"N" is for Nailhead Stool

Built: nailhead stool with leather cushion

Using plans from Ana White here.

The inspiration piece: Pottery Barn's Caden nailhead stool:

image from Pottery Barn

Yes you can make this stool yourself and save a bundle:

Complete with false ends to mimic the mortise and tenon joinery:

Upholstered in leather with nailhead trim:

Here's how I made the stool:

1. Cut pieces using Ana's plans here.

2. Assemble using #10 - 2 1/2"wood screws and glue, predrill always:

3. Attach false ends with liquid nails and use painters tape to hold in place while drying:

4. Sand smooth, stain with Minwax Special Walnut.

Seal with wipe on clear stain poly.

5. Cut 2" foam piece to fit, rounding off the edges:

6. Layout leather to determine best part to use.

(I purchased this leather here on ebay.)

7. Cut leather to size - about 24"l x 18"w.

Also cut a piece of quilt batting same size.

8. Check for fit with foam piece:

9. Place foam on seat first, then batting, then leather.

The batting will soften the edges of the foam.

10. Using a staple gun start in the middle on a long side and go back and forth from side to side, pulling taught as you go (I recommend sitting on it while doing this but don't get it too tight.)

11. Do the corners hospital sheet style, folding in and then over:

12. For the trim cut one long piece 1 1/4" x 70" and purchase decorative nails.

(I used Dritz 3/8" in antique bronze, available at Joanns.)

13. Folding raw edges in on each other, overlapping slightly:

14. Then place the raw edge down over the staples and hammer the nail into place.

Begin in the middle of one side and cut the leather to end up overlapping directly under the last nail:

15. See below how the seam is directly under the nail, hiding it.

16. To achieve the distressed look, rough up the leather with sandpaper, wire brush, etc.

With use the leather will get even more aged and distressed:

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane

SAS @ Funky Junk

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello

Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime

Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West

Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff

Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou

Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter

Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Good Life @ A Beach Cottage

Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Tickled Pink @ 504 Main

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework
All Things Furniture @ Perfectly Imperfect
Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed
POWW @ Primitive & Proper