Little Painted Step Stool

I bought this little step stool at Wal-Mart about 8 years ago. I think they still sell the same one.

Spray Painted Furniture 002

It’s been used to reach many things, but my sons probably use it the most to wash their hands in the kitchen. I’d been wanting to do something to make it a little more appealing, but never got around to doing it. I considered different paint colors, but I kept coming back to black. I love black, but it would also go best in my kitchen.

It felt so good to be able to paint outside today. It got to 54 degrees, but there’s a chance of snow tomorrow. Boo! I’ve been painting in the basement through Winter and sometimes the smell comes upstairs, plus I need to keep the rest of my brain cells. First I sanded it, to rough it up a little and get some of the finish off. Then I wiped it down with a wet cloth to get all the dust off before painting. I know, I need to paint the deck. It’s on my ever growing list.

Spray Painted Furniture 003

I used Valspar spray paint and painted the underside first. It dried so quickly. Yay, for painting outside. Then I painted the top and let it dry while I picked the kids up from school and ran a few errands.

Spray Painted Furniture 005

I used my Cricut to cut a word and shape out of vinyl. I decided on “explore” for the boys and a dragonfly for Spring. I was going to use a bird, but then I really would have been coping Andy. I’m really loving how it looks now.

Spray Painted Furniture 006

Ammon wanted to try it out.

Spray Painted Furniture 001

Then Zach had to take it for a test drive.

Spray Painted Furniture 008

I still need to put a clear coat on it before I let the boys use it too much. It was so simple but really does look completely different and matches my kitchen so much better now. Ahhhh, black spray paint!

{ 34 comments… add one }
  • Becky March 8, 2010, 9:23 pm

    I love the word you used–explore, that is great!

  • Melissa K March 8, 2010, 9:32 pm

    I repainted this exact same step-stool at our house last week! Only I did Heirloom White for our bathroom. Two of mine are still little enough to need a boost. 🙂

    I love the vinyl on yours!

  • Laurie March 8, 2010, 9:42 pm

    Congratulations! You won the giveaway over on Tip Junkie for participating in the Tip Me Tuesday link up. Whoohoo!

    Please e-mail Cathy (info @ favorswithlove . com) with your mailing address to redeem your prize.

    Laurie
    Tip Me Tuesday on TipJunkie.com

  • Suzanne March 8, 2010, 10:09 pm

    Really a cute idea. I love the word “explore” on the stool too. So cute.

  • Diane Carlson March 8, 2010, 10:53 pm

    Wow – I am so in awe of you!!! Do you live anywhere Michigan? (JK) My house is so unorganized it overwhelms me, so I just take a nap! I try and try different systems, but nothing seems to work. And nowadays I spend so much time on the computer less gets done. Oh well – I love your energy and enthusiasm – I am definitely marking down your blogsite and hope to visit it often!

    Hugs from Michigan – Diane

  • Allison March 8, 2010, 11:04 pm

    Wow, what a difference. The black looks so good!

    Allison @ http://www.houseofhepworths.com/

  • Kim March 9, 2010, 6:02 am

    Just stumbled on your blog, loving it!!

    Kim @ http://frostmeblog.blogspot.com
    party inspiration

  • Creative Decor by Brooke March 9, 2010, 7:40 am

    The stool turned out darling. Doesn’t it amaze you what a little paint will do. I do have to get me one of those Cricket Cutters.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog, I go to the Tai Pan in Clearfield also. I don’t brave Salt Lake to often.
    Brooke

  • Tiffany March 9, 2010, 11:44 am

    Great word to use on a stool! It looks great, so much fun!

  • Rhonda March 9, 2010, 1:28 pm

    How Cute that turned out!! I have got to get me a Cricut!!! Hey, My birthday is coming soon!! uuuummmmmmm
    Rhonda

  • Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage March 9, 2010, 3:05 pm

    Wow — what a difference a little paint makes!!

