Last week here on IBC I shared a fun stenciled coffee tray. I was gratified by the response to that post and thrilled that you liked the tray as much as I did. Today I’m back with another fun stencil-inspired project (a stenciled potting bench), plus a peek at my back porch decor and a fun giveaway. So many exciting things in one post; please try to contain yourself.
So, you’re probably wondering what all the excitement is about. Well, my friend Donna over at Funky Junk Interiors has a line of stencils called Old Sign Stencils. Today she’s launching two new designs (Potting Shed and Garden), and she’s invited a few of her blogging friends (and our fabulous readers) to join in on the fun. There are seven bloggers (linked at the bottom of this post) who have all created projects with the new stencil designs.
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As you may remember from past posts and tours, this is my back porch. It’s a fairly small area that’s not especially fancy. However, it is the entrance to my house that I use on a daily basis so dressing it up for the summer is always a must
While some things stay the same, I like to switch it up a bit every year. A couple weeks ago I spotted this bench on the curb at a local antique shop and thought it would be just the right size for the space. It was. For $10, it came home with me.
Although it looked fine as it was, I decided it would be the ideal surface for me to try the new Potting Shed stencil.
My first step was to select paint colors. As I mentioned in my other stenciling post, I’m using Fusion Mineral Paint. This paint works great for these types of projects because it has a built-in primer and requires no top coat. For this project, I decided to use four colors: Picket Fence, Sterling, Upper Canada Green, and Fort York Red.
I relied on washi tape again to hold the stencil down. The stencils have center markers so positioning them on your surface is simple.
With the stencil in place, I started painting. In case you haven’t stenciled before, here are a few tips to ensure good results. First, keep your brush very dry. Add some paint to your brush, then remove most of the paint by wiping the bristles with a rag or tapping the bristles on a scrap surface. Also, apply the paint by tapping up and down rather than brushing back and forth.
If you’re using multiple colors like I am here, you can protect other areas by using a piece of tape or setting a piece of paper over certain areas of the stencil as you work.
Once all of the paint is applied, I let it rest for a couple minutes and then carefully removed the stencil to reveal my finished piece. Voila!
While the bench was perfectly okay the way it was, this detail adds a touch of color and character. And you know how much I love a little color and character.
Surrounded by aged terra cotta pots filled with flowers and my gold-hatted garden gnome Mary Kate, I’d say that my porch is looking pretty welcoming.
Oh, and if you’re wondering about the vertical planter on the wall, that was a DIY from a few years back. It’s filled with hens and chicks and hangs in the same spot all year long. (Yes, even through the winter.) Even though I lose a few of the plants each winter, about 75% of them come back to life every spring. It’s still one of my favorite projects. (You can read more about it here.)
You also might be surprised to see that my outdoor space looks a bit more “country rustic” compared to some of my interiors spaces. I know, it’s kind of weird. For some reason when it comes to outdoor spaces, my designing heart leans toward a rustic, weathered look. Why? Well, I find it comforting. I also feel that it works well with the exterior of my home and the area where I live. Plus, I’ve tried incorporating mostly modern elements, and they just look odd. In addition, in this part of the country, things don’t weather well. I just want to place items outside and enjoy them. I don’t want to worry about them getting dirty or damaged.
Of course, you will notice both modern and traditional elements on my deck and side porch. I guess eclectic may be the best way to describe IBC style because I just love it all. We’ll take a look at those spaces during my Summer Home Tour which is happening next week. Stay tuned for that.
Right now I’m loving how the stenciled detail makes my bench even better.
If you have yet to visit Old Sign Stencils or Fusion Mineral Paint, you should pop over and check out their selections. I’m sure you’ll be bursting with ideas.
Now, before you head off, be sure to visit some of my fellow stenciling bloggers. I’ve linked up everyone below and given you a glimpse of their projects. It’s fascinating to see how each person used the same tools, but created something unique and personal. I love it.
Which project is your favorite?
Garden Wheelbarrow on Beyond the Picket Fence
Welcome To My Garden Sign on Homeroad
Rustic Potting Shed Sign on Organized Clutter
Welcome to the She-Shed on Grit Antiques
Garden Sign Inspiration on Garden Up Green
Potting Shed Perfection on Funky Junk Interiors
Thanks for joining me today. I hope you’re feeling a bit more inspired.
Michael I love the bench! Nice work 🙂
Oh Michael, your new (old) bench is perfect for your back porch! The added depth and old world interest it brings is soooo ‘the outside of your home’. The stencil is like an added surprise for those that walk up to the door. I LOVE that!
Thank you so much for joining this very special blog hop! It’s a pleasure launching these designs with your wonderful work! You are the BEST!
Cute and clever! I love MaryKate, too.
Love the porch!
