Pretty in Pink

Being height challenged at 5 feet tall, step stools are always a necessity.  To me vintage design is always better...a prime example can be found in the iconic kitchen stool.  These gems can cost anywhere from $30-$150 in this area.  I needed to find a way to get my hands on one for a budget price.  For that to happen I need to be patient and break out the tool box.

I spied something pink while walking through a vintage market store.  Surprised that they came in pink and even more surprised at the price tag of only $50, I  knew there had to be a problem.  A giant rip in the chair vinyl and the tread tracks were in poor shape.  But it was pink...rare 1950's pink...please take me home pink.  Put it in the car pink...and in she went.

I used some iron on vinyl in the perfect shade of Amy Butler pink.  You can get the laminated Amy Butler fabric now.  Then I set out to reupholster this baby and bring her back to her glory.

You see those circles, they have a metal tab that holds the seat secure.  I gently moved them to the side with a screwdriver and the seat popped off.  My first attempt left the seat too high with too much fabric underneath.  On my second attempt, I trimmed the fabric down on the underside and flattened it out with a duct tape seal for good measure.  The seat slid right back on and the tabs were bent back over to seal it secure.  

The tabs are tiny little suckers that you have to fiddle with, but its worth it.  The seat back goes on very simply.  You will find a couple screws behind the seat back that hold the fabric part secure.  Just remove them and replace the fabric as you would recover any other piece.

I picked the old black treads off the steps and they revealed untouched gorgeous pink paint. Some of the glue residue remained and I took it off with goof off.  It did not harm the paint in any way.  The painted steps looked better naked.

If you find one of these, now you know how easy they are to clean up.  I would do it again...maybe red or yellow.

Not only does my Murphy snore...he sleeps with his tongue out!  His Queen Anne spot is my favorite.  The saying goes that the dogs were stamped by the Queen for approval when the spot appeared on their forehead.  

A few days ago one of you sweet ladies left me a link to list 7 things about myself.
I apologize for not being more punctual. Some one please add 4 more hours to the day!

1.  I might be the most sarcastic person alive.  Along with the 4 other people in this house of ours.
2.  Love, love, love Jane Austen.   I read them over and over.  One of these days I will find that elusive Pride and Prejudice Vintage book copy.  This is what I am always looking for.
3.  I graduated from college in 3 years with a 4 year degree.  Yes I am an overachiever.  It is not always a good thing.
4.  Addicted to talk radio...I can get more done when I am not trying to watch t.v.
5. Also addicted to Dr. Pepper.  I have to have one fountain Dr. Pepper a day.  I am often asked if I have had my Dr. Pepper when I am grouchy!  Love you Amy.
6.  My favorite movies involve technicolor, Judy Garland and Doris Day.
7. The music on my ipod includes artist from Ella Fitzgerald to R.E.M.