A Crate+A Luggage Rack

Happy Weekend!  I am in need of a good weekend--time to work, time to rest, time with the family.  Originally I had hoped we would hit the open road and take off in the camper for quieter pastures--maybe Yellowstone or just a favorite camping spot 30 miles from home.  But, rain is predicted for most of the weekend, and dear daughter has a volleyball function Sunday afternoon, and hubby is working a track meet tonight.  Oh well, a weekend at home is good too and I will make sure we at least have a backyard fire to roast marshmallows (because let's face it, roasted marshmallows are definitely one of the best parts of camping!).

I started the work part early today, painting and creating a "crate table" in the sunshine before a good downpour occured (and occur it did).  

I found this luggage rack at the thrift store last week and this NOT old crate at a garage sale last summer.  I thought about creating a table from the luggage rack, but then I saw the crate and came up with this fun idea. 

I attached the crate to the luggage rack with screws through the bottom of the crate.  I then painted it a light celery green that I did add a little unsanded grout to in order to create a "chalk paint" so that the paint would stick better to the somewhat glossy rack.  

Next, I painted a turquoise color 

and finished with a color I mixed up that I like to call Seaside Blue.

I gave it a light sanding, added handles,

and sprayed the whole thing with this (and no, I am NOT getting anything from Minwax for sharing their product--it really is just the best thing for outdoor pieces).

I added a chalkboard to the front.  This little "plaque" was a candle sconce--I removed the candle holder part.  I attached it with screws from the inside of the crate.  To make the writing more permanent, as in it doesn't come off when you rub up against it, use a chalk marker--it will still come off with a little elbow grease.

The crate table works great for flowers or herbs. I would put plastic pots down in it with saucers rather than planting directly in it.

How about using it in the bathroom 

for towels and TP?

Or in a baby's room 

for blankets and stuffed animals.

Lots of different ways to incorporate this versatile piece in any home!

Oh, I have a fun week ahead planned for you all.  Well, I think it is fun, I hope you do too!

Starting on Monday, I will be sharing 5 new projects with tutorials in one week!  I previously did this in my earlier blogging days and decided it was time to do it again!  I hope you will tune in every day for some fun new ideas and a giveaway at the end.

Linking up at Funky Junk Interiors and A Little Clarification and at Natasha In Oz and at Knick of Time Interiors