It’s already the second Tuesday of the month which means is Trash to Treasure Tuesday! You’re always in for a treat when this time rolls around because my blogger friends and I work to bring you new DIY inspiration. Our projects vary, but each shows you what you can do with finds or what you have on hand. You’ll see their work below. Until then, I’m taking these curbside finds and making something with these upcycled drawers. Yahoo!!
During our city spring clean-up, I can always come up with the most fun potential pieces, like this underbed drawers set and this antique vanity. Also, I only “shop” my neighborhood or I’d have a bank barn full of potential by now. ahem. So, I spy these solid wood drawers with bin pulls stacked. Originally, I only want them for the pulls, but would donate the drawers.
However, then I found the patina-perfect ladder above and knew these two finds would make a great melding of “junk”. Am I right?
Before I continue, take a peek at what I picked up in one haul for one day. Also, notice I mainly grab lumber as we all know how expensive that is right now.
Here’s the breakdown of my loot:
- bread box makeover
- panels we cut into baseboard for our girls’ bedroom remodel (coming soon)
- wicker table I fixed up and sold in my online shop
- an 80’s waterbed frame I already upcycled (SEE HERE)
- small tongue & groove shed door became my friends kitchen door
- dog-earned fence panels already painted white (YTBD)
- two patina-perfect plywood panels became farmhouse art
- the old ladder for today
DIY TIME
First, it’s time to break out the tools. I begin with my circular saw to cut off the damaged ends of the ladder.
Then, after that I use my drill and add screws to make sure those ladder rungs stay nice and tight.
Next, I need to find wood suited to make support braces for the tiered stand I’m making using the upcycled drawers. All I have to do is look up and I see the pine supports we are not longer using as trellis’ in our garden since we installed the arched cattle panels.
It’s already patina perfect, I just need to cut it to size. I don’t have a design plan, but rather am building to suit what I have to work with. You can see what I’ve built with this wood before in this post or the video below.
Here’s the near-end result. At this point, I just need to add the back supports to hold the drawers. Do you see where I’m going with this?
NEXT STEPS
Likewise, the drawers also need some attention. In order for them to fit and make most use of them, I take the top two apart and resize them to fit the depth of each shelf.
Then, I need to dress them up a bit, don’t you agree? That’s where I pick 3 neutral tones and paint each drawer, and also add some stencils and grain sack stripes.
ALL TIERED UP
Finally, once I finished dressing up the drawers, I’m able to assemble my build and see it all come together.
I’ve attached the drawers through the bottom using screws. After that, I lined each one with this repositionable wallpaper I use on a hutch desk that has a reclaimed wood look.
Also, for added whimsy, I painted up the fronts as well as the sides.
I mean, who doesn’t love storage that offers style, right? I’ve tucked in my wool blanket, my feed sacks, and few bits and baubles that are not only functional but fun.
As you can imagine, I would love to keep this, but I have such little space in my home for our family of 8 that I am offering it in my online shop. There’s plenty of redeemed furniture, vintage finds, and handmade goods.
SHARE
While curbside finds are such a random thing, it makes the journey to grab, haul, and upcycle them all the more fun. My goal is to inspire you to give your own creations a try. In addition, pin and share these upcycled drawers to inspire others too!
Before you check out the rest of the Trash to Treasure gal’s work, make sure to sign up for my newsletter to see what I do with this vintage trash bin below. HEAD HERE to see. Now, head below to see what my Trash to Treasure friends have for you too.
Next, check out these inspiring projects created just for you.
Also, more creative uses of upcycled drawers:
As much as I like puzzles, I could not solve this one…. But, of course, you did!!! ?. Amazing feat and the final product is both adorable and so functional!! I could see a new mom using this to store items by a changing table….but, the possibilities are endless!!! ???
tee hee! I love it! 😀 I’m so glad you stop by and see what I’m up to, Rebecca. Thank you!
I love everything about this project ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks again for your continued inspiration!
How wonderful to hear, Carol. These kinds of builds always get my juices flowing and it’s so fun for me to share. Thank you!
Such a clever repurpose Larissa! And it looks so pretty great for all of our clutter!
haha…love that comment. We all have clutter! 😀 Thank you, Mary.
I didn’t know where you were going with this but I love it Larissa! I always look forward to seeing how you imagination works and how you ‘piece’ things together. Beautiful!!! XOXOX
This is amazing Larissa! I have an old ladder in my living room I hang throw blankets on. It’s grey from being weathered from sitting outside for ever. My contractor gave it to me from his stash of cool stuff. The throws are grey, white and black. My couches are grey., and my new floor is pretty much grey. Anyway for that reason I like that you added some color and gave me ideas to jazz it up!
You are such a kindred spirit, Niki! That sounds right up my alley. How fun!
I love your creative carpentry !! So fun to see it come together.
A fun piece ! I agree with another commenter… it Would be a great nursery catch-all !!
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I just love building! 😀 It’s great therapy to create and let off a little stress. tee hehe. Thanks, P!
This upcycle is fantastic, Larissa! And I love the peekaboo pattern on the sides! XOXO
You know I couldn’t leave them on the curb. haha. I’m delighted you like it, Christy. Thanks!
Okay, well I got sidetracked by your wonderful post about garden trellises; once again you provide me with a solution? I’m so grateful Larissa! Then I started back on my merry way with my day and later got to thinking, what did Larissa do with the ladder and drawers?? Oh my.. this is so cool! I have the old ladder, now will just wait for the drawers to show up ? This would work so well in our 3 season porch to hold games for game night. Wonderful design all around! ?
haha…you sound like me, Mary! 😀 Thank you for your endearing words as they mean so much. I love your porch idea!
I pass by so many things put to the road and I lwys wish I had a truck as I imagine the fabulous things I could create (Unfortunately I have a 12 year old sports car ( which is often occupied by one or 2 of my great grandkids and their car sets) I can only pick up small stuff. I dream of finding enough pieces to put together a chicken coop. Love reading of all your treasure adventures
That car could be a blessing, Sashi. haha. I pass by so much too because I’m only one gal and there is so much waste out there. I often pick up to post it for free so it doesn’t go to the landfill at least, but that takes time and space too. Here’s to #trashure hunting! 😀
That is so creative, love it, Larissa!! xo
Thank you, Nancy.
Oh my GOSH, I love this so much, my mind is running through all the things I have stashed and I think I can make me one of these! This is just the coolest refurb EVER.
You go girl, Marietta!! That’s what I’m all about…have fun with it!
Super cute and functional save, Larissa!
Thank you, Jen. 🙂