I’m not really pleased with this project I’m about to show you. I sort of rushed to get it done because of the weather. Maybe I’ll work on it some more next week to see if I can make it more presentable.
I used one of these windows I got from Jamie over the summer.
In order to start, I have to deal with this weather stripping.
It generally removes pretty easily with a pair of pliers.
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I cut my 1×6’s to size and sanded them.
To secure my boards I used Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun.
The box is built pretty quickly. I test it to make sure the window fits.
Then the weather turned COLD again. I ended up bringing the project indoors to the basement shop. I haven’t used this shop in a long time. I didn’t build at all down there last winter due to my bum shoulder. Over the summer, I was able to work outdoors enough. Long story short, I should have taken this time to tidy up instead of working on this project.
When I build these cabinets, I like to fit the shelves to the panes. So, in order to do that, I have to lay the box onto the window.
I added the shelf boards, clamped the box, and shot some nails for a temporary hold until I could shoot some screws in.
I bought this cheap paneling a few months ago. You can see that it didn’t want to take the DIY chalk paint. It’s the first thing I’ve ever had resist the paint. I simply added some extra Plaster of Paris for a second coat. I painted the back and the box separately. After this happened, I’m glad I did.
I painted the shelving unit it with 2 coats of DIY chalk paint, and one coat of latex paint, and then attached the back.
Time to give the window a facelift. I had never used Minwax Gel Stain
I first started applying it with a cheap foam brush, wiping it off after a few minutes.
I don’t have any pictures, but while using the stain, I was unable to get the gel stain in those little cracks where the brush is. I switched to a very old paint brush (not shown) to get the stain into those cracks. After letting it dry overnight, I used this old chip brush to apply the Minwax Express Clear
I gave the inside of the window a fresh coat of paint, then scraped it off the window panes with a razor blade.
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I want to show you the before and after. It’s hard to believe it’s the same window. I think I’m loving my new Minwax products.
I love this dark stain, don’t you?
In this picture you can see how the shelves line up with the window panes. This is how it looks today. I think it’s sort of a plain jane. She needs a little something. Maybe a hat (crown molding) and some shoes (feet?) I’ve made several of these before, in all shapes and sizes, and I thought I’d want this one to be a plain wall cabinet….
EDITED TO ADD this picture to show that it is in fact hinged. 
I’m way too busy to dress her up this week. Today, a local magazine is sending a photographer to take some pictures for an upcoming article. Tomorrow, I’ll be dropping off some items at the Fan Fair.
Friday, I’ll probably be in a full out panic about speaking in public, and Saturday is the Fan Fair. Sunday is the Super Bowl, and Monday I start a big DIY project sanding hardwood floors. Hoping the weather cooperates so I can replace a storm door next week. Wow, I’m tired just thinking about all of that!
gail
This is not a sponsored post, Minwax sent me the products to try, and I honestly love them and want to share that with you. All thoughts, opinions, ideas and projects are my own.
Check out my other window projects below:
Lovely project and would work well even without bling. However how do you open it up to display items? Notice no hinges added on this one, just boxed in. Was it meant to stay empty? Love your items. So talented, but this one confused me.
Cyndy,
The door is indeed hinged. I apologize for the mystery. 🙂
The basement shop doesn’t make for a nice place to take pictures. I’ll edit the post to show it open, thanks for asking!!!
gail
Loving this idea! Thank you for sharing!!
Absolutely, Great idea! How long did this project take you? Seems a bit complicated but WOW it sure repurposed the window door and the shelving.- Mary Beth Nunez, Realtor®, http://marybethnunez.yourkwagent.com
Mary Beth,
It actually took me longer to paint and stain than it did for the building process. The building is just a simple box with the shelves. Making sure the shelves were lined up with the panes was a little time consuming.
thanks for your sweet comment!
gail
As always, a great job. I love your work and every thing looks beautiful.
This really is lovely. I can’t believe the transformation with that stain . So pretty! I wish I had your skills!
I love that you line up the shelves to match the window panes. I agree it needs a little something…I’m sure it will stew in the back of your mind while you’re doing all the other important stuff this weekend!
LUV IT! I’ve been wanting to do something like this for a while now….
Catherine
I think it’s beautiful just as it is. Something about simplicity is attractive. Awesome work and very inspiring 🙂
I LOVE this! I think it would look cool with some sort of pattern on the back of the shelves. Even something temporary like graphic wrapping paper wrapped around cardboard just to give it a “punch.” Or you could add feet in a fun color! Or a cool knob/handle. I think what’s great about the “plain-Jane” is that you can do ANYTHING.
Now…if only I had a dining room (or any space) for this to live…
That is what I was thinking the other day when I saw that great window at the Restore! I thought of you then. It looked almost like this one. Awesome job lady. Hope you are staying warm.
Oh, I love it! I think some kind on pattern on the back of the cabinet would do the trick to dress it up, and a fun handle/knob! Maybe a geometric stencil with a fun color or something… I love how you lined up the shelves with the panes, so awesome! I have been wanting to try the gel stains, it is good to hear you like them, it looks pretty! Best of luck this weekend! You will do amazing, I have no doubt!
Love those big windows and crazy good cabinet! Wise woman to line up the shelves with window panes! … Sounds like you have a lot going on. Take a deep breath and enjoy!
How did you attached the shelves to the box? It’s hard to tell from the pictures. Did you use screws at the back of the box or to the sides?
Cathy,
The shelves are secured first with brad nails, then screws-both from the side. I then patched the holes when I painted it. The back is very thin, so it’s just tacked with brad nails.
I hope that makes sense.
gail
This is a beautiful cabinet. Thanks for the detailed tutorial, so easy to follow. I love Minwax products, too, and the finish from the tube is new to me. I’m off to follow your link and read up on it.
The dark stain makes a great contrast with the white! As for needing a little something, what about a fun knob or handle?
Awesome as usual, Gail! How do you like the gel stain? Is it easy to apply? Does it dry quickly or take its time? The cabinet is really neat, and I like how you line the shelves up with the panes!
Cher,
I really, really liked the gel stain. It was so different, not at all what I expected. A little goes a long, long way! It did dry quickly, I would definitely recommend it for this type of application because it’s thick.
gail
I have used this gel stain on many projects….LOVE IT! Very easy to use and looks great. Drying time depends on the surface it is applied to, how thick your coat and the weather. Pretty much the same as paint.
I think it’s cute. I wish I had your carpentry skills……and tools! 🙂
i always love when you do these! such a great use of windows!
It’s looking good. I can’t wait to see it when you finish it. 😉
How did you attach the windows? I love this shelf.
Diane,
I added two hinges on the left side, each 5 inches from the top/bottom. It was very easy to do. I added the hinge to the cabinet first, then raised the window up so it would lay next to the cabinet to do the hinges. I seriously did not take enough pictures while making this cabinet. 🙁
I LOVE this Gail! You are amazing… I wish I lived next door, I’d be over every day for a tutorial! You make the BEST projects!
Susan
Those windows are so fun…lots of possibilities there!
Love your little cabinet, but I agree, it does need a little “bling”. Another idea would be to back the little cubbies with some fun paper maybe? Just a thought, but as always you have created a great little piece of furniture as is!