When you are looking for the perfect bench,
it can be a long, long time before you finally spot the one
you want to take home.
Most of them are expensive. Some of them are ugly.
Once I had the perfect one in eye sight,
but I got distracted looking at another recycle goodie and you can
guess what happened…
Rule number one
in a thriftstore or fleamarket:
Never take your eyes of that special thing
that makes you want to skip for joy.
Never.
You may end up loosing sleep rethinking that moment…
The moment you see someone else
walking away with your bench, right in front of your nose!
So when I walked into my favourite Swiss thriftstore two weeks ago,
the owner came up to me…
Now I have to say, this was a moment I really skipped for joy!
{you know, a little skip, I didn’t want to startle the poor man…}
He nudged his head and said the words every
junk-vintage-brocante-loving-girl
loves to hear…
“Maureen, come to the back, I have something for you…”
Now some of you may think “What is he suggesting?”
But if you, like me, stroll long enough around thriftstores,
these are magical words to hear…
You see, at the back that is where all the new goodies are!
Fresh from the truck, patiently waiting there turn to be placed into the store.
And he used my name!
A true skip for joy moment…
My little perfect bench was waiting for me to take him home.
And after a little bit of sanding and mumbling some not so nice words,
{I really do not like to sand…}
he was ready for his lick of paint.
I used 3 layers of white primer from the DIY store and I liked it
so much that I didn’t use a finishing layer.
Just the way it is, not too dull and
not shiny, it works perfect in our house.
He looks very happy and he is versatile too!
He might end up somewhere else soon,
carrying some books, or standing proud in
the hallway with more of our shoes.
I might even get carried away and sew him
a cushion so we can sit on him and he feels comfy…
{did I say sew? Me? mmmh, I’ll have to think about it some more…}
Magazines, plants, shoes, my bag,
my little new-old bench can take it all!
And if you are still on the hunt to find
your perfect little bench,
don’t despair, he is probably waiting for you
somewhere in the back of a thriftstore…
Enjoy your weekend!
Maureen
xx
Lucky you to get the chance to go to the backroom. Hop over and show him off at my party next week.
Blessings,
Linda
Ugh! I have been looking for a bench forever and I have one in mind or else I would have bought one sooner. I am hoping to find the perfect bench soon!!!
Hi Maureen,
How wonderful that you got this lovely bench and with a new lick of paint it looks fabulous.
I am so with you there, with the sanding… doesn’t the dust go everywhere.
Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn
How lovely!
I’m looking for the perfect crate to use as a bench, but I want to leave it unpolished and unpainted…its so hard to find the perfect one, isn’t it? But it must be so rewarding when you do.
Prachtig Maureen! Geweldige vondst, heerlijk dat die man precies weet wat jij mooi vindt… En het eindresultaat is ook geweldig; mooi met deze spulletjes er in, op en naast. Maar ja, niks kan op tegen een zelfgenaaid kussen hoor… ik weet zeker dat je het kunt!
Veel plezier dit weekend, in Amsterdam schijnt vandaag de hele dag de zon, dus we gaan lekker naar buiten. En het terras op, ha!
liefs van Maaike
Cracking! You did good there and your photos are lovely to look at. A bit of eye candy.
Wat een leuk bankje en wat een engel dat de kringloopman aan je had gedacht! Speciaal hoor!
Fijn weekend,
Ingrid
Ah, I’m so delighted for you, Maureen. It was meant to be. It looks absolutely stunning, you clever girl. J x
It’s perfect…I’d love to find one like that…happy weekend, come on by for a visit…
Mariaelena
Davvero adorabile questa mensola shabby…io le adoro e mi diverte tantissimo preparale…un caro saluto, *Maristella*.
I love that heart-fluttery feeling you get when you stumble across THE treasure. Nothing quite beats that! What a perfect bench!
mmmmmmmm…..lllllooooovvvveeeellllyyyy xxx
Hey Maureen — the bench turned out wonderfully! And I bet you could whip up a pretty little cushion to put on top. Seems that you are much craftier than we ever knew. Please send that beer crate with me — half filled with flowers, and the other half filled with beer.
Hope you are having a great weekend. I have had a creative day here — on a much smaller scale. Lots of cooking going on too. I do love a quiet day at home. Best wishes, Tammy
Oh I just love it! And I adore the way you styled it as well!
Have to look for one of these as soon as we get settled in our new apartment up North
Hugs and a happy weekend!
Brilliant find – and you have made it look so shabby chic!!
Jillx
How wonderful that the man in the shop knew that he had just the bench for you! Your photos are delightful as always, and your little bench looks wonderful. You have decorated him really well, but as you say, he could have so many uses. I envy you your little bench!!!
Ha Maureen
Wat is dit mooi geworden zeg!! het is gewoon een tijdschriften plaatje.
Super!
fijn weekend
Yolanda
Persistence pays off, well done! What a lovely little bench, so useful too. I am in love with your sparklina bag! Happy Mother’s Day Maureen, love Linda x
Perfect bench indeed – more than worth the wait!
Carmel
x
Oh, it’s so perfect. I love pieces like that. So versatile that you can use them anywhere. You must be a good customer, if he knows your name, and knows what you like. Good for you!
I dream of a vintage furniture store owner knowing my name and taste and saving the best bits for me
Thankyou Maureen for visiting and an opportunity for me to take another look at your cute little bench. Lots of love to you, Linda x
Wat een beauty Maureen, en al helemaal met dit leuke verhaal!
Is het weer in der Schweiz gut? Een heel fijne nieuwe week.
Veel liefs xxxx
the bench looks just gorgeous, maureen! you are so creative and crafty. you inspire me, sweet friend!
What a great shelf unit! I have not found any thrift shops in Italy which is somewhat disappointing.
It’s GORGEOUS, Maureen. I’m impressed that the man a) knew your name and b) had such a good idea of what you’d like.
I love the way you’ve styled it in your photos. Beautiful!!
I’m seeing your name all over at the moment…and people ALWAYS mention how lovely you are. Just thought you’d like to know. It’s official….you’re LOVELY!!
Sarahx
Oooh, I have one just like it that’s in the preschooler’s room — I painted it myself too! Love what you’ve done with yours.
You did a great job…worth all the sanding!!
What a lovely bench you have made. I love how you styled it!