Build a Vintage Produce Crate Centerpiece – No Power Tools!

It occurred to me the other day that many woodworking projects may deter people simply because they don’t have power tools or they don’t know how to use them yet. As a continuation of my goal to spread some #DIYCourage, Duluth Trading Company and I have teamed up to give you an easy tutorial to Build a Vintage Produce Crate Centerpiece using no power tools whatsoever!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

• Produce crate
• Handsaw
• Miter Box
• Bar Clamp
• Prybar
• Hammer
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Safety Glasses
• Titebond Wood Glue
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Staple Gun
• 1/2-Inch Staples

Optional: 

• Mod Podge, Matte Finish
• Foam Brush

Instructions:

I happen to stumble across this vintage produce crate and vintage bottles that a neighbor was giving away. If you don’t have a neighbor who periodically gives away vintage produce crates, you can ask your local grocery store for produce crates you can salvage. Or you can purchase a produce crate on Amazon.

The crate I had was very rustic. So rustic, that I was able to pull the bottom slats off the crate with my bare hands. (In hindsight, I should have been wearing my gloves to avoid splinters.)

You can also use a handsaw to remove the slats. Set them aside for use later.

After removing the slats, pry up the nails with a prybar. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. You can try wiggling stubborn nails out with the needle-nosed pliers.

Any nails that are too rusty to remove can be hammered into the wood.

Align the front and back of the produce crate with the bottles or vases you will use in your crate. Or set them 5″ from outside to outside. Mark where to cut your salvage slats with a pencil.

Cut down the salvaged slats to 5″ widths (or your own bottle measurement). Using a miter box will help keep your cuts square.

Squeeze wood glue onto the bottom of the produce crate front and back pieces.

Set one of the 5″ slats into the glue and staple the slat into the crate front and back. Three staples per side should hold the slat while the glue dries. If the slat doesn’t lie flush with the crate, you might need to clamp the slat while the glue dries.

Repeat for the opposite side by stapling the slat to the bottom. Continue working toward the center of your crate.

Attach one slat to the sides of the crate with wood glue and staples.

You’ll notice I left spaces between the slats for rustic character.

If you have a vintage produce crate, you might need to secure what is left of the label. Gently wipe the crate and label with a damp rag.

Apply a coating of Mod Podge to the underside of any parts of the label that are coming off. Then apply a second coat of mod podge over the entire label to seal it to the crate.

Clamp your crate as the wood glue dries. When the crate is dry, load it up with vintage bottles filled with fresh flowers.

Place it on your table and invite your friends for lunch.

The conversation will surely turn to your Rustic Produce Crate Centerpiece.

Which you can proudly say you made yourself…by hand…without any power tools.

Thank you to Duluth Trading Company for sponsoring this #DIYCourage tutorial. Want to know where I got my work gear? The Duluth Trading Company Crosscut Performance Button Down Flannel Shirt is super comfortable. It’s like wearing your PJs all day. The flexible gussets in the back give you more freedom of movement while working. FYI, the crosscut flannel shirt is on clearance right now. If you don’t see the color you want, check back in early fall to snag your favorites (but don’t wait, they go fast.) The women’s work gloves are super comfortable, yet very durable. I love the reinforced fingers and hand. The glove material allows for better hand movement and pick up a dime flexibility. They are definitely my favorite work gloves.

What is #DIYCourage? Last year a few women and I came up with the idea of trying to empower more people to take on a DIY project. We decided to host two twitter chats to open up the conversation about why some people are hesitant to try something new and why others can jump right in. We’ve decided to continue the conversation in 2015 with more upcoming twitter chats (dates to be announced) and by helping showcase your #DIYCourage moments and projects. If you want to share a project or moment, follow DIY Courage on Twitter, Instagram, or like DIY Courage on Facebook. Tag your projects or tell us about your DIY Courage moments by using the hashtag #DIYCourage. We can’t wait to see and share your successes!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Duluth Trading Company, who wants to support the #DIYCourage movement. I was not told what to write. All ideas, words and projects are my own. As always, I am very particular about the brands I choose to partner with. Duluth Trading Company is one of the few brands that I love and choose to promote.