I've been working like mad to get this project to completion, and I am fretting about the deadline!  :\

For the past few days, I've been working on the Greenleaf stairs kit in between other portions of the build.  I've made a number of changes from the original.

I didn't end up using the posts that came with the kit.  Kathi at Beautiful Mini Blessings noted that it was a waste to use all of that perfectly straight laser cut wood just to make posts, and I thought she was on to something!  And, the assembled posts were a tight fit, too.  Good for stability but hard to work with.  I bought a bunch of 5/16" x 5/16" strip wood from Hobby Lobby and saved the laser cut wood from the kit for other projects.

I am guessing someone has already come up with this idea before, but I wondered how I was going to stain my posts without having to keep them flat to dry.  I drilled a tiny hole in the bottom and inserted a sewing pin.

I applied the stain to all sides and the top then taped the pin to the counter, letting the post hang over the edge.

Another cumbersome part of the stairs is getting the steps on the stringers.  I used my Micro-Mark gluing jig to hold the stringers while the glue dried on the steps.

click image to enlarge

As you can see, I've painted the stringers white and replaced the laser cut kit pieces with basswood pieces.  The stain I used is my favorite standby: IKEA antique pine.  :]

Only a couple of more weeks before the big reveal!  I hope I can get this all done in time!  :D