Hello amazing friends! Today, I’ve got a redo of a redo! I’m turning this padded foot stool that I redid many years ago into the cutest stenciled stool:
I originally redid it and blogged about it back in 2013. I loved how it turned out at the time and decided to keep it, but the fabric has since stretched and yellowed over time and it’s just not as cute as it once was.
I planned to give it a quick redo and put in my booth, but it kept getting pushed further and further to the back of the pile.
I finally decided to add it to this haul to get it done!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
I started by removing the nailheads and the existing padded top.
Removing the old wax
This had been sealed with Annie Sloan’s wax which is oil-based, so I removed it using odorless mineral spirits:
If I had used Dixie Belle’s Best Dang Wax which is water-based (and has no strong odor like oil-based wax), I could have painted right over the wax.
Then I used Dixie Mud in brown to fill in the tiny holes left by the nail heads:
After allowing it to completely dry, I sanded the surface smooth with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge:
A new top
I decided to ditch the padded top completely for wood that I still had out from the cute bench I shared last week:
A wood top would make it way more functional than it was with the padded top.
I used wood glue and my Ryobi nail gun to attach the planks to the base. Then I filled those holes with Dixie Mud also:
Paint
After sanding the Mud smooth, it was time for paint! I chose this very happy Mint Julep for this little stool:
And you can see how smooth this brush applies the paint! The tip to minimizing brush strokes is to use a high quality brush and to go from one edge to the other in nice, even strokes. You can apply it any way you choose, but always make your final pass in smooth, long strokes from edge to edge.
I applied two coats to the whole stool.
Adding a stencil
Then I wanted to add some whimsy to the top, so I pulled out another one of our new stencils:
I used the Lotus Bloom stencil on this desk not too long ago, but today, I’m playing with the Tea Towel Floral!
I tried a different technique to apply the paint to the stencil this time, which worked okay, but it wasn’t nearly as easy as rolling it on like I did in the desk makeover, which you can see HERE.
So, I would suggest sticking with that method. (I didn’t have any rollers and was trying not to have to make a Home Depot run!)
When I stencil, I prefer to use an acrylic craft paint like this white by Delta Ceramcoat since it washes off the stencil more easily than chalk paint.
Sand
Once it was dry, I sanded the entire surface smooth with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge once again:
Sanding is key to smooth out any imperfections!
I lightly dry brushed white on the whole thing rather than sanding the legs, since there was blue underneath that I didn’t want peeking through.
Seal
I sealed with three coats of Satin Clear Coat, using the blue applicator sponge:
The sponge makes applying sealer super easy on all surfaces, especially those curvy legs!
I actually cut the top edge off of my sponge, as you can see, to square it off so you can get right up under those right angles super easily!
Stenciled Stool Makeover
This little stool is so much cuter now!
Of course it was meant to be a step stool, but it would work great to add height and interest to your holiday buffet too!
I just love this color!
And here you can see the pretty Tea Towel Floral pattern a bit better…
This was a much more simple makeover than Tuesday’s antiqued mirror project that gave me a run for my money!
I hope y’all enjoyed this little makeover today!
One more project done! I’m almost halfway through this haul already!
If you missed any, you can catch up below:
Antiqued Christmas Mirror
STENCILED BENCH MAKEOVER
STENCILED DESK MAKEOVER
CURBSIDE LAMP MAKEOVER WITH WAX
LONGABERGER BASKET MAKEOVER
HOW TO “FIX ” A BROKEN CANE CHAIR
I’ll be back on Tuesday with my Trash-to-Treasure girls sharing what I did with this top off of a secretary I redid in my last haul:
Update: No need to come back…see how I was able to make this piece functional again here!
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
Oh it is so cute now! I love the color and the stencil goes perfect with the color! That won’t last long if you take it to sell in your booth! I remember when you re-did that the 1st time, I thought the first make over was cute, but love this one even more!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! This is a reminder of just how long you have been cheering me on ha ha! I appreciate you so much! XOXO
Robin Stephens says
C-U-T-E as can be! So stinkin’ cute! Does your mind let you sleep at night? I bet it’s continuously flooded with creative ideas! Love this little cutie!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Robin! Ha ha it is funny you say that because I often try to brainstorm for projects as I am drifting off to sleep! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Love it!! I’ve always liked “stuffed” footstools, but I really like this as I love stencils! And I’m glad you chose the tea towel floral pattern… perfect for the little stool. Great li’ project for a beginner, except for needing a Ryobi saw… 😔… Lol.
