Saturday, February 23, 2013

DIY Mini Stepladder

Somebody asked the other day if bloggers check Pinterest to see if a project they're working on has already been done.   Hmmm.  I spend most of my time trying to copy stuff I've seen on Pinterest - I'm not proud!!!  I love trying to recreate something I've seen and fallen in love with.  I say bring.it.on!!!

So this week's project is based on a super cute little vintage stepladder I pinned some time ago.

I love the beat up, mish-mash, this must have been broken & repaired look of the inspiration ladder. Perfect for using up little odds and ends of wood that I can't bring myself to toss out. So I began to pick out as many bits and pieces of usable wood as I could from the bin in my shed.  

The construction looked pretty simple from the photo of my inspiration piece (don't worry you'll get to see that photo soon!), but of course, I had to improvise since I didn't have enough 1x2 pieces to do the legs and supports.

Here is the base assembly (and my only during shot because, well, I never remember to take during shots).



And I could not have done this project without a level...  I decided I wanted two steps and then the top piece, so I measured out the proper spacing so that the steps were evenly distributed which didn't actually work out since I changed my mind about using 1x2s for my step support pieces and used up some left over 1x4s instead.  I hate math, so don't ask me for more details - it makes my head hurt!  

Then I ran out of wood, so it took me another two weeks before I found time to go to the lumberyard to buy some 1x4s to finish the steps and sidepieces.  While I was waiting to pick up the extra wood, I painted what I had put together with some leftover paint. Just because.





 And then I painted the entire piece with a home made chalk paint created from an oops paint sampler I picked up at Home Depot in some shade of grey.  It turned out even better than I had hoped!!


And now for the styled photo:




And to compare mine to my inspiration shot:


   
                                                                                 
  

Cheers!!

PS If you want to check out all the other projects I think I can build myself, see my Pinterest "I Can Build/Make This" board HERE

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53 comments:

  1. Wow! That looks exactly like your inspiration piece! It's fabulous! Way to go Anne! And I like the color too. I'm heading off to check out your Pinterest board now. :)

    Debbie

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  2. You did a fabulous job, what a great project! Makes me want to build one, like right now. ;)

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  3. Very impressive handiwork and it looks just like your inspiration photo. Those old wooden ladders are hard to find and now you can make your own. I'm definitely going to check out your pinterest board. I have a build it board too but not much in it yet. I'm not a very avid pinner.
    Have a great weekend! :)

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  4. Cute, cute, cute. Love it. Great end table I think. Hugs, Marty

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  5. Do you know what?! I think that you are an incredible woman!! No I'm not flanneling....I really mean it...the projects that you take on and complete are not easy but you start them and see them through...and the things that you are making look even better....well done, my friend. I think that you have a lot of guts and a lot of great inspiration. I'm proud to call you friend! Joan

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  6. Speechless. Seriously.

    I think this is fabulous? Over-the-top kinda fabulous because I'm not good in Math either in a technical way; only in a non-technical way. Like take for instance (because I have) the space in front of one's night stand. I have given this thought because my Math is all about space. There is wasted space in the area right in front of my nightstand next to my bed. So what do I do? Pile books and tissue boxes and other paraphernalia right there on the floor. I never step there so it's never a problem, except visually. There's a heap of junk sitting on the floor next to my bed!!! Not with your small DIY step ladder! Items can be placed on it with nice clean "air space" in between the steps! I LOVE this so much!

    Seriously, if I could build anything I would try to build this! I LOVE it!!! Where are you planning on putting it?

    Oh, I said, "speechless", right? I meant in a non-technical way. ;)

    XO
    ~K

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  7. Love your oops grey!
    I know, as painters and bloggers, we are happy to share ideas in hope that it can really be a teaching tool to help other happy painters.
    Keep up the great work,
    Deb@LakeGirlPaints

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  8. Super cool Anne!I have not seen one like that!Great job!
    xx
    Anne

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  9. Is that cute or what? I do the same Anne, copy to my heart's content but always give credit when it's due. You are such a builder!

