artsy before but blogging has given me a little bit of confidence. I love blogging!!!
You are so talented!!!!

JudyBug said...

Great job on the bench! Love the stencil.

Anonymous said...

just awesome I love it

Gina said...

I would be shocked if it doesn't fly out the door...I love it! Another amazing job, Carol. Thanks for sharing at my party!


It's probably a good thing I don't live near you. You'd post something you made, I'd go to your booth & buy it. It would become like a cycle, over & over. LOL

Debbiedoos said...

This was on of my favs by you Carol. I still need to dig out that bird stencil, tis the season now my friend.

Ricki Treleaven said...

Carol, this is one of your prettiest pieces yet! I bet that it has already sold. :D

xo,
RJ

samson smith said...

This is so beautiful bench. I like it. Great job....!!!
garden ornaments