Crate Expectations...

Crate Expectations...

Consider the humble fruit crate - rough around the edges, a bit faded and probably a little damp from being left outside since 1952. But beneath that hobo exterior, beats a heart of hopeful usefulness. So how to bring out the best in your little reclaimed crate? Here are some ideas...

1) HERB OR VEG GARDEN. Using some heavy duty garden trough membrane, line your fruit crate, bottom and sides, and fix with a staple gun. Then make some irrigation holes in the bottom. Fill with soil and a bit of compost, plant your goodies, and away you go! Or if you're like me and a bit rubbish at the old gardening malarkey, you could try www.plantbox.co.uk for some ready made ideas which are also great for gifts.

2) FRUIT CRATE SHELVING. To add a little industrial chic to your home or office space, attach a few crates to the wall and hey presto - instant shelving! You can also create a free-standing bookcase by joining some together and leaning up against a wall. I would recommend sanding down the rough edges and finishing with some beeswax polish for a more professional look. 

3) SIDE TABLE. By putting your little crate up on it's end with the bottom against the wall, it will make an unusual bedside table. Lamp on the top, books inside. Lovely.

4) CART. Bit of a rub down, add a set of industrial/factory castors and it's a brilliant little cart for dragging round the garden or for the children to use as a car for their teddies/dolls. Old fashioned fun that doesn't cost the earth.

5) GIFT HAMPER. The trend for growing your own food, home-made wine and jams just seems to get more and more popular, and hampers are becoming the gift of choice. So instead of a basket, use a crate to present your wares. You can polish it, paint it, stencil it, add names, dates and funny sayings. Plant boxYou could even line it with some pretty fabric. A little effort goes a long way to show you care.

6) SHOP DISPLAY. Great for presenting food, books, clothes, etc. They also look really good stacked up as window displays. 

7) TOY BOX. As with the gift hamper you can up-cycle and personalise your crate for a toy box for your children or as a gift for a new baby, christening of birthday. Definitely sand down the rough edges to avoid splinters and the inevitable tears from your little charges. 

8) FRUIT CRATE COFFEE TABLE. I have seen the most amazing use for 4 fruit crates - lie them on their sides, with the openings facing outwards and then put together as a cube. You'll have a square hole in the middle. 

The whole thing is sanded and polished or varnished. 

9) PET BASKET. By removing the top slat of one side, sanding down all the rough edges, adding a cushion and blanket you have created a lovely little bed for Fido or Tiddles! Genius...You can use the crates as shelving for DVD's, magazines or books. The top becomes the coffee table. TA DAH!!!

10) FRUIT OR VEG STORAGE.  Obviously, you could put the little fella to good use as a fruit or veg storage crate...stranger things have happened.

HAPPY CRATING!

2nd April 2014

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