Sunday, March 08, 2009

More Rs and something to show for it

Reduce, reuse, recycle has rightfully become a common mantra. Although I am still striving to achieve the reduce bit, I do believe in it and I do my bit as I can. But these three words are not enough. I would like to add four more: repurpose, renovate, restore, and my favorite: reimagine. My latest artsy effort is mostly reimagined.

This little step stool dates back, probably, to the 1950s, and has had a long life helping folks reach the top shelf. When I adopted it, it was a scuffed and worn looking, but still very sturdy, brown wooden step stool. Ordinary, yet very serviceable. I did not change its use, or recycle it in any way. I did reimagine it by giving it a new look.

Just like a number of previous projects, I burned the pattern on with a burning tool, then painted it using artists' acrylics mixed with matte media. The wood-burning creates a relief texture that you won't get just by painting. You can't tell from the pictures, but the stars are iridescent gold paint (leftover from Sharon and Ian's farm sign). I put a pattern on the bottom, too. Having hidden patterns is like opening a drawer and finding an unexpected little present.

Next project: Reimagine a worn wooden cabinet into an interesting nightstand.

6 comments:

~~Sittin.n.Spinnin said...

If you ever decide to sell that... you do such awesome work Amy; I have an old wooden foot stool, it has a hinged step that folds up to make a childs seat... will you do this kind of decorating for a fee?

Purple Fuzzy Mittens said...

Thanks! Nope, I never want to do anything twice. Some form of second-sock syndrome I suspect. Besides - it took me 2 years to get around to finishing this little project, and I have an entire kitchen table waiting to be decorated.

Sharon said...

The stool is wonderful, but I really do appreciate the *R* challenge. Food for thought~

Anonymous said...

Ooo I love that! I think I like the underside even better than the top! Seriously lovely, and thank you for sharing it.

Laura said...

I wish I could stay up as late as you do - I would get so much more done! I'm currently suffering (along with everyone else) from our semi-annual consensual jet lag. I get home, feed, go to bed. I really love the theme of the stool - may I (try) to use it as inspiration?

Heard you were sick - hope you're better...

magnusmog said...

It's gorgeous, what a wonderful way of reusing an old stool :)