A Rescue Project (and a reminder)

Hang on everyone...this is a long one!
The other day, as I watered my weed patch in the front yard, I looked to my left and there she was. Sad, dirty and abandoned on the side of the house two doors down. I instantly fell in love with the idea of a challenge and a new garden project. You see...my hubby is away, so I have a bit of time on my hands.... and I NEED to be busy.
I waited to see the people that lived there, and lo and behold there he was...and very willing to have anyone haul her away. That someone would be me!
I grabbed her and away I went! I thought of Niartist (I like to call him Artie Ben better...but think I may be spelling it wrong lol) the entire time I was doing this project...I think he would be proud of my garbage find...don't you?
This is her...when she first came into my custody! Look at that cushion! It's rotting and smells bad!
Here is the back view...and a little peek at my lovely assistant! Hi Busy!

After I took the cushion off my lovely assistant and I realized that she needed some love...and a little first aid...Her seat appears to have fallen in a little...and she is really dirty.

Can you see the dip?
Let's wash her up!Once she was clean...I saw her injury....I think I can fix it...

let her get dried off...

She already looks better now that she is clean!
I best get some paint...after I cleaned her up...all her white paint fell off onto the grass! EEK! She's NAKED!!! Can you hear that Gollum? Yep...that's the spray paint being shaken....here we go!...I went to the hardware store and let my son choose a color....this is what he chose. I HATE IT!!!!
The store was closed for the night...so I suppose I will just do the repairs to her for tonight.

Got the wood cut....I love my chop saw...it helps me all the time...
A few screws and the seat has been supported and stablized! Now in the morning we go for paint!
Got the paint...here is the first coat...it is a nice shade of olive green...Can't you smell the paint? I would also like to know why it is, that when I decide to paint, it is dead calm outside...not a breeze around...as soon as I send the first paint out of the can....it gets windy!? I have a light coat of olive green paint all over me!
Her back side...after the second coat. You can see the color a little better here...Now where shall I put her? hmmmm......think toots think....
A-HA!!!! I have an idea!
Clean the sidewalk and move her in! But she seems a little lonely.....That's better...a small table that had no where to belong...now does!
Oh yea!
I like it here don't you? It is missing something...I need to shop.....
Can you believe that this was the ONLY cushion I could find that was not hot pink? I settled for it for now, but not sure it looks good....what do you think? Should I return it? or can I get away with it for now?
She's looking around getting a feel for the view..
Still not sure about that cushion...
It is really soft though...
Maybe I am just being too picky...but it is the end of the season here...and the garden stuff is down to slim pickins..... Really...what do you think? Do you think Niartist will like it?
For now....I will go get a cold drink, and come for a little sit while you let me know how you think I did!
I also bought some red spray paint to fix up my garden wagon...maybe tomorrow...for tonight I am happy with what I did today!
Now...did you all think I would forget what day it is? Well Ladies and Gentlemen....This is Friday! And around here it is FERTILIZER FRIDAY !!!!!! You know what that means....get moving and get those flowers and houseplants fed! March! One- two- three- four......One....
See you all back here on Monday! Have a safe and happy weekend!
Oh and one more thing...thanks to Bridget, Suzanne, Becky and Justine for the paint ideas.

Comments

artis1111 said…
Oh Tootsie it looks FAB!!!Do you have thrift shops there? If so look for a tray,to set drinks on or carry out drinks on. Lovely.Kathy
Jessica said…
I'm doing the WOW-TOOTSIE again ( cartwheels included )...lol. Oh my word what a treasure you have found. It is absolutely adorable! Your talent never ceases to amaze me. It's adorable and the table you added with it is a gem! Just perfect. I'm off work today so I think I've been inspired to hit the yard sales. :)

Hugs~ J.
Allgrins said…
I think it looks just fabulous!
I love finds like this. Enjoy
Unknown said…
The wicker looks great! I really like the way you supported the bottom with the wood pieces. I may have to copy that!
diane
Picket said…
Great find Toots!!!!!! I love the color and it looks great among your pretty flowers...just goes to show you...'one man's trash is another man's treasure!' lol Have a great day!
mrsben said…
Hey sweetie, I wouldn't be leaving it outside in case your neighbour sees it and wants it back :)  You certainly brought 'her' back to life!!!  Spectacular job Tootsie!!!(P.S:  Do you own a Power Washer?They  sometimes work for stripping paint.)
What a great little find! Gotta love do it yourself projects like that! Looks great with the little table too! French;)
Anonymous said…
Toots this turned out so good..and to think the neigbor did't want it?? oh well they will now!! it went from sad to Happy!! with just a little TLC,,,kind of like real life..love the Pink cushion on it with all your beautiful flowers it just smiles now...hugs and smiles
p,s I will get my fern and plants in sunroom today...ITS Friday
Justine said…
Well, we never did discuss olive green, but it's perfect! I hate the cushion though. Did you hear that? I'm so rude. But yes, I hate the cushion! LOL! Love where you put her though, with that little table. I could just see myself sitting there (now that she's strongly supported by 2x4's) with my feet up on the table, just enjoying the view of your yard!

