A long tapered crate and back to Blogging!

It is so good to be blogging!  Our family had a great break from the media, it was a perfect way to end the summer!  We are back in the swing of things with school going strong, and I have been one BUSY mama!

Seriously, I have had zero time to blog this past week....I did start reading blogs again and can I just say, I missed you all.  I love and admire all your awesomeness, your creativity makes me happy!  So thanks to all those I follow!  And a Big Thanks to all MY followers!  I appreciate you being patient with me during all my hand issues and media breaks.  I have started projects again I can't wait to finish and share them with you!!  As for my hand....well it is weak sauce, but I am totally working on that!  This Friday I will be 8 weeks out from date of injury and I can quit wearing my small hand brace, which I still wear during "risky" situations (running, driving, building, etc...).

MyLove2Create, Long Tapered Crate
Today I am sharing a twist on a project you have seen before.  Remember my tapered crate?  Well I modified Ana's plans to make a longer crate that will really make a big statement!

I got a tip from a friend about a stack of fence wood that was for free in the neighborhood.  Did I want some?  Heck yeah!
MyLove2Create, long tapered crate
The best part....most of the boards were screwed on!  All I had to do was put my awesome drill in reverse and set to work.  It was a good thing too, because a couple boards were only nailed on, I tried getting them off and my hand was not strong enough at all.  I have get my strength back before I tackle that kind of job.
MyLove2Create, long tapered crate
I measured the width of my board and used that measurement (a little less than 5 1/2 inches) to cut the end pieces.  I cut them 15 degrees off square, short point to short point.  That means the bottom of the end pieces are a little less than 5 1/2 inches. 

For my long board I made it 4 feet (48 inches) short point to short point (again that is the bottom measurement) ends cut at 15 degrees off square.  You could make it any length you want!  After I cut all my boards I made sure to sand them really well and smoothed all the edges, we don't want splinters!
MyLove2Create, long tapered crate
Next was the build.  I used gorilla glue on the end of one of the long side pieces then matched up the end piece.  Using 1 1/4 inch nails, I nailed it on!  Then I added the other side piece to the same end piece.  All I had to do was add the other end piece, and I had this...
MyLove2Create, long tapered crate
Here is my bottom piece all cut and ready to be put on.  It was 48 inches as well, and I decided to cut the ends at 15 degrees off square to match the slope of the end pieces.  Although, I don't know that it was necessary.
MyLove2Create, long tapered crate
It was simple to add glue and nail it on!  Just remember to angle your nails so they are going into the board at the same angle, otherwise they will stick up in your crate.  Also if you look at Ana's plan her bottom board was inset, I wanted mine sitting on the bottom so it added a little height.
MyLove2Create, long tapered crate
Finished!  Well, almost.  I just need to add some rope handles.
MyLove2Create, long tapered crate
I made a simple template for where I wanted the holes by grabbing some cardboard and hole punching the hole placement.  I used a pencil to mark the center of each hole and then drilled a size just bigger than my rope and added the handles!
MyLove2Create, long tapered crate
Super cute!  I can even hold the crate using both handles...barely =) it is super long!
MyLove2Create, long tapered crate
I am sure you can imagine all the fun things you could do with this crate.  I had a good time trying out some different ways to use it, for instance....
MyLove2Create, Long Tapered Crate
Look how cute it looks on it's side!!  Kinda like a display crate.
MyLove2Create, Long Tapered Crate
It makes all that fruit look nice and cosy! 

I even turned it upside down, and thought it would be cute to set things on that way, sorry no picture of this idea. Or...
MyLove2Create, Long Tapered Crate
Just filling it with fun seasonal decorations.
MyLove2Create, Long Tapered Crate
I am really loving the size, it adds a bit more character to any home decor.
MyLove2Create, Long Tapered Crate
I guess I will have to make another one.  You see this one is for a friend and she plans to use it on a large table, won't it look amazing! 

I am even tempted to make two and have them as planters on my porch, they would add such a nice touch. 
MyLove2Create, Long Tapered Crate
If you had a long tapered crate, what would you use it for?

Hugs!
Mindi

I will be linking to these parties.

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36 comments

  1. Welcome back! :D Glad your hand is doing better and you had a great time away from media. Seriously, we all need to do that on a regular basis. If I don't, I get grumpy. lol - Love the crate! I thought about you when thinking about fall and Christmas decorating. I may need to make a crate. ;)

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  2. That is so nice! The extra work of cutting the 15 degree cuts was worth it. That taper gives it such a custom made look. If I made one, I'd use it on the table with seasonal decorations. Take care.

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  3. How beautiful - I need one of those!!!
    This would work so beautifully for every season - oh the ideas you've put in my head now!
    XOXO

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  4. Glad to have you back, Mindi! I love the crate, I made a similar one to have it in my kitchen, lined up with heavy plastic to plant herbs, it's still there on the window sill in my kitchen.

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  5. Mindi,

    Turned out totally awesome. You didn't say anything about sanding or dry brushing so am assuming you didn't have to. You found some great boards. Good to have you back in commission. Hope you squeeze in some physical therapy with that hand.

