Vintage Coke Crate Shelf

I bought a fantastic vintage Coca Cola Crate on Craigslist for 20 bones. I knew I wanted to use it as a shelf in the kitchen.

I brushed it all out today and put it above the stove!

Do you LOOOOVE it?! I hope you do, but if you don't, that's ok! I dooooo!

Pages...

So, I have this shelf. I have had it for awhile. Probably 4-5 years. I'm trying to decorate my place white/shabby/cottage/airy, and this deep cherry/mahogany didn't really fit. I need to get some more chalk paint, because I can never go back to old timey paint.
I had all of my random books, some old (Like "The Yearling"), some new, like all of my HP series.
So, I thought, the bindings, all new and bright, didn't add to my atmosphere of relaxed and spacious. So, guess what I did?
I looked at the pages. You know how everyone is decorating with old book pages now? Well, I looove the yellowed pages, and even the whiter ones. I had also seen photos of cover-less books on shelves. I did not want to tear the covers off of my books. I like them. Can you imagine having to turn to the title page to figure out if the book you've got in your hand is the one you want to read? Not practical.

Here's how it turned out. I am quite pleased with myself! The lower shelves are empty. I thought blankets/pillows (it's in the living room) would be ok for the lower shelves, as my son is small and troubly. ie: he pulls things off of other things. Also, I'm toying with the idea (AKA petitioning my hubby) of just having my husband put doors on it. Then, I can REALLY antique it! In the mean time:

You probably can't read it, but on the top shelf sits an embroidered bookmark, made by my beautiful sister, Jane, that reads, "Mark My Words". LOL. I LOVE it!

Vintage Travel Fence

While you are waiting, with bated breath, for the iron school desk project reveal, I will give you another hint.
I made this for my little baby man a few months ago, for his room. (He's so so cute.)
My husband got some old fence from his ex-girlfriend, and I didn't even mind. She sent him home with two large sections of it and two vintage windows! That is a good ex to have, huh? : )

I bought a poster on all posters, mod podged it onto the fence. Then, I sanded and glazed it, to make it look dingier.

I got the idea from a link on Miss Mustard Seed's blog. I can't find it anymore. If the author of it happens to be reading this, please let me thank you for the inspiration! I would love to share your name with the readers of this blog.

Anyway:

Your hint is this: My hubby and I will be using old fence wood with the wrought iron antique desk frame.

Soon, I will show you where it will go. Then, all of us must pray for a mutual day off between Michael and myself to put it all together!

I'm so excited to show you what we are making! Wish me luck!

Lookie what I found...

...for $10 on Craigslist!

Guess what it is...

Can't tell yet? Here's a hint. Look under the "2".

The first letter under "2" was "L", the second was "R". One more, that probably won't help, unless you are well-versed in Chicago manufacturing companies.

Ok, ok. It's the wrought iron legs to an old turn-of-the-century school desk! Think "Anne of Green Gables".

I. LOVE. THEM. Can you not wait to see what my husby and I build with them?! I hope it will be done sooooon! We are both too, too busy. But, hang tight. Be right back.