For this month’s power tool challenge we were asked to make something with “unconventional” materials and up until a few days ago I had no idea what I was going to make. I knew I wanted to use fabric in my project so I went to Pinterest and Google for inspiration and ideas. I found this tutorial and was immediately smitten! Decision made: I was going to use those instructions with a few modifications to make my copper and wood magazine rack. And I would have two unconventional materials in my project: fabric and copper.
DIY Copper & Wood Magazine Rack
First I gathered up my supplies:
- 1/2″ dowel rods
- Clear Gorilla Glue
- 1/2″ copper copper elbows
- Maxx Gloss paint
- paint brush
- fabric
- rotary cutter
- rotary cutting mat
Power Tools I used:
- RYOBI glue gun
- RYOBI miter saw
- RYOBI portable fan
- Baby Lock Sewing Machine (I have the Katherine model)
Lucky for me I had everything I needed except for the copper elbow fittings. I picked a pack of those at Home Depot for a couple of dollars.
Next I used my RYOBI miter saw to cut down the dowel rods to the sizes specified in the instructions: Six @ 12″ long and two @ 10″ long.
I wanted the dowel rods to be white so I painted mine with two coats of DecoArt American Decor Maxx Gloss paint. To aid in drying the painted dowel rods, I poked holes in the bottom of a cardboard box and inserted the dowel rods in the holes. Then I turned on my small RYOBI portable power fan to speed up the drying time.
Once all of the dowel rods were painted and dry, it was time for assembly. I followed the instructions but found that my dowel rods were slightly smaller than 1/2″ so I had to wrap some washi tape around the ends before gluing them into the copper fittings.
I dealt with the fabric section a little differently than the tutorial. Instead of gluing the fabric, I used my sewing machine and stitched three straight lines: one on each edge and one down the middle. You can see the stitching lines in the image above.
However, I did use the hot glue gun to attach the ends of the fabric sling together.
I love how it turned out. And I love how I now have a pretty place to store my magazines. Maybe now I’ll actually take the time to read them!
Now let’ see what my friends have made and what “unconventional” materials they have used!
My Repurposed Life How To Make A Drop Cloth Hammock
My Love 2 Create How to Make A Jewelry Holder
H2OBungalow DIY Copper Tin Can Candle Holders
Create and Babble Copper and Wood Magazine Holder
Domestically Speaking DIY Wood Tool Box
Virginia Sweet Pea DIY Industrial Pipe Bookshelf
Just The Woods DIY LED Wood Mosaic Table
gail says
Jeanie,
I love the mix of the copper elbows with the white wood on your magazine rack! So chic! I could have used your excellent sewing skills with my drop cloth hammock! 🙂
super job friend!
pinning!
gail
Paula says
This is perfect for storing your magazines. You chose pretty fabric and I love the white paint and copper combination.
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
Sweet project! Love the color of the fabric with the copper accents. Copper is so in-style now too. Pinned!
Jeanie says
I had no idea that copper was so popular right now! I thought about spray painting them – good thing I changed my mind! Thanks for the pin ; )
Angie ~ Ambient Wares says
This turned out wonderful! Love the frame, the fabric, everything 🙂 Pinned!
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
Love the copper!!!