For three years we've been trying to find the ottoman that matches our couch at the outlet. It wasn't meant to be. So when I saw these (ugly) stools (below left) for $29 each, I let the idea simmer for while that maybe I could recover them. Three months later they were still at the store (because of ugliness) so I snatched them up and forced them into playful stylishness.

It was difficult coming up with a design because it could be practically anything. Soon I had a stack of prints to choose from. Should I go retro? Playful? Matching or not? Finally, I decided since one stool would be for "her", and one for "him" we could have something that inferred this, but not so literally. And that's how we landed on Hugs and Kisses.

You've seen the video—but it was SO EASY to re-do these; sharing the process might give you some ideas of your own.

First, the stencil is printed on the dull side of freezer paper and cut out. Next, the paper is ironed onto the intended project, shiny side down. It will stick because there's a thin coat of plastic on that side; when heated it will melt and lightly adhere to your material.

Next, any exposed areas of material need to be blocked off. Then the stencil can be spray painted with an oil based spray. (Most spray paints are oil based. Just ask if it's not on the labeling.)

Lastly the paper gets peeled away and the design is done! The paper leaves no residue (you can try using it again, but it might not stick as well.) I'll bet you are thinking of all kinds of projects now aren't you?

The skirt was simple. Just one long strip, pleated and attached to the round top.

Next, I wrapped it up and around the stool and stapled into place. (I can't live without my industrial stapler. If you have one, you know what I mean.)

These little things are so growing on me! At long last I have a husband who doesn't whine about not having an ottoman or coffee table for his feet, and finally his remedy to the situation—our kitchen stool with a pillow placed on top—is staying where it belongs. I could just hug and kiss these little guys for making my guy happy! Ok. And me too.

Rapunzel Request

Someone requested that I post a tutorial on the Rapunzel Hair. That same someone asked me to make one for her...thus making the tutorial possible. Tricky my friend. Very tricky. So, if anyone else wants to make some golden locks—set aside a couple of days to work on this, and here you go:

Materials: Everything you see in this picture. Plus a toothpick and fabric glue which I forgot. Those are the large rolls of yarn by the way.

Step 1: If you are making this alone do not exercise today. Instead, crawl back and forth to roll out about three groups of 52+ yarn strands. Thats about 156 exercises for your back and upper legs. Awesome! If you are making these with help, you can just toss the yarn back and forth so you aren't off the hook for exercising.

Length doesn't matter. Just make the groups as long as you want. Remember, it's about 1/3 shorter when it's braided.

Step 2: Roll out a strand of ribbon along top of each group. In case your little one is a fashion diva and notices those kinds of things; each ribbon can be different widths and color to add interest.

Step 3: With some extra yarn, cut short lengths and tie them around each group about a foot apart all along each group. Not too tight, not too loose.

Step 4. Gather all three groups together at the top and tie off tightly with a hair tie. Then start braiding as tightly as you can.

Tip—It helps to "pinch" the braid between crossed legs. This holds the braid firmly so you can make a tight braid.

Step 5: Take several breaks, sneak some cookie dough, and keep going.

• With your fingers comb through the immediate section you will be braiding to untangle the yarn.

• You will be moving each long section of hair back and forth to either side of you. Yes it seems messy, but your little ties will save things from getting out of hand.

• When you reach one of your ties you can clip it off or just slide it down.

• Be sure the ribbon stays on top of the strand you are braiding.

While you are working you can quietly meditate, you can think about your Women in American History teacher and how feminist she was...but that made the class more interesting, or about how many aprons you'll be hemming for mutual tomorrow, or even plot the next cookie dough sneak attack.

Okay fine, I will answer your question: Those are home-made knee pads. (Tape) While I was doing my "lateral crawling exercises" I realized I was going to wear holes in my jeans in no time.

Step 6: Tie off the end with a hair band. Clip the tips so you have one long (this one will drag on the floor) and one short.

Step 7: Hot glue all around and all over the ties. Seriously. This thing is for a kid. Glue the bleep out of it and make sure some of the glue touches the yarn too.

Step 8: Measure your kiddo's head and create a loop about that same size (measure the INSIDE of the loop) and put the "short" end in the back. Be sure the ribbon is facing outward. Tie it off with your last hair band. And again...glue it to death. You may also want to put glue in the cross section where the braids overlap for extra support.

Step 9: Tie a ribbon around it to hide the glue and make a bow. Insert your hair clips to further hide the end of the braid. (The clips can be removed before washing.) Tie a ribbon around the bottom of the braid as well.

Step 10: Using a little fabric glue on a toothpick, line the clipped edge of all the ribbon. This will seal the ribbon so it won't fray.

Step 11: Clip off several (okay about 60) flowers from your fake hydrangea. Use hot glue along the back of the plastic stamen and a few dots on the back of each petal. Then push the flower into the braid. Place the flowers randomly along the braid. No swearing when you burn yourself.

You're done. Step back, admire your work, tell yourself it's too small for you to try on...and get it wrapped up so you can give it away.

Care: Hand wash cool (or hand wash cycle on a front loader will probably work.) Air dry. No heat! Don't forget to take the flower clips out first.

Disclaimer: This would be fun to sell in my Etsy shop as some of you mentioned. However, with all the laws regarding children's items there's no way I'll attempt it—which is why I have no problems posting the tutorial instead! Enjoy!

The Footstool Called Hug

Reupholstering is on my brain. Here's a project I finished today. It's one of two stools, "Hug and Kiss." I'll post details later.

Password: quickhug

View below or go to Vimeo to view larger: here

Hug Stool from Anna Zenk on Vimeo.

Hug Stool from Anna Zenk on Vimeo.

Music: Alison Krauss

Weekend Consolations

The split in the vinyl of our car console has been bugging Adam for a while. He's researched different repairs and has even tried a special black glue that is meant to hide and stop the rips from getting worse. It didn't work.

So, one weekend he decided to reupholster it himself! Before I could stop him he had the console out and taken apart. So here's a step by step in case your spouse decides to take your car apart.

Below, the console lid with the vinyl taken off.

Next unpick the old vinyl.

The pieces are used as patterns to trace and then cut out new vinyl. (Material easy to find at any fabric store.)

Next, have your wife do the sewing because for some reason you are afraid of the sewing machine.

Be sure to use an upholstery needle and thread. Test your tension on a scrap piece first. I needed mine all the way up to 9.

This is what it looks like wrong side out after the pieces are sewn together.

When it's turned right side out, you'll need to do a stay stitch to help the vinyl keep its shape and stay flat at the seams.

A regular sewing machine does alright, but I found that the teeth didn't grab the vinyl very well so I had to do a lot of pulling, which makes the stitching come out uneven. Oh well.

Next stretch and glue your new cover over the console.

Now, the manufacturers used a very strong double sided tape. We tried to find a similar tape that was strong enough, no luck. So we used E-6000 glue which worked fantastically. (Do not use: super glue, hot glue, crazy glue, Super 77, these will not work for the parameters of this project and your fingers will get fused together.)

Put the console back together and install in your car—then pose with a smoldering look...it will make the console look even sexier.

Total cost about $16.00 (this number includes the purchase of the vinyl, glue, upholstery needle and thread). Total to have a professional do it...about $90.00 on the cheap end.