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DIY Garden Arbor with Faux Patina ~ Build Plans

If you are just joining in, we have been working in our back yard this summer giving it a much needed facelift. First, was our DIY compost bin, then our DIY fire pit. Today we are sharing the next stage of our renovations – our DIY garden arbor with play area. It began like this…

Back Yard Wood Pile Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com

A HOT MESS

Yep, a hot mess. Each winter we run through a WHOLE LOTTA firewood. This is our wood pile that is normally full to the brim. However, I snapped this at the beginning of spring when we can break out of our cabin fever and get outside to clean up winter mess. Normally this is covered with a giant tarp, so my kids stick their bikes here to keep them out of the weather as our shed is full too. (next on my hit list)

Since 2003, I have had the pleasure of looking out our dining area and seeing this…

Wood Pile Mess | prodigalpieces.com

DETAILS

Mind you I consider it a full blessing to be able to have a full supply of wood to keep us warm. It makes a heart happy for sure. However, we do enormous amount of work each year to harvest, split, stack, and prepare our wood. So, when a storm blows through and takes that tarp off soaking all our hard work, I get upset…we all do. It gets old running out in the rain or blistering snow to cover it back up. I have been scheming for years how to make it less work and more profitable.

In the spring, I began to clean up our area as I always do, but began mulling ideas over on how to make this less stress for us in the coming winter. Plus, make it more desirable to look at as well as hide some things.

Cleaning Up Yard Waste | prodigalpieces.com

To the right of the wood pile we have our kids mud bar and sand table that were displaced ever since we built our pergola over our patio. This was only to be temporary as you can tell this is not the best place for them up against our neighbor’s garage. Remember, this was taken after winter had done its duty. (no judging…hahaha…)

Old Play Area | prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

I mentioned we first started by building our compost bins out of pallets. Well, we kept on accruing pallets and are building a new wood shed complete with garden shed attached. Here is what we’ve come up with – or the start of it at least.

Beginning of Wood Shed | prodigalpieces.com

MORE MOVING

Lots of wood moving, stone moving and gettin’ ‘er done(ing). haha.

Moving Firewood to New Location | prodigalpieces.com

Once the wood was moved, we needed to pull up all the concrete pavers and brick we had put down to rest the wood on. Not only was it messy, but feels so good too.

Family Working Together | prodigalpieces.com

Since we already had some stone just outside our back door, we just wanted to extend the area using the red brick as border and fill it in. First, we graded it and then put down a landscaping fabric. Then, topped with more stone like we used in our fire pit makeover recently.

Laying Down Gravel for Outdoor Play Area | prodigalpieces.com

ROCKIN’ IT

Lots of stone hauling was in the game for me this summer. That’s just fine by me as I prefer to work to get exercise.

Hauling Gravel to Play Area | prodigalpieces.com

While the kids and I were doing that work, JC was busy building the DIY garden arbor I mentioned earlier. We wanted to add a feature that gave us something nice to look at from our side and privacy from the other.

Here is what we designed and feel totally suits our new area. Complete all-in cost to build this was less than $120. Not bad when you consider buying one like this brand new is over $300. Cha-ching!! haha.

Build this Garden Arbor with Faux Patina with plans from Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I share more picture reveals at the end of this post, so be sure to read through to see what else we did to our space, see my latest video, and enter to WIN!

