Earning Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badges

Make It Easy

13. Furniture Makeover

Beginner

• Watch some online tutorials on how to revamp old or worn furniture. There are several TV shows, including our favorite, Junk Gypsies, that showcase fun ideas.
• Go into your storage areas and look for something that’s collecting dust/not in-use or head to a flea-market/garage sale. Think about the different ways you could customize this piece and turn it into something useful to you. Clean it up and add a little something extra to make it special. Start with something simple and budget friendly (e.g. new hardware, adding baskets, vinyl patterns or contact paper, or stenciling).

Intermediate

• Research different types of wood and techniques for makeovers. Talk to an associate in a local paint department; they are trained and can be a wealth of information concerning stains, paint, adhesives, etc.
• Research all your options for doing an eco-friendly makeover. Learn about stains and paints.
• Before you begin, make sure you have a well-built piece that will last. Look for heavy pieces with tight joints, a sign of quality construction. If furniture piece has veneer or laminate, research methods of making over these materials. Do a furniture makeover using two different options (e.g. hardware and paint, paint and stencil). What techniques did you do and how did the final project turn out? There is a 10-hour time investment required.
• Post before and after photos on The Farmgirl Connection chatroom under Merit Badge Chit Chat.

Expert

• Repair an old piece of furniture or make it into a new-use piece of furniture. What materials did you use? What techniques did you use? How did you make this an eco-friendly makeover? There is a 20-hour time investment required.
• Post before and after photos on The Farmgirl Connection chatroom under Merit Badge Chit Chat.

April, 2024 Edition