A few months ago, when the Seattle weather would still allow it, I helped put together a new display case in my backyard for future craft shows / sale opportunities for Constellation & Co. We got a few questions about it, so I thought I’d post some process photos here.
Supplies:
- 10 wooden crates from JoAnn’s Fabrics
- Minwax Dark Walnut wood stain
- a few foam brushes
- 5-8 small tie plates to connect each pair of crates
- a few old t-shirts you don’t plan on wearing (EVER) again
- screws & a drill
The old t-shirts are extremely important, because if you don’t wipe the wood dry after applying the stain, you’re stuck with a permanently sticky mess.
The screws and tie plates work well to secure these puppies because you can very easily put them on to display them and take them off again to move/store them. We used the “display crates” at the recent Winter Urban Craft Uprising in December. They looked particularly cute filled with twinkle wire lights, Christmas cards, and vintage ephemera.
Constellation & Jenny 
I am a little confused on how you secured them?? I understand what you used but for beginners like me it would be AMAZING if you could either explain or show photos on how they were secured. 🙂 🙂
If I have the same crates from Joann’s but they are the white washed ones do I need to sand them first?
So how do u do this ?
Jennifer, I don’t understand why and where you use the tin pie pans? Aluminum foil pans between the crates? Thank you for your feed back. I live in an apt and space is premium. Will try this. Paula
They’re not pie plates, they’re tie plates to secure the back.
They are not Pie plates, they are TIE PLATES. At the beginning of the article there is a link you can click on that gives you a picture of the plate. it is used to tie two pieces of wood in this case crates together. type tie plates for wood into any search engine (Google) and you will find multiple places to purchase them. The thickness and/or weight of the tie plate will assist you in determining what size you will need for your project. Good Luck and have fun!!
It wasn’t “tin pie pans” .. It was small “tie plates” to secure the crates together.
How tall is this?
I am not with the site but they are not talking about PIE plates. They are referring to small metal strips with holes in the ends. You can get them straight or L shaped. These are available in most hardware sections or Lowes or Home Depot. Just ask for the section for “L-Brackets”. Be sure your screws are long enough to go into both crates but not all the way through the second one. You will have sharp points sticking out.
She is talking about tie plates to hold them together. Google “tie plates” and you will see a picture of them. Any home improvement store has them. They are a think plate that you can secure things together with. Hope this helps.
hi what color did you stain it with? also brand?
oops!! i just seen it on your page 🙂 thanks
I absolutely love this idea, however I have never worked with tie plates before. Can you please show how and where you attached the tie plates? I would love to make this if I only knew how.
Thanks for sharing. Love this idea of using crates to create shelving. Also, just wanted to let you know that we included your shelving DIY in our list of the Best Shelving Ideas http://www.listsforall.com/best-shelving-ideas/
She used tie plates…. not pie plates!! Get them at the hardware store.
Loved this idea, so I tried it! Creates came out great, love the dark stain I used (minwax wood stain). The only problem is that 48hrs later they still have a very strong odor from the stain. So bad that I can’t even bring them into the house. Thoughts, suggestions???
I have been looking to not spend a lot of money on a tv stand and bookshelves to go beside it. Do you think it’s possible to make this out of those crates? I’d like to paint them off white to go with a beach type look. Something simple. Have any ideas?
If I have the same crates from Joann’s but they are the white washed ones do I need to sand them first?
Reblogged this on AmYnChargE and commented:
I hav seent hese crates everywhere. Just have t give this a go! It will be a great addition to an empty room that I am urning into a gym
How many coats did you use to stain the crates? Also is that the only product you used?