OTTOWOMAN

"Ottowoman" footstool

I watched someone converting plain footstools on TV one day. The designer referred to them as "ottomans." I wondered why they had to be called "ottoman." Why can’t they be called "ottowoman?" Anything as fancy and decorated as my footstool has to be female. I decorated the legs with various papers I applied with Modge Podge and added some tiles, too. I then gave it another protective coat of Modge Podge. For the cushion, I used upholstery remnants. If you decide to make an ottowoman for yourself, be sure to choose a footstool that is sturdy. You can always add extra padding if the top fabric appears flat.

Here is a sturdy footstool ready for embellishment

I finished the first ottowoman a few years ago. I had another one set aside, but could not find the appropriate material to use for a cover until I made my weekly trip to Happy’s Flea Market. I find the most amazing things at Happy’s. I came across a huge pile of cross-stitch backings in various stages of completion.

I love the vibrant colors in this backing

This one is nice too

And this one

I am wondering what my ottowoman will look like if I use all of the cross-stitch backings I found. It will be very colorful. I might paint the legs lime green or bright orange. I am wondering what I will use as embellishments to tie my theme together. Buttons? Gems? Beads?

I have a lot going on this week, but I hope to finish my new ottowoman next week. I’ll be sure to show you the result. Have fun trying one for yourself. It’s easy to do and very rewarding.