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Monday, September 22, 2014

44

The "I'm So Furry" Footrest

Not only do I whistle while I work, I also prefer to put my feet up from time to time.  My office is in the lower level of our home and having a soft a cushy place to rest my feet is a bonus that keeps them a smidge warmer.  In the past I have gotten creative with all sorts of items to prop up my feet; everything from baskets to piles of pillows to a stack of books.  Knowing that it was an ongoing desire, I decided to finally make something a bit more permanent for my tootsies.


Like majority of the projects I do, I try to keep them fairly budget friendly and something that can be done with only a few simple steps.  So, I set out to find a small step stool to use as a footrest.

After some searching, I was coming up short.  Then during my weekly shopping trip to Target, I spotted a bar stool on sale for $13.50.


Too tall at the moment, but nothing that chopping down the legs couldn't fix.  We measured decided on a 10" height and set the guide on our saw appropriately.  We then ran each leg through the saw in the same spot, rotating the stool one turn for each cut.


And we instantly had a mini-stool.


To prepare the stool from a few coats of spray paint, we gave the legs of the stool a quick sanding.


And also wiped it down to remove any dust and ensure a smooth finish.


I used two light coats of a spray paint I already had on hand.

Because I love to wrap our Christmas trees with the faux sheepskin rugs from IKEA, I have a few of them laying around our home.  I knew that one would make for the perfect soft and warm stool topper.

I started by tracing the top of the stool on the backside of the sheepskin rug with a pen.


I planned on covering the top of the stool with the faux sheepskin, but wanted to add an extra layer of softness and not waste any of the rug.  So I cut the circle piece from the rug and used hot glue to apply it to the top of the stool.


I then used the rest of the rug to cover the entire top and wrapped it around the underside and around the legs.  I affixed the second layer with a staple gun.  Here it is halfway done....


And finished!


Sweet and simple and oh so plush and warm.  I sort of want to pet it randomly throughout the day.


A quick project later and now my feet will stay warm while I whistle and work.  The studio is shaping up to be a really cozy and enjoyable space to spend my time!

44 comments:

  1. You're the best ! :D
    it's awsome, one day i will do something like this for me :)

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  2. So cute! I love a good foot stool.

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  3. Good idea. I was realizing that the way I set cuts of circulation and this would be a good way to boost my feet and avoid feet swelling.

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    1. Completely agree! My feet get tingly after sitting for too long and keeping them up even just a little helps so much! Well, that and occasional mid-day jumping jacks! :)

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  4. Oooooh very cute, Jen! I love it!! I think something like this would look pretty cute in my soon-to-be little girl's nursery. Nice work! :)

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  5. Wow! I love how this footrest turned out! It is soooo cute :)

    http://lifebetweenhats.blogspot.com

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  6. This is PERFECT! I need this! I always have my feet up on my desk while I work, this would be just perfect. Great thinking, Jen!

    xo,
    Kylie

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  7. I love it! I have a thing with putting my feet up too, thats why I always carry my laptop out of my office and into the dining room where I can put my feet up. I love your idea of adding a foot stool! I just need to get some power tools. Very cute!

    http://themiddlesisterproject.wordpress.com

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  8. totally adorable! I do love a foot rest!

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  9. Perfect timing for me as I could not locate the NB faux fur stool in any of my Target around here I may have to DIY it based on your fantastic idea. Thanks for inspiration, Jen!Xo

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  10. Can you come over and give me some lessons in spray painting?? I am only over in Minnesota (right near Ikea!)... I will bake cupcakes! :) Seriously, I have a hard time spray painting something flat and I just cannot work out how to spray something like furniture with all the angles. Ugh, I guess it just takes practice?

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    1. Cupcakes are honestly my favorite dessert ever. Really. I have a weakness for them!

      As far as spray painting, I love Rustoleum's 2x coverage spray, it always seems to coat really nicely with minimal dripping. I always spray from a distance and do a few coats with only a minute or two in-between. If you are using a glossy spray paint, it is always good to start with a sanded or primed surface first to prevent drips as well.

      xoxo!

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  11. Such a good idea!! While I edit pictures all day long, I do the same thing. Try and find random objects to prop my feet on. Usually my camera bag with thousands of dollars of equipment in it. How dumb, right?! This is so smart. I'll definitely be making one soon!

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    1. Oooh, editing for long periods of time is so hard on the body {hands, neck and back}. Hope the stool helps a bit!

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  12. Love this! I was just thinking about making one and voila you inspired me- cute socks!

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  13. Too cute! So cute and clever...
    Leslie
    House on the Way

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  14. Smarty pants! Such a great use for that stool. I love what you did here. I agree, when I have to be strapped to my desk I have to put my feet up! xoxo

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  15. Is that a Cindy Loo Who stool or what??? Whimsical and adorable! You are super creative!!!

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    1. Love the Cindy Loo reference! I will never look at the stool the same! :)

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  16. It looks like something from Dr Seuss, in a good way! Seriously fun!!!

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    1. You and Christine are definitely on the same wavelength! Heart it!

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  17. So cute! My feet always stay cold...I would love one of these.

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  18. Very nice! I would never have thought to cover the bottom part as well yet that's what gives it that luxurious feel. Great job.

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  19. it is true! working in an office all the time is tiring! I love this idea!

    Irene
    www.thedailylace.com

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  20. OH my goodness!!! What a brilliant idea!! I just might need to run out to Target and get a stool to make one for myself!!!

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  21. What a wonderful idea. Love it.
    Sissi

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  22. Love it! How do you sit in a chair without wheels all day?

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    1. Not sure what I would need wheels for - Once I sit, everything is at my fingertips until I get up. :) All is good!

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  23. Very cute! It should keep your tootsies very toasty over winter.
    http://www.sweetwordsprettypictures.com

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  24. So cute, my husband is working at home time to time, he would love that kind of foot rest especially at coming winter. Love your blog.

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  25. I, too, work from home (as a graphic designer) and I struggle with ergonomics - lots of neck and wrist pain due to typing/mousing. I use a vintage 1950's table for my desk and haven't yet found the right combination of chair/desk/monitor heights. If you have any brilliant tips, or care to share the details that work for you, I'd be all ears!

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    1. Here is an article that you may find helpful: http://lifehacker.com/5755870/how-to-ergonomically-optimize-your-workspace

      xoxo!

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  26. Could you please share the link to when you used the rugs under your trees? Would love to see that and I'm looking for new ideas this Christmas. Love the blog (still)! ❤️

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  27. I am now trying to work out my next available Target/IKEA trip-LOVE this idea!!!!
    Love your blog Jen!
    -Dina from Cape Cod

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  28. This is great! And Your chair is so pretty :)

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