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Friday, April 11, 2014

Upcycled Foot Stool

A thrift shop find that I actually like!  With just a few changes using leather belts and paint, this foot stool can have a whole new look. 




I like the color of the covering and there are no tears or cuts in it. 



The legs are fine; they just need a little paint. 





The only worn areas are the "cords" at the seams. 





I removed the legs and sprayed them in flat black paint.




I trimmed off the worn cords with scissors
and sealed the raw edges with glue, leaving the rest.

Then, decided on what mix matched belts to use, including buckles and loops.  I chose to use browns for the top and bottom, and black for the center to go around the entire sides of the stool. 




Securing the belts into the wood frame with screws...




and used hot glue to attach the rest of the belt.




Further securing at the buckle straps with screws...



that were covered with the strap glued down. 



Where some of the belts ended,I used leather belt
loops to "patch" the connection. 





After the legs were dry, I sanded them
 lightly here and there for a distressed look. 




Then applied a clear coat of lacquer.




Allowed to dry.




All set to be "funky" cool ~ 




with pretty legs



and sleek corners 




Go ahead and put your feet up!  





Done in a day~  Don't "cha" love that kind of project ?









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65 comments:

  1. Don't throw away those old belts is what went through my head. I especially like the bottom belt with all its details. Only you could transform this plain Jane stool into something cool.

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  2. This never, ever would have occurred to me to do (and I keep all my belts even!). Which of course is why YOU have this website and not me lol.

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  3. Paula - Buenos AiresApril 11, 2014 at 12:16 PM

    Funky cool indeed!

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  4. ARod@MakinMyAptaHomeApril 11, 2014 at 3:05 PM

    what a great job on this upcycle love love love it

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  5. I would have walked right past that footstool. You did an amazing job taking a ho hum piece of furniture to glamorous.

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  6. Oh, you and I think alike! I love embossed leather most. I originally wanted to keep the sides of the stool open and just trim the edges with the belts. Of course one thought lead to another and here we are. Yes, you have a great thought, "Do Not Throw Out Belts". As you know, I've used belts for seats and photo frames and the theme just keeps popping up. Thanks so much, Sue, you are such a dear to me.

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  7. How belts will travel, Stephanie! I have used them in many cases and they keep coming back to use. I even went thrift shopping just for them.

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  8. Thanks Anj! Loved YOUR thrifting week myself! Awesome shopping, girl!

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  9. I liked the color of the fake leather and it wasn't ruined in the right areas, otherwise, I probably would have left it too. Not a foot stool person, I actually used it with the laptop in the living room and decided why not dress the little guy up. Thanks so much for stopping by, Carol~

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  10. It looks fantastic! Very nice! I'm visiting today from Camille's hop (Sorta Fairy Tale).

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  11. I love this!!! It looks great with the Belts. I like the way you think.

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  12. Wow, you made it beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at the Show-licious Craft & Recipe Party! Pinned. :)

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  13. This is more of a crafty redo than a whole sand and refinish project which was quite fun and so quick to do.

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  14. I wanted to maintain a leather look to the stool and belts were the most creative way to go :) Thanks, Carmody.

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  15. Glad to share :) Thank you for having me and sharing this!

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  16. Thanks for linking up at the TGIF Blog and IG Hop this week! Such a neat way to upcycle!! The use of belts never would have crossed my mind!!!

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  17. It absolutely came out gorgeous! I love seeing when things get a second chance of use and beauty. Thank you so much for joining us on the TGIF Blog & Instagram Hop. :)

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  18. Most people would have and did pass this up, like how you made it your own and unique. Thanks for sharing and linking up with us at the #WWDParty. Have a wonderful week ahead, Happy Easter!

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  19. This is so creative! I can't believe what a difference your simple changes made! This looks like something you'd find in an expensive catalog now! Thank you for linking up at Snickerdoodle Sunday!

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  20. I love how you used
    the belts. It’s now a great looking foot stool!

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  21. Marie @ The Interior FrugalistApril 14, 2014 at 1:06 PM

    How creative is that - I love what you did to this foot stool!

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  22. very clever to use belts for an embellishment! I love it. Thanks for sharing with #smallvictoriessunday and hope you join us for our #throwbackthursdaylinkup this week too! pinning and sharing!

