5 Projects in a Week, Project 2, Reclaimed Wood Plant Shelf

If you saw my post Friday, you might have noticed I decided to bring back a little challenge or event that I have done in year's past: creating 5 new projects in one week--to inspire you, to challenge me, to have a little fun!

My first project, a starburst wreath can be found HERE. After I saw the photographs of my new wreath, I realized my plant holder was not working--the shabby chic style was wrong with my funky, recalimed wood wreath.  So what is a girl to do?  Build something that DOES work, of course.

Now, when I started my 5 projects in a week event it was not my intention to make every project for my porch.  I have other non-porch projects made to share.  However, this may turn into 5 porch projects in a week.  We will see...yep, I don't have them all planned out quite yet, this is how I fly.

To make my plant shelf I started with a board that was about the length and width I wanted (approx 3 ft. by 8 inches).  Make sure it is not warped!! PROJECT FAIL reveal time--I made this twice.  My first board was so warped it would not hang right.

I used painted and unpainted board scraps, which makes this project really quick (except that whole nasty making it twice buiness.).  I cut a thicker 8" board into three pieces, each one is about 7-8" deep. Attach the boards with a nail gun.  I also temporarily secured the shelves with a nail gun, but then used three 2 1/2" screws in the back of each one.

I sprayed the shelf with a clear coat for outdoor use and used a heavy duty D ring to hang it up.

I drilled holes in the bottom of each shelf for drainage,

and a hole behind each pot for the drip tubing (which isn't turned on yet so you don't see the tubing).

I did decide to use a little E6000 to secure the pots to the shelves in case a door gets slammed or a wind hits the porch.  I think I will still be able to pop the pots off at the end of the season, but if not, I will still be able to dump them and easily store the shelf. 

The petunias and lobelia should start trailing soon.  I will have to show you a shot in August.  I think this shelf looks much better wit my new wreath.  This shelf was a very easy and quick build and would look great inside too--cookbooks in the kitchen, towels in the bathroom, keys and sunglasses in the entry, books in a kid's room.  

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for a fresh project idea.  Also--I am postponing my weekly link party to Saturday so get those projects ready!