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Reclaimed Barn Beam Bench & Harvey the Bear

I may be nuts, I may be crazy, but I don’t care. When I spy old worn wood, I can’t help but snatch it up and begin to create in my mind. Do you do that too? This pile o’ goodness is my subject for today’s Trash to Treasure day. Part of this is going to become the reclaimed barn beam bench I’ve had in my brain for YEARS. The other is going to be something fun. Stick around to see because there’s something important I want to share with you. Also, you’ll want to see what my blogger friends have created too! (I’m so excited!)

Reclaimed Wood Pile at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Yes, this wood is old, it is full of patina, and oh so much potential. The barn beam pieces are actually the remnants.. They are from when we added our barn beam mantel to our family room, oh about four years ago. ahem.  You can see how we added it as a floating mantel to our stone fireplace in this post, and how I updated it all over HERE.

All this time I have been saving those pieces to make a reclaimed barn beam bench for when we remodel our living room. It seems like that will never happen, so I decide to create it anyway. Yippee!!

BUILD IT

First, I take my sander and heavy sandpaper to remove all the splinters that might strike a bum if sat upon. I hated to remove that patina, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

Sanding Barn Beam for Bench by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

So, here’s my scheme to get this reclaimed barn beam bench put together. Pretty simple, but measurements and angles are key. I used 4 – 5″ x ½” bolts and my drill with a ½” spade bit to set them on a diagonal in each “leg” of the bench after making sure the legs were as level as could be. Each hole is then drilled 2 ¾” deep in the legs. Just tape on your bit to know the depth or use a depth gauge.

Adding bolts to barn beam bench legs | prodigalpieces.com

NEXT STEPS

Next, I make coordinating holes on the beam using the same technique, but this time I did made sure to note any level discrepancies and adjust depth accordingly. For instance, since the beam was warped, one bolt needed a depth a half inch deeper than the other.

Drilling Barn Beam to Attach Legs | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

After I check assembly with a dry fit, I used heavy duty construction adhesive to fill the holes and set to cure. Once, cured, I used a matte poly to give it a few topcoats. I will share the reclaimed barn beam bench reveal in a minute. Stay with me, k?

Up next is that chunk of rotted wood and the leftover wood pieces from when I made candlesticks out of the turnings in this DIY post. When the idea hit me what to do with these odd pieces, I didn’t know where they would lead me. Do you see what I see?

Repurposed Bear Parts | prodigalpieces.com

AT LAST

I giggled out-loud when I was holding them in my hands and said…feet! After I created my candlesticks, I stuck them aside. In the back of my brain, though, I couldn’t wait to get the vision I had in my head put into action. That large hunk of rotted wood was in my burn pile, but it actually was the perfect size for my creation.

However, I was on a time crunch and wasn’t sure I could pull it off. I had just gone to the thrift store the day before and forget to shop for what I needed. So, my gang of 6 and I headed back to the store on a mission. I silently prayed that God would let there be what I needed to complete my vision. If not, I would toss it aside for a later time.

While in the store, a huge rainstorm was passing through and I kept telling myself this is nothing compared to what is happening to those poor people that were hit with hurricane Harvey and then Irma, with José close behind. And also whispering to God, please send this rain out west! So many losing much in fires from dry spells and heat.

It was then I looked down and found exactly what I was looking for. What a delight to find it all right in front of me! It was then I knew I would have to work fast but could get it done. Isn’t this cute?!

Thrifted Bib Overalls, Shirt, and Hat for Harvery the Hurricane Bear | prodigalpieces.com

DIY BEAR TIME

My jigsaw and drill were the only tools I needed to get this wood stash turned into the bear in my brain. It was while cutting that I was thinking about the hurricane victims and had been praying on the best way I could help.

Cutting Out Harvey Bear by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

That’s when it dawned on me to create Harvey the Bear to auction off with 100% of the proceeds going to hurricane relief. My pulse began to quicken at the idea and my hands worked fast to assemble this little guy.

Assembled Harvey the Bear by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

With an montage of rope and joints, Harvey the (hurricane) Bear is put together. Much, I feel, like those that will have to piece together their lives to get back to normal daily life. My heart goes out to them in all parts of our country.

MEET HARVEY

In the next steps, I worked late into the evening to create the true vision of Harvey and end to my efforts. Won’t you greet my little bear with open arms? He sure could use a hug!

Meet Harvey the "hurricane" Bear created by Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Harvey is a gentle soul with a down-to-earth spirit. My goal was to create a loveable guy – though he is wood. We can all hug trees, right? haha.

Farmer Harvey the Bear created by Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

My favorite part of Harvey, aside from all of him, is his eyes.

Harvey the Bear hand-painted by Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I had a blast creating all the detail and seeing this little guy come to life. You know he had to be a stylin’ bear. tsk. And, talk about jaw-drop! I didn’t measure or do any alterations to make the clothes fit. However, I thought that I could adapt the clothing later. I didn’t have to change a stitch.

Harvey the Bear auctioned of for Samaritan's Purse by Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Hand-Painted Bear Paw of Harvey the Bear by Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Now, don’t you forget that reclaimed barn beam bench he’s sitting on. I am happy how easy that is to create too. I thoroughly expected some hang-ups, but it went just as planned. whew!

