The St. Jude's Bazaar was a Bust

I decided since I had to be up early to get Taylor to school for Cross Country, that I'd go get a coffee after dropping her off (& read my new magazine, FOLK!), then head over to the St. Jude's Bazaar. 

I went to the Olive Branch for my Pumpkin Spice Latte fix and read through some of my magazine before heading to the bazaar.

It was nice to be out alone (And nobody in town was out and about yet, so I really did feel alone!), but the bazaar was kind of a bust.  There were about 6 tables of crocheted doilies, handsewn trash bags, casserole carriers, rag quilts and potato bags.  (Seriously.)  There were also about 3 tables of used books...Then another table of boxes full of books.  One of the ladies working the bazaar told me, "Those are the 'trashy' ones...but we're gonna sell them anyway!"  On my way out I did get to try a piece of peanut butter fudge, so it was not a wasted trip! 

Joey and I had better luck shopping at the King's Treasure thrift store last month.  We found a few little things, then I spotted this Ethan Allen headboard for just $5.  I've always wanted to make a headboard bench, so for $5 I couldn't pass it up!

It was painted white and someone had slopped on some stain in a sad attempt at distressing, but other than that and a little dirt, it was in great shape.



Mike and I went to Home Depot last week and bought what we needed to get started.  I think this might be the first thing we've built together - The first thing that didn't come out of a box, that is!

I saw this bench online, so this is kind of what we've been thinking.  We don't have as much room for a saying as on this bench, but I plan to put something on the top.  I just have to think of something!

We talked about paint color.  I suggested aqua, since I have a bunch left over from other projects.  I quickly heard a big NO to that.  We planned on going with white, but I didn't feel like paying for new paint.  I remembered the "oops" paint I'd used on Joey's dresser, so we went with that.  I wasn't sure about the color at first, but it's growing on me. 

Everything is going well so far.  Even Joey came out to help a little.

Here's proof that I helped with the building of the bench.

I'd love to have something different for the front legs, but for now, we're going with these 2x2's.  They were cheap and just the right size. 

I got it painted, then sanded it all over and put some stain anywhere the bare wood showed through.

We're staining the boards for the seat a dark color.

And this is where I leave you!  It's actually too cold to paint right now, so we have to wait to finish it. 

The kids' Halloween costumes are coming along great though!

And, did you know that you can make Butterfingers candy bars with Candy Corn?!  (I would recommend Brach's though, vs. the icky store brand.)

Linking up to Inspired by Charm's Thrifty Thursday.