STEPS TO BUILD

Want to build one of your own? Here is what you’ll need:

Materials: (see cut list below each)
  • 5 – 2″ x 4″ x 8′ cut into:
    • 4 – 2″ x 4″ x 84″ uprights
    • 4 – 2″ x 4″ x 24″ horizontal cross pieces
  • 2 – 2″x 6″ x 8′ cut into:
    • 2 – 2″ x 6″ x 60″ headers
    • 4 – 2″ x 6″ x  17″(see diagram below for details)
  • 13 – 1″ x 2″ x 8′ cut into:
    • 10 – 1″ x 2″ x 69″ trellis vertical pieces
    • 22 – 1″ x 2″ x 24″ trellis horizontal pieces
  • 3 – 2″ x 2″ x 8′ cut into:
    • 9 – 2″ x 2″ x 32″ top slats
  • 3″ decking screws
  • 2 ½” decking screws
  • 8 – 3 ½” x 5/16″ carriage bolts with 8 washers and 8 hex nuts
  • 1″ crown staples for air nailer
  • patina kit in choice of finish (bronze, iron, copper)
  • E-Z Mender Brackets
  • stain of choice: we used Behr Waterproofing Stain in Chocolate
Tools: 
  • paint brush
  • jig saw
  • miter saw
  • drill / drill bits
  • air stapler
  • tape measure
  • quick square
  • sawhorse pair
  • level
  • safety equipment – safety glasses, dust mask, hearing protection

Step 1

First, you want to build your frames. Grab your cut 2″x 4″  and 1″ x 2″ pieces and assemble them like the diagram shows:

Garden Arbor Side Frames ~ Design by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Step 2

Once your frames are assembled, set them up on sawhorses or work surface. Next, you are going to make the trellis using the frame as a template, but are NOT attaching it to the frame. Ideally, you want to do the faux finish seen in video below before attaching. If you only want to stain the trellis same as the frame, reverse the layout below beginning with the vertical pieces.

However, if you want to accent the trellis with a faux patina or paint or contrasting stain, follow these steps: Place your trellis horizontal pieces into the frame at 6 ½” spacing. Do not attach to the frame.

Dry Fit Trellis Pieces in DIY Garden Arbor | prodigalpieces.com

Step 3

Place your trellis vertical pieces on top of the horizontal pieces at 6″, 12″, and 18″ intervals. Attach only the vertical pieces to the horizontal pieces using your stapler and staples, but not to the frame. This is the back side of the trellis facing you.

Assembling Trellis for Arbor | prodigalpieces.com

Step 4

Then, remove the trellis from the frame and complete it as you desire. I chose to create a faux patina using my patina paint kit as mentioned above. I’m all about texture and dimension, so these paints are going to help me create a wonderful aged look to our DIY garden arbor.

The process is simple and amazing! I show it all in the video below.

Painting Lattice Trellis with Dixie Belle Patina Paint | prodigalpieces.com

Video Tutorial for DIY Garden Arbor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Step 5

While you are waiting for you coats of paint to dry, you can finish the assembly of your arbor. Begin by, attaching your headers using the carriage bolts. Feel free to make your header have any decorative element you wish. We cut a notch out of our header for a decorative touch. Then, measure 2″ down from top edge, and 4″ in from outside bottom corner.

Garden Arbor Header Design by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Step 6

Now to add your top slats. Find center and place your first slat and attach using the 2 ½” screws. Place the next two flush to each end. Then, add the last four evenly spacing them at approximately 8 ½” apart.

Attach Slats to Garden Arbor ~ Design by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Step 7

Next, cut your corbels with your jigsaw from your 2″ x 6″ x 17″ pieces using the diagram below as a guide. You will need to cut off 1 ½” from the top edge.

Corbel Cut Diagram Design by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Once cut, attach your corbels as shown below:

Attaching Corbels to Garden Arbor by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Line up your corbel against the upright 2″ x 4″. That will cause the top of the corbel to go behind the 2″ x 6″ header. Using a 3″ screw, attach at the bottom of the corbel into the upright 2″x 4″. Next, use a 5/16″ drill bit to drill into the arched portion of the corbel. Attach with a 3″ screw. Finally, using two 2 ½” screws, attach the corbel from behind to the header.

Corbel Attaching Diagram by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Step 8

Fun part! This is the best time to stain your arbor if you are going to do so. Your trellis is still set aside if you did a faux treatment and by staining now you will avoid having to painfully cut in around it. Now, depending on what stain you use, it may only take one coat, but ours took two.

