A plain pair of wooden seats gets a bright new look from simple coils of rope. We used durable rock-climbing rope (available at sporting-goods stores; nylon rope from a hardware store is a strong, inexpensive alternative) in shades of orange and taupe to create dynamic -- and sturdy -- swirls of color. The tightly braided nylon rope is water- and stain-resistant, making it ideal for lunch at the kitchen counter or a barbecue by the pool.

Tools and Materials
Rock-climbing or nylon rope
Lighter
Sandpaper
Wooden stool
Caulking gun|
Construction adhesive (available at hardware stores)

Rope-Seat Stools How-To
1. To prevent fraying, singe one end of the rope with a lighter; then sand it to remove any black char.

2. Lightly sand stool top. Using a caulking gun, gingerly apply construction adhesive to the stool's center. Roll a 3-inch spiral of rope to start, and glue it down by holding it for a few seconds until secure.

3. Continue gluing and spiraling as you go, until the top and sides of the seat are covered. Snip off the end, singe and sand it, and glue it under the seat.