Decoupage for days! Getting back to my crafting roots for this fun little project…
We’re back with another month of DIY, in our 12 Months on DIY Instagram Challenge! Follow along on Instagram with #12MonthsofDIY and #MayModPodge. Today it’s all things Mod Podge. Mod Podge is the master ingredient to all things decoupage. And, that’s the road I’m going down today! (This post may contain affiliate links. This means, should you end up making a purchase, advertisers give me a small percentage of that sale, at absolutely NO EXTRA COST to you. Click here for full disclosures).
I broke out my matte finish Mod Podge for a classic decoupage project, and I’m jazzing up a simple step stool — function for my little lady, and some pretty for Mama’s kitchen.
First I started with my Plain Jane step stool. Nothing wrong with it, but it was nothing special. I had the perfect paper waiting in the wings — some wrapping paper from Ikea.
Just look at that sassy-pants ladybug, and the friendly frog on the right. Sweet enough to pass for kids, but fun and interesting for the ‘adult kitchen space’.
Supplies for Decoupage:
- Pretty wrapping paper (I found mine at Ikea)
- Craft sponge (or make-up sponge, if that’s what’s handy)
- Pencil
- Mod Podge
- Scissors
- Ruler
Here’s my easy trick for handling those mis-matched sized steps in a snap…
(1). I outlined each step with green painter’s tape, and (2). transferred the rectangle to cardboard (in this case an old cereal box). (3). I trimmed around each rectangle, and now I have the perfectly sized template for each step (4).
This allowed me to easily map out exactly what I wanted to show on the two steps, without any trial and error. I could, at a glance, line up my trim marks to include all the cute characters without cutting anyone out. On to the decoupage!
It’s easy as pie. I first applied a thin layer of Mod Podge, with a makeup sponge (use what you have people!), and lined up my pretty paper with the corners of each step on the stool.
Grab a card from your wallet and burnish it down to get out all the air bubbles. Do this step right away, as the wrapping paper will want to set up fairly quickly.
Let it dry and then apply another layer of Mod Podge on top. That is how to decoupage! I continued on, to add a total of 3 top coats to my step stool. When it is finished, you’d never know it wasn’t originally a part of the stool. The finish is super smooth and durable.
Quick tip: In between coats of Mod Podge, I would pop my sponge into a zipper-bag to keep it from drying out.
This kitchen might not be finished, but my new decoupage step stool is! It fits right in. The blues totally belong with our two-tone kitchen cabinets. Our lowers are a almost-black navy.
All the good stuff is at the Kiddo’s fingertips now. Cereal, cookies, applesauce cups… you know, the staples. She’s happy to climb up there, and we’re happy to have kicked our paint-splattered project stool to the curb.
Just one small step in the kitchen reno, done. Did you catch the lack of a backsplash and kick-plate in the photos above? But it’s all coming along, I promise. Our little decoupage project gave me the chance to give a little sneak peek of what’s to come. Can’t wait to share the rest of it with you!
Now it’s time to see the rest of the DIY Mod Podge project ideas from my Canadian blogging friends!
How To Use Mod Podge – A Beginner’s Story from Vin’yet Etc.
Painted Florals on Glassware from PMQ for Two
Geometric Pineapple Art from Life Is A Party
DIY “Home” Wood Sign from Love Create Celebrate
DIY Filing Cabinet Makeover Using Vintage Book Pages from Woman in Real Life
Handy DIY Two Month Receipt Organizer from Time with Thea
Decoupage Foot Stool from Fresh Crush
Make Lace Decoupaged Garden Containers from The DIY Mommy
Paper Flower Lamp Shade from Brooklyn Berry Designs
Easily Upcycled Photo Frames from Sustain My Craft Habit
Kate Spade-Inspired Mug from Mommyzoid
Window Map Art from New House New Home
18 thoughts on “Decoupage a Foot Stool”
OK, not only is this adorable, the trick with the cardboard may be the most awesome trick I’ve seen in a while. Love everything about this! I have a little stool I’m doing this to. Thanks for the idea!
Such a clever idea to add some fun and personality to an otherwise boring step stool. Great job! Oh, and btw, your kitchen looks fantastic!
Thanks Sonja! The kitchen is coming along, can’t wait to share the whole deal. ;)
The colours from that wrapping paper pairs perfectly with your cabinets! I was so happy to read you are redoing your kitchen, I’m kind of a sucker for kitchen renos and love your style, so that’s a win win! And that sassy pants ladybug, so cute!!!!
Thanks Laurie! Can’t wait to let you see the whole thing! We’re loving our new stool in the meantime. Mom might use it too for the tall cabinets. ;)
Jen your stool looks great, love the paper, and your model is adorable!
Thanks Dannyelle! I think she’s pretty sweet too. ;)
This is brilliant Jen! I love your project for so many reasons. The tutorial was excellent! I love your pattern paper choice. So clever to use wrapping paper from IKEA! Such a practical project that you can use for many years. Thank you!
Thanks Thea! I love that paper! I want to use it everywhere. haha! ;)
This is adorable. I love the wrapping paper you chose, and the way to measure it is super smart. GORGEOUS kitchen peek, too! Loving that deep navy + white.
Thanks Christina! That paper is super adorable — we’re loving it. :)
that wrapping paper is from IKEA?! THAT’S WHY I LOVE IT!
great project, it fits with your home decor and I love the colours it brings to the space.
Thanks Ariel! That wrapping paper is pretty special. It also comes in pink and green. (I might just have the pink too). ;)