Step 9

Time to anchor this puppy! We are enamored by the Simpson Strong Tie E-Z Mender products. These brackets can help repair broken down fences, etc and are so easy to use! Perfect for 4″ x 4″‘s or 2″ x 4″ studs like we’re using. Just attach them to the arbor and set the arbor in place using the studs sticking out to hammer them level. Notice we attached a couple of scrap pieces between the legs to keep the from splaying. (moving apart) We left the trellis off until after installation to make it easier to handle.

Using E-Z Mender Brackets to Anchor DIY Garden Arbor by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Step 10

Now your DIY garden arbor is ready for those gorgeous trellis’ you made earlier. Just set in place with the horizontal slats facing out. Last, attach using your stapler and staples.

Attaching Trellis with Ryobi AirStrike Stapler | prodigalpieces.com

ALL DONE

And we’re done! Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. We did!

Gorgeous Garden Arbor with Complete Build Plans and Video by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

While I haven’t chosen what to grow on those trellis’ yet, I’m leaning towards climbing roses, but may wait until next spring. For now I’m enjoying that amazing patina.

Faux Bronze Patina with Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Plus, these gorgeous new bushes I found really caught my eye with their yellow blooms in the spring followed by the pumpkin color berries in autumn. Aren’t they beautiful? I know our birds will love those berries. They are called Pumpkin Hypericum.

Gorgeous Pumpkin Hypericum Bush with Yellow Flower in Spring and Pumpkin-colored berries in autumn by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

The outcome of all our efforts sure has paid off. Undeniably, this space is no longer an eye-sore.

Back Yard View of DIY Projects with Pergola, Play Area, and Fire Pit by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Kids Play Area with Mud Bar and Sand Table with DIY Garden Arbor by by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Likewise, we reused my curbside created bench tops from our fire pit makeover to make benches for the sand table. Also, the mud bar got an addition of a bottom shelf for extra storage.

Even my absolutely sad looking park bench was needing a major overhaul.

Broken Down Park Bench | prodigalpieces.com

In addition, there’s a new coat of paint on the iron, and replaced the boards with fresh cedar. I moved it to the play area and it suits that spot perfectly.

Cedar Park Bench Made New by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

DIY Backyard Play Area with DIY Garden Arbor Tutorials by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

The corner where the bench used to sit still needs an overhaul and repairs. However, for now my new (old) cast iron set fills the corner with a vintage vibe.

Vintage Cast Iron Settee and Chair in Garden Decor by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

WRAP-UP

And, the best part…my kids. They love it and have been waiting oh-so-forever to have their things back. Seriously, I can’t tell you how many times they asked to dive into that sand while I was taking pictures. However, I don’t blame them – I love it too!

Kids playing in DIY Sand Table by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Kids Playing with DIY Mud Bar for Back Yard Fun ~ by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Do pin and share this DIY garden arbor to inspire others to take their home to a new level…literally.

Build this beautiful DIY Garden Arbor to add height and growing space to your garden. Full build plans with video at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Up next, this antique dresser that was left for dead gets a new lease on life for Furniture Fixer Upper time. Head here to see the after!

Damaged Antique Chest Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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While you’re at it, here are more projects like this DIY garden arbor:

Make your outdoor space inviting, safe, and cozy with this DIY Fire Pit tutorial with video by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comDIY Patio Makeover Complete with Pergola all done on a budget by a family of 8 by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Deb says

    Beautiful job! My favorite things to paint are old desks in need of some love. I would love to try Dixie Belle Paint on my next adventure!

      • Michele Grady says

        Sorry I couldn’t figure how to comment other than reply: This is beautiful! I would try to patina the cedar bench wood to make it look. like metal!

        • Kathy says

          Same here on having to reply. 😉 I’ve got a children’s bench to to-do, so I was happy to see yours!

