Most of my creations are generally out of need. I think of what I want, then find a way to make it.
But this round, I had no idea what I was about to make.
In fact, I still don’t really know what it is!
Other than a reclaimed wood branch shelf of course.
The shelf started with two reclaimed wood fence panels. After power washing and sanding, they were cut to size.
Then they were laid side by side with an off centre 10″ Route 66 stencil design.
And since I had no idea what I was making, I went through several thousand drafts after this too. I mean, two planks of wood can be anything!
So my apologies for not having more instructions. I’m trying to come up with a bunch of projects for The Olde Farmhouse market, and I’ve yet to land one that’s a clear win geared for mass production.
So, it’s one of a kind, one at a time creations until I find ‘the one’.
Everything was screwed together, with rusty hinges holding the two back panels together.
Junky, rusty, just my style!
And I still have no idea what it is.
But one thing became obvious really fast… are you thinking what I’m thinking?
Well now THAT works! 🙂
Toilet paper storage, rustic style.
But take a good look at the cabinet… can you spot all the oddities in the wood?
Even the top has a sky light knot hole!
Ohhhh yes! I love to celebrate the imperfect.
I think that’s what I love most about building reclaimed wood projects. Finding the perfect piece of old wood.
So… what else can this little rustic shelf be?
How about a paint or DIY caddy of sorts? Kinda makes having a few easy to grab supplies enticing to use, don’t you think?
Or a note taking shelf by the phone.
Or how about a laundry room or craft room helper?
As you can clearly see, I went through several hundred staging ideas.
But, I have to admit, one idea out more than the rest…
Coffee always wins, doesn’t it?
Now I want this handy little helper in my kitchen!
With a coffee stencil next time!
And knowing me, realizing it would ultimately become something else anyway. 🙂
What would you use this rustic little shelf for?
Donna, love how you think, great project
It could be a key holder, a jewelry holder, paper towel holder, or scarf hanger.
The rusty hinges are the PERFECT touch! Love this.
What about a by-the-back-door spot for keys, scarves and a place for phone charging. Your variations are wonderful too. Very clever!
Donna, as SOON as I saw it, I knew what it really is!
‘Amazing’ ‘Brilliant’ ‘Creative’ I could go through the alphabet. All the rusty odd ball hardware I have, now has a purpose!!!
Thank-you for the idea. It made my day. </:o)
Can we order one of these?
Hi Lisa! I only sell stencils online at this time. But thanks for your interest! 🙂
I absolutely LOVE this shelf!!! I have some reclaimed lumber from our old dairy barn where I grew up and have been saving it to see what kind of neat ideas you come up with!! I love this one!! Keep the great reclaimed lumber projects coming, Donna! They’re fabulous!! 🙂
Thanks Rebecca! I can safely say, my newest passion is just making stuff with fence boards! And I’m far from done, so you’re in luck! haha
Donna, I loved the story and pictures awhile back of how you scored the fence boards treasure loot!! I’m so looking forward to seeing every project you create with those!!! 🙂
Fantastic Donna! I love the way you can think so well outside the box! I smiled when I scrolled down to the pic of the loo paper holder. It hadn’t even entered my head. 🙂
So love the rusty ole hinges. Such a great touch. But it’s a hard pick between the loo paper holder and the coffee spot! x
I just love that little versatile shelf. Wow – so cool with all the edges and holes – I could think of many things I would use it for. Wonderful creation!
Oh, what a unique design and I soooo love the imperfections in the wood…the rusty hinges just put it over the top! You could use a sweet, little shelf like this in any room, really, but since I’ve been in gardening mode, how about in the gardening shed to hang your little gardening utensils or it could even be used to dry flowers. The potential is limitless, really! Now I just have to be on the lookout for some awesome old wood planks!
I love it! I would use it by the sink in the bathroom for a hand towel holder. Fresh ones on top and current one on the branch. I think the coffee one is my favorite.
I love the toilet paper especially since I am in need of a toilet paper holder in the half bath/laundry. I would only need the bottom shelf though. This is cute!
I absolutely love your ideas. Will be trying many with the help of my son.
Hi
I’m loving this shelf unit. Is it available to buy?
Hi Des, sorry, I create to inspire others to create. 🙂 Perhaps you can share this post with a handy builder type to make one for you…
Hi there – 90% of the things I make using live edge, as you did. I’ve no success with items under $40, so I make only things $50 +.
This looks like a $$ maker, so I will make a few and see. It is a neat little item. Now, I have to cook some hinges so they will rust.I had a lady call recently with old fence boards for free. I was looking for old fence posts, but now, I see that I can use her old fence pickets. I will call her today and pickup her fence pickets.
I will make toilet paper holder, cap rack, kitchen spatulas, key holder.
Thank you for your wonderful creation.