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I wanted a bench to sit underneath my window. OK, I'll admit it, I wanted a bench for my cats to have something to stand on to look out the window. I didn't find anything the right size and the right price (cheap!), so I decided to make one myself.
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At an estate sale, I found a bunch of wood legs for a dollar. There were 8 total - 2 sets. I also picked up an abandoned shelf. I first painted the legs, glued them to the shelf, then drilled a long screw through the top into the leg. I know this is not proper procedure (I probably should have used leg brackets) - but it worked for me.
I also pre-drilled holes to pull my buttons through later.
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Next, I cut 2" upholstery foam to the size of the shelf, and then layered upholstery batting over that.
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I found some gray faux suede fabric at a discount fabric store, it was under $5 for the yard that I needed. I stapled the fabric to the bottom of the shelf, securing the foam and batting (I skipped the step stapling a layer of muslin underneath the fabric, because I didn't have any - you can see the end product looks a little lumpy. The muslin would have helped with this).
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Scraps of fabric made up the buttons, using a covered button kit from the fabric store.
I then used a heavy duty thread to attach the buttons, through the holes that I had already drilled in the shelf.
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The last step was attaching the
Nailhead Trim. I use a shortcut, the trim comes in a kit, and is already attached together, you only have to hammer in every 5th nail. I highly recommend it. It is much easier to get a straight(ish) line rather than nailing each and every nail.
This can also be found at most fabric stores. Oh, and I spray painted the trim white before I nailed it. I had to go back and touch up some of the nails when I was finished.
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And here it is.
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It is definitely not perfect, but it works for its purpose.
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Linking up to
A Soft Place to Land's DIY Day.
and
Linking up to
The Shabby Chic Cottage's Transformation Thursday.
Check out both of these great blogs for other projects!
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If the kit-kat's think it is great, then you did a wonderful job ... cute pic. TTFN ~ Marydon
ReplyDeleteWow--you built this from scratch? Impressive! Good work! Looks like it's feline approved too :)
ReplyDeleteI looks like the cats love it! They are two cuties.
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that nailhead trim too!!!!
Such a neat idea! Am sure kitty's enjoy it !
ReplyDeleteI'm really impressed! Nice job!
ReplyDeleteKimba
Gotta love nailhead trim, it's always a great touch!
ReplyDeleteI have a poll up on my blog about my BIGGEST decor dilemma. Come on over and vote, I need all the help I can get!
http://imnomartha.blogspot.com/2009/08/first-poll-ever-to-paint-or-not-to.html
Hi Hon,I think your bench came out beautiful. You did a fantastic job.The cats love it for sure...LOL...XXOO Marie Antionette
ReplyDelete