          • Larissa says

            hmmm… wonder what’s up with that? Thanks!

  2. ColleenB.~Texas says

    You’re new remodeled area looks great. You all done a wonderful job
    I have a headboard and foot board that need painting along with a couple of dressers. My paint supply is getting low so really could use more paint and would dearly love to try the Dixie Belle Paints
    Thank you for this giveaway opportunity

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Colleen. We still have much to do and hopefully will get it done before the snow flies.

  3. Christina in FL says

    Wowzers!!! What a huge job and beautiful transformation!! Doesn’t it just bring a huge smile to your face and heart? Congratulations!!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! It was a big job, but so needed. Now we need to finish that wood shed before the snow flies. Yay!

  4. Chez says

    I think your yard is starting to look amazing. Well done all of you, that is the whole family. You can call in at my place any time.? That is Australia ??. Much inspiration for our summer coming up.
    Thank you.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Chez. We love all the useful areas now. We are on our way to Aussie land! 😀

  5. Sherry Fram says

    Beautiful job! Love the arbor & the area you redid looks amazing! I have yard envy now!!
    I have a small wardrobe that is begging for that gorgeous blue paint shown in the photo!! That’s what I would paint first!!

    • Larissa says

      hahaha…you have work envy too, right? Thanks so much, Sherry. 🙂

  6. JILL NELSON says

    Well done! I can only imagine all the work you and the family put into this transformation!! I’m looking to repaint a dresser. My daughter and her friend made a blue birthday cake…on my freshly painted dresser top (it was drying in the dining room!) Unfortunately, they got blue paint coloring on the dresser 🙁

    • Larissa says

      Yes, much work that we hope pays off. Thank you! And…oh no…blue!

  7. Linda Clement says

    What a beautiful result. I can’t imagine how many hours of work went into making such a wonderful spot. I would love to have such a place!! The arbor looks like something we could tackle with your well written instructions, and we just might give it a try. Thank you so much!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Linda. It was much work, but went fast with all our hands helping. I hope you do give it a try and report back.

  8. Cindy Brannon says

    Love the makeover!
    Oh my, so many projects to use this paint on!!!

  9. Michelle says

    Thanks so much Larissa
    I loved seeing the makeover.

  10. Kim says

    What a lovely area. Well done! Dixie Belle paint sounds like an amazing product.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I am picky about my paint, so the fact that I am touting this says something. 😉

  11. Deirdre Breau says

    I am so missing having an outdoor seating area. Yours is beautiful.

    • Larissa says

      I don’t blame you. We love ours so much. Thanks for the love, Deirdre.

  12. Karen Windes says

    Backyard looks lovely and so inviting. I would love to try DB paints – I have tons of projects waiting to get beautiful!

  13. Cathy says

    Beautifully done! I love how it was a team effort. I’ve heard wonderful things about the Dixie Belle products. I would love to give them a try. I don’t have any one specific project to try them on – too many to list! LOL

    • Larissa says

      Go team! 😀 I have only good to say about their products. Love their paint!

  14. Teri says

    I just love how everything turned out!!!! Super impressed, Larissa and what a wonderful family bonding experience!! 🙂

  15. Claudia Boling says

    The area looks so inviting. I love it. And I love that it was a family project.

    • Larissa says

      We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Finally not a sore sight to look at. 🙂

  16. Janina says

    Beautiful new patio area … great job

  17. Kayla Starr-Smith says

    I absolutely love your new space! Complete 180 and So awesome to see your whole family involved! I am so wanting to try the Dixie Belle paint and patina products! Great job 😀 enjoy your new space!!

    • Larissa says

      Wahoo!! We are so pleased with it and glad to have it done. Now, on to the next!

  18. Judy Newell says

    Isn’t it satisfying to be able to sit back and enjoy all of your hard work? Very pretty and relaxing space.

    • Larissa says

      It sure is, especially seeing the kids get to play in a clean area. Thank you!

