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Inside the Fox Den

Designing My Den, One DIY at a Time!

DIY Numbered Crates

Storage ThumbnailHey friends,

I can’t believe I’m only adding some character to these crates now. I mean,  I bought them in October…of 2013. I know, I’m not sure what’s wrong with me either.

I use them to store a number of things, but mostly to hide away extra blankets and pillows in my living room.

1 copy

This is how they looked on my shelf before I finished them. Do they store the things I need them to? Yes. Are they awful? No. But I really wasn’t a fan of leaving them unfinished.

2 copy

They were a little rough so I lightly sanded them with my sander and a very fine grit sandpaper.

3 copy

Next select your stain. I’m using Minwax Wood Finish in Espresso 273. And be sure to wear gloves! Even though I wore them I still managed to get stain on my arm and now it looks like I have leprosy, lol.

4 copy

Apply your stain, let sit for 20 – 30 minutes, and then wipe off the stain that was not absorbed with a cloth. After I wiped off the excess I let them sit for a night before moving onto the next step.

5 copy

Now you’re going to want to select the font you want for your numbers and size them. I used the font “Manbow” and you can find my labels here. You’re also going to want a piece of white chalk and a pen or pencil.

6 copy

Flip your label over and color over the number with your chalk.

7 copy

Place your number where you want (mine was about 1/8″ off the left edge and a 1/2″ overhang on the bottom) and outline your number with your pen.

8 copy

The chalk should transfer to the crate and you now have an outline for your number. P.S. Don’t worry about any excess chalk that might’ve transferred. It wipes off with a damp paper towel after you’ve painted. :)

9 copy

Now it’s time to paint your numbers! I used the angled brush for the outline and then filled it in with the round brush. Let dry.

10 copy

My final step was adding a polycrylic finish. Apply and let dry.

11 copy

This is what my bookshelf looks like now! It still serves the purpose I want it to, but they just look so much more stylish!

12 copy

What are some creative storage solutions you’ve created in your home?

<3 ChelcI’m partying over at Think and Make Thursday, Create It Thursday, Lovely Little Link Party, Your Turn To Shine, Hearts for Home, Get Your Shine On Thursdays, Pin Junkie Pin Party, Weekend Re-Treat, Creativity Unleashed, Simple & Sweet Fridays, Crafty Friday, Home Matters Linky Party, That Friday Blog Hop, Link Party Palooza, Show Me Saturday, The Creative Collection, Found & Foraged, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, That DIY Party, Inspiration Monday, Monday Funday, Mad Skills, Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop, Plucky’s Second Thought, Making Monday, Merry Monday, Show and Tell, Do Tell Tuesday, Tip Me Tuesday, Totally Terrific Tuesday, Tutorials & Tips, The Inspiration Board: Creative Party, Fabulous Party, Whimsy Wednesdays, Wise Women, A Little R & R Wednesdays, Women With Intention Wednesdays, Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, Work It Wednesdays, Homemaking Linkup and The Ladies Collective.

Comments

    • Thank you, Trish! I’ve done pencil before, but because the stain was so dark I didn’t think the lead would show up. I had chalk on hand and it worked like a charm!

      XO, Chelc

  3. I really love how these turned out! I almost purchased some of these crates to make a shelf unit out of, now Im thinking I should go back and get them!

    • Oh, Stephanie, you absolutely should! It’s a great and inexpensive storage solution!

      XO, Chelc

    • I know, right?! I’ve seen storage crates like this in stores but were $30 – $40 each. And those were the cheaper ones! When you can DIY, why not?

      XO, Chelc

    • Oh, Janelle, you’re too sweet! I’m glad you found the tutorial helpful and I’m sure they would look awesome in your space!

      XO, Chelc

    • Thanks so much, Angela! It was one that I just had on hand but I’m really happy with how they turned out!

      XO, Chelc

  10. Hello gorgeous! I love seeing your masterpieces.Thank you for bringing such great things to our party. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm.. Lou Lou Girls

    • Oh, thank you so much! You girls are so sweet! Love linking up to your party, always seeing such great ideas!

      XO, Chelc

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