Don’t throw it away!

There is an old saying for decorative painters, “If it stands still, paint it” and that is what happens to things around Home Farm. About 10 years ago I bought 3 cheap garden benches and during that time I repainted the metal sides once. This past winter took its toll on the wood and they basically fell apart.

Most people would have sent them to the rubbish bin.

However, as a “would-be” decorative painter and a recycler I thought they could be made into “functional” art.

The first one done was when Carl decided he wanted to buy a hanging swing for the front porch of Avalon Stained Glass School ‘s Creativity Center . They ranged in price from $125.00 to $195.00. I asked him to take one of the old benches and cut the metal legs down with a metal cutting hack saw and remove the slats. He then also cut me a really nice top slat to my specifications and I proceeded to paint some decorations on it.

Here is the finished project for only $12.00 worth of wood, some labor and a little paint and stain. However, since it hangs from the rafters it also took about another $6.00 in heavy hooks and chain. As you can see it is pretty sturdy with Carl sitting on it and it easily holds the two of us.

The second one has just been finished and it also has been done for approximately the same amount of money.

First I laid out my design and painted it. Once dried I sprayed clear exterior varnish on it.

I also stained all the other slats that were needed for this recycled bench. Carl, in the meantime, took the old bench apart and painted the metal sides. Once it was ready he put it all together for me. Basically, this whole process that Carl does for me is a simple process with a channel lock tool, drill for drilling the holes in the new wood and screw driver.

However, he has fits if I try to do what he considers “his job” and that is fine with me because we create lots of joint projects here at Home Farm and Avalon Stained Glass School and Creativity Center. Yet, for those of you who do not have a “handy man” then these projects are easy for even a gal to do.

Here is our final project, a nice piece of “Functional Art!

The next time you are going to throw something away take a second look at it and see whether or not you can create a work of art. You can find out how easy it can be done by looking at any of Donna Dewberry, “One Stroke” Painting Books.

With these easy “how to” books, anyone can create recycled, functional art.

Now there is just one more bench to go!

“Tread the Earth Lightly” and in the meantime… May your day be filled with…

Peace, Light and Love,

Arlene Wright-Correll

other blog entries from »