Each year when spring rolls around, there’s anticipation of buds appearing on flowers, new life, and the return of life such as our feathered friends. However, in my area, there’s also the anticipation of #trashure. Yup. Shopping Curb le Chic courtesy of our local city clean-up is what fires up many folks to get out. While the clean-up hasn’t quite started, here’s what I rolled by when taking my fourth child to get her driving hours in for her license. It’s not much to look at, but I see potential for an antique crate stand.
Would this make you stop and peek? The plywood yard angel didn’t offer potential, and inside the plastic tub was wrapping paper I don’t need. So, I came home with this…
Not only do I adore the patina on this heavy crate, but also just brought along the ceramic crocks inside. The larger crock is broken, but I think I can do something with the other two for fun.
BUILD UP
First, I want to take this crate to a new level, so I head out to my workshop stash to pull out these reclaimed legs.
Initially, I play around with them to figure out a configuration that makes the best use of all my available pieces. Can you tell I’m in the dark in my workshop as we have had no sun for weeks and weeks and weeks? sigh…
Anyhoo, here are the legs standing on the crate so I can visualize my end goal. Doesn’t it look like a horse that went belly-up? haha!
Then, in order to make use of them I need to build a skirt to connect the legs together. Also, I need to connect the whole thing to the crate. In order to do that, I cut pieces of scrap to length and use my pocket hole jig to make joints.
Next, I need to unify the base as it’s made of several different wood species. As soon as I assemble the stand, I give it a couple of coats in a white milk paint. What is more, you can see how I’ve made use of crates in these past posts:
- Upcycled Crates
- Upcycles Wine Crate
- DIY Crate Wagon
- DIY Antique Crate Tutorial
- Soda Crate Stand
- Kitchen Drawers from Antique Crates
- Vintage Soda Crate Footstool
Meanwhile, I also use my tutorial HERE to paint the ceramic crocks.
RUSTIC REFINED
Finally, my build is done and it’s taking this antique crate stand to a whole new level.
It’s quirky, fun, and perfect for anything you can imagine. I tucked in my feed sack pillows, but you can use it for blankets, potted flowers, hats/gloves near an entry… you get the idea.
What would you use it for? In addition, did you see crocks underneath?
While, I use crates as side tables in my home, for storage and more, I’m offering this stand and more in my online store.
SHARE
As always, my joy comes from inspiring you. Whether it’s taking a misfit and making it your own or building from new and old to make your own decor. Leave a comment on if you’d have picked this up and pin and share to inspire others too.
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Rebecca - NC says
That is so cute!!! Wouldn’t that be cute in a bathroom to hold towels? I LOVE the way you find unique ways to make things useful as well as beautiful. You’re the. Queen!!👸 😍
Larissa says
Yes! I wish I had a bathroom big enough, honestly. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Rebecca.
Niki says
Turned out great Larissa. I like old crates, and I scoop them up when I can. I never thought to put legs on them though. I usually grab up crocks when I find them as well. I will be praying for you and for the sun to shine on you!
Larissa says
Great minds! I love adding legs to them as I’ve done in the past. Prayers are coveted. 🙂 Hugs, Niki.
Sherri says
Larissa, I have meant to compliment you on my Boris bear. He is absolutely adorable! I fully expect to find one of my granddaughters asking to take it home. Thanks so much for all the wonderful ideas!
Larissa says
What a treat to hear! Thank you so very much, Sherri. 😉
JANET SCHEN says
I love how this turned out. It could be storage for blanket throws, too. I have a quetion. I was reading one of your older posts and you said that while you were shopping in the thrift store that your kids were doing a scavenger hunt. How does that work? Do you tell them what to find, or a theme, or how do you do it? It sounds like so much fun! I’m a thrift store junkie and have been shopping them for 40+ years. I’ve found so many great things! I love al the clever things you do with the things you find!
Larissa says
Thank you, Janet. 🙂 Yes, for me, I use crates endlessly and they can get beat up without a concern with 6 kids and pets. We would have a theme, say 1970’s and list a random few items to find. It makes the adventure all the more fun!