"B" is for Bench #5

Built: rustic bench with painted numbers:

A special request from a friend.

Built to fit her dining table, the bench measures 64" long.

I used plans from Ana White here and adjusted the cuts for the longer bench.

My friend had the idea to add the numbers 1 - 4, she has 4 kids:

And here's the fourth little one getting his first try on the bench:

Here's how I made the bench:

1. Cut pieces as per Ana's plans here adjusting the length for 64":

2. Using a Kreg jig (my newest tool, a gift from a very special friend!!  thank you),

Drill the pocket holes in all apron pieces:

I might have gone overboard with the pocket holes in the long aprons but you should place them every 6" - 8".

3. Assemble the legs:

4. Assembly complete:

5. Sand and stain one coat Minwax Ipswich Pine.

Print out numbers to fit:

6. Trace number with ballpoint pen which leaves indent in wood.

Paint inside indent, first brown:

7. Then thin coat of black:

8. Sand to distress numbers then stain Minwax Early American.

Seal with two coats clear satin poly.

Dare you to find any visible screw heads, I could not have made this piece look the way it does without the Kreg jig.

And just for kicks here are all those pocket holes:

I owe a big thank you to my friend for the jig and another thank you to my other friend for another great project.

Hope her kids enjoy their new bench.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane

SAS @ Funky Junk

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello

Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime

Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West

Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff

Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou

Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter

Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Good Life @ A Beach Cottage

Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Tickled Pink @ 504 Main

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework
All Things Furniture @ Perfectly Imperfect
Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed
POWW @ Primitive & Proper