Do you ever have those times you lay eyes on something, and you can’t un-see what it looks like to you? That’s what happened when this vintage piece came into my possession. Do you know what it is? Well, it’s about to be an upcycled quilt rack. haha.
I see these all the time in thrift store. Now, while I do have handmade quilts from family and also the quilts I’ve made, that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate this rack for what it is. I’ve even made a repurposed quilt rack in this post. Also, I’ve made a wall quilt using vinyl flooring. However, I couldn’t get past that I saw something else in it.
I’ve seen many bloggers turn them into a sort of kitchen caddy adding baskets and such. Well, I’m not going to do that. Instead, I have some kid fun up my sleeve using only things I have on hand. woot!
DIY TIME
First, it’s time to take apart the rack. If this had been made of a hardwood, I probably would think again about my vision. However, it’s only a basic pine, so I say GAME ON. I pop off those plugs and take it all apart.
Then, I filled all the screw holes with wood filler. Once the filler cured, I sand it all down with my sander to get down to raw wood.
Next, it’s time to put my scrap stash to use. My goal is to not spend a penny but use only what I have on hand. I head out and dig to find a pine board that my mom purchased from a garage sale. I’ve used most of the other boards when I added shelving to my DIY coffee bar.
Last, after sketching out my design on paper, I begin making cuts with my jigsaw and miter saw. I love my tools. Remember, my motto is #toolsoverjewels. tsk.
NEXT STEPS
Once I have my pieces cut, it’s time to do a dry fit to make sure my design is coming together as planned. I think we’re good to go!! I add pocket holes to my pieces to make my assembly strong, plus it gives a nice, finished look. Can you guess what I’m creating?
It’s at this point I just cut loose and had fun. I’m a crazy toy nut and have made oodles of items for my kids over the years. You can see some of them HERE.
In addition to a little bit of paint fun, I find my design therapy. My set is coming along wonderfully.
REVEAL TIME
Maybe you think I’m crazy, but my upcycled quilt rack looked like this to my mind’s eye. Welcome to my mini treehouse home complete with toadstools made out of misfit knobs.
Can you tell I had fun? Maybe I’m a big kid at heart, but I truly believe kids have so much potential. What we provide them when they are young affects their future.
Here’s my lineup of creative therapy. Which is your favorite?
My upcycled quilt rack turned treehouse playset is ready for imaginative fun! I’m showcasing this set with my oldest son’s furniture I created for him years ago when I built him a treehouse of his own.
Look out! My main man in his buffalo plaid shirt and sporty beard are on the roll. haha. I told ya I love creating this stuff.
I’m wore out from hours of creating, so it’s time for a nap. ZZZzzzzz
However, that is until someone wants to play. tee hee.
While you may feel like you’re missing out, no worries! You can find this woodland treehouse playset available in my online shop.
SHARE
Also, do pin and share my upcycled quilt rack to inspire others to create kid fun. Even if you don’t have kids, you can totally have the fun of creating and bless someone’s socks off.
Now, you may be wondering what happened to those slats that went between the quilt rack ends. HEAD HERE TO SEE!
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ColleenB.~Tx. says
That mini tree house is just adorable along with your little peg people/critters. Love that racoon.
Now; Can I come & play?
Larissa says
Yahoo!! This is so fun for me. I’m glad you enjoyed my quirky DIY fun. Thanks, Colleen!
Cheryl r Atkinson says
Hi Larissa! Well I didn’t see that coming. You are amazing. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas. Pinned
Larissa says
Hi Cheryl! haha…yeah, it was so fun! 😀 Merry Christmas to you!
Shirley says
Now that’s about the most creative thing I’ve seen in a very long time, just adorable! The ladder and tire swing are perfect additions! I think one of my favorite parts of it is that you incorporated some of the many different nationalities! Nice way to think outside the box! I bet your little young in’s are just loving that…
Larissa says
I couldn’t get the idea out of my head and am so excited to share. Thanks so much for the smile, Shirley!
Paula@SweetPea says
This is such a cute idea! I am always amazed at your creativity. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!
Larissa says
Thanks so much, Paula. Merry Christmas to you too!
Mother Deer says
This is a work of art! The details are so creative. Wow 🙂
Larissa says
aww…how fun!! Thanks so much for the smile. 😀
Janina says
Former quilt rack looks so much better as a tree house. I just love it!
Larissa says
I’m so excited to hear it, Janina. Thank you!
Rebecca - TN says
Absolutley adorable! I’m always amazed at your creativity.
Wishing you and your sweet family a very Merry Christmas!
Larissa says
Thanks! And a Merry Christmas to you!
Rita says
Your creativity is incredible. Your talent is off the charts. The tree house and all the accessories are so sweet. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Larissa says
You are sweet to say so, Rita. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas!
Helen Giron says
Oh my gosh, that is so stinkin’ cute!! Such immense talent! Your posts are such a joy to read… thank you for brightening my day.
Larissa says
You sure made my day, Helen! 😀 Thank you so much for that warm fuzzy feeling. Hugs!
Teresa says
If I was a glam-ma I’d snatch this up!! Adorable overload and creative play wonder!
Larissa says
haha! Love your choice of words. Thanks, Teresa!
Connie Minnich says
Pure genius. I never would have thought of that! Some little person somewhere will be very lucky to receive this.
Larissa says
It is half the fun just imagining and creating. Thank you, Connie.
Kaycee says
Hi Larissa, wow….no way….girl your amazing! I love your creativity with the toys you create!! I love the peg people and critters. Merry Christmas to you and your family. XOXO
Larissa says
Had to use up my stash somehow. haha. Thanks so much, Kaycee! Merry Christmas!
Stephanie Harris says
Too cute for word.
Larissa says
How fun! Thank you, Stephanie. 😉
Gail says
How absolutely adorable…..your are so creative and talented! Thank you for sharing.
Larissa says
So much fun (& work…but worth it.) for me. Thanks, Gail!
Marie B. says
What an adorable creative vision you had for the quilt rack. One lucky child is going to enjoy many hours with this treehouse!
Larissa says
I’m stoked it’s done and my vision came to life. BONUS: it’s now out of my workspace and I use only what I had. I know you can relate! haha!
Darlene says
Larissa, you are so incredibly talented, your children must have so much fun with you and your ideas. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!
Larissa says
Thank you for those words, Darlene. I am definitely not a boring mama. haha!
Megan H says
WOW!!!
Larissa says
You are so fun, Megan!
Maria says
That was very unexpected!!! So cute and creative!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
Larissa says
Sweet to hear! Thank you! And Merry Christmas!