Monday, August 1, 2011

Crate Seats, My Way.

In other words, the wrong way. A lesson that you'd think I would have learned by now: read the directions before starting a project...simply looking at a picture isn't enough. Usually. Okay, I'm going to go ahead and be honest. I'll never learn this lesson. I am like a man in this way. Directions are for losers!

Anyway, I first got the idea to make these crate seats from a post on pinterest. They are seats for kids made out of file crates--you just make a cushion for the top. I saw the picture and thought "those are really cute and would be great for my classroom library, but are they worth making?". Then, my uber crafty friend, Emily, sent me a picture of crate seats she had made and they were absolutely adorable. She said they were super easy to make, so I immediately went out and got the materials to make some of my own. It was an adventure, to say the least.

So, I headed off to my least favorite place in the entire world--Walmart. I truly despise Walmart, but that's a whole other can of worms that we don't need to bring up. At hell Walmart, I picked up file crates, fabric, and a foam mattress pad. Birdie helped.





Then, I headed down the road to Lowe's for the plywood and staple gun. I thought I was a smartie and measured the crates while at hell Walmart, but here is where things went downhill. I measured the bottom of the crate. The bottom. Think about this. The point of these lovely seats is not only to provide a comfy place to rest your hiney, but also to use as storage. I was supposed to measure the TOP so that the cushions rest on the top and can be removed to store items inside the chair. DUUHH! Blondie here didn't think that far. So, my plywood cushion bases were cut too big. Which led to more problems down the road. 
After having my lovely male Lowe's worker wearing skinny jeans, Sperry "boots", and a tight Michael Jackson-esque jacket (not your typical Lowe's guy), cut my plywood I found another lovely Lowe's worker to point me in the direction of the staple guns and I was on my way. 

So here's how it went from there:

Step 1: grabbed my plywood...
 cut the foam to size....

Step 2: cut the fabric to size. This is when I realized the lovely girl at Lowe's gave me the wrong staples. So, instead of heading back to Lowe's to easily fix the problem (Lowe's is literally 5 minutes from my house), I took the lazy route and pulled out my glue gun. 

There's nothing a glue gun cannot fix!
words to live by.

Step 3: staple fabric to plywood. Hot glue fabric to plywood.
 Viola! A cushion!

step 4: rest cushion on top of crate for easy removal. Hot glue cushion to bottom of crate.
The finished product. Pretty darn cute, even if they don't completely serve their purpose!

So, if you're a teacher or mom and you decide to make these, I recommend the right way. 
Not Caro's Way.

143 comments:

  1. Awe, but Caro's Way is so much more adventurous!

    Love you! Mom

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  2. haha i love it. i am the exact same way, but with recipes. i never read ahead and then when i get to a step, i'll realize i don't have enough of an ingredient or i forgot to preheat the oven, etc.

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    1. How do u keep the cushion from coming detached from the crate?

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  3. For high schoolers to sit on, they would have to be made this way! I don't think the crates would hold their weight if they were sitting on the sides. Too cute!

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  4. i totally made them too. without directions. and for some reason i thought (by just examining a photo) that i should buy polyfil (the stuff inside pillows and dog toys) instead of a mattress pad. oh, and i didnt use plywood-i had cardboard, ha! so, my crates look like crates with pillows on top. oh well :0)

    -Rachele

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    1. You could use it as an example of what happens when you don't follow directions. Lol !!!
      I bet they're cute, you should post a pic. Anyway, you're so funny. Thanks for making me laugh so often.so

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    2. You could use it as an example of what happens when you don't follow directions. Lol !!!
      I bet they're cute, you should post a pic. Anyway, you're so funny. Thanks for making me laugh so often.so

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    3. How much fabric did you buy? I want to make 4.

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  5. Love them! This is actually the second classroom seating post I read today...Gosh I am not very handy to do this but they will look great in your classroom...hmm maybe I try to do at least two. :-) Thanks for the wonderful idea!

