So I find myself more and more reevaluating what I already own and making more frequent trips to the Goodwill and local thrift stores. Sometimes I strike out..but sometimes I find the neatest things and finding those little treasures gets my creative juices flowing…like this little beauty for instance:
It was only $3.00 and I saw so many different uses for it! But it just didn’t quite inspire me in it’s current state. It whispered to me as I carried it up to the register, “Paint me white!” So I did.
Then it said to me…”Remember that adorable idea that Kristin had for making knock-off antique crates?” “You know the one where she stenciled on her wedding year?” “Yep..” it said, “I think I would look lovely with one of those painted on me.” And, since it asked so sweetly I had to comply.
First I measured for the middle and then lightly traced the letters and numbers onto the caddy. Then, I filled in the letters with brown acrylic paint I had on hand. I wasn’t worried about it being neat and precise, because once it dried I did this:
Then, my little caddy did a most amazing thing. It finally told me what it needed to be.
It wanted to make my life easier and hold all of our outdoor dining supplies.
Wasn’t that so kind of it? 🙂
Total Cost for outdoor caddy and accessories: $14.00
Caddy: Goodwill: $3.00
Napkins: Jo-Ann’s: $1.50
Cups: Dollar General: $3.00
4 Cloth placemats: The Dollar Tree: $4.00
Mini Salt and Pepper Mill: HomeGoods: $2.50 on clearance
Silverware: Already had
Thanks for meeting me at the fence!
Oh this is awesome!! I found a similar bare wood tool box at the thrift store that I’m painting right NOW..I can in to search ideas to paint on the box…
I didnt even have to search…I’m gonna put est. 2008..I think that’s we when got married..LOL
Thanks ladies!
Heather- That is absolutely darling! I have quit buying like I used to also. I have SOOO much I figure it is time to leave it for someone else! Hugs-Diana
Heather, it’s perfect! and how handy for dining outside!
Debbie
Heather this turned out great! Love how you sandpapered over your paint and hid the imperfections with the distressing.
That is absolutely awesome. What a great find and I love what you did with it. I’m going to have to keep my eyes open for something like that. It’s perfect for outdoor entertaining. Thanks for stopping by and joining the party.
Great job! This would be cute with a monogram, too.
Wow,I love this caddy and it looks wonderful for an outdoor tablescape… I like the white finish on it and how you stenciled those letters.It will go in any kind of decor… beautiful! Thanks for sharing!~Poppy
http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/
Very cute!!! Great job! I think I have one of these little caddy’s somewhere. I’m going to have to find it.
This is a fabulous idea! Love the distressing!!
This was a fantastic find! I have been on the hunt for the perfect caddy at a bargain. You found it! I love that is was unfinished too and you were able to customize it just for you. Great job! It’s looks fantastic!
So cute, I love it!
Oh it’s so pretty, I love it! Some things are just so much better painted white 🙂
XO
Kristin
LOVE it, and I soooo want to copy this!! Thanks for sharing!!! TOO CUTE! I’m headed to Dollar Tree this weekend to find some bargains!
Lovely DIY. Great inspiration. I have never tired a DIY so far but I am so tempted to do this 🙂
very very attractive picture in this blog.really amazing…
beautiful!
i am particularly attached to anything fourth-of-july-ish. 🙂
you made wonderful use of “what you had”. i need to do better. the home front overflows with crafting items but i never USE them, opting instead to run out and be compulsive(should likely not go into a hobby lobby ever again, or at least for a year or two).
thanks for the inspiration!
awesome! such a cute little caddy!
I love it!! What a super find at Good Will. I would love a caddy like that. I love how you filled it and what great shots!
Heather, this is genious !! I love how you transformed it into a super ca-ute utensil, etc. caddy !! And, to think that I just spent $9.99 on a white metal one at Target … wish I’d seen your inspirational post first … I would’ve scoured GW first!
This is awesome! I just love it! Now I’ll have to keep my eye out so I can make one 🙂
This is just so versatile and cute, Heather! Love how you purposed it for the table. It could be used on your desk, as well. I need to go find me a carry-all. *grin*
~ Sue
You are so awesome to think of such a cute idea!
That is perfect, Heather! It looks like it holds everything you need! I know what you mean about making new purchases. I question myself quite a bit now and usually it’s a “where will you put it?” question. If I have no answer, I don’t get it.
I’m so in love with the project! Turned out great!
that turned out so cute! I love trying to find things and see what I can do with them but I also love to just buy things and I know that that shouldn’t happen too often. I do try to reason with myself more it seems and I am getting better. 🙂
This is just so cute. And what a great thrift store find. We finally had one open here yesterday so guess where I’m headed tomorrow….Yes, thrift store after garage sales.
Marianne 🙂
This turned out wonderful, Heather! The caddy is not only cute but you can use it for so many things. Thank you for joining my party.
xo,
Sherry
Sweet and such perfect timing! I just got a caddy at a garage sale and you have inspired me to try this! Coming over from Common Ground and your newest follower!
Jeanine
Neat thrifty find and so convenient to use. Inspiring!
I LOVE this caddy – it’s so perfect for summer! I featured you in my Friday I’m In Love favorites today – come over and take a look!
http://socialsalutations.blogspot.com/2011/06/friday-im-in-love-week-2.html
– Jenn @ Social Salutations
This is so lovely. I want to hop right over and join you there!! I love the romance of the stencil caddy. Aaaaah!!!
Sarahx
It looks so colorful and pretty for summer! I love it.
This looks amazing! I adore eating outside, although now it is already 1000 degrees outside! I will have to try the stencils…my freehand is crummy and this turned out so stinkin’ cute! I added the Blog Block Party button to my blog! How fun! Can’t wait!! Christie
Super cute idea and love it all pretty and painted in white! The stencil is perfect ~ thanks for linking this up this week 🙂
Love how crisp and clean this is! I’ve featured this post on Craft Gossip here:
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/dining-caddy-for-outdoor-entertaining/
Thanks for inspiration!
If you would like a “featured by” button, you can grab one here:
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/
I’m just a caddy “nut”, I just cannot resist them, and this turned out great! Love having you all link up for VIF! xoxo Debra
This is a great idea! Having a caddy for eating outdoors makes setting & cleaning up so much easier. I just use a plastic basket now, but this is so much cuter!
love this…i actually scored a white shabby handmade tool box at a tag sale over the weekend and now i know what i can use it for! thanks for sharing at fridays unfolded!
Ok, I did a search for “dinner” in Google reader because I’m going grocery shopping in a few minutes here(ugh!), and this came up…how did I miss this!??!?! So stinkin’ cute, and PERFECT for our summer outdoor dining nights! WOW! Thanks so much for sharing!
http://www.iheartmygluegun.com
What a brilliant idea, this is one of a kind. Thanks for sharing this one. I love this one. Gotta try one.
Patio Furniture Set
What a brilliant idea, this is one of a kind. Thanks for sharing this one. I love this one. Gotta try one.
Patio Furniture Set
I just added this beautiful project to my Friday Faves post today! Hope you all are having a great Friday!
http://creativecarmella.blogspot.com/2011/06/few-of-my-faves-this-friday.html
Heather and Vanessa,
Just discovered your blog this morning and have been trying to post you a message and I click on post comment and it gives me a message..”You may have disabled javascript. Please enable Javascript before leaving a comment on this site.. The cache may have been out of date. Use this link to view a fresh version Making Outdoor dining easier.”
I’m computer challenge..what are they talking about? Have no idea what javascript or cache means. Can somebody email me at BESHENOUR@COMCAST.NET AND walk me through whatever they are talking about.