Today I’m going to show you a simple thrift store footstool makeover. This poor little guy definitely needed some TLC.
Even John (vendor 169) at Vendors’ Village knew it had possibilities if it were recovered. But I wanted to do a little more than that. I figured it needed a little color.
The first step is always cleaning and removing the top of the footstool.
*this post contains affiliate links*
I gathered my supplies to mix up some DIY chalky paint primer in Polished Pearl to use in my Finish Max, with a cheap chip brush on hand should I have any drips. The green lid on the paint can is available on Amazon from Cansealid. I love how easy it is to put on and take off. It just gets a little burp like we do with our favorite tupperware.
Because it was very shiny, I did run some sandpaper over it quickly to give the paint a little more “tooth” to adhere to. Then it got a couple of light coats of Polished Pearl with my Homeright Finish Max.
Having a good selection of these IOD Paper Clay Molds premade and stored makes it easy to embellish thrift store decor.
This image shows how the appliques are made using a silicone mold and paper clay. I like to work the clay a little, “stuff” it into the mold, then bend the mold until the flexible applique “pops” out. Leaving them on the tray to dry sort of keeps all the mess in one place. Generally they take about 24-36 hours to harden depending on the temperature and humidity. That’s why I like to make a lot and keep them on hand.
You can see more paper clay mold projects and other Iron Orchid Design projects here.
Using Gorilla Wood Glue along with painter’s tape will secure the paper clay appliques until they “set up” .
It was a couple of days before I got back to this project. I used some Heirloom Traditions (use the code MYREPURPOSEDLIFE to save 10%) wax all over the stool, concentrating on the appliques to make them show up a little more. (I can’t find the pictures of that step)
Then a LOT of time passed, as I procrastinated on the covering of the top of the footstool. Doing any kind of project with fabric, including upholstery projects are not on the top of my list of favorite things to do. Seriously, I think this stool hung around the living room, kitchen and my room for a couple of months before I finally got to it.
I’m not going to tell you how to do this step. I’m not very good at it, especially the corners. I used a nice Stanley Staple Gun to secure the fabric to the wooden bottom.
Want to know the most difficult part of this project? You may have the same problem…I had to search for my staple gun AND the screws that were originally used to secure the footstool top. Please tell me I’m not alone when it comes to misplacing stuff while working on a project.
Looking back at the dates, it was exactly 2 months from the day I took the stool apart and put it back together. Around here, that’s a long time to keep up with 6 screws. I’m trying to get better, by storing them on my portable tool cart in one of those handy lunchmeat containers, and sure enough—that is where I located the screws.
Now, I just need to find a permanent home for the staple gun and staples. I’ve been storing it all in a gallon baggie for years, so it’s time to be more organized.
UPDATE: I purchased 2 small Stanley Tool Boxes, one for my staplers and staples, and the other for a new Dremel Rotary Tool I got from Haven Conference. The tool boxes work perfectly for storing all my stuff.
If you're like me, you like to prop your feet up after a hard day's work, or of course it could be a resting spot for your favorite furbaby.
I would love for you to share this easy project on Pinterest.
Isn't is so much cuter? I'd love to hear what you would have done differently in case I happen upon another one someday soon.
Please take some time to view the fabulous projects from my handy friends:
Wood Tray from Petticoat Junktion
Magazine Rack Makeover from Our Southern Home
Holiday Scarf Wreath from Domestically Speaking
Small Footstool Makeover from My Repurposed Life
Just found this, that is an awesome job and great timing as I found one kinda like that for $2 but the legs are straight. Now I know what to do with it. Thanks to you and Christy from confessions of a serial do it I have the confidence to keep going. You all make it look so easy and so I have found my new love.... ????????
Bonnie,
I'm so happy you find My Repurposed Life helpful in your quest to save and repurpose items! :)n
gail
Very nice! I did a foot stool recover too, of a garage sale find. The finish was acceptable as is but it needed a new top. I found a remnant of some high end ostrich skin patterned vinyl in black at 50% off at a fabric store. Added an extra inch and a half of firm foam and staple gunned everything together. The corners I folded similar to bed sheets on a bed.I folded the tips in first then wrapped the sides down over the top. Mine even came with a hinged top which I kept, but I don't use it for storage for anything since I really do use it to prop my feet up at night while sitting on the coach. It helps with my circulation. I was going to use a large covered button through the top for a tufted look but my husband liked it better smooth and it looks nice and it has been nice on my heels.
Eileen,
It sounds like you have a very nice project makeover! Old stuff can really be very pretty and useful, eh?
Thanks for sharing!
gail
Does John (vendor 169) ever notice his stuff sneaking back into the shop, all fancied up?
That's a funny question Ravon. I wondered the same thing. He did stop by the booth the other day while I was working. He sells a LOT of stuff, so I'm not sure he would put 2 and 2 together. 😉
gail
Much cuteness without a lot of work - my kind of project. However, every time I see furniture with those kind of legs, I can't help imagining it dancing across the room a la "Beauty and the Beast." It creeps me out, so I avoid bow-legs.
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not sure how to write you have a good looking stool without it sounding bad.
May boys would not be able to even type that without laughing.
Love the fabric you picked Gail... turned out super cute!
i really like what you have done with this stool.
the embellishments are fantastic.
The stool is charming ♥