You know that thought in the back of your mind when you see something in a thrift store that you know would be perfect for a makeover? But you dont get it because you’re looking for something else for an entirely different project. You can’t get that thing out of your head? Yes, that feeling. I saw the perfect foot stool recently for this months Themed Furniture Makeover Day as soon as I saw it, tucked up behind stuff and underneath a rickety table, I knew I could make a such a cool coastal burlap footstool out of it.
So I went back the next day.
And it was gone 🙁
By that time I had everything figured out in my head . I knew exactly how I’d make a coastal burlap footstool, right down to the graphic I wanted to put on it.
But, it was gone.
Bummer.
So… instead of running all over town to different thrift stores to find another footstool , which I know there would not be a single one available, anywhere…
I built one.
I used the same concept as my Simple DIY Bench which came from my tutorial for these DIY Patio Tables I built last summer.
I wanted my coastal burlap footstool to look like it had been around awhile so I layered several colors on the raw wood, letting each one dry in between. Then painted it black and followed up with two coats of clear wax.
I just knew a crab would be cute on it. After trying several transfer methods that didn’t take so easily, I traced it through the burlap and used another printed crab to make sure I was getting the shapes correct. I used a regular sharpie and heat set it with a hot iron between two paper towels.
Easy.
I covered the seat with a layer of muslin first and then attached the burlap. I have great tutorial on how to upholster a bench seat here. Since I didn’t want the edges to unravel or fray, I added a layer of ProBond glue all around the inner edge of the burlap to give it extra stregnth.
Then tacked down an extra burlap piece with the staple gun to cover the raw wood.
Light distressing before I waxed it let the different colors peek through just enough to give it personality.
I attached the seat with 2″ screws. To make it easy. I drilled pilot holes and used my countersink bit so the screw heads would be recessed and not show.
I like the underside with the burlap covering, don’t you?
I love it!
I didn’t make it for my house. I have a new arrangement for my extra projects to go to a local shop. I’m pretty excited because I won’t have to store all the stuff I make 🙂
I think this little DIY coastal burlap footstool will look great in a rustic coastal place. Hopefully it goes home with someone who thinks it’s as cute as I do.
In the end, I think my DIY footstool worked out better than the one I passed up in the thrift store.
There’s lots more Themed Furniture Makeovers just below this picture! Click on any one of the pictures to go tho that post and tutorial.
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Lucy @ Patina Paradise says
I love how you took it and made it your own style. So sweet! Love the layers of color.
Wendi says
Hi Lucy! Thanks so much:) The layers added the feeling of age..I wanted this to look like it had been around for a long time…and, yes, this is definately my style..LOL everyone had me pegged the moment they saw it! I’ll have to do something completely out of character to change it up soon!
Audra @ Renewed Projects says
I love your paint layering technique to “age” your stool. Even better, I love that you just simply made what you needed/wanted! aWesome!
Wendi says
Thanks so much Audra:) Layering the paint is such an easy way to add character and “age” a piece quickly:) Thanks so much for your visit!
Suzan says
This is the sweetest little bench – I just love it ( it would be perfect in my foyer !!! )
Wendi says
Thank you Suzan! I’m very happy with the way it turned out. I might have to make one for us to keep too:) Thanks so much for your visit!
Rhonda says
You did an awesome job creating the stool! And the crab is just too cute! ~Rhonda
Wendi says
Thanks Rhonda! Once I had the idea of a crab in my head I had to have it. I think it was perfect for the stool too!
Mary-In the boondocks says
You are probably wondering why I’m sending you another comment on the same post, so I’ll get right to it. Because of your friendship and support, I would like to nominate you for the Blogger Recognition Award. You do not have to accept this, I just wanted you to know that you have a unique place in the blogshere and that your friendship has been appreciated. I am posting about this on Monday
Wendi says
Mary.. Thank you so very much! I’m truly honored. I’ve enjoyed our growing friendship and it’s been fun to see your blog grow. Again, thank you!
Paula@SweetPea says
You made such a cute footstool that’s perfect for your coastal home. I love that you made your own since the thrift store one was sold.