  19. Bev says

    Your yard looks great! Love the arbor and pergola.

  20. Leona Gibbs says

    That was an amazing makeover. I have a wood storage area that looks pretty sad too. I think I am getting some ideas!

    • Larissa says

      Ours was just not doing what we need it to. We are working on the wood shed now and hope to share soon. Thanks!

  21. Jennifer Hopkins says

    Sweet – will post your contest on my FB pages. I have to show my hubby your great arbor!

    Blessings xx

  22. Brandi Bryant says

    You are an inspiration with all of your great ideas and tips. I love the arbor and thanks for sharing. I change my mind every single day or minute, but I would paint a bookcase that used to belong to my grandmother. Thank y’all for the giveaway too.

  23. Rebecca - Knoxville,TN says

    I loved the makeover! Your home is beautiful and you continue to find practical ways to make it even prettier. I’d love to live next door to you!
    The first thing I’d paint is an old desk.

    • Larissa says

      How fun! Thank you for the encouragement. We love to DIY!

  24. Mike Macon says

    That is a lot of work and we love your post and how tos. We also love our @Dixie Belle Paint. We have been using it for three years on hundreds of projects at our shop-Just Repurposed.

    • Larissa says

      Awesome to hear, Mike! It definitely is a favorite of mine.

  25. Rhonda says

    Seeing all your hard work makes me tired! HaHa, but it also always is so inspirational. Thanks!

    • Larissa says

      Whew! haha… Thanks, Rhonda. It’s either DIY or don’t get it done. 🙂

  26. Linda Heathington says

    This is beautiful!

  27. Kaitlyn Sedlacek says

    I love love love your blog! I also love how you have all of your awesome kiddos helping out! Reminds me of my childhood helping my parents around our house. They may complain about it, but they’re making memories and they don’t even know it.

    • Larissa says

      Such music to my ears, Kaitlyn. Thank you! They actually love to help and it’s all we can do to keep them busy. Yay!

  28. Frances Batson says

    Looking GOOD. I need to paint a table top for my front porch.

  29. Nicole Nichols says

    I wish I were this handy. Love how all this turned out.

    • Larissa says

      It sure is a blessing to be able to DIY. I would be lost without my tools. My motto #toolsoverjewels. 😉

  30. Judy Black says

    Love Dixie Belle paint! Using it today to paint some signs.

  31. Karie Gallegos says

    Every time I read one of your posts I am blown away by your hard work and creativity! I love the garden arbor and in fact I will be sharing this one with my husband! If I win the first thing I think I will paint is a cute little fence around my air conditioner….Thank you!

  32. Elaine says

    Love the arbor, and I love love love the faux patina! I know what my first Dixie Belle purchase is going to be!

  33. Barb B. says

    Wow! Your outside looks fantastic. So peaceful and serene. Don’t know how you manage to do it in this heat but what an excellent job!

    • Larissa says

      It was hot, but felt so good to get it done. Thank you, Barb.

  34. Lesa W. says

    Love the arbor, pinning it for a project for my husband this fall

  35. Sara Skidmore says

    Great blog! Thanks for the great information.

  36. Deb Wostmann says

    Looks absolutely fantastic.

  37. Carol San Diego says

    Your backyard looks so nice now! What a great feeling you must have after all that work!

    • Larissa says

      Such a relief to not have an eyesore. Now to get that wood shed done. 🙂

  38. Maureen says

    All of your yard projects look fabulous! I’m saving this arbor though because I have dreams of building one into my vegetable garden.

  39. Lezlie adams says

    I love the makeover. We built an arbor that looks very similar. Ours is wider and we hung a porch swing in it. It is one of my favorite places to go….when it isn’t 105….. our heat index for the day? I have never used this brand of paint. I would love to give it a try!

    • Larissa says

      Love my swing, and I bet you do too. Yes, the heat feels like it will fry you. ha!

