September 18, 2009

Guest Post At Southern Hospitality!

My good friend Rhoda at Southern Hospitality has featured some awesome bloggers this week while she’s having a little R&R at the beach.     I was very flattered and honored when she asked me to be her “guest” and take my place among these talented ladies.      Fortunately, I had a little project I was working on so I got busy completing it so I could share it on Rhoda’s blog as well as mine.

Several months ago we were at a local auction and this bench came up for bidding.     I had my eye on the bench all during the auction and was hoping it would be auctioned off late so a lot of competition would be gone and I might get it at a reasonable price.      It didn’t appear the auctioneer was going to run it so hubby went out to load up the stuff we did buy in his truck.     While he was gone, the bench suddenly came up for bid and lo and behold I was the proud owner of a somewhat rickety but darling (to me) bench for the sum of $25!     Imagine hubby’s surprise when he came back and found he had to rearrange everything he had just loaded to get this baby in his truck!

For quite some time it sat in my sunroom while I tried to figure out where I wanted to put it.    Could I rearrange some things in our bedroom and use it under the window?      What about putting it in the office/grandkids’ room?      There didn’t seem to be any place I could use it without making some significant changes in any given room.      One night it hit me….I’d put it on the porch and give the porch a new look.      It was after 10:00 at night when I had my brainstorm and I needed help moving it outside to paint.     I couldn’t believe it when the hubs got up and helped me move it to the porch (and he was in his BVD’s!….I kept all the porch lights off just in case any neighbors might be peeking outside).

Then came the question of what color to paint it.     Of course, black was my first choice but I sought out some advice from one of the most incredible ladies I know….Joni from Cote de texas….everyone knows Joni, right?     Joni had three suggestions:   white, black or possibly turquoise.    I painted three different areas in those colors, e-mailed pics to her and the unanimious decision was black (should have known).      

I wanted to put a pillow on the bench and since the burlap craze I’ve been wanting to try my hand at making one so here was my chance.    Got my pillow form, fleur de lis stencil and paint and spent one long Saturday night making my pillow but I’m very happy at how it turned out.  

Let’s take a look at some before, during and after shots:

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Here’s the three “samples” I tried out.   As you can see, the bench was in sad shape.     

  IMG_7416

Painted out with the black.    I know it blends in with the shutters but there’s nothing I can do about that.

Now for the pillow……

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I put my pillow form on the burlap and cut out the size to fit, leaving room for seams.

 IMG_7357

After cutting out the fabric and sewing the two long sides together, I popped the pillow form inside to be sure of the fit.    (Excuse the mess you see all around, it was my work zone!)

IMG_7359 After finding the center of  the front of my pillow, I taped down my stencil and painted it out

IMG_7361

 

IMG_7364 When I removed the stencil, I was a happy girl to see that none of the paint “bled” underneath.    I made sure I held the stencil down all over hoping it wouldn’t leak under and I’d have clean edges

  IMG_7376

Here’s what it looked like all finished.    I decided not to sew the two ends together but tacked black ribbon on and tied into a loose bow

 IMG_7380 

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 IMG_7379 My Kimberly Queen ferns do great on the porch…they are the only ferns I can keep alive!

IMG_7377

 

IMG_7393

 

IMG_7385   

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I love this view from the driveway looking through my crape myrtle tree.

And there you have it!     This was a fun project and I love how it turned out.     I just hope I remember to bring in the pillow when it rains!

65 comments:

Simply LKJ said...

Love it! What a great find. The burlap pillow is adorable. I just purchased some burlap at JoAnn's and have been trying to decide what to make with it. Thanks for the inspiration!!

cotedetexas said...

omg! that looks fabulous! but hey, don't give me any credit - I also told you taupe, remember! hahah! that pillow - I love it. you did a great job. And thanks for the shout out. You are way too sweet.
Joni

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

That is a great look bench AND pillow. What a great idea not to sew the ends, but to use the ribbon - really pretty! Linda

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

GREAT FIND on that BENCH! Black was for sure the correct color...LUV the pillow...I have some burlap and have been planning on making some pillows, so after seeing your beauty...I will be a sewing FOOL! Thanks for sharing!

Blessings,
Linda

Thena said...

You make everything look so easy. I love the bench. I always thought I wanted rocking chairs on my porch. But after seeing the bench, maybe not.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Hi Judy! Saw your guest post over at Rhoda's blog and just wanted to pop over here and see your instructions for the pillow. Great project and I think I might be able to handle something like this. It turned out really nice!

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

Love this project. You did a great job on that bench and I think black is the perfect color for it. Love your blog....found you on Rhonda's blog Southern Hospitality this morning. And that pillow!! I really want to try and make one for myself. Great job!

Amber B. said...

That looks great! And I love how you tied the ends of the pillow rather than sewing them up. Very cute!

paperjunk-lc said...

I'm dying to work with burlap. Can you tell me any secrets on sewing with it. I'm afraid it's going to fall apart.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Judy! you know I love your project too. Trying to play catch up from the beach.

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

I love it, completely! The ribbon, the burlap, the stencil...
Great job! Janell

Embellished Bayou said...

Great job, I love it, especially the way you left the ends of the pillow open & tied with ribbon. Do you mind sharing where you got that fleur de lis stencil? I just love fleur de lis and I know I could use that on a lot of projects. Thanks!

blushing rose said...

It canot get any more perfect than this. You did a wonderful job creating a beautiful peaceful respite.

