We are often torn when it comes to buying new products. One side of us thinks, "Ooooh Shiny!" The other side says, "Find me two paper clips, some chewing gum and a can of spray paint and I can make that!" Today, we're addressing the latter...
Make This: Boon Stash Storage System
Although there's no need for paper clips or chewing gum (no MacGyver moves today) the process of hacking or creating this storage unit on your own, isn't difficult. The best part is it only involves 3 items to recreate it at home! Pipe, Glue and Paint!
The best part about making something yourself is deciding the scale. The Stash storage system is fantastic for holding a few small things, but since you're the one in control of the project, you have the ability to make it as large as you want. Feel like making it 4' long? Go ahead! What about 3' tall... the choice is yours!
Once you decide on the dimensions, it's time to head to your local hardware store! Head to the plumbing aisle and to the long pieces of PVC pipe. The choice is yours to use different diameters of pipe, or if you want to keep it all the same size.
Note: To determine how much pipe you'll need for the project, divide the width of your final piece by the diameter of the pipe of your choosing. Do the same for the height and add the two numbers together. This will tell you how many sections of pipe you'll be needing (you might choose to use a few less, but having the maximum number possible to start always makes things easier). Decide how deep you want your cubbies to be and multiply that by your previous number of sections and you end up with the length of pipe needing to be bought.
You can have the pipe cut at the store, so no worries about having to have a truck or large car to get the pieces home. Just have them cut on site and you'll be all set. If you'd like your pieces cut at an angle, have them cut into lengths on site and then cut them again at home with a hack saw. Sand edges with a high grit sandpaper.
To assemble your pieces you can use traditional pvc glue (clean your pieces with rubbing alcohol first) found in the plumbing department, but we're pretty big fans of epoxies in tube form that can be easier to apply. Ones labeled for marine work are fantastic for this project but will need to be used outside or in a well ventilated area. All they need now is a coat of spray paint (look for one's intended for use on plastic) and you're all set!
You can of course just buy one, but where's the fun in that?! Are you a DIYer? Or would you rather pick up a product off the shelf and have more free time for other things?
(Images: Lowes, TaylorAnderson, Boon)
Comments (10)
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There's an organization that has concerns about the dangers of PVC @ http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/
Although this project is a great idea . . . perhaps there are safer materials.
view JandLinTC's profile
That was my first thought too, especially since it would be used for the storage of food utensils, pacifiers, etc. that would end up in kids' mouths.
And on top of that, I'd be more apt to use a more non-toxic coating than spray paint which is filled with all kinds of icky stuff, something low/no-VOC, if, again, it's going to be used to store things that go in the little one's mouth.
I do love the storage idea though...
view mdorsch's profile
i've seen this on a children's craft site but made out of toilet paper and paper towel rolls. i'm not sure what you could use to make such materials more sturdy but that might not be a bad place to start
view pinkysmith's profile
Martha Stewart had a similar storage idea with left over paint cans. That would work well, but they'd all be the same size.
view tinsel's profile
If you're the organic type, you can make a very, very similar item using bamboo. Only problem is that large bamboo is far harder for more people to get their hands on than PVC pipe. Fortunately as a material it is getting to be more popular, so at the very least, you could order it online. Just look for "bamboo poles" and look for the larger sizes from three inch to five inch.
Finding a safe glue might be more work, but I know I've seen glues out there that at least market themselves as "safer."
view Kaete's profile
I'd rather use this on the wall of my home office for smaller supplies, maybe cover the openings on the bottoms and sides with a stretch fabric so they won't fall out...
Now I've got to get my sketchpad!
view dallas10086's profile
I don't know how they make these, so they might not be much less toxic, but another alternative might be those giant cardboard tubes used for shaping concrete: http://www.homedepot.com/Building-Materials-Concrete-Cement-Masonry-Concrete-Tools-Specialty/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xmiZaqat/R-100321215/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
view somethingelse's profile
Great tutorial! Love the energy brought to it! Thanks.
view Cyb's profile
There are great cardboard tubes out there. Those :http://www.papermart.com/pages/tube_welcome.htm?OVACC=Overture&OVRAW=Cardboard%20Tube&OVKEY=cardboard%20tube&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=4445090012&OVKWID=49294225012
But I could not find the bigger ones you get at hardware store for drying cement...
view Cyb's profile
I have been saving the cans from powdered formula (12 oz or so each) for a while. I have a lot. If you want them all the same size, formula cans are pretty sturdy and there would be no worries about the material being safe. I covered several cans with mod podge and fabric to hold craft supplies.
view Karen302's profile