Fusion’s Champlain is my favorite color along with Donna’s newest stencil – Potting Shed.
I have subscribed!
Thx for the opportunity to win this fabulous combo?
Hey Judi, since you did all three things to enter, you’ll welcome to leave two more comment for multiple chances to win. 🙂 Good luck!!
xo Michael
The Ash paint is my favorite color
I love the route 66 stencil
Love the flowers …
Wanted you to know I popped into Target and bought a gnome! I named him Mason.
You did!? Yay!! How cool. Thanks for sharing.
xo Michael
What a great space, it’s beyond inviting just makes you want to sit and relax. That bench is simply priceless and all that Terra Cotta is wonderful.
little rustic bench is fabulous…I’ll sit and have coffee & ask you about the hens & chicks! now I want to keep one of my old seed trays I’ve been selling! I’m also eyeing up that outdoor mat 🙂
Popping on over from Carole’s project and loving your’s too!
This was a fun project and I adore your cute and clever style!
Leaving inspired!
Jemma
I love the Champness color…
My favorite stencil is a toss up..welcome to my garden or potting shed
I’ve also added my email to get yours ?
I’d never make it inside the door! Just fabulous! That table is absolutely perfect just below the window and the stencil gave it the perfect touch. Really, I’d just plop down on the porch and bask in all that flowerness.
Loved stopping by to visit from Carole’s place.
This is absolutely gorgeous! What a lovely space to come home to. As for the paint colors, I’m dying over the Renfrew Blue!
I love the color ash
So glad to have found your blog via Funky Junk! I have now become a subscriber!
The Fusion paint looks amazing. I love the Upper Canada Green, if I have to pick just one!
Donna’s old sign stencils are all wonderful. I have some projects in mind now, using the new Potting Shed stencil!
I already subscribe to you!! 🙂
LOVE the ceramic color!
already subscribe to your newsletter!
Flea, Flower, Super, OR Vintage stencils pkg. are my favorite!
love the Homestead Blue
subscribed to mailing list already!
Love the antique stencil!
Liberty Blue is my fave Fusion color! Really, they’re all pretty…
I love the look of your porch! The bench is perfect and I love love love your succulent wall. My fav fusion mineral paint color is Prairie Sunset. It’s so bright and cheerful!
I think my fav stencil is the Homestead Blend Coffee, but wow, it was tough to choose one. They’re all so fantastic.
Also, I’m already subscribed to the IBC mailing list. I love seeing your interior design posts as well as all the tasty cocktails. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the great idea and the stencil give away. My favorite stencil is pallion! Love the gnome!
My favorite Fusion paint is Champness and my favorite stencil is the Homestead Blend Coffee.
You have such a decorating gift. I love the Upper Canada Green followed closely by Renfrew Blue. I love the Welcome to My Garden stencil. And I’ve been a subscriber for a couple of years. Keep up the good work.
Heirloom is my favorite color 🙂
Your porch looks great! I love Fusion Upper Canada Green paint, which I would use to try and make my porch look as nice as yours. Thanks for the inspiration and the give away!
Bed and Breakfast sign is my fave !!
Donna’s stencils are all so great, but my favorite is Christmas Blend Coffee.
They are all great but garden sign inspiration is my fave!
Love you’re blog!
Last entry.. I’m already a subscriber.. now cross your fingers for me 😉
Such a welcoming space! It reminds me of so many doorways in the Italian countryside. They don’t have a lot of space and make the most of what they have. And there are flowers everywhere!
I already subscribe to your mailing list, and I love seeing all the creative and yummy things you are up to!
I’m already an email subscriber.
I really love the Coffee stencil from Funky Junk!
I absolutely love the Ceramic Green paint color from Fusion Minerals!
I love the laurentien color of fusion paints!
The market extensions are my fave from the stencils, so cute!
I’ve been an IBC subscriber for some time now 🙂
Oh my gosh… Decisions, decisions! I love “Welcome to my Garden” stencil (but would love to make the Sleigh Rides sign, also using the small stencils – snowflake, etc). For my garden sign, the colors Renfrew & Champness are catching my eye & would enhance the colors on my patio. I’m a long-time subscriber to IBC & look forward to enjoying Michael’s posts while I enjoy my morning coffee.
Ash!
Bingo!
I am subscribed to the mailing list!
i signed up for the mailing list
i just adore the sterling color!
love the beach house stencil!
Linen is my favorite Fusion paint color
My favorite stencil is the Farmer’s Market.
I am already a subscriber. Love your blog, Michael!
fort york red
HOT COCOA BAR
email subscriber
Little Lamb – I’m in!!
Damask!! Beautiful color!
Love the Potting Shed Stencil
I already subscribe & Love your Tuesday Play Lists – they make my work week so much happier – it’s a dance party in my office Mon-Fri!
