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.