This is a really fun way to dress up a bench, table, chair or any flat wooden surface. I go to a flea market or vintage shops to collect wallpaper and paper scraps. Then I bring everything home and cut the scraps into squares or rectangles.

Think of it as a paper patchwork quilt. Depending on the patterns, you can create patchworks that are bold and colorful or subtle and tonal.

For the piano bench, most of the prints have a white or cream ground color, which makes it look more cohesive and soft. This is a great project if you have a piece of unattractive or damaged furniture. The project is easy and replaces the need to get a piece of damaged furniture professionally restored.

Gather:

Wood bench, table or chair

Wallpaper and/or paper scraps (that look good together)

Mod Podge brand fabric and gloss

1-inch flat paintbrush

Craft knife

Ruler

Scissors or pinking sheers

Acrylic sealer (optional)

Create:

Gather fun wallpaper samples or paper scraps.

Clean the surface on which you’ll apply the patchwork. Measure the surface so you know what area to work within. With pinking sheers or scissors, cut the paper scraps into small rectangles or squares to fit within the surface dimensions. Experiment with arranging the scraps. I like to cut a few, arrange them and then cut a few more to fill the spaces left over.

After you have laid out the paper scraps in a pretty design, adhere them to the bench using the Gloss Mod Podge. Make sure to smooth out all the air bubbles and let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes.

Coat the entire bench surface with at least two coats of Gloss Mod Podge. Again, allow it to dry.

Once dried, trim any excess paper scraps around the edge with a craft knife.

Allow the stool to dry for at least 24 hours before using. I recommend spraying with several coats of acrylic sealer to finish your project and add durability.