New Vanity Bench

A few months back my sister called me to tell me about a garden bench sitting in her neighbors trash pile (you know those days when everyone puts all their 'junk' at the curb? I so look forward to those days!). So I decided to go check it out at night because I always fear the people will see me taking stuff from their junk pile even though it's out there for a reason. I guess it would probably look even weirder though to see someone lurking around your trash pile at night wearing a ski mask and all black. Ok, I didn't really go *that* far, I swear! And in my defense, there actually was a man who came out to see what we were doing as we sifted through his pile of weathered wood. Anyway, I digress. Here is a picture of the lovely little bench.

Ok, so it's not really *that* lovely, but I knew I could make something great out of it. After some brainstorming, I decided I could turn it into a cute little vanity bench. I really didn't care for the curvature of the top so I knew I would be making a new top for it...er, my dad would be making a new top for it. So basically the legs were the only thing salvaged.

I had my dad cut a piece of wood, but since pine comes in 12 inch widths, he had to glue and clamp 2 pieces together. Once that dried overnight, he routed the edges to spruce it up a bit. He screwed a strip of pine to the top of the legs and also screwed a dowel at the center of the X for extra support.

Now it's time to prime and paint!

I also used some stain to age the bench, which is the same treatment on the rest of my bedroom furniture. I just love how it turned out! It's going to be perfect for my vanity. I can't wait to post pictures of it after I move!