I have a collection of crafting tools that take up a fair amount of desktop space. I don’t want them hidden away, if they aren’t out in plain sight chances are they will go unused. When building my new craft room I knew I would need a workbench for them, in my old craft space they were on a small table, but they were crammed together, it had no storage space and it was always cluttered. On one of my frequent Pinterest adventures I came across this plan for a Simple Workbench that I knew had potential. The workbench plans had all the components I was looking for. It boasted to last for decades, be inexpensive (mine rang in at about$50, but a few supplies were on hand), and can be built by a novice handyman. Perfect, except for the fact it was clearly designed for working on a motor and storing greasy tools it wasn’t very cute. I pulled out some left over paint, found a few boxes for the shelves, and got an assortment of cute drawer pulls and boring table turned cute craft table.
Here is what it looks like before the drawers and coat of paint. I used crack fill to fill the screw holes and gaps from the 2×4’s to try to make it a bit more like an attractive piece of furniture.
The storage crates cost me $5 at a thrift shop. The two apple boxes I got from my aunt, one of the wire baskets is from an old freezer.
I chose an eclectic mix of drawer pulls from Lee Valley. Together they cost less than $8.
I created paper stencils with my cricut for the numbers and painted them with chalkboard paint. When dried I sanded them down until I thought it looked vintage.
I am eager to get the crates filled with goodies and the tools in their home. What do you think? Do you have a special area to store your larger crafting tools?
Thanks you to everyone who joined me for my Blogiversary. The winner of the three spools of May Arts Ribbon is ROSALYND KELLY who says “Congrats on your blogiversary! Mmmm, cake…I like them all…but my favourite is carrot cake“. Now that is my kinda lady, reading all your comments really makes me want to eat obscene amounts of cake! Rosalynd Please inbox me on FB and well get you geared up!
I shared this at: Uncommon Designs, Craft-o-mantic, Skip to my Lou, Rain on a Tin Roof, Todays’ Creative Blog, Lil; Luna, From Dream to Reality, Nifty Thrifty Things, I heart Nap time, Tatertots and Jello, 36th Avenue, Domestically Speaking, Ginger Snap Crafts, Practically Functional, Your Homebased Mom
Laura @ Finding Home says
What a great project – I am impressed – and a great spot to work in your craft room. Thanks so much for sharing at the Monday Funday link party. Take care, Laura
Claudine says
Wow, I’m impressed every time!
Brandee says
What a cool idea. I like how everything is so nicely organized and looks so pretty too.
Jamie says
Wow, this is seriously gorgeous. Love it! You should link this up to our party, Give Me The Goods Monday! {1 party, 5 blogs}
http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/2013/04/give-me-goods-party-4.html
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Megin says
Love it! I need a workshop to build cool stuff like this 🙂
I’m visiting you today from Project Inspired. I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog and leave a comment, too!
~ Megin of VMG206
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Di @ Musings says
I love the mix of rustic and fresh paint. A workbench is on my project list, first I have to reclaim our storage area. I’m pinning this. ~di
Jenna says
This is adorable and such a great workspace! LOVE the mint green color you used for the top!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
Krista @thehappyhousie says
Wow! So cute and functional… love the mismatched handles, what a great unique touch. Visiting from Give Me the Goods Monday.
Krista @thehappyhousie
Katy Watkins says
Wow! I love that desk! The crates are my favourite, I have a few like that that I keep my hair stuff and make up in. If I had the room for a desk this would be perfect.
Elena says
Hey there! Here from the blog hop and am following you on Twitter and Pinterest :o) Hope you’ll get the chance to visit and follow back. You can find me here:
Twitter
https://twitter.com/croppedstories
Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/croppedstories/
Candace says
Will you get sick of me if just come here every week and tell you how talented you are?
Virginia says
Not at all, I will just have a huge head the next time you see me… beware!
Crystelle Boutique says
No way… I guess it never occurred to me that work benches could be CUTE! You really outdid yourself. I want one now…. 🙂
hugs x
Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
Christy says
I love the storage crates – great find!
