Love IKEA? Actually, don’t answer that. If you don’t, I probably don’t need to know. I’m the first to admit that they’re not the cheapest, but they do have a lot of very cool basics. Glasses for a dollar? I’m there.
In fact, the only problem with IKEA is that they didn’t come to Canberra sooner.
But, moving on. Here’s a really fun idea to update your IKEA step stool in a true blue Aussie way. It’s also a pretty damn awesome Christmas present for someone that a) loves beer, and b) is short. Ok, maybe they don’t even need to be short because it makes a good side table, if you decide to not use it as a step.
Step 1: Purchase an IKEA Bekvam step stool.
Step 2: Purchase and consume a significant amount of different beers.
This stool was for a good friend who recently got his Australian citizenship, so I used all Australian boutique beers.
Step 3: Soak bottles.
Grab a bucket, fill it with water and chuck the bottles in there. They’ll need to soak for a couple of hours so you can peel the labels off easily.
Step 4: While the bottles are soaking, stain the legs.
It’s a lot easier to do when the step is 90% assembled. Basically, assemble it, but don’t put on the flat step bits just yet. Stain or paint it in the colour of your choice.
Step 5: Peel the labels off the beer bottles.
It doesn’t matter if they’re a bit torn or cracked. Gives the finished product that vintage feel.
Step 6: Arrange the labels.
Just on the step parts, and make sure you’ve got the right side. There’s nothing worse than realising you’ve spent all this time pasting labels… on the wrong side. I think it looks better when the labels go around the side bit of the step too.
Step 7: Once you’re happy with the arrangement, paste the labels on using PVA glue.
Allow to dry for 30 mins to an hour.
Step 8: Finish with a coat of varnish.
I used a clear polyurethane called Cabot’s Clear. I’m convinced this stuff is just expensive PVA glue though.
Use.
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