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  6. This is GENIOUS!!! Wonderful idea for a teens room! AWESOME:) Im now following you stop over sometime and follow me:)) Deidre~ http://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com

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  7. I really like the fabric. You got that at Walmart? I didn't think they sold fabric - or did it start out as something else?

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    1. I sure did. Not all of our Wal-Mart's still carry fabric, but the one near me does. Not much of a variety, though!

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    2. I recently heard that many stores that discontinued fabric will be getting it back.

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    3. I LOVE this fabric! So much so I saw it at Walmart about 6 months ago and bought all they had! I made valances and pillows with it! The black background on the valances and the cream as pillows on my dark brown couches! turned out adorable! Love the idea of the crate seats!-Mindy

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  8. So... I guess I'm a little confused. Was your intent to have the cushions just resting on the open area of the crates (not secured at all)? Either way, these are super cute!! :)

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    1. Yes, that's the way they are "supposed" to be made. However, my crates wouldn't have been nearly strong enough to hold my third graders if I had done it that way. :)

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    2. Well you can still use them for storage just find baskets that will go under. Also empty pop can tins etc. !!!

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  9. I love this! I have 10 computers with no chairs...this would be perfect for the classroom.

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  10. This is a great idea. Love the fabric you used. Going to attempt to make these.

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  11. Ohhhhh, I didn't even think of using them for storage when I first saw the photo on Pinterest. That makes sense, but the storage crates I have on hand aren't strong at all.

    Either way, I love these!

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  12. I have a question for you...I saw that you made these for your classroom....how much weight do they hold? lol I have that exact crate from wallmart and would love to make some for him, I just was wondering how sturdy they are. Thanks in advance for your help!! :D

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  14. just found these crates on pinterest, they will be our new time out seat! and i lvoe me a fellow gamecock girl

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  15. I love your sense of humor. What is the wood resting on if you were to use them as storage?

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  16. I think your mistake is actually a great thing. I too think if you placed these on the top and had storage that they wouldn't actually be safe for kids that weighed much. I'm going to make these for our toy room, just light you did (except I'll use staples). If we need to throw toys in them for a quick clean up they can always be turned upside down temporarily :) Love these!! Thanks for sharing.

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  17. I'm going to make them just like you did as a place near the door for my kids to sit on the put on their shoes. When they kick their shoes OFF, they can store them under their seat instead of in the doorway. Your mistake is actually better, I think. They can store hats and gloves under there too, when not in use. Hidden, but still accessible. Love it!

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    1. I really like your idea! Storing their shoes or book bags under the crates it genius!

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  18. I love your seats, they are too cute and unless you tell somebody you did them wrong you wouldn't look at them and know! I also call walmart HELL. I usually tell people my clothes are going to smell like smoke from going into the bowels of hell when I go into the store.

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    1. Thank Goodness our county has gone Smoke Free for ALL buildings! You still had to walk thru the smoke screen of those standing outside the door. SO...another local law was passed that smokers had to stand a certain distance from the front door. It's not enforced but it has made things better! I go in other states and I'm shocked to walk into restaurants, etcc with smoking allowed. I just noted your reply was back in 2012..sorry

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  19. I wonder if they would hold my big butt instead of my nieces hahahaha

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  20. Gonna go to you know where today to sit on a crate. If it holds....wonderful addition to my sons new college abode (anything indestructable is accepted!)

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  21. We made ones just like this for boy scouts but we used old vinyl table cloths so they could be used outside(camping).

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  22. If you want a removable, strong top, use 2 peices of plywood, one that fits just INSIDE THE TOP, and the second that hangs OVER THE TOP + 1 inch (1/2 inch over each outside edge) glue the two peices of wood together, the smaller one centered on the larger one, before covering with the pad and fabric. Stitch a small loop of fabric, ribbon or twine to one corner for easy opening, and it serves both storage and seating

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    1. That sounds like the way to do it. Just love the fabric and crate colors that Caro used. Great imagination, Caro. Thanks for sharing.