If I received this in my email inbox, then I am already on the mailing list, correct?!?!?
I prefer the lighter, paler colors
All the stencils are great! I would love to use any of them, but I would probably go with the farmer’s market since it is that time of year. The bingo card would be alot of fun!
ceramic is my favorite color!!! thank you for this opportunity!
i adore the “welcome to my garden” stencil!
ooh plus i subscribed ;););)
I like renfrew blue, among others!
My favorite color on there is Bedford. It would make a great neutral color for my flower pots!
I love the Grocery stencil the most. It would look awesome in my kitchen!
Your porch is beautiful! Serious porch envy here. My favorite Fusion mineral paint color is ceramic. I just wish there was somewhere closer than 200 miles away from me to buy it.?
I subscribe to your posts, keep them coming. Lots of inspiration.
I love all the stencils, but to pick one, it would be coffee roasters.
I Love color Lamp White, just love the hint of gray in it.
I just seen the Stencil yesterday I just love it.
I am already on the mailing list.
Hi Michael,
I LOVE the Upper Canada green paint and the welcome to my garden stencil. I’m enjoying my subscription to your blog.
My favorite color is Sterling and Antique is my favorite stencil is Antique. Love your back porch, so colorful and what a joy to come home to!
Super cute!
I liked ceramic, prairie and upper Canada green colors
I am all ready a subscriber !
My favorite changed with each scroll. I went through the colors several times and finally decided upon the Prairie Sunset. It would have been easier to select the bottom choice rather than the top one. Then I stumbled upon the Little Tots color line and drooled.
I really liked the get-away collection.
I already subscribe to the IBC mailing list.
Homestaed Coffee in Black on a galavanized tray I found this spring. Great designs! Love the Hot Cocoa too. I already subscribe.
Gracious, I spent some time looking at the stencils.
Honestly, I would love each collection.
I’ll start with grocery and farmers market for my moms rustic country lodge cabin kitchen.
Thanks!
Such a beautiful palette. I think I like Inglenook best.
Yes, I subscribe to Ibc already! Love your priests and inspiration.
The bench couldn’t be more perfect.
The color “Champness” is the one for me!
Out of all the stencil’s to pick from I would have to go with “Welcome to My garden”
I am already a subscriber to your fabulous blog. And yes, you do inspire me!
Bedford! I love neutrals & this is just perfect for so many items!
…and yes! I’m new to it, but I’m on your mailing list. Found you on Pinterest & love seeing more in-depth things on your blog. 🙂
Hellooo michael. Love reading your blog. It’s fun, informative and downright enjoyable. I checked out the Fusion mineral paints and my fave is sterling. I’m into the color gray recently. I find it to be very versatile easy to compliment and fits any decor. I’m already on your mailing list and I look forward to reading reading your blogs ever so much. Thanks for sharing your talents.
I love the Homestead Blue Paint.
I already subscribe to your blog. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the “Antiques” sign
Laurentien is my favourite colour!!
I like the Antiques stencil..
Your back porch looks wonderful! i’d forgotten about your succulent planter.I love the Prairie Sunset Fusion paint!
The potting shed stencil is adorable!
I already follow!
I already subscribe to your mailing list, and am grateful for the ray of sunshine each day. Did you know that if you scroll up and down at the bottom of your page, you keep coming in and out from the side? I’m beyond exhausted, because this has entertained me for the last couple of minutes!
the upper canada green if my fave. this is one of the prettiest greens I have found. The description referring to the yellow influence explained my love of this shade of green.Can’t wait to order and paint an item for my booth.
My favorite stencil was market extensions. But then again I hard time passing up coffee as 1st choice. Heaven knows I LOVE coffee. What the heck I will get them both!
Homestead Blue in the Fusion is eye popping! I love all the stencils
I am signed up!
I lpve the Damask Fusion paint the most.
My favorite stencil from Junk Interiors is the Coffee stencil.
I subscribed to the newsletter as upstatemissy@gmail.com
limestone is my favorite color
my favorite stencil design is apple farm
i am already subscribed to the mailing list
My favorite Fusion color would be Algonquin.
My favorite Funky Junk stencil is the Farmer’s Market.
I am happy to be an IBC email subscriber! Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite color is Upper Canada Green. 🙂
“Homestead Blend Coffee served here” I’d my favorite stencil. 🙂
I’m already subscribed! 🙂
Michael, your back porch entry is so enchanting! My favorite Fusion color is Laurentien.
Welcome to my GARDEN, is my favorite stencil. I know just the place I would use it in my own garden!
Michael, i so look forward to seeing your email arrive – I subscribe! To see all your new posts, and your creative spin in every corner of your home. I think I might need a gnome now, too!
Your potting bench and porch is perfect! I love the Laurentian color!
