I have made quite a few of these step stools over the last couple years. I decided to try making them more visually appealing. This first attempt used the router with a V-bit to trace a grape vine pattern on each side. A dark walnut stain was carefully placed in the V-bit track to make the design stand out.

The next experiment used the router and V-bit again, but then I used a Transtint dye to color the area inside the V-bit trough. After letting it dry overnight, the whole area was flooded with a Watco Oil finish. The tricky part is trying to keep the dye from getting into the V-bit trough. Next time, before I use the router, I will finish sand the sides to at least 320 grit. That should make the Watco Oil finish area ligher, and make the dyed area stand out more.

I have wanted to try using colored epoxy for an inlay. Zack helped me modify this Celtic 'Tree of Life' drawing. I created a template, and traced it on the top of a foot stool I was working on. The original artwork was created by Cari Buziak who allows free personal - non-profit use. Her template is available at: http://www.stencilkingdom.com/catalogue/catalogue.php?page=celtic/catalogue_body_celtic_celtic51.php

Stool legs with epoxy inlay on two sides.

Here is a photo of the top of the stool after the colored Epoxy was applied, allowed to dry, and sanded. I used Transtint dye to color the epoxy. A single drop was too much for 5 ml of Epoxy.

Finished stool. Live Oak center and legs. African Mahagony and Red Oak was used to wrap around the Live Oak top.