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    2. That idea make a great idea into an awesome idea.

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    3. I just got all the materials to make these. I wanted to do them the wrong way for more support. I LOVE this idea!!! I am going to do them the right way, with an added piece to fit on the top so it supports the weight. I am also lining the inside with some cute paper or something so that you can't see the stuff stored inside!

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  23. I think people are confused...ON THEIR SIDES?!?!? REALLY?!?! I am SURE they would have been JUST FINE to be THE RIGHT SIDE UP and then wait wait.....the seats come off and VOILA!!! STORAGE!!!!.....NOT their sides what the heck? Either way, I LOVE them and LOOOOOVE your fabric choices etc! LOVE the colors etc
    This is ALLLL something I too would have done, every bit of it hahaha! Ps why are the top and bottoms NOT the same, HELLO CUBE!?!?! And now I will find myself in hell later today too (thanks for THAT ;) LOL) and will POSSIBLY make them the "right" way, and let ya know if the world collapses under my kids' bums! I have a 13 yr old, 6 yr old, and 2 yr old......I got it covered!!! lol

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  24. You did just fine....so pretty! I am going to make these, I think I will use the staple gun.....going to make some for gifts for some residents in Long Term Care facilities....mine will be storage for books, tissues, magazines, chequers etc. And will be an ottoman for their feet! These will be perfect!
    Thank you for sharing all your tips and your honesty.....Too funny
    Annette

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  25. I love the crates you did! so cute!. For everyone who keeps asking how strong they are.... keep in mind that you are adding PLYWOOD to the bottom (or top) of the crate. :) Plywood comes in many thicknesses and as long as you don't get some that is too thin, it will hold just about anyone. For those of you worried about strength, just get some 3/4 or 1 inch plywood. In a pinch, I have used these types of crates for a step stool with no trouble, so when adding plywood, it completely reinforces the strength of the crate. Happy DIYing! :)

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  26. Oh my word! I feel the exact same way as you about Wal-Mart!!! But I found the same fabric there that I loved (http://thisdiylife.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/soooo-scary/) and ended up using for my kitchen curtains. I've been needing a bench for our entry room, maybe I'll use something like this for interim until I find what I really want :) Thanks for the fun post!

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    1. You may have seen it by now, but there was a pin of a bench made from crates. They were on their sides and attached together. Across the top was a bench seat. You could probably use the plywood idea there. Then storage baskets were placed in each crate. It was super cute and functional!

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  27. Here from Pinterest. Oh...these are REALLY CUTE! Thanks for sharing!

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  28. these would be really cute outside in a patio area...if there is a way to weather proof them

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  29. These would be so cute for kids rooms! If you were to do it the right way, would you add snaps to the fabric to hold it to the crate? How would you keep it from moving?

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    1. Use zip ties to attach the seat to the crate on one side, then it can be opened as well.

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  30. How much fabric will I need? Would a fat quarter be enough to make one?

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  31. I'm wondering the same as Carol. I have fabric picked out on ebay but don't want to buy too much!

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  32. Love it!! We have a ton of old crates from my husband's work and I imagine spray painting them whatever color I want and then doing this to them....the kids would LOVE this and I love the storage idea!!!

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  33. LOVE THIS IDEA! & i love the fact you did it backwards cuz i would have made the same mistake! (but i guess now i won't...lol) but i already have one of these filing crates which i hide in my closet cuz i hate it....now i can make it pretty & useful! THANKS!

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  34. Great Idea! Thank you for the inspiration. I mentioned your creativity on my blog and link back. ~margot

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  35. Pinterest brought me and I am so glad! I have been looking for a good "vanity" type seat to make a dress up area for my little one. Have a bunch of these crates and fabric to boot! I think that I will try to get the storage out of it too tho. To anyone worrying about weight, I stand on one of these (because I am a shorty!) when I need to reach things. I am sure that they will hold at least up to 150 lbs if not more! Thanks for sharing your adventure in seating! Great idea!

