Paint up a terra cotta pot for the perfect garden decor

Looking for a place to sit while poring over seed catalogs and gardening books? This clever toadstool stool is simple to make and will brighten any space. Make one that resembles a toadstool, or customize it in any way you want. Simply choose a fabric and a paint color that suits your needs and decor.

This stool works great in any gardening shed or by your outdoor workbench. The low stool is lightweight and sturdy, so you can move it easily around the garden while you're weeding raised beds or planters (no kneeling or bending required!). You can also use it on a patio or porch where it adds charm as a cozy seat or footrest.

- Large terra cotta pot, approximately 24 inches tall
- White chalk paint
- White acrylic paint
- 2-inch paintbrush
- 1/2-inch paintbrush
- Red felt, at least 18 inches square
- Round base the same diameter as the base of the pot (made of plywood, thick cardboard, MDF, particle board, etc.)
- Batting
- Upholstery tacks
- Hammer

1. With the chalk paint and the larger of the two paintbrushes, paint the exterior of the pot with a light touch. The coverage should vary, with some areas opaque and some allowing the terra cotta to show through.

2. While the pot dries, use the acrylic white paint and smaller paintbrush to create spots on the red felt. Vary the size of the spots to resemble the cap of a toadstool.

3. Pile the batting on top of the round base, concentrating the batting in the center of the circle. Place the spotted red felt square over the batting, covering all edges of the round.

4. Flip the round over, pulling the edges of the felt over the back of the round.

5. Starting on one side, use an upholstery tack to hammer the felt to the back of the round, pulling the fabric taut as you make your way around the circle, placing tacks about 2 inches apart.

6. When the fabric is secured to the round, set it, tack-side down, on the bottom of the painted pot.

7. Grab a gardening book and enjoy your new seat!

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