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    Home » DIY » pet projects » Repurposed Drawer Dog Bed toy Box

    Repurposed Drawer Dog Bed toy Box

    Published by Gail | Published January 26, 2017 | Updated December 27, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    It’s time for January’s Power Tool Challenge-this month’s theme being “get organized”. My sweet little puppy Lulu Mae definitely needs to get organized. She already knows the term “pick up your toys”. She knows that’s her cue to pull out every toy as mom picks it up. So, my project this month is to make a dog toy box.

     

    vintage dresser drawerI have many, many drawers in my stash. Because Lulu Mae is petite, I decided that a shallow longer drawer would be better suited for her to be able to get into so she can find the right toy.

    vintage dresser drawer repurposed into dog bed or toy box MyRepurposedLife.com

    Pin it!

    dog toy box ideasI cleaned up the drawer a little and brought it in the house to give it a test run. You can see the wicker basket that we’ve been using. She’s started chewing on it, and it has quickly become too small to hold all of her favorite toys.

     

    lulu mae and her toysTo make sure she was going to adjust to the drawer as a new toy box, I filled it with her toys for a week or so.

     

    adding feet to drawer for toy boxYou just can’t have a drawer resting on the floor as a toy box. I went to my stash and found the nubs of something I cut off. I had saved them in a baggie for just the perfect project.

    *This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.*

    sand disc to use as feet

    A couple of the nubs needed a little sanding so I used this handy portable work table to hold them still. If you don’t have one of these, I’ll show you how else this can be done later in this post.

     

    repair joinery on old drawerThe drawer needed a few repairs, so I used my favorite Gorilla Wood Glue and the Rockler Silicone Glue Brush to apply the glue into the joints. Not shown: I clamped the drawer until the glue set up.

     

    add plywood to support feet on storage drawerBecause drawer bottoms are so thin, I cut some scrap plywood to beef up the bottom in order to attach the “nubs” as feet. I used wood glue to hold them in place.

     

    locate area for feetWhen adding feet to any project it’s best to put the feet on the inside of your project to draw the space out so you know where to drill your pilot holes.

     

     

    attach feet to bottom of vintage drawer for storageI always do this whenever I add feet to any project. I first did it way back in the day with my twin window cabinets.

     

    scrap plywoodTo hide the screws and make the bottom of the drawer more sturdy, I find a thin piece of plywood to make a false bottom for the drawer.

     

    table saw tipsWhen you need your cut to be precise, be sure to measure on the correct side of the table saw blade. If you’re using the piece on the right of the blade, measure there. If you’re scrap piece is on the right and keep the piece on the left, measure to the left side of the blade. This is also when I raise or lower the blade for the correct thickness of the material.

     

    false bottom for drawerWood glue on the bottom will secure the new false bottom and give it a much cleaner look.

     

    extra bottom added to drawerSo much better!

    nail gun to secure false bottomFor good measure I used my nail gun to pop a nail in each corner of the new bottom.

     

     

    patching drawer handle holesNow it’s time to do a little patching. Because I’ll be removing the original handles, I patched those holes as well as patching some chipped veneer. I also had to glue some small pieces of veneer that were coming loose. It was a little cool and overcast, so I brought out my portable fan to help speed up the drying process. When patching holes that are deep, it’s best to do it in three different stages. If you don’t, you’ll see a small divot when you paint.

     

    chalky paintTime to paint! I always paint the underneath side of my project first. I mixed up some diy chalky paint primer using plaster of paris and some satin black paint. As always, I use a cheap chip brush. Good coverage, and so easy to clean up!

     

    pink craft paint

    I grabbed some pink paints to see which one I wanted to use. I actually had to use two bottles for the inside of the drawer. I did a muted pink as the base coat . . .

     

    hot pink craft paint. . . and this scrumptious Americana Paint (Flamingo) as the top coat.

     

    heirloom traditions waxWhile the pink paint was drying, I used my favorite Heirloom Traditions wax and a car wash sponge to give a protective coat to the diy chalky paint.

    When shopping at Heirloom Traditions, use the code MYREPURPOSEDLIFE to save 10% and get this month’s deal.

     

    vintage leather beltTime to figure out the handles! I scored this fun belt recently at a thrift store. I love the detail on it, and it’s just girly enough to embellish Lulu’s new toy box.

     

    drill hole in beltI brushed on a little of the Flamingo paint and then wiped it back. I drilled a hole in each end of the belt to secure it to the drawer side.

     

    kreg cabinet hardward jigOhhh, this handy Kreg cabinet hardware jig  made it so easy for me to drill my pilot holes for the belt handles.

     

    using leather belt as drawer handleTa Da!!! I love the leather handles made from belts. I first got this idea from my friend Becky at Beyond the Picket Fence! She even mailed me some leather belts to get me started years ago. Now I try to look for great deals on belts when I’m out thrift shopping.

    cut vinyl silhouette CAMEOEvery girl needs some bling, right? I loaded some vinyl into my Silhouette CAMEO .

     

    lulu mae's toys CAMEOI typed out Lulu Mae’s Toys and chose the font AR BLANCA. I actually ended up not using the doghouse, it was too large.

     

    apply vinyl using painter's tapeI like to use painter’s tape to transfer smaller pieces of vinyl. You can see Miss Lulu in the background enjoying a piece of bread a squirrel left in the yard. She snuck it in while I wasn’t looking. I picked up that bed on Amazon because her brother and sister both have them and the LOVE them. I bought her  an extra small pet bed.

     

    adding paw print to dog toy boxWorking in the living room on a dreary winter day, you can see her toys are all over the floor. I used the tape to transfer a couple of paw prints, in addition to some bones.