Justine :o )
Tootsie said…
Justine...you are not rude...and you are the only one so far that has addressed the pink elephant in the room. I think I hate the cushion too....but since there are no more left around these parts for this year...I will keep it for now. I think I will find better styles next year...!
onlymehere said…
Great job on the bench! I love it and to find a table you already had that matched is fantastic! I saw at Schmecky's that no one clicks on hers/your pop ups and coming over here I figured out why....my pop up block doesn't even allow me to see them! Sorry I can't make you and Schmecky big bucks but I think that may be a reason others don't click on them either. Have a great weekend!
jojillia said…
Tootsie, I have been looking all summer for this exact item. I will be coming for it lol. It turned out just beautiful. lucky girl. love J
imjacobsmom said…
I agree with Justine! The cushion is not for me...why don't you go to the fabric store and buy a hunk of foam and make your own? You can get all kinds of outdoor fabrics now. I love the olive green color you chose and it looks perfect with that table. ~ Robyn
mrsben said…
Tootsie (Jutine) I really like the cushion.  It doesn't look 'pink' in the photos (almost looks more of an earthy russet with pink undertones) and the pattern is romantic, so to me it goes well with the wicker.(Just thought I'd put my two cents in since I hadn't remarked on the cushion...grin.)HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND LADIES!
Sweetie said…
I love the settee and the paint color. I'm not sure about the cushions - I have to think about that! You really found a treasure. I am envious. I had to pass up a piece of wicker at a yard sale because I couldn't get it into my car. Your flowers are gorgeous. Don't you hate to see summer ending?
Sweetie
Nancy Jane said…
Great job and I love rescues! I don't like to throw things away until I've exhausted all possibilities. The cushion's not totally bad, and at least you found one. I've been looking for one for our new glider and everything is totally cleared out and the Christmas stuff is appearing! I thought of a question for you. Do you ever use soaker hoses to water? I think that the huge amount of watering is what has been keeping me so exhausted. Next year I'm going to have another very large bed and I don't think I'll have enough hours in the day to run around with the hose! Nancy
Buffie said…
WOW! It turned out great! Do you know how much those vintage pieces are??!! You got a good eye girl!
Betty said…
Drats! All my neighbor ever throw out is old microwaves!
It looks great. I love how you set it up with the table, what a lovely spot. Shall we sit there when I come for tea???

Betty
SG said…
LOL! I don't hate the cushion but it's not for that particular piece of furniture. I don't think it goes. But maybe you could just cover it instead of making a whole new one? I think you did an awesome job reparing and painting and I love the green. I also like the table. Good find! I'm happy for you!!
GARAGE SALE GAL said…
Hi Tootsie
Nice rescue...looks just perfect even with the pink cushion :) I love spray can painting..but you know that :) :) You also have a gret weekend.
Warmly, Deb
nikkicrumpet said…
How wonderful you rescued the old girl and turned her into a BEAUTY!
What an amazing job! Can't believe that someone would give away a wicker piece like that! You are so resourceful to know just how to fix that! I have to admit, I was in shock when I saw the blue, but goodness, how I love the olive green! Just perfect!

Kady
Another piece of garden art to add to your wonderful yard!! I love the transformation, I have no problems with the cushion!

You rock!!

Saw the lovely comment on my sis's blog, thanks for the support!
Julie said…
WOW, Tootsie...this is awesome!
Anonymous said…
Tootsie, You are so resourseful, working with a saw! There is nothing you can't do! You did good, Girl! I think the cushion goes with all your flower colors, and I love the little table with it! Love, Connie/puddin07
Anonymous said…
GM Toots, I have been painting 2 old park benches my Dawna gave me.. I hope to put them on outside my sun room.. Been so hot here I am having a hard time painting them.. so I guess I am recyling also as Dawna was going to toss them out...You have a great Sunday.. Hugs and smiles
Jessica said…
Hiya Toots~

I have a little something for you, please come by and pick it up. :)
Tootsie, You are amazing. I would have never dreamed of creating the support system you did under the seat. I love the olive green. Did you get a bargain on the cushion?? If not, I like the idea of making your own. If you got the cushion for a steal, I have no doubts that you could recover it. I am sure your new wicker loveseat is as happy as can be. All dressed up so fancy, I'm sure it's a relief. I love the bench table with her, too!
Hugs, Terrie
WOW, you did an amazing job. I bet the neighbor regrets giving it up. You have such energy. I'm tire reading about all you do.

The cushion fits, you can make a big pillow case for it, or just wrap it with a piece of fabric you love. Then you can take it off and wash it.
suzysyard said…
Tootsie I love what you did.Id look for a fabric with some purple hydrangeas to cover the cushion.I think that would be so pretty with the green you chose.