Whenever you are out at the thrift store or garage sales, be sure to have your eye out for wooden finds. They can always be made into something new and are some of my favorite creative projects. I was giddy when I spied this gem at the thrift store because of the potential it held. I’m going to turn this into an upcycled wine crate with oodles of fun!
For the sheer storage potential they have, wooden crates make me giddy. In the past, I’ve used soda pop crates to build this reclaimed stand, or made a super cute Conestoga wagon garden planter, and my farmhouse footstool. I’ve even used them to create my faux crate drawers in my kitchen.
HMMM…
When I first brought this wine crate home, I had so many ideas for it that I couldn’t decide. My main focus kept pulling me to make something for my kids, or at least a toy, since I have a blast creating toys. You can see my past creations in these posts.
The interior has 3 removable sections and looked perfect for sorting out some fun. So, with the help of JC, I decided to turn it into a mini learning center. Stay with me now…tee hee. First, I wanted to add a mini magnetic dry erase board to the one side.
MORE DIY FUN
In order for the lid to still be able to slide into the box, we need to route in a recessed spot for it. I traced the board, and then route out a spot with our router.
After the lid is routed, I simply added a bit of construction adhesive to the back of the board and clamped it on for an hour or two. As for the other side of the lid, I used a flat black paint to give it a couple of coats to create a chalkboard. Super easy, right? Now my upcycled wine crate is taking shape.
WHIMSY
While the paint layers were curing, I set about to give the bottom of my upcycled wine crate a bit of whimsy. Who doesn’t love a bunch of cute stick figures, right? My Sharpie and I had fun working around the outside edge of the crate.
Time for a party on the inside! wahoo! One of our family favorite toy companies is Melissa & Doug. They make the best sets that last forever. These ABC and 123 magnets were sure to be a hit.
Let me just say, it was all I could do to keep my kids at bay while I was working on this. I tried to keep it a secret, but of course they managed to sneak peek. Then, they couldn’t wait to play! I don’t blame them, it’s fun with all the compartments to delight a kid on adventure. When I had them come out to take a peek at it here’s how it all played out…
FUN REVEAL
First, my littlest claimed it as her own and big sis had to look on. haha. Isn’t that always how it works? I’m a big sister and I know the ropes.
Then, my youngest boy came out to inspect the loot. Little girl didn’t see him sneak in, so all was well. She actually shares really well, but like any toddler has her moments. Even adults can be the same, right?
The magnet sets were a hit, and they loved the added fun of a double-sided board to work on.
No fancy chalkboard paint needed for this project. Just use a flat black paint and be sure to prime it using white chalk rubbed all over, then wiped clean before first use.
These young days fly by so fast and I’m trying to savor every minute. My older 3 were eager to see what I created and have a turn too, but they waited until the camera was gone. Can’t say that I blame them more fun to act like a kid while no one is looking. {{wink, wink}}
This set will come in super handy when we head out of our first ever family vacation with road trip. Keeping peace in the vehicle is a blessing too!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our upcycled wine crate turned learning center. Do pin and share to inspire others to DIY some fun too!
Up next, is Trash to Treasure Tuesday! One of my favorite days each month. This curbside set will be getting a completely new look. See the after over HERE.
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More projects like this upcycled wine crate:
Larissa this is such a clever upcycle of the wine crate. I never know what to do with them and just use them for storage.
We had such fun! Mostly me…haha.
Such a clever idea! Your babies are just precious and I know they’ll really enjoy this learning center! And hope your well earned family vacation is a blast!!
To see them light up at my creations makes it all worth it. Thanks so much, Debra! 😀
What a wonderful idea. You always have such amazing ideas. So many kids these days miss out on the joys of crayons, paint and chalk because of electronics. I still like the smell of chalk and the excitement of a new crayon. Have a great weekend.
Thank you, Bonnie. Yes!! New crayons and supplies make my heart pitter-pat. I love it too!
This is perfect to keep kids busy on a road trip and a super creative upcycle for a wine crate. Would you believe we squished a family of nine into a station wagon for our family road trips when I was a kid. I don’t know how my parents endured the constant bickering while we sat squished like sardines for hours and hours on end.
What fun times! My parents did the same with 4 of us in the back of a sedan. Crazy! Those were the days. 🙂
How perfect! Such a nice job on this! Yep, I’d be saving it for our upcoming whole-family-in-the-van-for-a-whole-day trips this summer too! : ) My kids look forward to long car trips because of stuff like this.