  40. dianne anderson says

    Your hard work certainly paid off.

  41. Joan says

    My hubby tells everyone if it stands still long enough I will paint it! I need to try the Dixie bell paint! Your yard looks beautiful now!!

  42. Leslie Pereira says

    It is absolutely beautiful! Your garden is gorgeous! I have a back lanai area, I’d love to do like that on a smaller scale. I’m wanting to paint a trellis similar to that in patina.

    • Larissa says

      Sounds like you’re a gal after my own heart, Leslie. Hope you win!

  43. Debra Wise says

    Super area. You make everything you touch amazing. Love it!! Would love to try the Dixie Belle paints.

  44. Ginger says

    Amazing transformation. I love to use paint to update instead of throw away!

  45. Lea says

    How sweet to see the whole fam doing it together. Looks great!

  46. Rebecca Drake says

    Youryard is beautiful! And I love that your whole family is helping when you do a project. Thank you for the giveaway!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Rebecca. We are so blessed to have them – many hands make light work.

  47. Lisa Dickens says

    Thanks to your blog I have tried Dixie Belle paint and love it. I need to try those patina sprays ❤️ Thanks! Lisa

  48. Mary Payton says

    I love what you did to your backyard! Wonderful family projects.

  49. Donna Marchlewski says

    Love the new play area.
    I would paint my patio rocker.

  50. Cora says

    Love all your ideas! everything turned out great!!! Love me some Dixie Belle paint too! I did my kitchen cabinets in Drop Cloth! Love it! Thank you!

    • Larissa says

      Love that color. I just used it on my blanket chest makeover too.

  51. Cora says

    The first thing I would paint right now would be my dining room table and chairs! Drop Cloth of course!

  52. melinda says

    your backyard looks amazing!! I am sure the neighbors approve as well:) I am wanting to do something for my backyard as well….I will show the trellis / arbor to my husband tonight!!! love it!

    • Larissa says

      We are definitely the annoying overachievers in our neighborhood. ha! Thanks, Melinda!

  53. Mary West says

    I’m not sure what I would paint first! It would depend on what project my husband and I built next!

  54. Kathy E. says

    Wow! What a grand transformation! The pergola and garden area look like it will be well used and enjoyed! It all is a lot of work, but so worth it, especially knowing how much $$$ is saved! I would use the paint to repurpose an entertainment center for my sewing room. I want to add shelving and doors to store my supplies.

    • Larissa says

      We just love it. Makes it fun to be out here instead of walking around messes. Thanks!

  55. Vicky Ziler says

    It looks so inviting. I love the kids play area!

  56. Jane says

    I like the vibrant colors of the Dixie Belle paints. I think the first thing I’d like to paint (with my HomeRight paint sprayer that I LOVE) is a vintage wrought iron dining set I have outside. Currently it is a non-vibrant red and really could use a pop. While it is an adorable vintage set that I got for a steal at a garage sale and it has awesome shape to the chairs, the color is quite drab. I think a bright torqouise might do the job.

  57. Becky says

    THIS IS AMAZING!!!! Come do my yard next, OK?!?! : ) You guy’s back yard has to be the beauty-spot of the neighborhood! WELL done!!!!

    • Larissa says

      hahaha…we still have work to do, but on our way! Thank you.

  58. Kimberly says

    I am so jealous of your play area! It looks so fresh.
    I haven’t tried Dixie Belle yet, but would love to try them out on a desk I am about to make-over.

    • Larissa says

      aww…you can come and play! 😀 haha Thanks, Kimberly. We are so glad we can look out the window to check on the kids and they love their new shaded spot.

  59. Nancy Walden says

    I haven’t tried Dixie Belle but I love what you did with it! I have a glass topped patio table that has white legs. It would look great with patina added!

  60. Mary Jo says

    Love all you have done! It looks amazing. I would love to paint some end tables and a coffee table, so that is what I would use the paint for.