Wendi says
Pauls, making it was easy. Once I had the idea stuck in my head I had to!
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
This turned out so cute! What talent you have to make your own stool. You inspire me Wendi 🙂
Wendi says
Thank Jen… This was so easy to so. I’ve used this “pattern” or style so many times. It’s making the hubby happy too since my scrap wood pile is finally getting smaller!
gail says
Wendi,
I love your burlap footstool. Lots of great tips-the covering of the whole thing put a big light bulb over my head, and a smile on my face. One of those things I hope to file away for when I do this someday.
Pinning! That will help me remember your tips.
gail
Wendi says
Thanks Gail! I’ve seen chairs covered in burlap and I figured the only way that would work is if the pressure of the condensed foam was on something sturdier with the burlap on top. I think even hot glue would be good to stop the edges from fraying. So glad I could share something useful with you for once instead of the other way around!
Breanna says
Love that you made this little guy yourself, it’s awesome!
Wendi says
Thanks Bre! The basic pattern works for everything, benches, tables and stools. It’s crazy sturdy too:)
Linda says
Gorgeous. I pinned your lovely DIY stool. Hope you are having a wonderful Fall. Linda @Crafts a la mode
Wendi says
Thank you Linda! It turned out well and I probably saved a lot of time over searching all over town for the perfect one:)
Christy says
This is so cute, Wendi! Only you would build a bench from scratch… You are so talented with the furniture building! XO
Wendi says
Thank you! It was pretty basic and I had plenty of wood so I figured I could build it in as much time as it would take to shop all over town to find one.
Tami @ Curb Alert! says
Wendi, I can always spot your cute nautical pieces right away. The crab is precious and the perfect added touch!
~Tami
Wendi says
Thank so much Tami! I searched through lots of crabs before I picked this one and I thought he was perfect!
DancingMooney says
Oh my gosh, I can’t stand it when you pass something up and the thrift store, go back for it later, and it’s gone! *sigh*… so glad your project turned out even better than the original, and I have to ask, did you cut those wood pieces yourself?! I think I need to get hubby a table saw one of these years, so I can use it too. I’ve been wanting to build my own flower boxes for a while now… *jealous*
Marie from The Interior Frugalista says
Ahhh see, that thrift store stool wasn’t meant to be for a reason. Love your footstool build Wendi and once again, I learned a tip from you today. Heat set the sharpie image – I’ve never done that before! Congrats too on the new space to sell your pieces – that’s awesome 🙂
Mary-In the boondocks says
You are the boss, as my daughter would say! You made it yourself! And it turned out soooo cute! Love allthose layers on the wood!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That is the cutest little thing! I just love it Wendi! 🙂
xo
nancy
Amy @ Highstyle Restyle says
I could’ve spotted your makeover anywhere! I love your coastal style and the stool is such a unique piece. 🙂
Wendi says
Haha… Thank you Amy! I wanted it to look upcycled and the base old and worn. ..and I finally had to embrace my coastal style because thats what’s popular in our area. People don’t wear black clothes, and there is no black furniture anywhere, so it was a challnge to come up with something black for this theme:)
Lindsay Eidahl says
This is the sweetest little stool ever!
Kimm at Reinvented says
I love it, and it’s so perfectly Wendi! 🙂 I’m playing a game with myself now where I try to predict whose project is whose just by the photo. Between you and Bre, I’m 2 for 2! 🙂
Christy says
Ha ha Kimm…I do that too!
Wendi says
You are all funny and I do that too!
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Ha! I do the same thing too!
Wendi says
Funny! I guess we all do that!!
Wendi says
That’s so funny! I think you’re so right we all have our personal styles:) This month was lots of fun!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
I have sooo been there, Wendi! Love that you pulled up your bootstraps and made your own…my kinda gal. 🙂 That is one sweet stool and it’s all yours!
Wendi says
Thanks so much Larissa. I had this project stuck in my mind and it had to be this one:) I figured I spent just as much time building one as I would have searching all over town.