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  36. I love this project but it has been my 2 week nightmare! first off, nowhere sells pretty colored crates, wal-mart (I live in Des Moines, IA) only carried black, I went to office max: black and silver, Lowes: NONE AT ALL. So I sucked it up and bought the office max boring black. THEN Lowes would NOT help me or cut ply-wood. They seemed like lazy stoned dudes and told me it's to dangerous to cut that small but would sell me a saw?!? wtf...I'm REAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL frustrated with the wood (that's what she said) WHAT DO YOU FREAKIN SUGGEST!? lolol thanks...sorry for the rage I just want these made for my daughter hahaha

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    1. Try the spray paint for plastic, you can chose any color, try going back to Lowes on a different day and time and get a different helper or I bought myself a jigsaw - it is small and very simple to use for all kind of projects ,, I hope this helps

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  37. This is such a great project! I might have to try this! :)

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  39. I think that they would be cool footstools too :D I agree with Sharon, I think if you cut the plywood to overhand a little that they would be sturdier and you could put the "seat cushion" on the top (open area) and use it for storage. There should be an easy way to attach the "seat" to the top for easy lift up and store stuff inside:D Very Cute !! :D

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  40. So cute...and your writing is hilarious! Your sense of humor makes me want to see what else you have on your blog!

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  41. You could use milk crates also. They are more heavy duty. You can find them frequently in yard sales and places like that. I would think that Krylon paint made for plastic would work if you wanted special colors.

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  42. Love your commentary.
    This fabric is fab. Can't wait to do it the right way. Thanks!

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  43. I am going to make these, but I will use them for feet and storage. I am always looking for something to prop my feet up. I will be making one (or more) for every room in my house! Thanks for posting.

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  44. they turned out great, in spite of them being "wrong". Glad to hear there is another Walmart - hater..hahaha. Love your sense of humor, send us more good ideas!

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  45. Even though yours are upside down, they are still adorable. I like that one commentor said she used old plastic table cloths and another used milk crates. I also liked the idea of a two piece plywood top so that the top "locks" into place. Thank you everyone for your comments because I learn so much from all of you. Also thanks to Caro for being brave enough to post even with your 'errors'.

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  46. OOOH I forgot to add - to the commentor who could not get any help from Lowes - We bought a gate for our backyard and needed it trimmed. I called a furniture refinisher/restorer in my neighborhood and for $15.00 he trimmed our gate. You might try someone like that to cut your plywood. Also I have had luck complaining to the store manager when I get an employee like that. I know our Lowes here don't treat me that way. I am sorry you had a bad experience there and no I do not work for them.

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  47. What would you suggest to do if the crates aren't tall enough? I measured what a student would look like sitting at my table and they would basically be eye level with the ledge of the table :).

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  48. I was actually going to ask about that. I teach first grade and would love these stools around my kidney table for small group instruction but wondered if the kids would be too low for the table. Have you tried them there? Thanks for a wonderful idea....hope I can do them...not so great with stuff like this!

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    1. They will not be high enough for a table but great for independent work on a white board or a library area. I am going to make a bench couch area for my house area in my TK class.
      LOVE THIS IDEA!

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  49. I love these. I think I am going to make them for my Granddaughter's playroom. We always need extra storage. This is a perfect idea to match the theme of the room.

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  50. Your style is wonderful. I was happily reading along and was jolted by your negativity about Walmart. Why are there haters at all? If you despise it so much why are you shopping there?? You have wonderful ideas - don't ruin it by such unsavory remarks.

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    1. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That's an ignorant comment to make. A lot of people dislike their jobs and going to work-would you advise them to quit? Most kids/teens and even some adults dislike going to school-would you advise them to stop going cause they didn't like it? We all do things we don't like and sometimes have to shop at places that frustrate and aggravate us for one reason or another. That doesn't mean we should ban together and boycott it because of our frustration. I mean, seriously?

