Monday, March 29, 2010

Forgotten trash to organizing treasure - the No. 3 crate

This is the story of a crate that was sitting, sad and lonely behind the workshop, in the rain, in the heat, for who knows how many years. It has developed quite a bit of weathered character.



And it was sitting on the ground for 1.5 seconds before my shadow had to check it out.


She's "helping." Thanks Calliope. *eye roll*


In my quest to turn my desk into a craft station I've been on the lookout for under-the-bed storage - places to put the papers and whatsits that I never look at that are currently being stored in my desk. When I saw the crate I got stars in my eyes and I knew it would be perfect for this!


First I whitewashed it. I wanted to keep the weathered look but the wood also needed a little something to protect it a bit.


I didn't take any photos of the whitewashing because it was freezing outside and I just wanted to get it done and get back in the house! Just imagine a picturesque scene like Tom Sawyer or something.


I also got the idea to put the oh-so-popular numbers on the side. I am not a high-tech crafter and I don't have a fancy Cricut to just whip out some vinyl so I had to do this the old fashioned way. This is the "Wencelas" font from Picnik perfectly sized and printed out.



I cut away most of the excess paper and placed it over some graphite paper (dark side down) and used a pencil to trace around my font.


The graphite paper transfers whatever you trace. Super, super easy and cheap to do (if you are poor and low-tech like me).


Then I used a tiny brush and some black acrylic paint to fill in my lines. The wood was really rough even after the whitewashing so I did have to deal with some squiggles.


To make the dot after the "No" I grabbed a larger brush, turned it around and used the handle end - a dip in the paint and one dot on the wood and you've got a perfect "."




Squiggly, rough, rustic. Just the way I like it. :)


And 1.5 seconds after I filled it with papers and slid it under the bed:


I think she's saying she doesn't want her photograph taken because this is her new super secret hideaway. SO glad I could make this special place for my cat.

Sidenote: Spud has taken to following me around as well. Case in point below.

What, you were trying to take a photo of this tree? Well why don't I sit in it and give you something really good to photograph.

11 comments:

Dianne said...

Love the crate! I'm low tech too... It's very nice...

jacque4u2c said...

How adorable!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That turned out great! I love the old crate and you made it better ...and kept the old look! Perfect! Love the last photo!

One Cheap B*tch said...

Love it! And the kitty is too cute too!

kimmykats said...

My best helpers all have 4 legs and lots of fur--makes all my projects special!

shari said...

molly, that is a delightful hideaway for a gorgeous cat!! i LOVE the way you rescue things and turn them into wonderful treasures.

KimMalk said...

It's very cute. Your cat really does like it, and it fits her so well.

littlethings1 said...

Your crate is so adorable , love how you painted the numbers on ! Your kitty is the sweetest thing , and looks like the crate is her's & she is thanking you for taking the time to make her a cute nest!
Eunice

Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama said...

what a cute kitty bed.. ha .. I love the No 3 on the side.

Unknown said...

Awww your kitty is so adorable! You did a wonderful job on the crate! Love the No. 3 on the side!

Cheers!
Tina

Shaunna said...

This is great...I'll send you some details soon on when I'll post it! Thanks so much for your help -shaunna :)