Don't throw that old stool out! Make it into a table instead...

I mean, isn't that obvious?

Ok...so maybe not.

But I was super proud of myself for doing it.

We had this awful rickety little round table that sat next to the hubs recliner.

It was the right size.

But ick. It shook and wobbled...

and was the cheapest thing ever.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for cheap furniture and re-working it...

but this thing was just sad.

I think I got it for ten dollars (and that was brand new, guys)

So when I finally had enough...

I started looking around my garage to see if anything, anything at all, would work.

Really... anything was up for grabs... crates, stacked wood...

I was desperate for a solution.

Does that happen to you?

All of a sudden, something bugs you so bad that it has to be fixed right. then.

Then I had an 'aha' moment when I found the little abandoned stool...

We got it from my parents when we first moved in and hubby used it to set his laptop on.

I know, classy, huh?

And it's gotten it's share of paint, too.

It was involved in painting all the rooms :)

So I grabbed it and set the top from the yuck, rickety table on it

and it was a match made in heaven.

I sanded the wooden top down to it's bare wood- it was the only solid piece on that thing.

Then I gave the top a good coat of espresso brown.

While that dried, I found some scrap pieces of wood leftover from my California signs.

Pretty sure fate was with me that day because I found two that fit perfectly.

No cutting required- how insane is that?

If you do need to cut them to size, a miter saw would have done it easily.

I about jumped up and down when it all started coming together.

After the top dried, I used wood glue to adhere it right to the wooden stool top.

Yup, that varnish is holdin' it down good.

While that dried, I sprayed the bottom and underside of the stool with heirloom white.

I liked the idea of contrasting the top to the bottom.

The little 'shelf' pieces I found got a good sanding.

Then a coat of heirloom white.

I wanted them to have a smooth feel, so I gave them several coats of gloss lacquer.

This stuff is awesome but sticky to work with.

Be sure to either have a brush that is made for that kind of finish or use one you can just throw away.

The lacquer took a while to dry so while it was still somewhat tacky, I dry-brushed some of my espresso brown color into it.

It gave it a streaky, glazed look that was perfect :)

When it was all dry, it felt like glass.

Yum.

I flipped it over and gave the top a coat or two of lacquer as well...

and, well...

there she is!

What do you think?

I'm absolutely in love with this little table.

And no wobbling whatsoever.

The little shelves were attached with wood glue

or you could use a nail gun to attach them as well.

But the glue has held them firmly for several months.

I love the brown top contrasting with the white bottom half.

It was exactly the little table I was looking for.

It's the ultimate Cinderella story... rags to ball gown :)

So...what do you think about your old stools now?

Seriously...dont' throw them out.

They make perfect tables :)

Linking to:

Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts

Under 100$ @ Beyond the Picket Fence

Hookin up with HOH @ House of Hepworths

Watcha Working with Wednesday @ It's Toile Good

Everything but the Kitchen Sink @ A Little Knick Knack

FFA Friday @ Sassy Sites

Feature Yourself Friday @ Fingerprints on the Fridge

Friday Flair @ Whipperberry

Feature Friday @ Spunky Junky

Remodholics Anyonmous @ Remodoholic

Strut Your Stuff @ Six Sisters Stuff

Weekend Wrapup Party @ Tatertots and Jello

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime

Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West

Craftomaniac Monday @ Craftomaniac

You're So Very Creative @ Me Making Do

Craft Catwalk @ Embellishing Life

T2T @ Sassy Sites

Show Me What Ya Got @ Not Just a Housewife

Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts
Catch a Glimpse @ A Glimpse Inside
Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed
Best DIY Project of 2011 @ Not Just a Housewife