If you’ve stopped by this week, you know I took all of these bits and pieces and made this bench:
I proceeded to use more bits and pieces in order to add arm rests.
I used paint and primer in one and painted it black. The plan was to paint it black to get all the bits and pieces to be the same color, then paint it turquoise and distress it to reveal some black.
I started on the seat, but decided to do a dry brush technique instead. 
I got a little too much turquoise on it . . . 
. . . . so I went back over it with some more black.
I did not sand this, it is all dry brushing. Then I talk to a good friend Stephanie, and she encourages me to do a Damask stencil on the seat. She convinces me that I should do that. 
When I got my stencil out, I decided that I should do it on the seat “as is” to see if I like it. Hey! It’s only paint, right? I can always paint over it if I don’t like it. 
I did a very light coat because I wanted it to be sort of “barely there”.
I ended up liking it.
I will not be keeping this bench. It will be for sale, which makes it difficult to decide. Because, I am so indecisive, I posted a picture on Facebook. It was a very popular post and I got lots of advice from all of my wonderful friends.The tally was this
- Wouldn’t change a thing/Love it 18
- Paint the seat black with stencil (ranging from white to cream to turquoise) 13
- Paint bench teal and distress 2
- Black stencil 3
- Whitewash with Blue over Black 1
- Use a Greek Key Stencil instead of the Damask 1
- Black and White with accents on the spindles 1
So, I left it alone, covered it with a sheet and started on another bench made from two old chairs.
If you would like to see the tutorial of the bench, check out my post Jenny Lind Bed Bench, if you want to see how I added the arms, check out my post Jenny Lind Bed Bench Pt 2
It’s D.O.N.E.
There are a couple of places that need a touch-up, but after that it is done. 
I decided to go with Damask pillows instead of a Damask stencil.gail
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amazing work! I'm proud to be your reader)))
Far out brussel sprout! It looks amazing! I love the turquoise on the black. Perfect. :)
That bench would look goof nestled between potted plants, like palms! It is such a beautiful piece!
The dry brushing looks great. I always love your benches. Love the turquoise. You did a great job with the stencil, but it's not my favorite...but that's just me. It's always a good idea to walk away from it for a while and then come back to it...some time away from it and you'll know what to do.
Holly
This "puzzle bench" is one of your most amazing projects! Job well done!
those colors are so fun together!
You did an absolutely beautiful job on this! Looking at the early photos, I never would have imagined such a gorgeous finished product!
It looks beautiful, the stencils are so pretty, I would hate to put a cushioning on it to sit a bit softer.
Have a great rest of the week,
Sue
Oh how I do love this! You did an outstanding job! Adore the damask!!
~Jen @ hutchinsonherd.blogspot.com
I love it just the way it is, now going to get the 2nd part of the tutorial!
I love the stencil idea! It's a beauty for sure! Nicely done Gail!
Looks great! Love that bench - you are so clever! Would love to have you stop over to my blog home - I am having my first linky party and I would love for you to link this up!
Stacey
http://staceyembracingchange.blogpsot.com
Totally caught me by surprise...I did not see that coming. Love how it turned out, not used to seeing you go so distressed. Love the turquoise/black combo! Great job as always!
I really love how this bench turned out with the stenciling and color choices! this is the best I've ever seen a Jenny Lind baby bed ever look!
Very cute bench. Now I have to pull out my old bed and get to work!
Great job!
I have an old Jenny Lind hanging out in my garage, I've thought about making it a bench, but I'm just not sure. I like the distressed turquoise :)
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