I don't normally spend too much time on the Pottery Barn site. Like their decorating style, just don't like their prices. And when you can make most of the stuff yourself or find similar things at garage sales and flea markets, it just doesn't fit into my frugal little mind to spend a lot on a home decor item.
But my niece had seen an Optician Sign on the Pottery Barn site that she thought was cool and on the way to checking out that, I ran across this Cubby Organizer. I fell in love with it and thought it would be perfect for my office.
After I got done cleaning the Coke off my computer screen from where I had involuntarily spit it, I started to think of ways I could make it myself.
I had these four wooden drawers that I had bought at a garage sale for 25 cents each in May. Yes, May, as in six months ago! They had just been sitting in my garage collecting dust and spiders ever since.
And if you turn them on their end, they sort of look like a shelf. Put all four together and you have my version of the Cubby Organizer.
I removed the staples and labels, cleaned the drawer fronts with Murphy's Oil soap and applied a coat of Minwax Paste Finishing Wax to spiff them up a bit.
Then I just filled in some of the cubbies with random stuff.
This sits on my work table, so I will fill in the rest of the cubbies with scissors, paint brushes and other non-pretty, but useful items at some point.
My favorite part of this is the rusticness of it.
And the slightly rusty drawer pulley thingies are the icing on the cake.
So, my $1.00 worth of wooden drawers vs the $129.00 Pottery Barn one saved me $128.00 (Yes, my accounting skills at use). It's like money in my pocket.
Pam of Eastlake Victorian
The drawers work perfectly as organizers! And I agree, the rusticness makes them extra special. Very cool! And I like that $128 in your pocket... ChaChing!
-Pam
Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing
You are unbelievable girl! Those look awesome, you are such a great inspiration. Better than PB!
lifespassion
Love your look much better than PB - you did a great job!
Little Vintage Cottage
I love that PB cubby shelf too and have been on the lookout for something that I can make my own out of. Your solution is great, love the patina on the old drawers!!
Tania
Sherry
These cubbies are so nifty and way better than the PB pricey ones. You lucked out on that find! Looks awesome!
Gloria (The Little Red House with the White Porch)
Love your cubbies! And you know what? I have a bird like you have on top there... mine is a robin's egg blue -- I have two of them actually and one dropped and the tail feather piece broke off! 🙁
BUT NOW...... I LOVE that BLACK bird of yours! Black is my favorite color. I just might paint my "injured" blue bird BLACK. What do you think? 😉
Best,
Gloria
Confessions of a Plate Addict
Wow! Amazing! And you can't beat that price! Happy week!...hugs..Debbie
The Polka Dot Closet
Oh Ya! yours is great! I can't believe you got those for 25 cents each, other people just don't appreciate old like we do!
Carol
Faye ~ Wild Rose Vintage
I'm with you! I love the drawers and how you used them. I'd much rather find something unique and turn it into something so useful. You did a great job! And the price was right. Beside,s where else would you get handles lake that anyway!!!
Faye
Cindy
I love your project. Great job!
Babs
Your storage cubbyies look so good. I love copying PB and you took their design and made it your own. Way to Go! It looka great.
WhyCuzICan
I wanna go garage saling with you! NICEEEE! And, for the record, I like your idea BETTER than PB, so there 😛
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Visiting from Savvy Southern Style's WOW linky party 🙂
Smiles,
Suzanne in NW Illinois
Pamela
LOVE it!! What a steal!! I would love for you to come and share for Treasure Hunt Thursday!
Denise S.
Love your drawers and so many uses for them. Just one question can I come junking with you. I still can't believe you only paid $1.00 for all those beauties!
Carrie
Very innovative! It turned out great. thanks for sharing!
Cass @ That Old House
You are a makeover genius!
This is a wonderful use of those old drawers, and how terrific for them to be starting new careers at their advanced age.
It looks fantastic, too!
Thanks for entering the DISH giveaway at That Old House today. Good luck! -- Cass
PS You have orphaned dishes at your house? They can live here, you know ....