How to Make a Decorative Kids' Step Stool

I'm the faint-of-heart type of mama and when a toddler's mighty powers know no boundaries or height limitations, I worry! I found the sturdiest and biggest of step stools: An apple box is a wooden box or crate used by film crews and photographers everywhere! Since my little one has always been our assistant chef, I designed this apple template to make this handy stool become a prettier addition to our kitchen landscape. Confession: I use it, too!

Coat Stool With Glue

Using a paintbrush, coat the side of the apple box to be decorated with decoupage glue. Allow to dry.

Cut Out Decorative Templates

Using the templates, cut out 3 apple lefts, 2 apple rights, 1 apple bitten, 6 apple leafs, and 3 apple stem pieces from any papers you choose. Tip: Customize this step stool to your heart's desire. Many other templates in the book will work well here, including the birds from page 133, the owls from page 132, or personalize it with a name using the letters on page 128.

Apply Decorative Cut-Outs

Measure the box horizontally to find the center point. With the point as your guide, apply the center apple piece and brush with decoupage glue. Apply and brush the remaining paper pieces. Allow to dry.

Apply Glue Coat

Apply a final coat of decoupage glue all over the entire surface. Allow to dry completely. Overnight is recommended.

Seal With Polyurethane

To protect the stool, coat the entire box with polyurethane. Let dry for 2 hours. Repeat.

Place Wherever You Need a Little Height

Step on it! It's sturdy enough for the whole family to enjoy. Hello, lost teapot on top shelf! Tip: If your floors are particularly slippery or if you want extra grip, add rubber or cork dots to the bottom corners of the stool.