Pinterest Challenge: So I made an Ottoman

So it’s been a while since my last update but that’s because I’ve been busy devoting all my free time to making this d*** ottoman. Unfortunately, I haven’t had any progress to report along the way.  Ergo, it’s been a while since my last update.     

DIY Ottoman

Close-up of the stained legs

Now, about this ottoman.  I wanted an ottoman because there are tons of gorgeous rooms with these ottomans and I am very susceptible to marketing. Oh and they're pretty practical because you can use them as a coffee table or use them to put your feet up.

I had pinned several of these same beautiful ottomans on Pinterest.    Then it occurred to me that making an ottoman would be a perfect Pinterest Challenge!  If you're not familiar, the Pinterest Challenge is hosted by Bloggers Sherry at Young House Love, Katie at BowerPower, Michelle at Ten June, and Kate at Centsational Girl.   The idea is that you actually make something that's inspired by one of your pins then you can share your creation with the blog world. 

Via House Beautiful

Via Decor Pad

I decided to make an ottoman for a two reasons.  First, I am delusional and always think I can make things. 

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Show me a dress you like and I promise you the first thought that will go through my head is “Oh, I could make that.” 
 I mean if a bunch of mice can make a wedding dress, then surely I can make my own clothes too.  

Second, I thought, surely it would be less expensive to make one. 

This ottman from Williams Sonoma is $1200

Of course it never even occured to me that I might be unable to make an ottoman.  It also never occured to me to think that the ottoman that I made could be less wonderful than the $1200 version from Williams Sonoma.  Like I said, delusional. 

Since I was exptecting Williams Sonoma, I'm a little disappointed with the results, but that happens with basically every project that I do. 

I also learned a few important lessons that I'll share with you: 

1)    If it were easy to make tufted ottomans, Williams Sonoma would be unable able to sell them (for $1,200) and would go out of business.  This is why Williams Sonoma is still in business

2)  Fishing line does not make a good substitute for waxed upholstery thread. 

3)  You can stain wood legs even if they are not "stain grade" but Bob Vila wouldn't recommend it. 

4)   It really hurts if you hit yourself in the nose with a half-sheet of plywood.   

5)  To get a deep tuft, try balancing your tufted ottoman topside down on a glass bottle while kneeling on top of the ottoman.  This leaves your hands free to pull and staple and will yield either a deep tuft or a broken bottle. 

6)  Making an ottoman can be surprisingly expensive.

7)  Target sells this ottoman for $300. 

    Now after reading all that if you'd still like to make your own ottoman, here's the link to my instructions!  Good luck!