This post is written by co-founder, Leslie Means.
Remember this post?
Yea, so do I. I had really strong intentions for my “crafty” self to shine.
Really. Strong. Intentions.
A few of you gave me the “thumbs up” for this creative project, some were very excited to see the finished result and one warned me.
One. My sister, Lora.
“Don’t do it, Leslie. Painting your steps is a bad idea.”
I didn’t listen. I thought, “the Lowe’s instructions make it look so simple. Look it even says ‘beginner’ for the skill level. I can do this!”
When my steps started to look like this…
I realized I should have listened to my sister.
In my defense, I started out strong. Kyle even supported my decision to paint/stencil the steps (after a bit of discussion, of course). We were going to cover our steps with the leftover Pergo flooring anyway – so why not try a fun craft project!
Why not? Because I hate crafts. I do not have patience for the work. I’ve known this since my 4-H sewing days when I would have a FIT finishing projects.
I haven’t changed.
I started to drink once this happened.
The wood we used was too slick thus ~ the paint from the stencils wouldn’t stay on. I assume had we sanded the steps, the outcome would have been different. Instead they turned out like this.
Ignore the piles of laundry at the top of my steps and try to imagine a very clean, organized home. That’s what I do. 😉
I actually love the dark grey color on the steps and think it makes a dramatic statement when someone comes through our front doors. Unfortunately, I will have to spend every weekend for the rest of our time in this home touching up the scratched paint from normal wear and tear.
Here is my rating system for this project. Please consider the following before you try this at home.
Simplicity level: Lowe’s said it was “simple.” I think the measuring, sanding, etc. is tedious. If you dislike math, you should probably stay away from this project.
Final Look: 7 out of 10. Would be a 9 maybe 10 if the paint would stay on and if I would have actually had stenciling on the steps.
Should you try this at home: Yes, probably. If you have any patience for such crafts and want to make a statement, I’d say go for it. Here’s a complete rundown on how you can do this in your own home!
P.S. – I also decided to re-paint my entire living/dining/hall area to match the grey in our steps. I’ll have an update on that crazy project next Saturday!
P.P.S. – Here’s one more shot of the steps before and after!
P.P.P.S. – I really dislike the gold and brown trim the previous owners used in our home. They used it EVERYWHERE! Since I didn’t want to pay a huge amount to make it all white, we settled on changing the ugly brown carpet and painting (again) to switch up the look.
What do you think? Are you crafty? Want to come put fun stencils on my steps? 🙂