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! It is much more functional now for sure! You could always have the guys at Home Depot cut a piece to size also! XOXO
Cara says
I remember this stool… I agree, I like this version of it. Pretty versatile too with the new look. And I love the whimsy of the stencil.
Christy says
Thank you, Cara! I’m glad it finally got a redo! XOXO
Janice Holt says
The stool turned out so pretty. Love the stencil and the color; so cheerful. It was pretty before but it does have more function now. Good idea to use it as a riser. Another great job.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Yes, much more functional now for sure! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Christina says
Christy, this is super cute! I love the idea of using it to add height to a display. The paint color is perfect and so is the stencil! Way to go!
Have a great weekend with your family!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! It was a fun project to try out that new stencil. Enjoy your weekend too, my friend! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh yes, much better. Cute and functional! Win, win. 😊
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia!! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! The stool turned out to be su h a pretty riser. I love it. I love Mint Julep too and I dont use it as mu h as I would like.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I love this pretty color too! It is frustrating for us makers because while we would love to experiment with all these pretty colors, neutrals are what sell! Oh well, I still like to sneak in some pretty colors here and there! XOXO
Kim says
Stools and trays are so fun to play with-and so versatile! Love this color.
Christy says
Oh yes, for sure! Thank you, Kim! XOXO
Niki says
So cute! And the green color could go with any season really. I like how you used it as a riser in this display.
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! Absolutely! I wasn’t even thinking that it would work with the holidays when I was choosing a color, but it works so well! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
Thank you for sharing. I agree, this stool is so much cuter with the wood top and the stencil. The color is soothing and can be used any time of the year. A riser would be a perfect use for this cutie. I hope you have a great weekend.
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! I had fun displaying it this way! Enjoy your weekend too, my friend! XOXO
Sandi says
Your stool is super cute!! I love the color! Hugs,
Christy says
Thank you, Sandi! XOXO
Charleen says
This so fresh and modern. The old look had was stuffy and tired,everything and everyone needs a make over . Charming little thing,lends itself to new uses. Great job as always
Christy says
Thanks so much, Charleen! It was just so tired looking before, I agree…much more versatile now too! XOXO
GB says
Love the tea towel stencil- you’re SO creative and I enjoy seeing each week what you come up with!
Question- who are your white dishes by n the reveal pic – love them! Thank you
Christy says
Thank you so much, GB! The dishes are originally from England, they are ironstone by Johnson Brothers that I have collected from thrift stores! This must have been a popular pattern because I have been able to collect many pieces. XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I liked it before, but I can see that it was time for a change. And your techniques have definitely changed, Christy! So sweet now, love that color with the new stencil.
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! I loved the before when I did it, but over time the fabric has yellowed, sadly. I have definitely evolved over the years ha ha! XOXO
Kim Smith says
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Christy says
Thank you, Kim!! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Such an improvement to remove the padding, and the stencil works perfectly. With that color, it would also be pretty for an Easter setting. Love this little piece!
Christy says
Thank you, Debbie! Yes, it sure would be perfect for Easter or even a summertime gathering! Have a fantastic weekend, my friend! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
Adorable with the wood and stenciled top! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! It was nice to have something simple to play with lol! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend! XOXO
Cindy says
What a fresh change! As usual your transformations inspire me. Because you go through every step it is easy to grasp. I agree with you that it is much more functional now. Love the color and stencil as well!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cindy! I’m so glad to hear you enjoy the step by step! Yes, so much more functional for sure! XOXO
Petra says
I’m so pleased you’ve used Mint again – just love that with white 🙂 This little “stool” would also look good on a dining table to show varying “heights” of food if you know what I mean!
Christy says
Yay…yes I love this pretty color so much! And absolutely…perfect for a buffet! Enjoy your weekend, my friend! XOXO
Rose Cocchiarella says
Love this! I have been enjoying using the blue sponges for applying sealer too and am curious to know how you cut the sponge so that it is straight and not concave like when cutting through a regular piece of foam. Did you use an electric knife?
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! I just used a regular pair of scissors to cut my sponge. Maybe practice cutting just a small piece off to practice? XOXO