I’m bringing you another thrift store transformation today! This crate definitely didn’t start this way when I found it at Goodwill. Instead, it had a beautiful plaid Christmas ribbon wrapped around it and was an unfinished wood. Now, I’d say it’s a perfect rustic farmhouse crate that will have a very functional use in our home. More on that later, but for now, take a look at how I transformed this crate!
You can see I picked it up for $1.99, and it was in good condition, besides that nice ribbon. First, I whitewashed the wood with a mixture gray paint and water. I wrote a whole post all about the best way to whitewash wood. For this crate, I didn’t stain the base wood, I just left it as is and whitewashed on top of the finished wood.
I cut down some 1/4″ hardware cloth with aviation snips. Once I finally figured out that this was the best tool to cut metal, like chicken wire, my life has been so much easier!
I stapled the hardware cloth to the sides and bottom of the crate.
At first, I was worried it looked like an over-sized bug catching crate, but once I set the flowers inside, my worry faded away. It had the perfect mix of rustic and industrial elements. Plus, what can’t look good with a vintage Blue Ball mason jar tucked inside?!
I added a piece of scrap wood, that I whitewashed to match, to the middle of the crate. I’m going to share the actual use for this crate in my home in an upcoming post, in which you’ll see why the divider is important.
For now, I decided to use it as a place to store magazines and books, and some fresh spring flowers from the yard. If you haven’t read the book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, I highly recommend it. It addresses the psychology behind a growth mindset, and how to foster this in young minds to create a love for learning. If you’re parent, or work with people for that matter, it’s a must read.
I love how the whitewash technique allows you to see the wood grain through the paint.
I sure wish tulips remained in bloom for longer than they do; they are so pretty!
I’d sure love for you to pin this project if you love it!
Looking for more upcycled creations? I have a whole page of ideas HERE.
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Jenny you are always so creative! I love everything about this because it’s functional and pretty. Plus, $1.99 that is crazy awesome! Hope your weekend is a fun one, CoCo
Oh, thanks CoCo! That’s so nice of you to say. 🙂
Love love love the look of your new crate! I really like chicken wire so much!
Thanks for sharing it with us at #2usestuesday! This is my feature for next week, so don’t forget to stop by and grab your button 🙂
Enjoy the weekend!
Thanks so much for picking it as your feature! 🙂
Great transformation! It looks cute sitting on your burlap bench. Visiting from Lou Lou Girls.
This is so pretty! Farmhouse is my favorite style, and I love finding ways to incorporate it into my home. I’m going to keep my eyes open for something like this.
Yes, you totally should! I’m sure you’ll find one soon – I see them a lot!
Cute idea. I love repurposing thrift store finds!
Thanks, Denise! It is fun, isn’t it? It’s like a little challenge every time I walk into one!
$1.99? That’s awesome!! Thrift stores can be such treasure boxes. The crate came out great:) I would love for you to share this on my link party:)
http://www.twentysomethinginthe2010s.com/peace-love-link-up-001/
Thanks, Ashleigh! It’s sometimes amazing what I find at thrift stores!!
Such a easy DIY and so pretty, you have the knack for creating very simple project that look beautiful. I’m sorry I don’t visit more, I promise I will 🙂 Maria