Thrift Shop Storage Cube Transformation idea

When I started working in Corporate America eons ago
– I swear the phrase of the year was “Think outside the box.”
I had a manager who loved this sort of terminology.
Any time I went to him for advice, this was the type of answer I got.
He was a good manager, but I wasn’t a big fan of the phrase.
I felt that it was contrived.
Ideally, we should all be thinking inside,
outside
and around the box!

Don’t get me wrong. I am aware that there is a lot of value in creative thinking.
I mean, look at all my projects. I’m just not a big THINKER. I like to solve problems, come up with fun stuff and get things done. In my mind, that makes me a DOER.
I believe there’s a difference between me and someone who can really enjoy depth in their thought processes.

If I spend too much time contemplating life, its meaning and what I’m supposed to be when I grow up…
I just get depressed. I struggle with my next steps. I compare myself to the world around me. I wonder why things haven’t gone my way. I worry about my health for no apparent reason.
And none of that (NONE OF THAT) is good stuff!

Overall, I’m a person who likes to be positive. That’s why the past year has been a test of my mental strength. I am generally purpose driven. Without someone or something driving my purpose – I’m screwed.
I had to remind myself of that the other day. I had to get back on track. So this weekend – I’m planning a schedule for my weekly activities. I’m getting myself re-involved and recommitted to things I enjoy doing and are helpful to others.
I’m moving on. I’M NOT THINKING ABOUT IT ANYMORE.

Back to the DIY, which also happens to be about A BOX.
I found myself a box (or ironically a cube) at my favorite thrift shop. I have been wanting find a piece for storing outdoor shoes/boots in the garage. I wanted it to have a little bench seat as well. You know, for when you are putting boots on or whatever. When I saw this cube the other day – I knew I was golden. I have NO IDEA what it was originally. But for $6, I wasn’t questioning it!

It is made of wood covered with veneer. First I primed it. I let it dry for a good 24 hours.

Then I put on two coats of Rustoleum black enamel. I found out that I don’t like enamel cuz it’s messy to clean up. I bought it accidentally. You can use latex. I used a brush AND a foam roller. Foam rollers rock for this sort of project. No streaks.

After that dried for a good bit, I put on a coat of Polycrylic. This was a precaution because I needed it to stand up to garage type activities.

Now, this box doesn’t have a top that comes off. To upholster it I had a couple options: I could wing it OR I could get a cushion and attach with Velcro. (I’m sure you can come up with other options as well but those seemed the easiest to me.)

I went with winging it. (No surprise huh?) I cut 2 inch high density foam to fit the top. I used spray adhesive to hold it in place and then I stapled the material on to the sides.

I had a fight with my new power stapler at this point, but I ended up winning. Yay me! Then I used white grosgrain ribbon to cover the staples. I attached it with hot glue.

Finally, I removed the feet and added casters. With locks. This way it can be moved around in the garage but also be stable to sit on.

I put a plastic (easily cleanable) basket inside for shoes – and we are good to go!

The rest of the garage? Well that’s a story and a project for another time.

PS: Thanks to Live Love DIY for the tips on painting veneer!

In case you need more DIY ideas without leaving this blog,
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Or probably unique organization ideas without using Google,
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Or Furniture..
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