Have a lovely weekend. TTFN ~Marydon

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Hi Judy, I just left a comment for you, at Rhoda's.

I love love love the bench and pillow. I'm going to have to buy some burlap and make something!!

9405018--Pat said...

wow! I love it..thanks for sharing...Pat H

Connie from Beverly Hills California said...

The bench and pillow are beautiful!! Stop by when you can. Connie

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

I love this project! I am certinaly going to try this one myself!

The Whispering Creek House said...

I love your bench and your pillow you made! They are lovely! Fun blog ya have here to! well done!

Bente said...

Hello,

I'm visiting from Rhoda's and found your column with the bench. It's gorgeous and the pillow makes it perfect. You are extremely talented! Wish I had a garden bench like that!

Bente in the U.K.

Stacey said...

I can't believe you got that bench for such an amazing price. You know those are so expensive usually.

Your pillow is the perfect finishing touch!

Sue said...

WONDERFUL project...love the bench, adore the cushion and great job with the stenciling.
I like theblack bench against the shutters it all blends together so elegantly. The only other colour I would think about would be a strong red...but thats because it is my current favourite accent colour here at home LOL!
Sue

Anonymous said...

I too, left a comment at Rhoda's. I was wondering if you could tell me where you purchased the stencil? I just love it. I have enjoyed looking at your various posts. Thanks for sharing and I will be back.

Charla

Gypsy Heart said...

Hi Judy,
I just found your blog and I love it! The bench is great and the pillow fab. I'm in Texas but consider myself a definite Southern lady. :-) Thank you for sharing about your life and such beauty in your home.

Pat

Anonymous said...

Hi Judy! I've never been a big fan of burlap except outside during fall BUT I am now loving the look after seeing what you've been doing with it! Really nice and I like the idea of using ribbon on the ends!! I agree black is always always right! Great score on that bench!!!! Have a great week - Sincerely, Jeannette

Amy S said...

TFS love it!!!! looks great!!

Its So Very Cheri said...

Be sure to come by tonight around 9pm (Eastern time) for the announcement so you don't miss out. I promise-it good-really really good.
Cheri
Its So Very Cheri

Melissa Lester said...

That turned out great, and the pillow is such a nice addition!

Anonymous said...

You did a GREAT job on your bench & pillow


Janice In Missouri.

Mimi said...

Love it, love it, love it!!!!! So glad you went with black and the pillow is just perfect! You're so talented. Glad your Momma is getting stronger and happy. I just had to laugh about your "idea" in the middle of the night ~ we must be sisters in another life.

Jen said...

Saw your guest post and had to stop by. The bench and burlap pillow are TDF! Great work!

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

Oh my! I wish I could find a bench that beautiful! The burlap completes the look. Love it! THanks for linking up at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Beautiful! i love every thing about it!

XOXO
Jen

Anonymous said...

They both look fabulous! Really love the burlap pillow...

pk @ Room Remix

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

I remember seeing this at Rhoda's. Both projects turned out beautiful!

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

I also remember seeing this at Rhoda's but was happy to revisit! I just bought burlap and was going to fringe the edges, but I think I'll use the ribbon idea instead...I like things neat!
Where did you find the stencil?
~Nancy

Jennifer DeDonato said...

looks great! i really like the way it turned out.

Tamera said...

The ferns! The bench! It all looks great! Oh, and the pillow! So cute:)
Looks perfect on your porch.
Thanks for sharing,
Tamera@doubledelight

cindy said...

Such a beautiful bench. I love that it 'blends' with the shutters, and the burlap pillow adds just the right touch. I'm bookmarking this for my files as I'm gathering 'pillow inspiration' :o)

Free Art Printables said...

Judy, it really turned out awesome!

Jen @ Just for Rachel said...

That looks awesome! When I first saw that bench I thought it looked way ugly, but it love it in black! Way to go on the pillow too, what a great addition :)

I love your blog! I love your style, and you have such a beatiful house!

Check out my blog, it's fairly new, but it's there :) www.justforrachel.com Right now I am having my first giveaway.

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

What a great bench! I love it black and the burlap pillow looks perfect on it... GREAT JOB!

Low Tide High Style said...

I love the bench and I don't think it blends too much with the shutters at all. And that pillow...just beautiful! I love that you didn't stitch up the sides but used the ribbon instead.

Kat :)

Michelle Hughes said...

I love it! It is perfect for your porch.

Michelle

Treasia Stepp said...

I love it. It's perfect for your porch.

Miss Mustard Seed said...

I love the shape of that pench and the pillow is the perfect finishing touch. You were a brave girl to take that on, but it really paid off.

Sarah @ Hennessey House said...

aw, it turned out adorable! who knew an outdoor bench could even BE adorable?!

Maggie Lamarre said...

this is so gorgeous :)
Can I come over?
Maggie
http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com
http://cuttingabove.blogspot.com

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi there- I absolutely love that pillow! What a perfect, perfect pillow for that bench!! Stopping by from Amaze me Monday- nice to meet you! New Follower- Stop by and say hello sometime! :)

Unknown said...

the bench and pillow look great..

tappingflamingo said...

Love your blog! We have had our home on the market for an eternity. With Spring in the air, we did some sprucing up this weekend. I loved your porch so much, that gave me some inspiration. Since our new Realtor suggested we paint the door black, we went ahead and painted our bench black too. I blogged about it. Why don't you stop by and tell me what you think? I looks very similar to your gorgeous porch.

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