When I was first approached by Michelle Bartleet-Greavey with her new product, the Baa Stool, I knew I had to feature it here on the Design Sheppard. I mean what more perfect product is there for this blog than a footstool that bears an uncanny resemblance to an actual sheep? The Baa Stool is a hand-made, luxury, sheepskin, hardwood footstool, with a removable cover. Michelle, a traditionally trained upholstress, first had the idea for the Baa Stool during a tea break from a particularly challenging chair whilst watching the sheep in the fields surrounding her Denbighshire workshop . She noticed that they looked like little footstools and the idea took hold, so Michelle set to work designing a prototype.
Michelle says: “I spent several months developing the idea for Baa Stool and ensuring that every detail of the product is high quality. I source all the materials within 20 miles of my home in North Wales and use local craftspeople to make the body of the stool. The frames and legs are made by a cabinet maker in a nearby village from locally sourced and sustainably grown hardwood. The sheepskins are always premium grade and from UK flocks. I source the best British upholstery materials and upholster each Baa Stool myself to a high standard. This is important because I want my customers to enjoy a product that is the very best it can possibly be.”
The Baa Stool frames and legs are hand crafted from locally and sustainably grown hardwood. The 7″ or 11″ legs are either turned to resemble sheep’s hooves or – for a more contemporary feel – plain and tapered. The covers are made from premium grade British sheepskin stitched into a sleeve that fits snugly onto the stool but it can be removed for cleaning.
According to Michelle, sheepskin is the perfect choice of cover for a footstool as wool resists spills, dries very quickly and is mildew resistant. It is naturally fire retardant, resists static, dirt and dust, is hypo-allergenic, renewable and sustainable. The stools are available in natural shades of ivory, dark brown, mottled creams and browns and even a special edition pink version.
Michelle says: “My aim with the Baa Stool was to make a quality piece of furniture, that could fit in anywhere but still have a real wow factor. I know that some people have gone as far as naming their Baa Stools, and to know that they have become part of the ‘family’ in that way, really is the ultimate compliment.”
I’d love to get my feet on one of these beauties, what about you?
For more great products for the home head on over to the Design Sheppard Shop where you will find a handpicked list of interior products personally curated by me. Whether you’re looking for a gift for the design lover in your life or a treat for yourself, hopefully you’ll be inspired by my collection.