  61. Anya Mathis says

    Oh. My. Goodness! Your yard is gorgeous! I love in AZ and don’t have the luxury of much green. I miss it so much! And I think your darling cast iron set would look good in white. I said yellow when you posted it earlier. If I win the paints I have a shelf full of little projects in my garage waiting for a fresh look. One is a cute mirror shelf combo!

    • Larissa says

      How fun to hear. Thank you! I couldn’t live out there for that reason. I love to garden and grow and especially love the seasons. Though I may head your way during winter! 😀

  62. Candy Walsh says

    What a GORGEOUS transformation!! Your backyard is beautiful! And I love me some Dixie Belle Paint!!!

  63. Becki Lee says

    Wonderful job on everything! It’s really making a difference.

    • Larissa says

      It was such a relief to get it done even though I want to finish our kitchen. Gotta do what ya gotta do, right?

  64. Susan W. says

    Wow! What a difference! This “yard section” turned out great, congratulations on your new view – you must stand at the window and smile!

    • Larissa says

      We sure do, especially because we can see the kids better and know they have a safe area to play.

  65. Janet Kynerd says

    All that hard work sure paid off. Yard looks wonderful.

  66. Jonnie says

    Great job! I have an entryway bench I would love to freshen up with some Dixie Belle paint

  67. Marie says

    Wow, Larissa, your yard is coming along beautifully! I bet your kids love their new play zone too. Pinned

    • Larissa says

      They are out there 24/7 ha! Or so it seems. I’m happy that we are making better use for our space and particularly that our wood will be ready to go. I want to get our kitchen done! 😀

  68. Sandy says

    I am so inspired by the post on the arbor and the wonderful paint. I know my grand daughter will love this post when I send to her.

  69. Liz says

    Wonderful! You have quite the working crew. Looks awesome!

    • Larissa says

      The best evah. hee hee hee. We are so blessed by these guys and how the jump in to help. Thanks!

  70. Constance Colvin says

    Larissa! You and your family have limitless energy! I continue to be amazed!

  71. heather says

    A wonderful projectheath. Love the patina

  72. Laura says

    Your backyard is looking fabulous! The arbor, with the lovely patinaed trellises, is beautiful! I also really like your pergola. I can’t figure out what to do outside our house. We have a gorgeous view out the front and side of our house, but the back, which would be the best functional location for outdoor dining, has very little going for it… Ugh!

    • Larissa says

      That was kinda like our area we did today. Eye sore and what do you do with it? I hope you can find inspiration from what we are doing. Thanks for stopping by!

    • Larissa says

      So much easier on the eye, right? hahaha… Thanks, Christy!

  73. Karen Reeves says

    What a great job. The arbor looks fantastic & I loved how you added the patina using Dixie Belle paints.

    • Larissa says

      It was so fun to create that dimension on that side of the house to create balance with the pergola. Thank you!

  74. Denise says

    Love what you did to the backyard! I also have an outdoor bench that needs a new paint job.

  75. Lisa says

    Love the patina on the arbor! I have a lamp, outdoor furniture and flower pots i want to patina. So many plans… so little time!

  76. Donna Gonzalez says

    You’re the hardest working blog-posting, home-schooling, cooking-from-scratch, DIYing mom EVER! Wish I had half your energy . . .

    • Larissa says

      More like crazy lady, but I will take those awesome compliments. Thank you, Donna!!

  77. Patty Soriano says

    Larissa, this space looks AMAZING! Wowza! As a rose-grower myself, I would recommend that you plant clematis on your arbor instead of the roses. It’s a little close against the house to put a rose there and I think they’ll be a bit too large for your area. Clematis would be a lovely choice! And no thorns or hard branches to poke you! thank you for the chance to win the paint. I would love to have some to play with. I have a lot of pieces of furniture to paint, but my first ones may be tables or stools!