  • Jessi March 9, 2010, 7:37 pm

    Love it! The black makes it pop and become a piece of decor. And I the addition of the type and art make it even better!

  • TammyM March 10, 2010, 4:47 am

    What a cute little stool. I need to make myself one of these just to reach those high shelves.

  • Amanda Formaro March 10, 2010, 6:03 am

    I love the way it turned out! So cute!

  • ColleenwithMurals&More March 10, 2010, 1:33 pm

    I haven’t tried Valspar spray paint yet. I love that it dried quickly. I’m usually too impatient w/spray paints.

    And love the Cricut touches! Really ‘make’ the stool. Very cute!

  • Connie McGhee March 10, 2010, 5:12 pm

    Over the last year, I’ve painted every piece of white wicker, in and out of my house, BLACK! I LOVE it! It looks so stylish and has set me off in a totally different decorating direction.

  • Teri March 10, 2010, 9:37 pm

    That is SO much cuter then the plastic stools I bought at IKEA…hmmm…how long do you need to own a stool before ditching it for a wood one you can make so cute??? I just LOVE it!

  • DENISE March 11, 2010, 8:42 am

    Just adorable!
    Following you over from Shabby Chic Cottage!
    I am a follower!
    Please stop by!
    http://extremepersonalmeasures.blogspot.com/

  • Ashley March 11, 2010, 9:27 am

    It’s so cute! When you put the clear coat on, will you tell me what kind you used? I’m having a hard time with my black paint. The clear coat is going on cloudy looking.

  • The Comfort Girl March 11, 2010, 9:33 am

    I have this exact same stool, and I just painted it a dark brown yesterday! I haven’t decided what I’m putting on the top, yet, though.

  • lori March 11, 2010, 6:39 pm

    This is so cute. I love it. You did a great job.

    Thanks for joining Get Your Craft on Thurs. Please come by next week for another great party.
    Lori

  • Liz@HoosierHomemade March 11, 2010, 9:53 pm

    Oh! That is super cute! Thanks so much for sharing!
    I’m visiting from Tip Junkie!
    ~Liz

  • Jessica Hills March 11, 2010, 10:43 pm

    That is super cute and I am so glad you mentioned where you got it, because I have been looking for one at thrift stores but haven’t had any luck! I would love to have you join my Mclinky party Favorite Things Friday the 19th if you are interested!

  • Maryann March 12, 2010, 3:25 pm

    Love it… perfect for Spring!

  • Andy Porter March 14, 2010, 2:13 pm

    Oh Leanne, it is so CUTE! I love how punchy it looks with the black and white. What a cute font you used and I totally love the dragonfly!! What a great transformation!

  • Jen March 14, 2010, 2:48 pm

    Great job!! I love the font you used for lettering the stool…looks just wonderful.

  • Rachelle March 14, 2010, 6:53 pm

    LOVE IT! my kids would adore that!

    Rachelle

  • Kaysi @ Keeping It SImple March 14, 2010, 8:52 pm

    That is super cute!

  • Wendy March 15, 2010, 12:17 pm

    Awesome! Love the word and dragonfly.

  • Rene March 15, 2010, 1:38 pm

    very, very cute.

  • kelley March 17, 2010, 2:53 pm

    love it… I have an old stool that I think could use a facelift… thank you for the idea. =)

  • jenjen March 17, 2010, 9:17 pm

    Your painted stool is so cute. I love that you put words on it too. How fun!

    Thanks so much for linking up to my party. I really appreciate it!

    XOOX
    Jen

  • Kendall @ Finesse Your Nest March 18, 2010, 8:25 pm

    It turned out SO CUTE! I think I used to have a little stool like that once….where did that thing go?!

    By the way, I featured your family letter wall on my week in review post. Check it out and grab an “I Was Featured” button!

  • Amanda March 19, 2010, 10:05 am

    I bought a stool this week at Michael’s with the sole purpose of decorating. Partly to use as a footstool and partly to use so short little me can reach the top of the cupboards.

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