I was so inspired yesterday after a visit to Debra at Common Ground, that I went right out to the wood shop with my husband to look for scrap lumber.
I fell in love with the table and the old box, which I am assuminge is a tool box. I have to wonder what kind of tools would have been kept in there because it is obviously long!
These photos came from Pinterest, but I searched and could not find the actual origin, so it reinforces the need to watermark photos.
I digress…so off to the wood shop we went to look for old wood.
Look at the choices we had for wood. This is wormy chestnut beadboard from the original house here.
And more options…
I’m thinking I will empty out this box and use it somewhere!
But we settled on this. Did I mention my dad is really into recycling and repurposing? He had a load of scrap lumber from a building site dumped delivered here last year, and we have used several pieces on projects.
First, Luis ripped this piece in half, which made it the exact height I wanted, then he put it together with this older piece, which actually has a signature on it from May 22, 1954. I could not get it to show up in a photo though because it was just too faint.
Then he cut the ends so they would be even with the sides. I did not want the ends to be high like the inspiration piece, so we kept them even. I also wanted it to be shorter as I need to seat people at each end of the table and the inspiration piece did not allow for that.
Nailed, glued and clamped to dry overnight.
All I need to do is a little distressing, staining and finishing then I can fill the inside and put it on my table. I cannot wait to get it finished! This project was totally free because we had everything we needed already here.
Hopefully, I can work on it today a little. I’ll be cooking for a local emergency homeless shelter then serving tonight, and with the rain we are having, I expect they will be filled to capacity. I have been looking forward to this ministry for a while, and we have had teams from our church cooking and serving there all week. I encourage all of you to become involved in some way in your community. All of you have incredible skills that could be used to brighten the day of someone in need. I am sure setting the tables tonight will be the most rewarding and satisfying tablescaping experience ever.
Anita, I can't wait to see the finished result fabulously displayed on your table! I know, as always, it will be spectacular!! The people that you serve tonight will definitely be blessed by your talents! Many blessings back to you!
This is going to look fabulous – and perfect to make it to your needs. God bless for helping in your community.
Hi Anita! Oh, how marvelous! I love what you're doing and can't wait to see it all finished and sitting on your table. Now I want one! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
shelia 😉
Anita — I love the inspiration photo and think you are going to surpass it! How handy to have all that material at your avail to craft and create. I cannot wait to see it finished 🙂
Blessings!
Gail
Oh Anita, I am soooo looking forward to seeing your wooden box complete, It will be just gorgeous 🙂 what a wonderful way to recycle old lumber 🙂
ox~Mari
Gonna be stunning!
I love it when people can take an inspiration… and run with it.
Lovely.
And lucky you to have men in your life who can do these things!
Cass
I can't wait to see your finished product! It is going to be amazing. I wish I lived closer so I could be active in your ministry. xo
Anita, OOOHHHH I love this!
Think white is the way to go in my dark dining room.
Hope you have a terrific week-end!
God bless,
d
Anita,
I can't wait to see the finished piece!! The inspiration piece is beautiful, but I'll like the shorter piece of yours better. It's going to be gorgeous when filled and placed on your table.
I love soup kitchen ministries!
Have a great weekend.
Susan
What a great idea, ANita…it's going to look beautiful when you are finished!
Kudos to you for your work at the homeless shelter. You are a beautiful person!
XO,
Jane
I can't wait to see the finished box all decorated on your dining table. I think it will be perfect. I commend you for helping at your local soup kitchen. I'm sure they appreciate it very much. Blessings, Pamela
Oh this is going to be awesome!!! I can't wait to see it all finished and decorated!
I saw that too and also FELL IN LOVE!!!! Can't wait to see yours finished and filled!!!! XO, Pinky
OK. I can already tell! THIS is going to be just plain STUNNING! 🙂
I can't wait to see the finished product!!
Oh, you leave us hanging! I can't wait to see it finished.
– The Tablescaper
Oh Anita, I cannot wait to see this on your table! I pinned that photo of the box awhile back too. It is one of my favorites! What a blessing to have such wonderful resources at your fingertips. I just know you are going to blow us away with this one!
Anita, I saw that wood arrangement too!Love yours and can't wait to see it.God Bless your work and your right…..to-nite's table will be so rewarding. Blessings and take care.
Hi, first time visiting your blog. Some much to love. =) I'm wondering about the dimensions (length, width, height)? A few days ago I also saw the inspiration pic you shared on pinterest and will be building a few boxes to decorate tables for a Thanksgiving dinner at our church. I like the look of yours; also prefer the box shorter. Thanks!!
-Stacy
ps. My husband is also Puerto Rican. I am Cuban-American. 🙂
Stacy, thanks for stopping by! There is a link to my etsy shop on the sidebar and all the different sizes you can see the measurements. We are making smaller ones that I'm really liking too. We made this one to fit this table but we also go with whatever wood we find too. My husband is all excited because I'm doing the outside of the house this year for Christmas just like Puerto Rico…lots of color:-)
Your inspiration photo is one of my all time favorites and came from a book called "Celebrating Home" Seasons of Cannon Falls. I'm not sure how I found your post, but thanks for the inspiration. I may make one for our daughter's farmhouse table!
I just found this on Pinterest and am in love!! Can you tell me how wide you made it! I love the idea of the vinegar bottles in it! Now where to find glass vinegar bottles!!
I love this! What are the dimensions?
Kathy
I have a very large table and would love to know the dimensions of this box. Thanks. Sabrina