    • Larissa says

      Yes, I had tried that on our pergola and only one grew. Am considering it again. I want an easy, non-invasive plant, but I already have a trumpet vine. Those grow like crazy.

  78. Charlene says

    All I can say is….. I ‘m speechless! Beautiful job.

  79. Vickie says

    Great job! What a difference and love the paint job!

  80. Penny says

    Love Your Makeovers, makes me want to makeover the rest of our deck, have a bench that needs a new redo with a great color, Thank You!!!

  81. Cindy Downing says

    Love the patina on the trellis. I would like to try the patina look with the paints on some flower pots.

    • Larissa says

      That would be sweet! I’ve done it with some of mine too.

  82. Renee Cain says

    Thank you for an inspiring tutorial.

  83. Mary says

    Oh my goodness Larissa. I had to scroll and scroll just to comment. But that is a good thing. I love what you did in your back yard. And that faux patina has me drooling! I think I’ll come over for a bit! 😉

    • Larissa says

      hee hee hee…sorry! 😀 You most certainly are invited.

  84. Bernice says

    I have some planter boxes my husband made for our patio to paint & would love to try this paint

  85. Ivy says

    I always enjoy seeing your new projects. I am hoping to transform an antique table soon but haven’t decided what colors to paint it.

  86. Karen Simon Peterson says

    Your backyard is looking wonderful! I think I’d paint a small bookcase with these paints. Thank you for the giveaway.

  87. Wendy D. says

    I love your project. The arbor turned out great, would love to build one for my lady banks rose to climb across. Thank you for the inspiration and giveaway.

  88. Barbara Brannon says

    Gosh! That looks amazing! Absolutely stunning! Would love to hear details on the park bench makeover as I have one that needs the wood replaced AND painted! Thanks or the chance to win!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! We just took off the old wood and replaced with new – pretty simple. 😉

  89. Maryann Smith says

    What a beautiful makeover for your yard.

  90. Carole says

    You guys did an amazing job! Looking good! I’ve never used Dixie Bell Paint, but I’m sure that it would make one of my antique dressers that are collecting dust in the basement look fabulous!

    • Larissa says

      Sweet to hear your kind words. You will love their paint! 😀

  91. Jane Doe says

    WOW, Such a transformation and I LOVE the arbor/pergola that your husband built! I must try some of the Dixie Belle paint. It seems to work so well in all of your projects!
    P.S. What an amazing family you have! In every photo I’ve seen, no-one is frowning. All seem happy to be helping out.
    Gosh, we sure need more excellent examples of what a family is all about. Lucky me, my own 3 children (now grown), were almost always proud to help out. “That’s what families do, help one another”; is what I always told them. Sorry for the length of this post… I felt moved to express my appreciation. Thank you for sharing so much of your sweet family!

    • Larissa says

      I couldn’t say enough how blessed we feel to have each and every one of them, including each other. You are a blessed mama indeed.

  92. Maureen Clipperton says

    Awesome job! Beautiful back yard.

  93. Molly says

    That is an amazing makeover! Wish I had some great helpers!

  94. Annette says

    The chest looks gorgeous! I would paint my mom’s antique buffet to use as a table in my living room.

  95. Vickie says

    Looks like the whole family has done a great hob in the yard. It looks amazing!!

  96. Kim Banko says

    Wow! That is seriously an amazing transformation! I bet the whole family loves it!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you! Yes! Plus, it helps hide my neighbor’s mess. 😉

  97. Will says

    Did you use treated lumber?

  98. Adele says

    Thank you so much for the plans on how to make the Arbor. It took me a while because of the erratic UK weather ,wood shortages and skill but I persevered and managed to build my own. It’s not perfect but I love it and I’m really proud of myself. It’s given me the confidence to try other projects. Love the result of your garden makeover too ?

    • Larissa says

      How absolutely wonderful to hear, Adele! You just made my day. Yes, such crazy times everywhere, and I’m glad you got ‘er done. Bravo!

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