    La Verne@hopeandsalvage.com

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    1. Thanks so much! I just edited my post to add that I did sand my boards, really well! The wood color is naturally weathered, the best kind =) So no, I did not have to dry brush!

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  6. This is so totally awesome! Thanks for linking up at the On Display Monday link party! I'm putting this up on Facebook today :)

    Britney @ The Princess & Her Cowboys

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  7. I would use it just the way you are, on your ledge. It would be so pretty at Christmas with twinkle lights and an evergreen garland or sparkly ornaments!

    Val
    artsybuildinglady

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  8. this is adorable. Love the tapered ends and the lenght! I can see one of those on my mantel...

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  9. WELCOME back friend!!! I am so digging this!!!!! You know how I feel about reusing and the fact that you made this from an old fence is just fantastic!!! These go for big bucks at Pottery Barn and your looks like that is where it is from!! I love it for fall! Oh I can only imagine what I could stick in there for the season! Hoping your hand starts cooperating!!! Are you doing physical therapy??? You take care lady!! Nicole xoxoxo

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  10. "HOney.....can you look at this post...could you make this for me?" That is what I just asked my hubby :) Great tutorial!! Please come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday on my blog and share this post with us. http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/09/welcome-to-centerpiece-wednesday-91.html
    Karin

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  11. You're a genius! Using the cardboard as a template! I'm still the dummy who tries to measure and mark and ends up saying "screw it" and eyeballing it. I love it on the mantel! It makes me excited for fall! Pinning for sure.

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  12. I love this!!! So lovely and decorative. I need something like this in my home as well.
    Stopping over from "The Gathering Spot". Following you on Bloglovin, Twitter, and GFC.
    Have a great week :)
    Bismah @
    http://simplemamaathome.blogspot.com .

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  13. WOW! This is Fantastic:) I certainly need one of these for my table,Great job!

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  14. You did such a great job with this! It looks fabulous! If you like to link up come over to Craft Frenzy Friday at www.craftdictator.com! It goes live Thursdays at 7:00 PM Central! I hope to see you there!

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  15. I love this, it looks great! I love these types of boxes/crates they work with any decor and you can so easily change them up for the seasons or your mood. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. Your crate is amazing. I love seeing how others repurpose items, I will reconsider those old fence posts I see for free in and around the neighborhood too.

    Your new follower,
    Michele
    Pearl 13.1

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  17. so happy you're back in the game Mindi! LOVE this crate... but you know I love everything you make! I am about to get 192 fabulous fence boards from a friend. I'll use 99% for Etsy signs... but I'll have some extra pieces for fun things like this! I want to make/sell crates! I love them.. why don't my customers love them like you and I do? :(

    sharing on fb
    gail

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  18. so happy you're back in the game Mindi! LOVE this crate... but you know I love everything you make! I am about to get 192 fabulous fence boards from a friend. I'll use 99% for Etsy signs... but I'll have some extra pieces for fun things like this! I want to make/sell crates! I love them.. why don't my customers love them like you and I do? :(

    sharing on fb
    gail

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  19. That looks gorgeous! If i had one I would fill it with little potted plants and use as a table centrepiece.

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  20. Welcome back! Love this. You've been featured on Give Me The Goods. I'm also posting it on my FB page today ;)
    Hugs,
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

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  21. Good morning! Glad you are back in blogging shape! Stopping by to tell you I featured your beautifuly made crate from the Whimsy Wednesday Link Party! You can find the feature here --> http://bit.ly/1ay7ceN

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  22. L.O.V.E. I.T. Definitely going to try this!! Thanks for sharing.

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  23. Hi Mindi, Missed you too!Thanks for sharing how to make this at @DearCreatives Glad your healing & hope to see you again soon! I am going to share this tweet tweet diy & pinning to my party page!

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  24. Loved it. I featured this for this weekend's Wowza Weekend Link Party @ The Patriotic Pam. It will go live tonight at 7pm EST. Come over and check it out. Thanks so much for sharing this great project! Pam :)

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  25. I have some fabulous old blue boards to use for this idea all I need is someone to make it for me
    I would cut my fingers off using an electric saw LOL

    your did good girl

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  26. MIndy I totally would LOVE one of these for our dining room table/farm table! It would be perfect! I may just be passing this link on to my husband to make... thanks girl! :)

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  27. I absolutely adore this crate Mandy. Now to add it to my list!! Pinning:)

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    1. sorry my autocorrect changed my Mindi to Mandy. Darn autocorrect!

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  29. love it! pinned it! Gonna make it!
    Thanks!

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  30. Mindi, I love this! There are so many great decor ideas for this crate. Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday.

    xoxo
    Denyse

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  31. Mindi, I ADORE this crate! You're my pick for the feature from last week! I just couldn't resist this! ~Tammy

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  32. This crate is awesome Mindi. I love the size. I am featuring it on my party tomorrow!

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  33. loving this! So creative and you put a different spin on pallet board DIY's.

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