Junk box Project #1 :: Wooden Crates

Alternate title: Junk Box Project #1 :: It's Your Idea!

I'm excited about doing this 'Junk Box Projects' feature, I hope over time it'll inspire you, if you don't already, to decorate with junk. And I think it'll be a good incentive for me to get projects done around here. Okay, so mostly I'm doing it for myself. But, I hope you'll enjoy it, too. And, over time, I hope it'll give you new ideas for using old junk. No schedule here, I'll just do them as the urge strikes.

Thinking outside the junk box...

Most ideas that come to people are a result of other's ideas. They spring or bounce off of each other in the flowing current of creativity. And one thing leads to another, and before you know it, a million ideas have sprouted from that single, original idea.

This first project isn't really a 'project'. It's more of a quick decorating idea. I've seen old wooden crates in many antique shops used as shelving. You probably have, too. I've been wanting some myself, and finally found a few last year. Here's what I did with a couple of them. An impromptu medicine cabinet/shadow box of sorts, and I put it in an unexpected place just for fun - my kitchen.

I think crate shelving looks great anywhere. (And, yes, my dear friends, I also believe it works with a modern minimalistic style that some of you prefer, as well. This blog is about junk, most of all, but I think you could take the idea and run with it.) It's fast, easy, and fun. And, the best part is, it takes only a couple of minutes to throw together, with whatever you wish to fill them with. Which could be just about anything!

Vintage bottles is just one of many ideas. Children's books with the cover facing outward would be another great idea. So would a row of vases with a single bud in each one. Or you could use ribbon or lace to hang things from the top instead, such as vintage teacups, skeleton keys, a row of pocket watches that have long since lost their chains, wooden handled kitchen utensils, the list goes on and on... You could also hang a row of hooks inside near the top and fill them with your jewelry, house keys, or crafting tools.

Another option would be to 'frame' a single, larger object in each crate. Simply place a favorite thing, such as a vintage camera, a piece of pottery, or a small poster inside, or hang a pretty wreath. Yet another idea, would be to nail a vintage license plate to the center of the inside of the crate or hang it by a coordinating or contrasting ribbon from the top.

Just remember, it doesn't have to be vintage. And don't forget to decorate the outside, too! You could paint them, glue or tack up trims like lace, ric rac and ribbon, or glue vintage buttons to the entire perimeter. You could also decoupage sheet music, vintage patterns, or pages from old books to the entire crate.

You can use anything you want! The sky's the limit!

Comments

[riss]

i love love love that crate shelving!!

[mindijo]

Since you are passing out ideas, maybe you can give me some for this: I have kitchen shelves that don't go all the way up to the ceiling. I've always wanted SOMETHING up there, but haven't come up with anything interesting. My kitchen is light blue and chocolate brown...

[Beatle]

Wow, aren't you just full of ideas!

[Judy]

I like your idea and I just might steal it. I have a crate that I found Up North and I don't know what to do with....until now. Thanks.

[Daisy Steiner]

That looks fantastic. We have done similar with wine boxes for my shoe storage. And I love it.
Great job.

[joan]

Oh! I like the idea of putting one large object in the crate. That would be pretty neat. Since it is city wides around here and all, I may have a new thing to look for. :)