The Little Stepladder That Could!

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We have been so fortunate to have some perfect summer weather - low to average humidity with temperatures in the low 80's...just perfect for a little DIY on something that was trash! Let me show you the little stepladder I found in a trash heap.  That's right, I have no shame...and I'm so glad, because I love how it came out!
Here's how I found it:
Dirty and rickety are the best words to describe it. 
Someone tried to stabilize it with nails.  Needless to say, it didn't work!
It had cuts, dings, and paint drips all over it, and it was FREE!  

Time to make it pretty.  The first step was to wash it with good ol' soap and water.
After its bath, the only thing I did to prep it was to hammer those nails back in so they weren't a 'catching' hazard.  Since it will never be used as a ladder, I wasn't worried about stabilizing it, and I wanted to be able to fold it up again when it gets put away for the winter.
I grabbed some leftover white chalk paint, watered it down 50/50, and gave it 2 coats of paint.
I didn't fuss at all since it was going to be distressed with sandpaper.  As soon as it dried, out came the sandpaper and it looked like this:
 The rivets and nails got some distressing too!
After a couple of coats of clear spray sealant, the little stepladder was done!
I found a couple of leftover petunia plants at the nursery for a dollar each and grabbed two planters at the dollar store.  $4 later, the ladder was 'styled' and on the front porch.  The petunias aren't in the best of shape, but they're looking better every day!
Of course, I added one of my ladybugs...
You can read more about the ladybugs I made HERE.  If you'd like one, I still have a few available.
Just a few hours (including dry-time) and this project was complete.  With all of the outdoor work we've been doing, an easy project like this, was a welcome change! 

What have you been up to this summer? 


 I hope you'll pin, share, comment, and follow.  If you click on those 3 little lines at the top right of the blog, you'll see where to find me!


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Comments

  1. Kim July 21, 2018 at 9:43 AM

    Oh my goodness this is lovely...and I have that EXACT ladder. I found it at the curb. Painting it has been on the list forever. You have inspired me...and PS...love the red accents....and those ladybugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 21, 2018 at 6:43 PM

      Thank you, Kim. Mine has been sitting around for awhile too and I finally decided to get it done since it's such a quick and easy project. I'm so glad I've inspired you...I'll be watching for yours!

      Thanks for stopping by,

      Ann

      Delete
  2. MrsSWJuly 22, 2018 at 8:51 PM

    Hi Ann - that's really cute. Love the ladybug - how can I get one?

    Thanks,
    Sheila

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 23, 2018 at 9:36 AM

      Thank you, Sheila - emailed you the information.

      Delete
  3. Jane@Bluebird1959July 22, 2018 at 9:05 PM

    Love cute little ladders and yours was free - can't best that! Cute makeover. Jane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 23, 2018 at 9:37 AM

      Thank you, Jane! Free is my favorite word! LOL
      So glad you stopped by...

      Delete
  4. Teodora PaintingsJuly 23, 2018 at 2:54 AM

    It turned out very pretty indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sum of their StoriesJuly 24, 2018 at 12:53 PM

    This is such a great save, this little ladder could have had a sad and lonely existence in a rubbish dump somewhere - what a terrible thought!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 24, 2018 at 7:07 PM

      I couldn't let that happen, Julie. I think it's much better to have it sitting on my front porch!
      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  6. Julie's Creative LifestyleJuly 24, 2018 at 3:26 PM

    The ladder came out great and looks pretty with the flowers. Thanks for sharing at Cooking and Crafting with J&J.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cheryl LawsonJuly 24, 2018 at 4:33 PM

    I love your ladder!Like you, I'm a fan of roadside freebies . . .got a beautiful primitive stool that way and still use it. I have a little ladder like yours, painted it gold. I keep moving it around with the seasons, inside and out, to make different displays. They're so versatile! Enjoyed our post,
    Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 24, 2018 at 7:15 PM

      That gold ladder must be beautiful! I'll have to stop by your blog to take a peek.
      Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl. I hope you'll come back again soon!

      Delete
  8. Karren~Oh My Heartsie Girls LinkupJuly 25, 2018 at 12:12 AM

    Hi Ann, I lost track of you and saw you on Marilyns WW this week.
    How have you been?
    Your little step ladder makeover is so cute please stop by and share on #omhgww this week!
    Have a great week!
    Karren

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 25, 2018 at 12:54 PM

      I am doing well, Karren - so nice to 'see' you again! I sent you a little 'catching-up' email.

      Delete
  9. Carole @ From My Carolina HomeJuly 25, 2018 at 9:29 AM

    Such a great project, I really like having items to set plants on to give more interest to the veranda!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sandi MagleJuly 25, 2018 at 9:46 AM

    Sometimes, it's the simplest things that give the most joy. Love the little ladybugs, too. Great project!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 25, 2018 at 12:48 PM

      So true! I'm so glad you stopped by - come back again soon!