Her farmers market stencil is still my favorite!
I am now a subscriber!
Michael I love what you did to your back porch! I love the Prairie Sunset color… yellow is one of my favorite colors. I recently painted my front door yellow, it works for me because I live five minutes from the beach.
I love Inglenook.
My favorite stencil is the Antiques one.
Signed up!!!!!
I subscribe to the mailing list as well as purchased 2 stencils. Hope I win!!! Love your stuff.
I love the color ash!
Renfrew Blue is my favorite
Favorite stencil is Hot Cocoa Bar
It seems that most of my projects are black and white, so the coal black, ash and lamp white are my favourite colours to use. I love your work! Thanks, Kat
What an inspiring blog you have! I just subscribed to your blog so I won’t miss a post. Thanks for providing the opportunity to win!
My favourite colour is upper Canada green!
And I love the Getaway stencils!
I would love to tell you the name of my fav color but I can’t read the tiny print but i like that darkest turquoise.
I love the Farmers’ Market stencil
I am subscribed!!
My favourite colour is “Renfrew Blue.”
Favourite stencil? “Private Beach”–part of the “getaway” Collection.
And finally I have been subscribed for a long time :).
Love, Love, Love your bench and all the beautiful plants and flowers!
It’s so hard just to pick just one color. I want them all!
Laurentine and casement are my two favorites.
I LOVE ALL OF donna’s stencils. I have a few. The winter ones are my favorite.
Hot chocolate, ski lodge etc…..
I just subscribed to your newsletter.
sandaallen260@centurytel.net
I love “Upper Canada Green”
I love the “Getaway” stencils the best-I know we’d like to get away more often now
I’m a newsletter subscriber!
Well done!! Love the idea of the Garden stencil on the wheelbarrow – so creative!
Subscribe to your blog! Love your hanging succulents!
My favorite Fusion Color is Homestead Blue!
My favorite stencil is Farmer’s Market!
It is so difficult to choose from all the beautiful colors. Since I am only in the beginning stages of planning my porch redo. However, I feel sure that buttermilk cream will be used at some point.
Love the Welcome to my Garden stencil.
I subscribed. Looking forward to being inspired.
I subscribed! My favorite color is Champlain. And all the others.
love the potting shed project! My favorite stencil design is the potting shed one! Although the Farmer’s Market is a close second.
Prairie Sunset is a beautiful color by Fusion Mineral Paint. I would use that sunny shade on just about anything!
Also, I’m subscribed to your mailing list! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway and cute DIY project 🙂
Laurentien is my favorite,thanks for the give away!
So glad I found you (via Pinterest). I’ve been searching for a dark, dramatic grey and your pin led me to Fusion Ash. Thank you!
Favorite color Buttermilk Cream
Potting Shed Tours Until Dusk would be my favorite stencils
I subscribed to your blog
Laurentien Is my favorite color!
Inglenook is my favorite color
I have subscribe to newsletter
Get Away Collection is the my favorite
Sterling. This color calls to me… But really – aren’t they all great?! I love how you did the bench stenciling with the pop of red in the pot. You always go one step farther with whatever you are creating to make it better!
so did we find out the winner??????????????
Love your potting bench. So unique and simple! Thanks for posting..
hello! love the bench!!! my favorite color is midnighblue and I like the coffe sign stencil also I did subscribed !:) love the stencils!!!
Love your site! I’m continuously inspired by “Inspire by Charm!” I’m already a subscriber 🙂
Oops, forgot the “d”
The coffee sign is my all-time favorite stencil from Funky Junk Interiors I also adore her BINGO and Route 66 stencils.
Park Bench and Putty are my two favorite colors by Fusion Paint.
Homestead Blue is lovely, but I’m not sure it’s possible to pick a favorite
National Brewers Coffee is so fun! Love the tray idea as well. Thanks!
I love Laurentien, but I’m really torn. Who can pick a favorite? Thanks for sharing your lovely porch!
My favorite color is Little Teapot, love the name too !!!
My favorite stencil would be the coffee one since I love to drink it as well. !!
I am already signed up so please please pick me to win !!!
Really cute bench. Nice porch, too. Midnight Blue is my favorite color.
Hot Cocoa Bar is my favorite stencil. We enjoy hot cocoa year round.
I’m already a subscriber.
Love your bench and the added stencil just makes it pop! Your porch is wonderful! I’m already a IBC subscriber and enjoy your posts!
My favorite Fusion colors are LIttle Teapot, Azure, and Laurentien. I couldn’t pick just one..lol.
It’s hard to pick just one of Donna’s stencils as I love them all! I’m a subscriber of Funky Junk Interiors and love her projects!!
Excremely fabulous, and where you placed this potted shelf, is perfect location on your front porch.