Arts and Crafts Supply Holder

I was looking to buy some containers/storage unit for odd size crafting materials for awhile, but I couldn't find one that suits my need. The flat file cabinet could work, but it will take a large space in my already small workspace, not to mention the hefty price tag for the flat file cabinet.

Over the Memorial holiday weekend, I was cleaning out my garage, I found old Lazy Susan. Even though it looks nasty, I saved it because it is good quality and it's heavy duty lazy susan that can hold quite a bit of the weight. I also found a few PVC pipes that were once used for my garden's watering system. These PVC pipes have small holes drilled every few inches, so it can't be used for any plumbing projects.

While I was looking at these items, the idea came to me that I can make my own Arts and Crafts supply storage/holder using these items.

It took about 2 days to finished this project, but I am very happy how it turned out.

Materials and Tools:

1. Lazy Susan - This lazy susan has 2-3 different paints, 4-5 layers of Epoxy and some concrete drops on the top of it. Scary looking!

2. PVC Pipes - It has small holes every few inches. It was used for the watering system for my garden. But the holes in this pipes doesn't matter for this project.

3. Wood Screws (24 pcs) - To attach Closet Flange to the Lazy Susan.

4. PVC Glue

6. Paint - I had really pretty pearlescent blue spray paint and the spray nozzle broke off on the 2nd bottle, so in the middle of the project, I had to switch to Hammer Copper Paint. Even though it wasn't my first choice, I do like it.

7. Sanding Papers

8. Paint Brushes - I prefer Sponge brush for most of my projects. It's convenient and works well, most of the times.

9. Screw Driver

10. Belt Sander

11. Finishing Sander

12. Jigsaw

13. Plaster of Paris (Optional) - I used this to make Chaulk Paint Primer

14. Sponge Sander

First, I took the turntable off from the Lazy Susan and save it for later use.

It took 3 sanding belts, 2 hours to get the most of the Epoxy off of the Lazy Susan.

The Belt Sander with low grit really damaged the surface. So, I use 'Chaulk Paint' as a primer. After dry, sand it again. Repeat this process several times until the surface looks smooth.

** Chaulk Paint: I made my own using regular paint and add 'White Plaster of Paris'.

I decided to use 4" PVC pipes in the middle and the smaller diameter pipes wrapped around the large pipes.

When measured the roll of crepe paper rolls that I have, it is approx 18 inches. So, I cut the pipe in angle; 18" tall on the long side and the short side measures approx 14.5" tall.

The other pipes in smaller diameters, I follow the same logic and cut them in the different length/height with the angle cut.

After cutting all the pipes, I sand the cut surface of all pipes, so that it look and feel smooth.

Note: The angle cut looks appealing than the straight cut and it is easy to see what I have stored in the pipe since it has an open face.

After I have all the PVC pipe cut pieces, I glued 3 large pipes (4") to the closet flanges.

Mark the center of the table and put 3 closet flanges with large pipes on the table, around the center and I secure it with screws. Flip over the Lazy Susan and put turntable back on. Before moving forward, I check to make sure turntable is working and all looks good.

I start to glue the smaller diameter pipes around the large pipes. No specific patterns, I just look around and what size will fit which area, etc. I was looking at the balance of the structure. I don't want too many of same height pipes or same size diameters in one corner.

Note: PVC glue works really fast and once it is glued, it is on strong.

Now all the structure is done, this project is basically finished.

I can use it 'as is'. But I want it to be pretty as well.

Unfortunately, I couldn't use the pearlescent blue spray paint that I originally planned for this project. One of the can's spray nozzle broke off and can't use it. So, I decided to use the Hammer look, copper paint for this. And it really worked out better. Since it is hammer look paint, the table's imperfection didn't show at all. If it is showing, it looks like it supposed to look that way.

It's a messy job to create this unusual piece from the old recycle items, but it turn out nicely and I couldn't be any happier. Now I have the place to store all my rolls of tall crepe papers and tall wires.

Another Recycle, Upcycle and Repurposed project!