Handmade Hurricane Harvey the Bear Auctioned off for Disaster Relief by Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

It will one day grace the entry to my home, but for now, I am glad Harvey has a place to park himself. That is until someone decides to make him their own.Harvey the Bear Bib Overalls by Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

HELPING HAND

As I mentioned earlier, my only goal in creating Harvey the Bear was to auction him off and send the funds to disaster relief like my Christmas Beep and auctioned off for their Operation Christmas Child project.

Hand-crafted Harvey the Hurricane Bear with Reclaimed Barn Beam Bench by Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Here’s where I need your help. Won’t you bid on this sweet bear to aid others in grief and loss? I have Harvey listed in my shop with a starting price of $85. Bidding is open until midnight EST on Friday the 15th. You can place a bid by emailing me the amount using “Harvey the Bear Bid” in the subject line – use the CONTACT tab at the top of the page. If during the auction the bids rise close to $200, I will raise the listing price by $50, and continue to raise it by $50 to allow the bidding to continue. Shipping is FREE to anywhere in the U.S. with the value at $20. Will also ship to other countries with a $20 discount.

On Saturday after the end of the auction, I will announce the winner here, via my newsletter list, and in my social media. I will then re-list Harvey as a reserved item in my shop under the winner’s name. The winner is then to pay for the item and I will ship out the next business day after payment is received. We accept all major forms of payment (see shop listing for details). All proceeds will go to Samaritan’s Purse.

Harvey the Hurricane Bear Button | prodigalpieces.com

Won’t you please show you support and bid for a cause? I am trying to do what I can and I know this will be such a blessing to so many.

UPDATE: Harvey is on his way to his new home with proceeds of $250. Thank you all so much!!

Do pin and share reclaimed barn beam bench and Harvey the Bear not only to inspire others to get creative, but to support those in need. Thank you!

Build this Reclaimed Barn Beam Bench with the tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Up next in my blogging world, this thrifted table will get some new kicks. Come see the after over HERE.

Queen Anne Table Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. DON’T FORGET! Head below to see what my friends have created for you!

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Trash to Treasure Tuedays - Thrifted Makeover Fun | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Trash to Treasure Tuesday September 2017 | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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  4. Girl in the Garage

More fall decor like my reclaimed barn beam bench:

Rustic DIY Farmhouse Corn Husk Pumpkins and Wreath Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comGetting junky with it and kicking off the fall season with some repurposed pumpkins. They'll make you ready to dig into your stash! by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Pam says

    Harvey the Bear is fantastic!! You certainly deserve 5 stars for creating a masterpiece literally out of nothing!!

    • Larissa says

      I had such fun and really hope this blesses many. Thank you!

  2. Marcie Lovett says

    That bear is too cute, Larissa! Your painting is amazing. Good luck with the auction!

  3. Molly Brown says

    The bench is absolutely spectacular!

  4. Carolyn says

    I’m not understanding how the beam was attached to the legs. Did you drill holes clear through the beam and screw the bolts into the legs from the top?

    • Larissa says

      Bolts in the legs, then drilled corresponding holes as deep as the bolts protruding.

  5. Tracy says

    You have an awesome talent. I am so glad you share your gift. This is just unbelievable. Have a blessed week.

  6. Gilmer Gal says

    I, too, hoard old pieces of wood! Then, I check the blogs I follow (like yours) and copy the project. LOL Thanks for the sweet inspiration!

  7. Mary says

    Aww this is just too adorable. You can turn sawdust into fairy glitter.

  8. Sarah says

    What an amazing inspiration! Well done!

  9. Jen @ Girl in the Garage says

    Ahh, so cool Larissa! I love that you turned a pile of random parts into a custom bench and cute Mr. Harvey. And it’s so exciting to see that people are bidding for such a great cause! What a wonderful idea.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Jen! I’m happy that I can do something to help.

  10. Debrashoppeno5 says

    Harvey is so cute. Will you be making an Irma so he can have a friend? The bench is great also, it is like a piece of history.

  11. Pamela-FromMyFrontPorchToYours says

    Oh my gosh Larissa Harvey is beyond fabulous!!! I just adore him and can see him sitting on my front porch here in Houston. Off to check out the auction. We have been donating locally since the storm hit so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for doing this!!

    • Larissa says

      You are so kind to say so, Pamela. It was the least I could do to help.

  12. Tante Mali says

    Wow, Larissa, that’s fantastic. I realy love this idea and how it comes out. Your creativity is outrageous. I’m also somehow addicted to old wood pieces and sure I produce the one and other diy but not as creative as you do. Congratulations and all my best from Austria
    Elisabeth

    • Larissa says

      I’m so happy to hear I’m not alone in the wood hoarding status. haha… Thanks, Tante!

  13. Marie says

    Larissa, you have a heart of gold! What a beautiful idea and such an adorable little bear. I am wishing you MUCH success with this auction. Pinned and sharing to get the word out.

  14. Lauren says

    Aw that is so creative! You have such a generous and caring soul, Larissa. What a sweet thing to do!

  15. Janice says

    Larissa, you are nothing short of AMAZING! You always blow me away with your talent. ❤️

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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