     

    lulu mae's toys vinyl on dog toy boxBecause I had the overhead light on, there is a glare, and the pink vinyl almost looks white.

    repurposed drawer toy box dog bed MyRepurposedLife.comThis image is more true to color of the paint and the vinyl. You also get a good look at the repurposed leather belt handle.

     

    lulu mae loves her customized repurposed drawer toy box dog bed MyRepurposedLife.com

    Lulu Mae loves her new toy box, that could also work as a dog bed! She’s getting a little shaggy, but doesn’t get a haircut for about 6 more weeks. Winking smile

     

    Be sure to check out the other fabulous projects in this months Power Tool Challenge!

     

    The Kim Six Fix - Under Cabinet Storage

    My Repurposed Life - Repurposed Drawer Dog Toy Box

    H2OBungalow - DIY Hanging Jewelry Organizer

    Create And Babble - Pallet Wood Entryway Bench with Shoe Storage

    The DIY Bungalow - Reclaimed Wood Shelves

    Designed Decor - Repurposed Radio Cabinet Coffee Bar Drink Station

    Domestically Speaking - Easiest DIY Drawer Organization

    Refresh Restyle - Mudroom Storage Idea

    My Love 2 Create - Drawer Storage Shelf

    Virginia Sweet Pea - 2 x 4 DIY Shelving Unit Storage Shelf

    Thrift Diving DIY Peg Board Organizer (late entry, not seen in image above)

     

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    1. Effective Presenter

      September 13, 2021 at 12:39 pm

      Old drawers often quality wood and quality construction you did a GREAT job on the dog bed, etc.

      Our 17yo male Chihuahua I plan to make a new bed for him with a heavy old drawer - casters I think I will use casters on the bottom and not bun feet. Navy blue and red a coastal or nautical theme bed.

      Dozens of uses for old drawers.

      Kevin

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        September 13, 2021 at 5:49 pm

        Awesome plan Kevin!

        Your pup will love it, I'm sure!

        gail

    2. Marie from The Interior Frugalista

      February 03, 2017 at 3:23 am

      First of all, Lulu Mae is adorable and so is that hot flamingo pink! Great idea for repurposing an old drawer and how lucky is she to have such girly girl bed.

      Reply
    3. Brette

      February 01, 2017 at 3:52 pm

      Everytime I see a picture of Lulu, I want to pick her up and hug her.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        February 01, 2017 at 6:09 pm

        Me too Brette! She's so sweet!

        thanks for checking out her new toy box.

        gail

    4. Julie@followyourheartwoodworking

      January 27, 2017 at 8:56 am

      Cuteness overload!

      Reply
    5. Kim Six

      January 26, 2017 at 3:57 pm

      I love the addition of the belt! What a great project and how fun that Lulu Mae has a fun place to store all her toys!

      Reply
    6. Serena @ Thrift Diving

      January 26, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      This is so cute, Gail!! Lulu Mae is such a little diva. 😉 The black and pink are the perfect touch. Pinned this! 🙂

      Reply
    7. Mindi

      January 26, 2017 at 1:47 pm

      Gail this is so perfect!! I love how it turned out the pink and black it perfect! I am impressed she puts her toys away too! Great job, pinning!

      Reply
    8. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking

      January 26, 2017 at 1:24 pm

      Gail that turned out SO cute!

      Reply
    9. DeDe Designed Decor

      January 26, 2017 at 1:14 pm

      OMG! LuLu is so darn cute! I would melt ever time I would look at her. Love the toy storage idea. I use one of these for my Cinnamon too, except she doesn't look like a little-stuffed toy if she was in hers.

      Reply
    10. Paula

      January 26, 2017 at 11:46 am

      Lulu Mae is cute as a button and I know she loves her new toy storage box. You made it so cute with the leather belt handles and the vinyl transfers. My Sherman's toys are always all over our house. You have to be extra careful at night when walking around because there's sure to be a toy underfoot. If I see a drawer on the side of the road, I need to make one of these for Sherman.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        January 27, 2017 at 9:23 am

        I totally get the "at night" problems. I've stepped on my share of bones and sharp toys! 🙂 With the toy box drawer being low and large, Lulu can easily get to her toy of choice. Let me know if you make one for your Sherman!

        gail

    11. Karen @ The DIY Bungalow

      January 26, 2017 at 11:39 am

      Oh my goodness - how cute is that? Of course, how adorable is Miss Lulu Mae, too?!? What a great idea. Pinning and sharing!
      I wonder if I could find a deep drawer and do this for Elvis and Hank? Of course, they couldn't sit in it!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        January 27, 2017 at 9:24 am

        Karen,

        I think you'd have DIY it and make your own box for your boys! 🙂

        gail

    12. Jeanie

      January 26, 2017 at 11:17 am

      Lulu Mae is one little spoiled puppy! This is the cutest doggy bed / toy box I've ever seen - I love the colors and the belt handles . . . let's just say that old belts will now be on my list when I got to estate sales and flea markets! Pinning.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        January 27, 2017 at 9:24 am

        Yes! Jeanie, pick up some leather belts next time you thrift. You'll find all kinds of uses for them.

        gail

    13. Wendi@H2OBungalow

      January 26, 2017 at 8:27 am

      Too cute! Who can resist a pretty pup in a picture. Lulu May is one loved little girl. Loving the little mini bun feet you made for her bed, she's stylin' now! Pinned and shared 🙂

      Reply
    14. Cassie Bustamante

      January 26, 2017 at 8:19 am

      snowball needs this in her life! she makes a mess of her toys though... they're always all over!

      Reply
    15. Jen

      January 26, 2017 at 6:36 am

      Your puppy is so cute! Thanks for the idea of adding color to the belt. That little touch adds so much.

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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