DIY Friday: Upcycled Magazine Stool Tutorial

I have been doing some spring cleaning. Mainly clearing out the garage to convert it into a workshop where I can fix up old pieces of furniture and possibly build new pieces in my spare time. From the cleaning process, I discovered that I am quite a hoarder of some useless and mundane stuff. Case in point, a stack of Teen Vogue and Vogue magazines from 2003 to 2006. They have been spared after a move with the hope that one day I will get the chance to sit down and enjoy them but time has passed me by and so what am I going to do with them now?

Recently, I have been fascinated with a process called upcycling, where old useless products gets converted into new useful products. Being someone who likes transforming trash into treasure, I thought this is a great opportunity for me to save my magazines from the recycler by putting it to some use. But what purpose would they serve? After thinking it over for a few days, I remember coming across Sut Kutusu's Hockenheimer and was inspired to recreate it.

General Materials:
- A stack of magazines
- Leather belt
- Screws driver

Materials from Home Depot:
- 1 Hardwood Plywood Panel (15/32" 23.75"x47.75")
- 4 Rubber Wheel Rigid Casters (2")
- 2 bags of Screws (#10x1/2")

Construction:
1. At Home Depot you can get the plywood cut to the size of your magazine for free (bring the magazine or the measurements).
2. At home, carefully screw on the caster plate to each corner of the cut plywood.
3. Stack the magazines on top of the plywood and strap them down tightly with the belt.
4. Take it for a test drive to make sure the magazines are securely tighten and the wheels are working properly.
5. You can strap a custom made pillow to the top for more comfort, but its optional.

Since each stool weighs at least 20 pounds, I decided to put them on wheels so that I can easily transport them around the garage. I also found some beautiful leather belts that I have not worn in years and decided to use them in this project because I think they add a masculine feel while tightly holding all of the magazines together. As a result, I was able to create some beautiful stools from reusing what I had laying around the house. Overall, the project ended up costing me about $25 per stool. I want to conclude by reflecting on what I have learned from this project and provide you with some useful tips. First, if you don't mind the extra weight, go with a thicker plywood panel for extra support. Second, the swivel casters will allow you a wider range of motion, in ever directions, as a posed to the ones that only enable you to move back and forth.
I thought they would be a great addition to my workshop as a sitting stool for when I have to kneel, bend, and squat to fix, sand, and paint the furniture pieces. But I have discovered that they make a great foot rest, a table for my laptop when I'm sitting on the floor, or a great decorative piece as a magazines holder/transporter as well.