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  23. I love this, how fun and how original. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  24. This is so unique and awesome! Love the use of the belts.

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  25. What a great idea! The leather belts go perfectly with the stool! The final piece reminds me a bit of a suitcases from back in the day...which I have also seen repurposed into foot stools and tables! Thanks for linking up to How To Tuesday!

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  26. This turned out so well! I love the eclectic / western look of the stool!

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  27. You have been chosen as one of this week's Featured Bloggers at the #WWDParty - see ya on Friday!

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  28. Great job on this little stool, I love how it came out!

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  29. Wow, great idea. Those belts were perfect. I'd love to invite you to my Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party to link up your footstool.
    Angel

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  30. this is inspired!! brilliant really, love it. Thank you for sharing your wonderful blog at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop ♥

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  31. I use belts for many things and for this little crafty project they were suitable. :) Thanks, Desiree~

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  32. Isn't nice to salvage something into a new life? I enjoy doing just that. Thanks so much Silvie!

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  33. I almost did pass this up. I'm glad that I changed it around. Thanks, Antionette!

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  34. Wow, I'm flattered by your item category! Thank you, Janice! It was a simple makeover with a nice change.

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  35. I was keeping the leather classification with this and the belts worked! Thanks, Dee~

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  36. Thank you, Marie~ Hearing that from one of my favorite creators is an honor :)

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  37. Thank you for sharing it, Tanya. I really appreciate it. I'm glad you stopped to view it as well!

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  38. Different, but a good compliment to the stool seemed to work. Thanks, Carole.

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  39. Aww, I'm glad to be able to link with you Marty. Thank you!

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  40. Belts can be used for so many projects. I love them too. Thanks for visiting Deborah :)

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  41. Giggles, you know I thought of a mini suitcase when looking at it too. If I added a leather handle it could be mistaken for one. Thanks so much for having me Kelly, it's a fun link up.

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  42. Me too, Heather. I seem to lean towards the western/southwest leather works. I am redoing my master bedroom in the western theme. Tooled leather, steers and wood with wrought iron. From flooring to headboard. Even the ceiling fan is getting a leather redo. I'll share it as it comes along.

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  43. Oh my! Thank you so much, Antionette! I'll be there!

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  44. Kind of funky but I like it that way :) Thank you, Brenda, and coming from you makes your comment really nice. I admire your awesome work~

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  45. I will be happy to, Angel! Thank you bunches ~

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  46. I'm so glad you like it and visited the post, Katherine. Thank you!

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  47. Marie @The Interior FrugalistaApril 17, 2014 at 12:48 AM

    @Robin Tompkins I've added your cool foot stool at the DIY Sunday Showcase Party on Pinterest. Thanks for linking up with us this week and wishing you a Happy Easter!

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  48. OH MY! That sounds very cool! I can't wait to see all of it!

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  49. Wow, this is awesome! I wish i had one! Thanks for sharing at the Happiness is Homemade Link party. Come back on Sunday and grab our button, since you are being FEATURED!

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  50. Aww, thank you! I will do that. Have a great weekend and a Happy Easter!

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  51. I love the look of belts on this footstool! Awesome! :-)

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  52. Hi Crystal! Thank you! Happy Easter ~

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  53. Awe shucks thanks & congrats on the features for this great project!

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  54. I love the belts on this stool! What a creative idea! Thanks for sharing at Submarine Sunday!!

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  55. This is so clever! I love it! Who would have thought that belts of all things would be this cute around a foot stool?? {you obviously} I love this, I'm going to have to drag hubs to the flea market next weekend to look for an old footstool! Thanks for linking this up with us Robin!!
    xx Caitlin

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  56. Such a Great idea! Thank you for sharing at Tuesdays with a Twist (no rules). We hope to see you back again today.

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  57. Have fun with it and I'll look forward to how it turns out! Thank you, Caitlin, you're too sweet. oxo

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  58. Hi Mary! I'm so glad you visited. I'll be sure to come back often, thank you for the invitation :)

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  59. I love this! You are super creative and the belts were such the perfect finish for this piece. I always tend to throw out old beat up furniture, but if I had your eye I wouldn't have to! Thanks for sharing :)

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  60. Thank you, Krista! And what I love about this little upcycle is that it was more of a craft that anyone can do. Hopefully rescued things will become more common :D I'm so glad you visited me.

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