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    2. Walmart does aggrivate me too. If Walmart cared about its customers they wouldn't have made such a huge supercenter and have only 2 registers open all the time... It's truely aggrivating and everyone's entitled to their own opinion about anything they want to complain about Walmart has been very rude to me on a lot of occasions so don't judge unless ur crying when you walk out bc the lines took so long and ur icecreams melting and ur 4 children r having a meltdown for being in line for a while and u have to put ur own groceries in the cart while ur kids r steaming and everyone's looking at u like ur crazy at least they could do is put ur stuff in the buggy that I just spent 300.00 plus, I go to sams to grocery shop now that's how much I hate going there....

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    3. Any business which, as part of the training sessions, shows employees how to file paperwork for local social service benefits AND, of whose employees, 44% nationwide are on food stamps because of low wages/low hours, does NOT deserve any respect nor shoppers. Any business which would have had themselves as the beneficiary on an employee life insurance policy UNKNOWN to the employee and his family (Texas) is simply inhumane. There are very real HIGH costs to someone YOU know for those (sometimes) low prices. No one needs any "thing" so badly that Walmart is their only option. Walmart is a plague across the globe.

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    4. Our Walmart is hell also. It is located in a small desert town where stores are sparce. Check out the Facebook page for Walmart Yucca Valley and you will see many valid complaints since this new superstore replaced our old tiny walmart. I am not sure where Tupelo honey lives but bet shw has same problems with walmart that our community does.

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  51. Just today I was telling someone how much I dislike going to Wally World...and now I know I'm not alone!
    I am going to do four of these for my grandsons. And maybe some for my classroom as well.
    Thanks for the good info and the laughs!

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  52. GREAT GREAT idea.. cant wait to make SOME,, How fun they look,, and i have many crates and love to do crafts so thanks for this idea,,,,

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  53. These are adorable and while they'd be more functional if you could put files or what ever inside, they are probably sturdier to sit on by putting the cushion on the bottom. I want to do this. :)

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  54. I didn't read all the comments so I'm sure I'm repeating something already mentioned. First, this idea is wonderful. Second, I can see cutting board 2 inches bigger along sides and just plop on top. Third, I was thoroughly entertained reading your adventure - thanks for the giggle.

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  55. I was searching for the storage crates and thought about the weight (I teach third graders). While doing my search I found milk crates which are MUCH sturdier and would be able to support more weight. You can find old, used milk crates or buy them online. They have the longer milk crates for more room to sit or crates the same size as the ones pictured. I have not made mine yet but I am going to attempt. :)

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  56. Another idea for attaching them to the stools so they don't fall off is to use a staple gun to attach zip ties to the plywood the pull the zip ties through the crate and secure. Should work pretty good and would likely hold longer than just hot glue

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  57. I love this idea I am going to try it myself.

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  58. Before I found pinterest and these cute homemade cusions, I used chair pads on my crates. I would find the kind with ties on the back, place the chair pad on the bottom of the crate and tie it through the holes. It's a cute, simple way to use the crates in the classroom. But this year, I am going to try this. In fact I am off to Wal-mart now to look for material.

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  59. My father had a theory behind instructions...Why read instructions, they were translated Lord knows how many times and something always gets lost in translation. That's why we always end up with extra screws. :)

    At least you used your problem solving skills to help solve your problem.

    http://www.justatouchoflife.blogspot.com

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  60. hilarious post! i don't find the workers in lowes too knowledgeable.

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  61. I think I like this better than the right way. I like that the cushion doesn't come off. All I can think is smashed fingers and wiggly children with the other version.

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  62. How much fabric did you get to make these? Also at what measurements did you measure the plywood to cut?

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  64. Love these! How much did it cost you per seat (crate, plywood, foam, material)?
    I need 6 of these for my classroom and am afraid once I get started, I'm going to break the bank! LOL!

