Simple Wooden Stepping Stool

• 1). Put on protective eye goggles and gloves. Lay the oak plank horizontally on a flat surface. Clamp the plank securely at either side to the edge of the worktable.
  
  
• 2). Measure and mark off, using vertical lines, three equal segments that are twelve inches in length. Use a jigsaw to cut the plank along the pencil lines so that you now have three identical pieces of wood that are twelve inches square. Turn two of the pieces of wood on their sides and cut a notch that is exactly one inch wide and six inches long at the center point of each. These notches will fit securely together, forming the "x"-shaped base of the stool.
  
  
• 3). Assemble the two pieces by joining them in the center at the notches. Place the third piece of wood in front of you. Use the orbital sander to smooth the surface and the sides. This will form the top of the stepping stool. Lightly draw a straight, diagonal line from the upper left corner to the lower right.
  
  
• 4). Draw another line from the upper right corner to the lower left. These lines should bisect in the center of the square piece of wood. Draw three dots on the first diagonal line starting three inches in from the outer corner. Each dot should be three inches apart. The last dot will also be three inches away from the outer edge, and there should be a dot in the center, if this is done correctly.
  
  
• 5). Repeat on the other diagonal line, only this time, the center dot will already be marked. There should be five dots total (you can add more). Now you may pre-drill holes at the location of each dot.
  
  
• 6). Align the top section evenly over the base of the stool. The pre-drilled holes should be located directly over the base. Drill into the base through the holes and attach screws to fully assemble your stool. Cover the holes with wood putty, allow the putty to dry, and sand over them evenly to hide the appearance of the holes.
  
  
• 7). Affix the non-skid rubber pads to the bottom edges of the base to complete your footstool.
  
  

Personalize Your Stepping Stool

• 1). Spread out your wrapping paper so that the patterned side is facing down on your working surface. The reverse side (facing you) should be plain.
  
  
• 2). Turn the stepping stool over on the paper. Trace the circumference of the top of the stool with your pencil or pen.
  
  
• 3). Place the stool upright. Use your scissors to cut just beyond (1/4 of an inch) the outline you just made.
  
  
• 4). Apply craft adhesive sealant to the top of the stool and position the paper cutout so that it is evenly centered. Use extra adhesive to glue the 1/4 inch of paper left at the edges to the sides of the stool.
  
  
• 5). Use your hands to press out any air that may be trapped beneath the paper. When the paper on top appears smooth, set the stool aside to dry completely. This should take half an hour.
  
  
• 6). Place another coat of adhesive sealant onto the top of your paper and allow it to dry. It is best to apply two coats, allowing the first to dry before adding the second. This will provide a smooth and permanent finish to your personalized stepping stool.