Old School... Revamp a school bench

I suffer from what could be called UPS, Unfinished Projects Syndrome. I have a million things started at all times, and then I get bored and move on to a different project, sometimes before the other one is finished. Ok, more often than not before the other one is finished. For instance, I promised that I would have the cigar box doll house done with new pictures... I have this...

Unfinished cigar box dollhouse

Yup, that is as far as I have gotten. But the new project that took over, was so much more exciting, I promise. And, I finished it! Well, mostly. It just needs a coat of clear coating to protect it from the elements and it will be all set! So, without further ado, let me tell you about the newest DIY project, upcycling an old school desk seat into a garden bench.



Back story: A consigner came in with an old school desk and bench. We had it over the customary 3 months, and when it came time to pick it up, he told us we could keep it. Not willing to send it to the dump, I decided to give it new life. The two pieces went together awkwardly, so splitting them up into two distinct pieces seemed like the way to go. I have another cool idea for the desk, and I promise to post it soon. (after the fair and that crazy debacle, but that is next week's blog!)
 

The beginning of a beautiful idea

The Steps: First, I washed the whole thing down and wiped it clean. I used sandpaper to rough off what was left of a finish and then wiped the whole thing down again. I then used painter's tape to protect the wood around the legs. After years of neglect, the legs needed new life, so I spray painted them with black spray paint. When using spray paint work in a well ventilated area and apply a light coating to avoid runs and drip marks. 

One leg almost completed

It took two layers of paint, waiting for each layer to completely dry. It was also difficult to get into all the little areas. I did end up getting some paint on the wood, but it didn't matter too much with the overall design of the project.



The second step was my favorite part. In the back room of the shop, I found a very worn an tattered copy of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. There were some pages missing and the cover was ripped off. I torn out pages in random shapes and sizes, and used mod-podge to put them on the seat part of the bench. I mostly centered the book title page on the bench and the rest was just a creative flow. 

Mod-podge bench top

I continued this on the bottom of the bench as well, even though it isn't seen that often. The tricky part of this was corners, as you have to plan the folds so that there are crisp clean folds and no bumps. It is easy to move the pieces when they are first wet, and don't be afraid to layer the pieces on top of one another as well to get the desired look. Don't stress over placement or if the type is all facing the same way, let it flow and try to relax, the design will come as it will. 

Mod-podge bench bottom in progress

It was a little sad at first, tearing up a book, but I then realized it was already in bad shape and this project would allow it to "live" again in a new way!


Finished bottom

A closer look at the writing on the bench

In the next step, I allowed the mod-podge to dry overnight, and then began work on the top of the bench. I chose an ombre-like design in blue. I used blue tempera paint, white tempera paint, and an old brush. To create the design, it is important to remember you don't want perfect straight lines. I began at the top with the blue in its pure, out of the bottle color. I applied the paint haphazardly on the top. This wood was very porous, so it did change the color of the paint. Before the paint was dry, I added a bit of white to the blue, and added another haphazard row. Doing this while the first line was still wet allowed for easier blending.

Blue Ombre Back of Bench

 I continued in this manner, making the blue lighter and lighter as I worked my way down. It isn't perfect, and it isn't meant to be! Using an old paintbrush allowed me to feel free to really smudge the lines and the product of it was almost a sea/ocean look, which does flow with the Robinson Crusoe motif. I did the back side of the top in the same manner.

The almost last step was to add the quote from the book. I did a little research and found one that I liked, and added it to the front of the bench back. I used small Sharpie marker to write in in blue and in black. I could have painted it as well, but I thought the Sharpie would be a much cleaner look. Two tips: make sure the paint is completely dry and use a brand new sharpie! The wood can be hard to write on, so I did practice on paper as well as writing it out in pencil first. You may not have the best handwriting and wish to use stencils or decals for this. 

Added quote from book

The final step is to add a clear coat of a sealant to protect it from the elements. That way the bench could be used outside in a garden. It could also find a place in a library. As is, it does require an anchor to keep it from falling over (it is the seat's design), so bolting it into place would be the best idea.


I  don't think it will take it long to find a home, and I cannot wait to start the desk part!

Please leave us any questions or comments, we would love to hear from you! Visit us in person at Entwined Treasures 7504 South State Street Lowville, NY. WE are here Wednesday through Friday from 12pm until 7pm and Saturdays from 10am until 3pm. Other questions? Contact us at entwinedtreasures.com or on our Facebook page as well.