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  65. love the seat, but what i really love is that i can stack the crates (without cushions) about 5 or 6 high in the corner of my small classroom.
    thanks!

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  66. found you from pinterest & love this idea. i love even more that i actually SNORTED laughing out loud reading your blog (i do not usually snort when i laugh). whenever i go to walmart i try to make my husband go with me for moral support. we both hate it but misery loves company!

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  67. Love this! I just bought these crates at Target (I avoid hell at all costs!) just because they were on sale (yes I may have a problem). Now when my husband asks "why are there 6 crates in the coat closet?" and I answer "it's for a project I'm working on" I'll be telling the truth!! Woo hoo!
    -Dani C

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  68. I'm going to make these this week! Thanks for the post! Also, I'm only assuming you have been to Tupelo Honey in Asheville since that's what you titled your blog. MMMMM!! So good! I'm in Greenville, SC!

    Ginger Snaps

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  69. I have bought almost everything to make these except board. I am using a canvas drop cloth from lowes as my fabric. I am thinking about spray painting or splatter or having the kids draw in it...still undecided.

    Glena Larmore

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  70. doing this for my back porch door.. but totally doing it this way on purpose! i am putting a stone pinteresty thing that is good for wet shoes down, putting the shoes on that, and then covering them with the crates.. viola! keep the eyesore dirty little boy shoes out from the focal point of the room!

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  71. Much easier than the tutorial I saw! Thanks for sharing!!

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  72. This is one of the best/funniest post I have ever read. LoVe it! And really, I hate Walmart too. It's an awful, awful place. I cannot stand when they have what I need!!! And not reading directions isn't just a man thing...it's a thing people with better things to do does! Thanks for the laugh!

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  73. So Cute!!! Glad it was worth the trip to the "evil store" (that's what I call it) LOL!

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  74. I too am going to make these for my classroom.I bought 3/4' plywood from Home Depot and the sales guy was really helpful. I took the crate in and he took all the measurements and cut the wood. Only spent $10.00 and had enough wood to make 6. Since I change my theme in my room every few years, I am going to velcro my fabric on plywood so I can change the covers if I need to.

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  75. Just wanted to say that we have a tv resting on 2 of these crates. They are strong.

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  76. I LOVED reading this!!! It soooo sounds like what I am getting ready to go through. I got the supplies last night and am getting ready to try it out. I especially loved the glue gun part!!! I use hot glue for EVERYTHING and my husband is always making fun of me for it:) Thanks so much for posting!!

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  77. Thank you for the posting, it made me laugh out loud a few times and we share the same idea that walmart is hell lol. I think I might try this too for my own classroom :)
    ~Rebecca NY teacher

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  78. They are fabulous! I made the stools by doing something even lazier many years ago. I just purchased chair cushions with ties and tied them through the holes of the crates. If you turn the crates so the opening is sideways you can add a basket for storage.

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  79. I made a similar footstool some years ago but draped fabric around the sides to disguise the crate. No one had a clue ...

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  80. I have made several of these and people love them. The only difference I suggested was that I add 2 pieces of ribbon on the sides for easier lifting of the cushion.
    These are so much fun for making.
    Gramms

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  81. Just wanted to add, you can use indoor/outdoor fabric (google search) so it would be easy to clean up.

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  82. These are really cute. I just finished making the milk crate bench, and since I have extra fabric, I think I'll make these. Super cute!

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  83. Do you think this could still work as a storage compartment if I screwed those little hinge things into the cushion and bottom of the crate?

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  84. I just had a question. Do the crates scratch your floor?

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  85. I made something like this using a storage tub, foam and material and spray glue, I was afraid it wouldn't hold the weight of someone but once you put items inside (I stored books) it was great, still using after 5 years.

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  86. Hilarious! I thought I was the only person who absolutely abhors Walmart! I won't get into the reasons why, but in my eyes they are valid! Love the tutorial...have to try this!

