My children both have required summer reading from their schools. Each summer, it never fails….someone loses a book somewhere in the house! Can you relate? So, this summer I decided to create something new…
A Summer Reading Station !!
Today, I am going to show you part 1 of my summer reading station. Part 1 is how I created the vintage crates to store all of their summer reading supplies in, to {hopefully} prevent the books from “disappearing”! This idea was inspired by the absolutely adorable Mason Jar Planter over at Hoot Designs!
Supplies Needed to Make the Vintage Crates…
unfinished wood crate {these came from Jo-Ann}
stain in color of choice {I used dark walnut}
sponge tip brush
paper towels
self-adhesive book plates {these are from the Martha Stewart collection by Avery, available at Staples}
Handles for sides {these came from Lowes}
Jute Twine
First, apply the stain to the crates with the sponge tip brush. Wipe off excess with paper towels. Allow the crates to dry thoroughly!
Next, apply the self-adhesive bookplates to the dry crates. I used the silver bookplates and centered them on the crates…
Finally, attach the handles on the sides. Originally, I was going to wrap the handles in jute twine, but decided I liked them without it! A girl can change her mind, right?
Of course, while I was doing this project, I also redid the entire bookshelf as well! I’ll post about a few of those projects soon!
For now, I am going to be organizing the crates. I’ll show you how I did that next week for part 2 of my…
Summer Reading Station!!
**UPDATE! You can see how I organized each child’s crate over at the post on Organizing The Summer Reading!**
Bonnie
The following two tabs change content below.
Trish Flake
Owner at Uncommon Designs
Hey y'all! I am Trish and the creative voice behind Uncommon Designs. I adore party planning, holiday celebrations, and all things crafty! I am so excited to share my creative adventures with you!
Latest posts by Trish Flake (see all)
- Easy Leopard Painted Pumpkin - October 18, 2021
- Embroidered Swedish Dishcloths - May 3, 2020
- Easter Egg Decorating Party - March 21, 2020
Oh that is really cute and I love the crate makeover. Turned out wonderful =)
What a lucky lady who received these crates as a planter for a birthday gift. Love your creative idea to use them as a book organizer, or reading station, both ideas are unique and creative!! Thanks for sharing.
these are darling!!!!
Too adorable…and I love everything else on your built-ins too! 😉
Jess
Love it… super great makeover, Bonnie 🙂 Have a fabulous weekend!
I love the dark finish of these and the book plates are the perfect touch for the front ! I tried to view this post this morning and it didn’t work so I’m glad I found it through the TT&J link party!
I used the same tutorial as Hoot Designs (saw that last week and loved it!) but with a painted finish.
Next week I hope to be posting a project that was inspired by one of your recent projects! I’ll send you a message when it’s done so you can check it out 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!! How simple and fabulous! And love the idea of a reading station… so super creative 🙂
Oh, and by the way, you girls won the UPrinting Giveaway for die cut business cards! Congratulations!!! 🙂
Hi! I just came across your blog from the Sunday Blog Hop and I love all the creative ideas! I am your newest follower – hope you can stop by my blog sometime too and check it out – I can’t wait to check out the rest of yours!
Came over from Overflowing. As a former teacher I salute your valiant effort to keep those books corralled! (In a very classy way, I must say.)
Distressed Donna Down Home
Love the added labels and handles! Nice job!
Deborah
Good luck with the kids and the books. The reading station looks really cool. The kids should love using the crates. I found you at Nifty Thrifty Sunday.
Liz
I love the crates, everything looks beautiful together 🙂
Tanya
I love how you updated the simple off-the-shelf crates! I also love the dark green and burlap with against the white
What a creative idea! They are beautiful and I love your shelves! Megan
Very cute! Love those self adhesive label things from Martha, I have used quite a few of them myself lately.
Emily
What a great idea, and so many uses (besides your summer reading station for keeping tabs on the books). Thanks for sharing.
Really loveing this project. I just might try it myself. Love your blog too. Visiting from http://www.mycreativelyvintagelife.com and now following you.
What a cute idea!! I LOVE the crates..and such an easy project too!
Those look fabulous and I love everything you have displayed on your shelves!
Very cute Bonnie! I love crates so this caught my eye!
I would love for you to come by my party and link it up – the party just opened!
Stacey of Embracing Change
These crates are so stinkin cute and I love the finish! I would love for you to share on my weekly Linky Party Blog Stalking Thursday.
http://thecraftyblogstalker.blogspot.com/2012/05/blog-stalking-thursday-43.html
Those really are so cute! They turned out great! We appreciate you linking up to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” We love seeing all of the great recipes and fun ideas! Hope to see you again next week! -The Sisters
Great idea and I love that dark stain! Looks fabulous on your beautiful bookshelves! Summer reading is the BEST! I remember library visits and being absorbed by great stories as a kid. I love that you are celebrating it (ok- Keeping things in order) like this! Thanks so much for linking up at I Gotta Create! <3 Christina
The crates look fabulous! The whole display is super adorable!
How fantastic the transformation. I need to make a couple of these immediately.
– Hope :o)
Featuring you tomorrow! Love these! XO, Aimee
These are awesome! I am keeping my eye out for when they go on sale at Hobby Lobby or Michaels so I can “steal” your idea!
Thanks for linking up!
Kim @ Too Much Time
Those look awesome! I love your entire shelf arrangement too!!!
–Katie
Great idea! And I love those crates – the hardware you added and the stain colour are pure magic!!!
xo,
Shannon
P.S. Thanks for linking up to our party!
I love those little crates! 🙂
You will be featured at this week’s {nifty thrifty sunday}!
I hope you’ll come by and grab a button.
xo!
Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things}
Too cute! Love these crates. I’m visiting from Fantabulous Friday, and a new follower 🙂
Carolyn
{my simple messterpiece}
These are awesome! Love it all!
Love it! I like having baskets, crates, boxes, etc scattered around as catch-alls. These are so classic and pretty! You’re being featured- should be up this afternoon. 🙂
Love this idea – must try it soon!
Thanks for sharing —
Stacey of Embracing Change
Congrats on your feature at Creatively Living. I loooooove this project! I also love the styling on the bookcase…and I look forward to your upcoming post about it. I’m going to pin your crates to my craft board on Pinterest. I can’t wait to make some for my home. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sharon @ mrs. hines class
These are so cute! I love that this tutorial doesn’t involve building a crate, so it’s something that I can handle! I think I may be taking a trip to Jo-Ann’s pretty soon. 😀
I am in love with these! You totally rocked it! Love, Love, Love!!
Thanks for posting the tutorial!
xo Becca
Found you guys and this great project on Hometalk. I’m your newest follower.