      Delete
  11. Chas' Crazy CreationsJuly 25, 2018 at 10:53 AM

    Oh my gosh, this is absolutely beautiful! I love the colors and how it turned out. Thanks for sharing at To Grandma's House We Go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 25, 2018 at 12:52 PM

      Thank you, Chas. I think this is one of my quickest DIY projects!
      Happy to share...

      Delete
  12. Coastal BohemianJuly 25, 2018 at 2:12 PM

    I'm loving that lady bug. Nice change for the ladder. Sometimes it looks like a miracle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 25, 2018 at 7:50 PM

      Thank you, Michele. Sometimes the simplest projects turn out to be the best!
      So glad you stopped by.

      Delete
  13. Tania PelletierJuly 27, 2018 at 9:19 AM

    It turned out really cute and it looks great with the red accents!

    Tania

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 27, 2018 at 1:01 PM

      Thank you, Tania... I'm pretty pleased with the results!

      Delete
  14. Devin & Denise's DIY AdventuresJuly 27, 2018 at 9:26 AM

    What an adorable idea! I'm going to keep my eyes out for a step ladder like this! Thanks for the inspiration! From The Blogger’s Pit Stop

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 27, 2018 at 1:02 PM

      I'm happy to inspire, Denise! Good luck with your search!

      Delete
  15. Kim~madeinadayJuly 27, 2018 at 9:28 AM

    Great makeover! How cute! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kippi O'HernJuly 27, 2018 at 10:24 AM

    Great upcycle idea. I want to find a little wooden step ladder too. Happy Summer, Kippi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 27, 2018 at 1:05 PM

      Thank you, Kippi. I hope you find one!
      So glad you stopped by - come back again soon!

      Delete
  17. Rhonda Gales July 28, 2018 at 9:50 AM

    I just redid a step ladder similar to yours. I'm deciding where I want to place it and how I want to style it. Thanks for the inspiration, and sharing on Sunday's Best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 28, 2018 at 4:55 PM

      Happy to inspire, Rhonda. Thanks for stopping by!


      Delete
  18. Eclectic Red BarnJuly 29, 2018 at 2:17 PM


    Anne,
    You know I love that step ladder makeover. I am a sucker for those ladders. Stop by Over The Moon Party since you are being featured.
    Hugs,
    Bev

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 29, 2018 at 5:31 PM

      They really are a fun makeover! Thank you so much for the feature...I'll be by...

      Delete
  19. My thrift store addictionJuly 29, 2018 at 2:27 PM

    Super cute, Ann. I love your ladybug, too! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Pam @Threading My WayJuly 29, 2018 at 8:05 PM

    Your new plant stand looks awesome. To think that I once threw out a step ladder the same as yours - kicking myself. #handmadeMonday

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 30, 2018 at 10:45 PM

      I think we've all done that, Pam. I had a vanity when I was growing up that I gave away...wishing I had it now!
      Thank you for visiting the Cottage. Come back again soon.

      Delete
  21. Dandelion BouquetsJuly 31, 2018 at 12:31 AM

    Adorable.

    I did something simular with an old wooden doll stool/chair.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 31, 2018 at 5:47 PM

      Thank you. They really are a great find.
      So glad you stopped by!

      Delete
  22. Mary K.August 1, 2018 at 12:00 AM

    That really turned into quite the stunner Ann!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 1, 2018 at 9:45 AM

      Thank you, Mary. It certainly came a long way from where it started!

      Delete
  23. Amber Lyon FergusonAugust 1, 2018 at 12:08 AM

    Cute project! Thanks for sharing at TFT!

    Amber
    https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 1, 2018 at 9:46 AM

      Thanks you, Amber, always a pleasure to share!

      Delete
  24. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art BoutiqueAugust 3, 2018 at 12:35 AM

    What a sweet little make-over Ann!
    Thank you for sharing at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I'm delighted to be featuring your shabby step ladder at tonight's party and pinning too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 3, 2018 at 9:31 AM

      Thank you so much, Kerryanne. You made my day...dealing with tendonitis this week has been a real bummer, so this is a real 'pick me up'!

      Delete
  25. Eclectic Red BarnAugust 13, 2019 at 9:32 PM

    Ann,
    I love your ladder. I have three of them and one kinds sort of like yours did. Maybe I should give it a makeover. They are so handy and I use the them all the time. I haven't used one for decor but after seeing yours, I just might have to.
    Hugs,
    Bev

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 14, 2019 at 1:36 PM

      Thanks, Bev. This year it's in my flower garden with the Swan planter on top. I have morning glories growing all over it. I like to change things up!

      Delete
  26. Louca por porcelanaFebruary 23, 2020 at 6:19 PM

    Sooooo cute! Perfect with the pretty ladybug and adorable pink flowers...Happy to see this post again! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnFebruary 23, 2020 at 11:08 PM

      Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment! Have a wonderful week.

      Delete

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