WHAT IT TAKES
TIME: Half day
COST: $12 to $20 (depending on the finish)
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate
TOOLS: Tape measure, square, circular saw or jigsaw, drill, 1-in. hole saw
While visiting a cabin in the woods of northern Wisconsin, I saw the cute red stool shown below. Made by an anonymous carpenter, it was simplicity itself: pine boards, nailed together. And it had an interesting and ingenious design detail: a cloverleaf, clearly made with three overlapping drill holes. It was just the kind of little bench I needed for the backyard, so I went into the shop and made this modern version. A little longer and a little stronger than the original, but the same folk art detail. And since it’s made from lumberyard pine, the price can’t…