It’s the second Tuesday of the month, so that means it’s Trash to Treasure Transformation time. Yippee!! I’m joined by four other awesome gals and I’m sharing their inspiring work in a bit. Until then, I’m featuring this cracked up maple wood chair that my dad brought to me. Can we say upcycled broken chair project? At least, I hope…ahem.
My dad has all the faith in my when he brings this chair over as a project piece. He believes I can do something with it, so I say…GAME ON. Who can resist a dad encouraging like that?
Obviously, the chair can’t be used in the current state. Upon close inspection, I’m first intrigued at how the split happened on this S. Bent & Bros. beauty. Apparently this once gem has been dealt some Ohio weather and the wood warped. No surprise…I feel the same around February of each year. tsk.
I get all excited thinking I can use a bow tie joint (aka. butterfly spline) to tie it back together. However, I’ve never attempted one and felt that the other splits in the seat deem it likely to split again. So… it’s time to take this apart and make it into something fun instead.
DIY TIME
First, I need to get the back rest off so I can handle the seat. My favorite cutter tool makes this a breeze – just buzz and done.
Second, I use my hammer to tap off the top and it comes off easily. Now what? Well, I had to sit and stare at these pieces for a bit to decide what is the best next course of action.
Then, I decide to put the seat back together using my biscuit joiner and biscuits. I use the tool to make a cut into both seat edges and then join with wood glue and a biscuit. We also use the joiner for building things like our reclaimed kitchen counters.
Meanwhile, I decide to keep the base as-is, but dress it up a bit. In order to do that, I have to make all the legs the same length (height) by cutting the back two short. Then, I use my drill and forstner bit and two scraps of wood to make these braces. I don’t have a drill press that would make this project easy, however I know a few tricks to make a hand drill a simple fix. I mark the angles on the side of the wood and match my drill and bit to enter in at the same angle.
NEXT STEPS
Finally, my last few bits to use up are the back spindles, and the back splat. I create a simple ladder-style piece with the spindles, but find the splat a bit of a puzzle to make use of. Then, I can’t get past what I see every time I look at the splat.
My jigsaw and i have some fun creating a little pair of somethings. Can you see it?
After that, I get back to making the upcycled broken chair seat into what my eyes can’t get past…a funky sign. I know I’m off on many different tangents, but hopefully you enjoy the end result.
THE REVEALS
Warning…reveal pictures overload, but bear with me…they’re fun!! Five projects all in from one upcycled broken chair. Let’s take a peek!
First, I have the spindles removed from the back turned into a ladder decor piece. It’s quirky, whimsical, and fun for any room. I chose doilies for this one, but it could be so fun done in many ways.
Second, below that, you can see the vision I have for the chair seat. Doesn’t the shape remind of of an interstate sign? Route 66 it is! tee hee! You know I love typography, so I had to use my transfer method yet again to make it fun.
Third, beside these two, I have a last bit of the chair back turned into a towel holder using a piece of reclaimed wood from our remodel, and a bit of tin.
Do you recognize the piece on the front? It already had holes from the spindles, so I inserted dowel pins and joined it to the board.
Next, down below I share my little elephant creations also made from the chair back I upcycled. They take shape well after my Dremel helps me add the fine details. And, because the same spindle holes are in these pieces and happen to be in just the right spot (ahem) I add a fun tail pin with a dowel.
So, am I crazy for seeing elephants? IDK, but I do have tons of fun!
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
Last, but not least, check out the chair bottom upcycle. I had to keep it together since it’s sturdy as-is. In addition to that bottom, I am pleased with the outcome of the oak top as well.
And…there ya go. A busted chair became five different projects in one. Which one is your favorite? I don’t have any partiality becuase I’m the creator, so I’m eager to hear from you. In addition, if you’d like to add any of these to your home story, just visit my online store to get the details.
Also, inspire others by pinning and sharing my upcycled broken chair fun. Let’s do it and DIY!
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Also, more funcycled projects like this upcycled broken chair:
Okay…. The elephants are just too CUTE!!! Can’t you just see Laura Ingalls running across the prairie with these in her hands?? ❤️
You are a gal after my own heart. I’m a sucker for simple! 😀
Of course, the elephants are adorable, but I must vote for the table! The combo of the finished wood top, painted legs, and that functional wire basket make it the winner for me!
Clever use of something so many folks would have trashed!
happy dance! I just had to give it a try. Thanks so much, Shelley!
Well done, all the way around! The elephants are too much 😉 Wow.
Yay! It was a trial to see what I could do, but certainly fun. Thanks!
Hands down, the table and the elephants. Just amazing. Those elephants are award-winning creations, Larissa! I am most in awe, however, at the time you spent intending NOT to scrap any piece of the chair. Your determination is the most beautiful of all!
Ps. The towel rack gets third prize))
Thank you for getting why I do what I do, Kaleria. You’re a sweetie and I could hug ya! 😀
I just continue to be amazed at what you come up with! Wish I had the knowledge you do! My favorite is the Route 66 sign. Did you see the monkey head in the middle of the splat? The elephants are too cute!
Well Larissa, I think you outdid yourself on this one! All i saw was a monkey in that chair back! Everything is so cute! Waste not, want not!
aww…thanks! I saw the monkey too!! I just couldn’t figure out what to do with cartoon monkey. haha! Thanks so much, Gwen.
Larissa!!! These are all so fantastic!! I love that you saw the possibilities in every piece, even the elephants!! XOXO
Girrrrlll…it ’bout drove me crazy to come up with something for it all, but I did it!! woot! Thanks, Christy, for the smiles.
Whaaaat?!!! All 5 projects are AWESOME Larissa! You’re creativity always puts a huge smile on my face… those elephants – adorable! XOXO
tee hee! You’ve put a much needed smile on my face, Denise. Thank you! I had to make those…too fun!
WOW..that is repurposing at it’s BEST! Great job.
Yahoo! I’m glad you think so. Thank you!
Wow, five projects out of one chair!! I like simplicity in design so my favorite two are the Route 66 sign and the elephants. So fun and so cute.
You and me both, Niki. Less is more in my book. Thanks for the love!
Clever!! Never thought 5 projects would have come from one chair!! Amazing!
What can I say…I’m a nut! 😀 haha! Thanks so much, Vicki. I had a blast with it!
All such clever ideas, Larissa! 🙂
Thanks so much, Jen. Had to use it up in fun fashion. 😉
Absolutely fabulous!!!!! Love the elephant ?. table very inventive .charming ladder. Girl you just amaze me. God Bless you.
I’m delighted to hear you think so, Charleen. Thanks!!
What did your dad say about all the wonderful creations?
I haven’t heard from him yet… 😀
AMAZING!! You are so incredibly creative and talented, Larissa. Every repurposed chair piece has been transformed into something incredible. I can’t pick a favorite. The table is awesome and the sign too but my heart went pitter-patter with those adorable elephants! Girl, only you could see elephants in that seat spat!
Marie, you sure know how to make me feel loved. Thank you so much for the wonderfully encouraging words. I truly had fun – especially once my brain latched onto what I could do with it. Sending hugs!
Hands down ~ for me, personally the end table
hoo-rah!! Thanks so much, Deanna.
When I saw the shape of the elephants it made me smile. What a creative brain you have! No wonder your Dad has faith in you after seeing this project. I love the elephants and the Route 66 sign.
You’ve made my day, Val. Thanks so much for the sweet words. Hugs!