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  10. Anne - you are such a talented gal! Love it!
    Peggy @ The Painted Pear

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  11. Anne this is lovely! But I also like the styling you did so much!

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  12. I'm always so impressed with your building skills! I'm not sure I could make this using my miter box ...

    :) Linda

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  13. That is awesome! U have had that ladder pinned for months and could't figure out or understand where it came from. Thanks for the excellent tutorial!

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  14. How cute is this!!! Great job Anne.

    Cynthia

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  15. Great job!!!! You were right ... you can build it :) Hugs and have a great day!

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  16. Yep...not too shabby!...you "stepped up" and nailed it!!!....Great job Anne!!

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  17. Love It!....great for vignettes!
    Very creative using what you have around.
    Lisa Rose
    Ourenchantedcottage.com

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  18. I love it! A beautiful side table or just a place to display! Beautiful!
    Susan

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  19. Absolutely LOVE it ... as usual, you have done such a great job of creating this unusual ladder display. Nothing wrong with using an inspiration piece and making it your own. Such a useful piece. Good for you, you should be proud.
    WOW ... so much inspiration on your Pinterest board. Thanks for sharing.
    Now I will copy you.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z. Timeless Treasures
    audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/

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  20. Awesome! I love it, great job!
    Debbie :)

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  21. Super cute. I'm going to pin it just in case I ever learn to use tools!

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  22. oh I just love that!! What a fantastic idea!!

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  23. Great job Anne, you're such an inspiration, keep up the good work!

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  24. Not bad at all, Anne, in fact it looks quite fabulous! You're so clever!!!

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  25. Wow..you are pretty handy!!! Looks great. I've always liked those ladder/shelves but had never dreamed to build one myself. Good job!

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  26. Anne! Your stepladder looks beautiful - you've done a fantastic job!!!

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  27. This would make a great end table. LOVE IT!

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  28. Anne... You are a clever gal! I love it!

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  29. This is so awesome...if only I had a bigger house.. sigh lol. Stopping from serendipity and spice... going to follow.. I like your style

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  30. You did a really FABULOUS job!!!! WOW! So sorry I have been MIA...so nice to visit again...you have been BUSY!!!! take care...hugs...

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  31. Anne, I LOVE your stepladder!! You did an awesome job! I just might have to copy you now...I'm pinning. Thanks for the inspiration and enjoy your day. Gail

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  32. I love your little ladder! And you styled it so nicely for its blog debut :-) I feel your math pain - I'm SO NOT a numbers person!

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  33. Your so clever! I would never have the confidence to do this project on my own. I'd end up dragging hubby into it. Your little step ladder is picture perfect!

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  34. This is seriously cute! LOVE!!! ~Tammy

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  35. I love how you styled it
    and the little treasures you showcased in there.

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  36. You are amazing! What a great piece. Great job.
    Nancy
    http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  37. Fabulous idea! Please share your entry on Creative Crafts Thursday, www.creativecraftsthursday.blogspot.com, and any of your favorite projects each and every week.

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  38. Wow Anne, your ladder is adorable, you did such a great job on this project! I love it and it looks just like the pin! Have a great day : )

    theendearinghome.com

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  39. Wow, you really are good with your tools! The mini stepladder is so good looking and sturdy, too!

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  40. Anne ~ this is absolutely perfectly awesome!!! Thanks so much for sharing at Project Inspire{d} ~ have a fabulous weekend.

    Hugs, Mary Beth {and a few xoxo's}

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  41. Looks awesome, Anne! You did a fantastic job!

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  42. Oh, you are so clever, Anne. I'm on my way to check out your Pinterest board for more Anne Inspiration. :)

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  43. I love it. And your instructions are so clear. New follower via GFC looking forward to more of your posts.
    I would love for you to stop by my blog.
    http://viewfromrivermountain.blogspot.com

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  44. Love it anne! :) sometimes vintage is hard to come by! Your stepladder looks fabulous!

    catching you!
    gail

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  45. This is fantastic Anne. Love how you styled it too. :-)

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