When you're into decorating, you're always looking for ways to use the things you have or find in ways they weren't originally meant for. Perhaps this is especially true for budget decorators. I've been passing by this little black step stool for a long time, wondering what use it could possibly be put to other than it's original purpose. It's only 7 1/2" off of the ground and about 10 1/2" long.

This year, while contemplating yet another year on my knees planting flowers, I wondered if this stool could stand in for one of those expensive garden seats. It can. I'm not saying that this will work for everyone, but it's a good sturdy little seat and as long as you use it only on grass or pavement, it should serve the purpose admirably. Anyway, for a dollar it's worth a try.

Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and dollar store diva. She writes free decorating ideas and tips using only items from the dollar store.