Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Cart Project

Yes, Candy, I said "project". But, it's not a lot of work. I'm just trying out different things to make this old cart functional. We eyed this in McAlester, Oklahoma in a funky little junk yard we had discovered on a previous roadtrip.
Lester, the junk man, told us that this cart was used for moving barrels around. I could see it as a coffee table. It is 31" long, 18" deep and 18" tall.
I thought maybe a piece of glass on top would be a good thing. But, the cart isn't really square.
This metal mat is a nice look, but, the non-squareness is apparent.
The longer I worked with it, I started to think it might be a great outdoor piece. Plant up this sink with ferns or gerber daisies.
Maybe a porch piece?
It would be great poolside, with beach towels in the baskets.
Would you have taken it off Lester's hands? Wanna take it off my hands? $39. What would you do with it?

Happy Wednesday
~Mindy

17 comments:

  1. I'd throw a butcher block top on it and a piece of wood across the lower area for a shelf & use it for a kitchen island. You could get some industrial wheels for it, put any kind of top on it and use it for a potting bench. Have you looked at it upside down, possible inspiration? I'll shut up now! Good luck ~Michelle

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  2. Mindy, I would put a board underneath as a shelf and then put slat across it so I could make it fit the un-squared top. I would take it a step further and stencil a checker board for games on the slats. The porch would be a great place for it. It would be great to drink some of that tea you like. I picture a lace runner across it with a pitcher of tea and glasses.

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  3. You've got some imagination, woman! I'm thinking the planter is the best bet.

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  4. I like the idea of the kitchen island, but it is not tall enough as is, not even with industrial wheels. It would need more elevation. I'm not visualizing the slats, but it sounds cute, April! I can't wait to see pics of your outdoor space. Erin, the funny part to me...I am still sick...haven't been to work since last Thursday. So, I was trying to take it easy today. All the top ideas were within about 200 feet of where the cart landed. Scary. ~Mindy

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  5. Mindy, what if you made a liner out of linen or burlap and used it in a laundry room or a kid's room? Sorry you are still feeling under the weather...you are taking something for it, right?
    Debbie

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  6. I'm kind of thinking a garden planter, but Deb's idea of a laundry cart or catch-all is looking good to me too.

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  7. Debbie and Zita,

    I have to tell you that David actually came up with the burlap liner idea and I was thinking he was pretty awesome for the idea. Now to have y'all, the queens of smart, suggest it, I know he has come a long way, baby. I love it! Thanks, ladies! He'll be tickled to be affirmed.

    Debbie, yes, I am taking robitusin stuff. It helps with the coughs, some. Heck, I would hate to think how bad off I'd be without the elixer. I plan to hit work again tomorrow. Yee haw!

    ~Mindy

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  8. Way cool! I would cut a board to fit the top and shabby it up. Then I'd find a cool looking grate and cut that to fit in the center of the board. It would then be adorable on a patio or in a sunporch as a side table...with two glasses of wine resting on it for David and yourself! Have fun!!

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  9. Ok hey I am thinking more of the "stool" looking thing behind it on the first pic??? what is that? The cart is cool I think for a garden cart.

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  10. I absolutely love the board/grate idea. Dang! Love it!

    Shirley, hi! Haven't heard from you in awhile. Are you coming out for the Community Sale in Poetry? Indeed, that is a great stool we picked up on our trip. $19. It is adjustable and clean as a whistle. Holler if you want more pics.

    ~Mindy

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  11. cool cart Mindy! Lots of great ideas. Make sure you post if you sell it! Brett

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  12. Oh, I am definitely not creative enough for this piece.

    Can't wait to see its' outcome.

    -FringeGirl

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  13. Hi Mindy,
    I would have definitely wanted it and taken it home too and the heavier the better (just ask my husband!). I like the outdoor idea, planter or I love it with the sink. It's one of a kind for sure and I love it.
    ~Tracie

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  14. Mindy

    You did good, its awesome. I like junk girls garden side table idea. It
    definitely was not a mistake. I would love to take it off your hands, but shipping that sucker wouldn't be cheap. Very cool piece! jojo

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  15. Hehe, Mindy. I'm loving the idea for the linen insert!
    Candy
    AKA Junk Sophisticate

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  16. Mindy, I would use old grey barn wood on it and stagger the lengths a little. That would help so that you wouldn't see it was not square. Sandi

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  17. I am voting for the burlap lined laundry cart or garage holder for kids basketballs and soccer balls. Love it! Donna

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I smile when I see each new comment. Ideas, acknowledgements, sharing. Your words are always appreciated. Thank you!