You guys and gals know me well! I get sent pictures of 80’s heart cut-out pieces you find in the store that remind you of me and even your own decor. How heartwarming!! (Yes, pun intended). So, obviously, when I saw this table at the thrift store… well… tsk… you know I had to. Maybe you don’t quite see it, but I see farmhouse step stools in that thar table. tee hee.
Not only is this table made of solid wood (bonus points!), but also just the right size that my work to upcycle this is simple. Shall we have at it? Just so you know, I have nothing against hearts, as I’ve shown in these past posts, but many bypass pieces like this for their obvious lack of current style.
CHOPPING BLOCK
First, if you want to see how I have upcycled furniture in the past, take a look at my project gallery HERE. I have of projects in all shapes and sizes. Now, I grab my tape measure, builder’s square, a pencil, and my circular saw to start this buzz party.
As you can see in the graphic above, I make four cuts to start my process. Then, here’s what I’m left with.
The top, shorter stool already has cross supports to keep it sturdy. However, the bottom one needs a skirt, so I go to my miter saw and cut a skirt from the scrap piece.
Next, I add those skirt pieces to the one stool and then I’m ready to stain and paint. First, I use this reactive stain as I’ve used so many times to give it an aged appeal. It literally ages before your eyes!
Second, after the stain cures, I apply one coat of a rustic wash paint (both colors are custom mixed by moi).
Last, after the paint cures, I add a dark wax to age it even more.
STEPPIN’ UP
After a short DIY stent, my once-80’s table is now two perfectly fun farmhouse step stools (or milking stools).
Which one is your favorite? The soft green one is a bit taller, but fun nonetheless.
As a side note, just look at the toe box of this antique cast iron shoe last. It’s totally not barefoot or minimalist like my journey of healing!
The blue one, however, is stout and cute for sure. It has a wider top and love that blue too.
As another sidenote, this is a hardbound handwritten book of recipes I pulled from the trash in one of my adventures years ago. I just LOVE finding things like this. Also, note the paint on my fingers from being up on my roof painting my cupola, furnace vent, and other fun up high stuff. haha.
Now, have I inspired you? I sure hope so. If you’d like to make either one of these part of your home story, you can find them and more in my online store.
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While you’re at it, here are more upcycles like my farmhouse step stools:
I have to admit when you said step stool I wasn’t quite sure how you were going to do that. I was picturing a double step one I guess. I like the different colors and how you have it styled. Very cozy and farm-ish!
Right? That’s a whole different ball of wax. haha. These were fun to do. Thanks, Niki!
Did you have a recipe for staining/painting Mason jars Amber in a previous post? I can’t find it.
Love your repurposed pieces.
I have a few of painting glass jars HERE. Thanks, Joanne.
I love this creative use of an outdated piece…and getting 2 pieces from it!
I always feel inspired to look at thrift finds in a different light. Thanks for the continued inspiration!!
woot, woot! This was fun for me and you just made my day, Jill. Thank you!
It’s always nice to save a vintage piece… even better to make 2 new ones !
I love the colors. Hmmm Think I like the taller one. Nice for plants to rest.
But… gotta love that blue. 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
You are so right x2! 😀 I love that one for plants too. Thanks for the smile, P.
Very creative use of an outdated piece. It’s always fun to see what you will do next. And inspirational. I like them both. Agree. They would be very cute as plant stands.
Joanne, thank you for your kind words. It’s a joy to share. 😀