Thankfully, I had a pickup truck this time around because the crib was the type that folds flat lengthwise for storage - it was very long and very heavy.Guess what, I not only found 1 crib, I found 5! Seriously.
MOTHER LOAD
Some of the other sets were just the same in folding design, but the next time I had my suburban and would have to squeeze them in. I definitely get a workout junking (another reason to join in!). And may I say that everyone should own a suburban or minivan...they can be stuffed to the brim.
To make the easel, all you need is a repurposed baby crib (obviously),a couple of hinges, and a set of locking hardware or a chain to keep it from opening up and falling flat. You can leave the frame as is or paint to your choosing, then paint the center panel with a chalkboard paint or a flat black paint. I made my paint, but you can find it at most craft & home improvement stores. Just be sure to lightly sand the area you're painting to promote adhesion.
*A little note on the reason for having a hardware stash: When I was getting ready to build my easel, the best part was I already had the hinges and locking hardware in my stash from a curbside folding table that was broken I picked up a year ago. I had salvaged all the hardware off of it and threw the rest away. I knew that metal treasure would come in handy someday!
GARDEN
Keep in mind, when you get a complete crib you will have two side rails that are totally useful too. I've used mine to dry my hard-necked garlic.
MORE JUNKY FUN
Another bonus is the hardware you'll acquire. When I was building my snack stand, I went to my stash and found these.
Do you know what they are? In the old style cribs, these held the rails at different adjusted levels. Here's what I used them for...
...snack holders on my beverage cooler. Perfect! You can learn how to build one for yourself in my tutorial.
Below are the pictures of the other cribs I snatched up.
It was fun to list these as custom easels in my online shop and to see what they would become.
With a repurposed baby crib chalkboard easel, the possibilities are endless!!
I hope maybe you'll reconsider throwing out your outgrown baby cribs, even the one's that are not good for resale. If you don't want to build one, then give it away because someone out there can make use of it for sure.
Have any questions? Please feel free to send me an email! To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
More junkin' goodness like my repurposed baby crib:
