Wednesday, September 9, 2009

DYI: Shoe Bench from Reclaimed Wood

My problem: I had this cluttered shoe basket in my entryway:
Messy Shoe Basket
My Dream Solution: I would love to have this:
My Inspiration: <span class=

However, it's bigger than my tiny nook or my small furniture budget. "Hey!" I thought, "I have a saw and tools! I could make one from scratch!"

Like any good frugalista, I balked at the cost of buying new boards at the Home Depot. So, I came home and looked for wood.
Futon Frame No More

Found some! It's the last of our old futon frame! My woodworking style is what one might call "cobbled together" anyway.

My DIY Solution: I made this shoe bench:
Front View

I made a flickr set with lots of notes to show/tell how I did it. Here are some highligts:
Kitchen Table Wood Shop
For one thing, we were in the middle of bad heat and worse air quality. So, the balcony workshop was moved right to the kitchen table. My table top is formica, so it's all good.
Frame for Bench
Basically I made a cube out of these boards from the frame. I didn't have enough for a solid frame, so I made it open like this. This is a picture of the early stages of framing. I just drilled holes and used screws to put it together.

I made a cushion from the bench cushion I just retired.

View from the Door

View From the Door

It's far from perfect. I can already see where I could have made it better (I have added that info to my notes in the flickr set) but, I have been using it for a few days now and it works like a charm to keep that nook neat and organized. I am glad I took the plunge and went for it. Total cost $7. Now that's frugal!

Get your DIY fix at ASPTL! More Frugal Friday at Shabby Nest

24 comments:

Goings on at the Glenn's said...

Hey it looks good. Way to make it from scrap wood too.

Anonymous said...

That turned out fabulous! I love organization projects, especially when they can also be cute!

ani said...

how very clever. cute results!

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

It is adorable! Nice work!

Jenn said...

Looks AWESOME!

Jan Mader said...

I'm a children's author. The title of your blog and your interest in elementary education caught my eye.

Love you blog! Please stop by and see me!

Rebecca said...

That is so clever and I love that you went and scavanged for wood from your house instead of buying it I never think to do that but now I will!!

Embellished Bayou said...

This is similar to the one my husband made me, I featured it in my DIY Day post last week. Except I wasn't nearly as thrifty as you, great job!

Michelle said...

That is awesome! I'm thinking I need to figure out how to use power tools so I can expand my DIY repertoire!

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

nice job! I like it ALOT more than the old bucket!!!

Nutsy Coco said...

Looks great and you can't beat $7!

HollyLynne said...

Fantastic solution! So crafty to use all that extra wood . . . really brilliant!

Pam @ bibbidi-bobbidi-beautiful said...

Wow, you're the woman. I have got to get over my fear of power tools. Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

That turned out great!

Let it Shine said...

SO cute! And smart! Great creative job, girl!!
Alyshia

Roeshel said...

You always make the best stuff! You're so creative and skilled!

:)

Have a great weekend!
Roeshel

Shannon said...

Great job! It looks like the mini version of the larger Pottery Barn.

The Starr Family said...

Innovative, fun... that just blows my mind! You are a visionary indeed, picture the project & tackle it! Ps, love the fabric!

Wendy said...

Very, very clever. I'm impressed!

randee said...

thanks for coming by & your kind words.

you are so creative. love your tutorials.

everytime i drive by junked furniture along the curb i look to see if there's anything to make a play stove or kitchen out of. thanks for inspiring all of us.

Anonymous said...

Very creative solution, and it looks like you purchased it somewhere rather than making it yourself. Great job! Have a good weekend...
pk @ room remix

Carri said...

I bought one of those storage benches with the little baskets and guess what? The baskets aren't big enough for my husband's shoes anyway!! You did good!

Tiffany said...

Wow! Way to use your resources! It turned out great!

Brittany said...

this turned out so cute!

stop by my Goodwill party every Wednesday and link up your thrifty finds!!