A year ago I posted about painting little step stools for my great nephews for Christmas, just after they turned one. Painted footstools have become a bit of a family tradition since I have painted stools for my children, nieces, and nephews over the years. Lately, I was able to find beautiful step stools that have made designing and painting these cute this stools even more fun! These unfinished stools can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/OldVirginiaHome. Last spring, I received an email from a co-worker of my SIL who was interested in having me paint a stool for her grandson, Parker. She was interested in a stool that featured the University of Michigan football. I came up with a few ideas, but eventually asked her if she would consider the University of Michigan with a number of sports/ sports equipment. She agreed, so I sent her a rough draft and asked for any changes. She didn't have any...so onward I went.
This is the stool that I painted for my little nephew, Henry.
And, this is the stool that I painted for my little nephew, Hudson.
To say that designing this stool was fun, is an understatement. First of all, we are "Michigan " fans, so painting with primarily maize and blue was a blast. I decided to focus on a locker room with all kinds of sports equipment. The University of Michigan is a large "Big 10" school and has a huge variety of sports teams. I had lots of sports equipment to choose from, however, I took liberty in adding anything that might be fun for a 2 year old to look for. For example, I don't think that "Michigan" has a "Boomerang Team!" I was hoping to design a stool that might be fun for Parker to use as a toddler and continue to engage his interest as he grows. Right now, the stool is probably something to climb on or a "Seek and Find" game. But, later, it might be true sports fan memorabilia. My son, who is a "Michigan" grad, asked me if I planned to make a stool like this for him...so, it may be interesting to Parker as he grows up. I added a few other items of interest for a "Michigan fan"...the "Little Brown Jug" is the trophy that gets passed back and forth between the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota. I also added the "Paul Bunyan Trophy," a trophy that is passed back and forth between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
I put Parker's name on the sports jerseys, but the numbers are those of some of the legendary University of Michigan players:
Baseball- Bill Freehan #11, who played for the Detroit Tigers as a catcher for 15 years after his play for "Michigan."
Football- Tom Harmon #98, who was a Heisman trophy winner, later was a pilot in the Army Air Corps during WWII, then played for the Los Angeles Rams before becoming a sports broadcaster.
Hockey- Red Berenson #9, after graduating from "Michigan" he played professionally for the Montreal Canadiens, NY Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, and returned to "Michigan" as their hockey coach in 1984, and continues to be their coach to this day.
Basketball- Cazzie Russell #33, After playing at the University of Michigan, he played 12 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the New York Knicks. He eventually coached at the college level.
Soccer- I placed a number 2 on the soccer jersey to commemorate Parker's 2nd birthday.
I hope that Parker will enjoy his stool; I am so pleased that I was asked to paint it.
"Those who stay will be champions" is a saying that is associated with the University of Michigan football.....it's good inspiration for all of us to work hard to succeed!
Have a wonderful weekend...and Happy Birthday Parker!