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  87. you are very funny! if you ever get tired of kids, there's always open mic night at the local coffee house!!

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  88. You can also add wheels that the bottom of the crate if you want to move these around...

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  89. Love this project, and Yes I too am a Walmart hater. One more suggestion to interject. You could try a 'Shower Curtain' forthe fabric top. There are many beautiful patterns to choose from and some may be waterproof. I found a black & white Shower Curtain with Chandeliers on it at Target and cut it up & sewed a vanity skirt for my small 1/2 bath sink as I have a French theme in there.
    I sometimes use the store's Shower curtain section as another source of material to choose from when in a pinch.
    So thankful for our DIY community.
    Regards,
    Sherry

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  90. Wow! I wish I was as creative as you! These seats look so great! I love that green colour.

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  91. I like the idea of resting the cushion on top, then you can tuck it inside and pack on top of it for camping. Thx so much for this tut

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  92. I am going to make these for my daughter's first grade classroom. I have decided to make them true storage as I will have cross slats put on button of plywood (smaller then plywood top) and they will sit down into opening on top of crate and will not slip. Haven't done it get. Hope it works. Will let you know in a week or so.

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  93. More creative than just buying a storage ottoman! Hope to do this for my toddler's room. For the fabric I'm going to use a fabric shower curtain so it'll be more water resistant. Thanks for sharing!

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  94. I'm going to try to make this with solid colors in my class from. I want to know how long this would laugh or if anyone has changed the fabric for each year for their classroom?

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  95. There are sooo many great ideas in the comments here. And the original post was a hilarious read! Gotta make these for our playroom.

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  96. stack two crates up with cushion on top for stool height or for older kids....the older "real" milk crates are heavy duty whereas the deco ones at Walmart are flimsy

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  97. Hot glue is not a good method for locking down the cushion.

    Eventually the hot glue will separate from the plastic crate, because hot glue is actually a plastic based material, and plastic doesn't stick to plastic over time.

    Try using a specialty glue/epoxy (if you must glue) or bolt the seat down - especially if you're using these seats as a furniture solution for kids.

    If you want better glue advice in general, check out http://www.thistothat.com/

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  98. I love this, This is a great idea. Love the fabric you used.Oak Bunk Beds

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  99. I love this! I have 10 computers with no chairs...this would be perfect for the classroom.furniture company UK

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  100. Brilliant, this can help reduce unused crates.

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  101. I made these for my 3 grandgirls for Christmas! I made them fit down inside the top just enough to rest on the lip about an inch down. That way the top comes off and they can use the inside for storage. I also covered (hot glue) the underneath of the top with a washable material ( clearance isle windshield insert to keep sun out) so they could flip the top over and use for drawing, eating, etc.

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  102. A very nice use of Folding Crate Container. Those are realy very nice & attractive

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  103. Ok, can anyone provide me with the exact measurements? I have these at home but (im at work) and want to start gathering materials before I head home.
    Thanks.

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  104. You could also add a clear shower curtain. Over cute fabric so that it can be wiped clean and protect from stains

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  105. I love this idea! I have a friend who made these last year, and they are adorable. I may give it a try. :)

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  106. Caro,
    What a WONDERFUL idea! I LOVE IT! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

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  107. I know someone that made these and has sold so many she is making tons of money. Now I see where she got the idea...

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  111. Great idea! I'm planning to make this with the cushion fitting on the open top side so I can add hanging files to the inside. My only concern is whether the tabs for the hanging files would stick up too high and get bent by the cushion. Any thoughts on if that would be the case or if the tabs would fit comfortably even with the cushion? Thanks!

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  112. Maravillosa idea!!! Se ven muy bien y decorativos!!!

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  116. I prefer the cushions on the bottom. I was confused to see ALL other posts put the cushion on top but then you have to make another piece to hold the cushion up and not fall into the crate. Seems like more work (unnecessary) to me. So, you actually got it RIGHT in my book.

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