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Spindle Crate

Published by Gail | Published | Updated
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Hi it's Mindi from My Love 2 Create!
One of my favorite things to build are crates. They are fun, useful, and easy to make. Today I am sharing my latest...a Spindle Crate.

How to make a spindle crate using reclaimed bits & pieces plus scrap lumber MyLove2Create for MyRepurposedLife.com

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See what I mean?! Cute and useful!

Now let me show you how easy it is to build!

How to build a spindle crate

cut crate pieces to size

All scrap and reclaimed wood for this crate. I used 1x4's, 1x8's (the boards with grooves, not sure what this wood was used for), a 1x12 (not pictured), and then some spindles from an old chair. I cut the spindles and the ends the same length, and then the long sides.

 

cut bottom board dry fit

Now I needed a bottom piece. I found an old 1x12 board and it was the perfect size. I had cut the ends and spindles at 11 ½'' so I just needed to trim them down to 11 ¼'' so they would be the same width as the bottom board. Then I used a long side piece and the ends to mark how long to cut the bottom piece(left). On the right I am doing a dry fit to make sure everything matches up.

measure and mark cut lines

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While doing my dry fit I realized that I wanted some sort of scallop on the long sides. I grabbed a 5 gallon paint stick and used it as a guide on the sides, it is 1 ½'' wide so that is where I started my semi circle that I traced with a bowl (bottom left). I ended up doing two scallops (bottom right).

Use a jigsaw for the detail cuts

cut sides with jigsaw

With my design traced on I grabbed my Jig Saw to cut it out (top left). When I finished (top right) I didn't love it...so I drew a straight line to connect the bottom of the semi circles and cut off the excess (bottom left), I liked it much better. Once it was cut out I traced the shape onto the other side board (bottom right) and cut it out as well.

Parts for Spindle Crate

ready to build crate pieces

Now I was ready to build, here are all my pieces cut, sanded and ready to go!

Assemble the Crate

Building the crate

To build the crate I started by adding the end pieces to the bottom piece with wood glue and 2'' finish nails. I used my awesome Nail Gun to attach them. Next, I added the long sides, making sure to nail into the bottom and ends. Then I clamped my spindles in place and put 3-2'' nails into each side. All done!

spindle crate

Isn't it cute?! I love how unique it is. You can see I filled in the cracks with Spackle. I like to do this when I paint so the gaps don't show up after painting. On most seams it wasn't necessary, but I usually get carried away and do it where I don't even need it. 🙂

Time to Paint

spray paint crate

I grabbed one of my left over spray paint cans and gave it some color!

Wooden Spindle Crate for Storage

crate for holding card games

My original idea for this crate was to use it for our small card games. It fits perfectly on the shelf in our game closet.

crate for holding card games

This way they won't get lost in the mess that happens when the kids are pulling out and not putting away games.

spindle crate for magazines

Then I had an idea. I wondered if the crate could hold magazines...

spindle crate for magazines

And it can! Two stacks...perfectly, and I didn't even plan it!

Wooden Crate for Special Occasions

crate used to carry paper goods for a partySince I was trying different purposes for this crate I headed to the kitchen. You can never have enough ways to keep your paper goods organized when hosting a party...

crate used to carry paper goods for a party

And this spindle crate does it quite nicely.
So what about when it isn't helping at the party?

Wooden Spindle Crate for Decor

crate used for decor

What about turning it on it's side and using it as a decorative piece? Hmmm...why not?! It looks pretty!
 crate used for decor
My favorite part are the old chair spindles that I used for the handles, they make me smile. What would you use this crate for?
Find more awesome crate ideas on my blog!
Hugs,
Mindi

see more of Mindi's posts on MRL here

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About Mindi

Mindi is a wife, mother, runner, dancer, and a lover of all things fun and DIY.

A few years ago she discovered blogs and fell in love with the idea that she could do things she had always dreamed of doing. Like build furniture from pallets, and make cool projects for her home.... Mindi was inspired by other bloggers that empowered her to create.

Mindi decided to give back and possibly reach someone out there that has a desire to create like herself. She believes we all have that desire in some form or another, and we all DO create in our own way, every day. Whether it be crafty or not, even creating happiness in others is a gift that many share.

Mindi loves to learn and use that knowledge to make beautiful and useful things for her home.

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  1. Kathy A

    I love your little crate;especially on its side as a small shelf unit. I would have it filled up with doo dads before you could finish blinking!

    Reply

  2. Angie at Knick of Time

    What a great reuse of all that scrap wood Mindi - and so many pretty ways to use it!

    Reply

  3. Cathy

    I have a question about attaching the spindles. You used 3, 2 inch nails on each side so a total of 12 nails in those little spindle legs? Is that correct? Using that many didn't split them? Are they finish nails?

    Reply

    • Mindi

      HiCathy! Yes I did use finish nails, three in each side so that would be 12 total. I put them very close together at the center. I had no problems with splitting. If you don't have finish nails, you could pre-drill a hole and add 2'' screw instead, but be sure to pre-drill first, or you could have problems with splitting. I hope that helps!

  4. Gail Wilson

    A BLUE spindle crate! What a surprise. 😉 I really like the design, and agree about changing the double scallop. I love it just the way it is.And icing on the cake? How versatile and useful it is. Way to go!

    Great tutorial with lots of tips. Thanks for sharing here on MRL.

    gail

    Reply

    • Mindi

      Thank you so much Gail, you know I love my blues! 🙂 Thanks for letting me share on your blog, It is such an honor!