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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Radio Flyer Potting Bench - Pinterest Inspired

This was supposed to be last week's post, but we had a little design flaw that had to be worked out.  This bench was made from found objects, mostly objects found in my stash.
Here is the inspiration photo I found on Pinterest one day when I was looking for potting bench ideas.  When I saw this, it just so happened I had just come across a Radio Flyer wagon and had also just found a kitchen cart at my favorite flea market.
I rummaged through my stash to see what else I could find to complete the project.  The shelf is made from an old dresser drawer front and the trim you see on the front of it was made from the bottom skirt from the same dresser.  I had two of these windows, some cute little brackets found in my travels that were never used and some curtain rod brackets.
The inside of the wagon was pretty rusty so my husband sanded it with a wire brush and painted the inside of the tray white.  Then he removed the wheels which are being saved for another project and attached the wagon with bolts to the top of my kitchen cart.  All the wood got a coat of Old White to make things look uniform.
I am fresh out of plants and potting soil since it is the dead of winter (even here in California) so I'm sharing this project as a beverage cart/food cart.  Wouldn't this be great for parties if you lined the wagon and filled it with ice?  Simply place your sodas and other beverages in the ice.  Your glasses can go on the shelf and you have another shelf on the bottom for extras.  This kitchen cart had a wine rack underneath perfect for an out door barbecue.
Here is the before picture just as we were about to fit the wagon onto the top of the table so we could drill the holes.  I know my husband reads my blog and he is probably saying "We?"  I will admit he did all the labor and heavy lifting on this project.  I was simply the director.  If you are wondering about our design flaw, it was that the window had to be attached with L-brackets on the front and the back at the base.  Otherwise, the weight of it caused it to lean.  Now it stands straight and tall.
Thanks for stopping by.  The Little French Flea Market is open this weekend.  You can find the address on Facebook.  We are located in Chatsworth, California.
I may be partying at...

Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy  
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday


Wednesdays      Ivy and Elephants
                                           

Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                     Common Ground
                                  
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

19 comments:

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

What a lovely post! Nice colors.
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

I love your bench - the little red wagon on a cart - you are so cleaver. So many uses for your new bench.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Mary

White Lace and Promises said...

This is just one of the cutest things I have ever seen. I can't do the ideas on pinterest so I don't bother to look.

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Adorable! Your garden bench could be used for so many things, but I love the idea of filling the wagon with ice and using it as a beverage cart. Well done, Maggie!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

A fun and clever joint effort I'd say. Love it!

Alison Agnew said...

How ingenious! To be able to see all those disparate objects coming together to form an entirely new and lovely piece. Would love for you to share at Fridays Unfolded!

Alison
Nancherrow

The Speckled Hen Cottage said...

I could see the plants in it until you said filling it with ice for a beverage station~~~how cute would that be at a gathering! Great job, the both of you!If your doing the flea this weekend good luck~~~

The Speckled Hen Cottage said...

I could see the plants in it until you said filling it with ice for a beverage station~~~how cute would that be at a gathering! Great job, the both of you!If your doing the flea this weekend good luck~~~

Gail said...

Now that is adorable Maggie! Enjoy your weekend, Gail

Bliss said...

I need to try my hand at putting stuff together like this. I always like the results.

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

LOVE IT!

Doreen said...

Hi Maggie
Absolutely love your radio flyer potting bench/tea cart, even better than the inspiration!
Doreen

Susie said...

Maggie, That is just too cute. I really like that little bench. You and your husband did a great job. xoxo,Susie

Danni@SiloHillFarm said...

OH Maggie! That is just genius! I love it!

Celestina Marie said...

HI Maggie, LOVE IT~~ the inspiration pic is cute~ but your take and finish is outstanding.
I love a potting bench and my son built one for me for Christmas several years ago. I would be lost without it! You are really going to enjoy it. Great job you and your hubby designed.
Have a good sale at the flea. Which I could visit.
Hugs

Anonymous said...

I love this!

Unknown said...

Well I'll be Maggie!!! That's the cutest thing ever. I love the fact that you even left the curtain hardware on the window. You & your husband should be pleased as punch with this cute potting bench or serving station. I love it!

Irene Helms Designs said...

Absolutely charming idea for a potting bench. What a great spring project!
Irene

karen@somewhatquirky said...

Maggie this is so dang cute! I love the idea of using the wagon. But I'm trying to evaluate the idea of having edges on my potting bench and not being able to dust off the dirt.