Katie Goldsworthy says
I LOVE the way it turned out! Thanks for sharing it at Monday Funday!
Northern Cottage says
I’m in total looooove with this gorgeous workbench – when do you think you could drop it by so I can use it in MY studio? I’m so very impressed!!
Virginia says
On my way!
Susan says
Love this! Love the color, love the knobs, love the storage underneath! Keeping this in mind for when I finally finish my craft room! Have a great weekend!
Susan
Virginia says
Thanks Susan, have yourself a great (maybe crafty) weekend!
KG says
Coming by from .#SITSSharefest.
Love the blog and this repurposing of this workbench is wonderful. Great job!!
xoxo,
Khloe
http://www.kgstyleblogs.com
Lynaea says
I love this idea (your adaptation). Good looking and functional (your rustic boxes are the perfect touch). I’m working on improving my studio; I’ll tuck this notion for future reference. Thanks so much for sharing! Lynaea @ EveryDayBloom.com
Megan says
Really beautiful! I love the crates too. 🙂
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
Such a great craft room desk! I’m featuring it in the PoPP Spotlight this week. Thanks for linking up.
Jamie says
You’ve been featured! Be sure to grab a button 😉
http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/2013/04/give-me-goods-features-4.html
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Christine says
CONGRATS!!
You have been featured at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality! Come on over and grab your featured button, you deserve it 🙂
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/features-63/
Don’t forget to come over this evening to link up again 🙂
june olsen says
wow…looove this! nice job!
Amy says
Love this bench! The style, color, everything about it. I am trying to figure out how you were able to make it so inexpensive? We just came home from Lowes and priced all the materials including knobs using the materials list via the link provided. NOT including paint, it’s already over $225.00. Did you do something different or is there a cheaper place to buy lumber?
Virginia says
Hi Amy, To be honest it was so long ago, we did use some scraps we had on hand and I hunted around for cheap handles. I remember hubby telling me if I didn’t do the drawers it would have been cheaper and less work. Perhaps putting baskets in the holes would cut out a bit of cost. Maybe shop around for the best lumber price. Good luck!
Cara says
Thanks for sharing your wonderful, creative ideas. Could you post about your neat desk you have in your craft area?
Virginia says
Thanks Cara! I used to have a post about it, but it was very dated. It is basically a shelf on one end with a bank of drawers from the Home Depot on the other. The top is a full sheet of plywood with arborite glued down. It was inexpensive but has served me very well!
Kati says
This turned out so great! I love the eclectic crates and pulls.
Michelle says
Visiting you by way of Two uses Tuesday! Nice job on your craft table. Love , Love the baskets.
Leah Sannar says
What a cute little table! I have an entry table that is laid out similar to that one and I love the idea of making it into a craft storage… Thanks for sharing!
Donna Wirthlin says
I love that idea! I am in the midst of redoing my craft room….hmm.
Joann Woolley says
I love the rustic bins underneath the bench. This turned out looking really good.
Cathy says
This is a perfect work table – I love the simplicity of it and the knobs on the drawers are perfect for a craft room. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
rebecca lopez says
Love this friend! It’s so pretty!
Mandee Thomas says
Wow! This turned out great! Pinning for later. I wanted to let you know that I’m featuring this post tonight at the Create & Share Link Party (7:00 PM MST)! Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to see what you share with us this week. 🙂
Jennifer Dawn says
What an awesome project! I love how you painted it, and those crates are fantastic!
Lindi says
I Llve, love, LOVE this workbench! I wish I had your artistic vision sometimes! Beautiful job Virginia 🙂
Laura says
I love this! You would never know the before and after are the same bench! The color is beautiful and I love all the storage. Thanks for linking up to The Creative Exchange. We are featuring your project this week!
Mindy says
I adore this. Love the colors and overall design! Very inspiring!!
FAKAZA says
this information is good and creative.
Fakaza says
Your woodbench work is amazing. so elegant.. Kudos