A beautiful DIY project sometimes begins with the most unlikely of objects.  The most unique projects are born when you study something and think to yourself, “What could I do with that?”  This week I featured a footstool on my Design Time with Tobi Fairley segment on Good Morning Arkansas.  It seems that my readers always enjoy Do-It-Yourself blog posts so I thought I would share a little how-to with you.

This project used vintage cast iron stove stands.  The stoves are long gone but it was great finding a new use for these rusting remnants.  While these are often seen on porches as stands for flower pots, using them as footstools is a unique and fun way to reuse these cast offs.  These were found in a barn.  You can also find them at flea markets and antique stores.  Take a look at these pictures to see what they would have looked like in their former lives:

To complete this project you’ll need:
Sand paper or sanding pad
Primer
Paint
Jig saw
Plywood
Foam padding
Staple Gun
Indoor/Outdoor Fabric

1. Clean up the stands by using sand paper or a sanding pad.

2. Use a coat of primer to give your paint a good surface in which to adhere.

3. Apply your paint color of choice.  Use several coats for maximum durability.

4. Using a jig saw, cut a piece of plywood the same size as the top.

5. Cut a piece of foam padding and staple to the underside of the plywood.

6. Cut your fabric, wrap around the foam and staple to the underside.

7. Attach the upholstered top to the base.

8. Enjoy!