Kid step-stool How To

My little girl is getting potty trained right now, and one of the steps involved is getting her to wash her hands after she uses her little toilet. Because the sink is too high up, I decided to get her a stool. The cheapest one I could find (remember, I'm cheap :)) had a Precious Moments graphic on it, and since that isn't exactly how I wanted to decorate, I decided to pull out my handy Mod Podge and give it a face lift.

1. Raid your paper stash and see if you have a piece you really like. I happened to find one that coordinated with the shower curtain really well. Good thing, because I wasn't about to go to the store with my munchkin to find a single piece of paper.

2. Trace the top of your stool onto the BACK SIDE of your paper. Trace as close as you can! This picture makes me laugh because I was trying to trace left-handed while I took the picture with my right hand. It feels so backward. Then cut out the traced image.

3. Set the paper aside for a second and give your stool a good rub-down with a super fine piece of sandpaper. I had a sandpaper block thingy, and it worked really well.

4. Wipe down your top and get it nice a dry, then apply a layer of Mod Podge. I was using the only size sponge brush I could find... give me a break. It did take forever though. After the Mod Podge is on, carefully place your cut-out paper on the Mod Podge and gently smooth out any bubbles. Keep an eye on it because it will try to bubble up as the paper gets moist.

5. To speed up the drying process, find the tiny bit of sun that reaches your apartment balcony and place the stool there. Or, just wait a while for it to dry.

6. Bring it back inside and let your 2-year old munchkin with a chocolate face have a go at the Mod Podging. I had a window open because it can be pretty potent and you don't want your kiddos to get high on fumes :). Just put a layer of Mod Podge on the top of the paper, being sure to keep your strokes in the same direction. It will be visible and just looks better that way. Then repeat when layer 1 is done drying.

7. When all the Mod Podge is dry, go ahead and admire your handiwork. And pat yourself on the back that you found good paper for the top.

8. Ignore the fact that the apartment has carpet in the bathrooms.

Now isn't that cute?And totally effective. Fun, easy, and it cost me $7-something. Oh yeah, baby.