DIY Rustic Planter Box Made From A Pallet

planter box made from a pallet
DIY Planter Box Made From Pallet

I'm in love.

I'm head over heals in love with my new planter box.  It just makes me so happy!  I love its rustic, Pottery Barn look.  I love that it didn't cost me anything to make.  I love that I made something out of trash!  I love that it's so versatile and the decorating possibilities are endless.  I'm imagining using this planter all year round with a group of white pillar candles at Christmas, mason jars holding bouquets of flowers in the spring,  and filling it with fruit in the summer.

Like many pinners, I have a Pinterest board devoted to pallet projects and I've noticed that projects made with old pallets seem to be really popular right now.  There have been a few times I've been driving around town and noticed someone stopping to pick up a pallet and putting it in the back of their truck.  It makes me smile every time because I can just imagine these men have wives or girlfriends who have told their guys to keep an eye out for pallets and snatch them up if they find one so they can make a Pinterest project! 

We were lucky to find this pallet dumped near a path one evening while were were out for a walk.  My teenage son was nice enough to haul it home for me although he made it clear he thought his mother was crazy for wanting to carry home someone's trash.

Taking the pallet apart was quite a job.  The trick is to take it apart without damaging the wood.  Most of the nails holding the pallet together were in there pretty good too.  I used a screwdriver and a rubber mallet to loosen things up a little bit and then I was able to pry the boards apart with a crowbar.  This pallet wasn't in great shape.  There was some staining and wood that was rotted and split and couldn't be used at all.  But after some sanding, most pieces looked pretty good.


After I had been working in the garage for a while, my son came out to see what I was doing.  I guess the idea of using power tools was appealing to him, so I had some help with the sanding.


After the slats were sanded, I chose three of the best pieces of wood, one for the bottom and one for each side of the box.  Then I cut pieces from a fourth piece to use for the ends of the box.  I pre-drilled holes in the wood to prevent the wood from splitting, then I used wood screws to secure everything together.  The box is really long and narrow.  I like it that way (plus I didn't want to make any extra cuts!)  I was thinking I might add some paint and sand it down so that the wood shows through, but I'm really liking the way it looks just the way it is.  I can always add paint later if I change my mind.

This project was so much fun!  Not only did I really enjoy making this project with my kiddo but I also love the finished result!  I can certainly see the appeal of making something out of nothing.  If I find any more pallets, I'm definitely snatching them up!  And I have a willing partner in crime.  My son was impressed that we made something out of a pallet (maybe his mom isn't so crazy after all) and he's looking forward to making something else.  Hopefully we'll have some more pallet projects to share soon!

DIY Planter Box Made From Pallet



Inspired by multiple pins here, here and here.


Comments

  1. I also love the length of your box. It's so great for many things to dress up your table. Love how you filled it this time.
    When I started to tell my hubs about pallets and things made with them he scoffed literally. Then he got online and looked to see what could be made and now he's a fan also. We have a good sized pile of pallets down in our lower back yard. We've already made a few things and I love the smaller pieces for making signs. Like that the smaller pieces aren't so thick and not as heavy. Not everybody can hang some big old heavy thing on their walls. We have a mfg. home so have to be careful what we hang and how. So much can be made with pallets, it's so fun and inexpensive, gotta love free.
    Have fun with your pallets. Happy weekend

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    1. Pallets are great for free wood and there are tons of projects you can make with them! I'm hooked! The next pallet I see is definitely coming home with me!

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  2. This is such a fabulous box and I love it as the centerpiece of your table. Great tutorial. I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me party that will go live tomorrow afternoon. www.astrollthrulife.net Hugs, Marty

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  3. Your planter box turned out wonderful. It will be perfect to use for any season.
    Have a Lovely Day,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes
    PS-Would love to have you link this up to Saturday Sparks. Links are open till Friday.

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  4. Love it, I don't have pallets but I have a fence coming down very soon, I am sure I can adapt it :) great job!

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    Replies
    1. I think any type of reclaimed wood would work. I like the rustic look of something that's been weathered awhile and has a few imperfections.

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  5. This turned out so cute! I love the fall colored leaves and apples in it too. Would you mind to link this up to my Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop? I'd love to see you there!

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    1. Thanks for the invitation Carrie! I linked up and I added your party to my party page!

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  6. Nice Job! I would try this...if I wasn't totally intimidated by tools! mommyinsports.com

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    1. Believe it or not, I'm a bit intimidated with tools too! I've managed to try a few different wood working projects I found on Pinterest. As long as the projects are really simple, I'm ok.

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  7. Wow, this turned out perfectly! I wonder where one would get wood pallets... I think I need some power tools to make it worthwhile though.

    My pin was FOOD! :D Check it out if you want!

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    1. If there is an industrial section of your town just swing by and look for stacks of pallets out back. I know where I work we give them away for free. Just don't get a blue pallet (most municipalities have fines for having them in your possession).

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    1. Thanks Sonja! And thanks for hosting another awesome Pintester Movement!

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  9. This is lovely! So very simple but so pretty!

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  10. I would love to try this but I NEVER see pallets anywhere :(

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  11. Wow, that turned out great. Much better than my rotting pumpkin from mine.

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  12. This is amazingly beautiful! Good job!

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  13. Absolutely lovely. I also love your blog name! I hope someday when my son is older (he's only 2 and a half right now), I too can convince him that my affinity for picking up "trash" does not mean I'm crazy.

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  14. Beautiful job! Don't forget to link up to The DIY'ers. http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-diyers-30.html

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  15. What a great way to use up pieces of a pallet! It has a great rustic feel that could be used for decorating at any season - not just fall. Thanks for sharing!

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  16. love the box. visiting from Handmade Tuesday

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  17. I can't believe how much effort you went to! My half-assed manicure looks kinda sad now.

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    1. I gave up on manicures a long time ago! I simply cannot paint my nails without making an absolute mess. Plus I just don't have the patience to be still long enough to let the polish dry.

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  18. What a great centerpiece, I love what you did!!! Looks beautiful!!! Love the rustic look! Happy Fall! :)

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  19. Oh wow, that looks absolutely amazing as a centrepiece! Well done!!

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  20. Oooh, that looks great, and I love that it's so long! I'm a bit wary of using pallets because I've heard that the wood is chemically treated, but maybe that only makes a difference if you're using them for a bonfire?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I've heard that too. If wood is chemically treated, it's not a good idea to burn in an indoor fireplace because it will release chemicals that are bad for you. As long as you're not burning the wood, I think it would be ok.

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  21. What great results! I've got a pallet... just trying to figure out what I want to do with it. This looks great, though. I never thought about the process of taking it apart. That does seem a bit challenging. But you've got a great result. Makes me think I should start working on mine :) Great post. Glad to have found your blog!

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  22. Love your pallet box! SO glad I found your blog as I'm a Pinterest Junkie myself. I'd love to feature this on my blog next week. Now following....

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and following Jacki! I would be thrilled if you featured this project on your blog next week! Thanks!

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  23. I love this!! =) Simple decor can be so delightful! Thanks for linking up at the Pinterest Power Party!! Hope you have a great Wednesday!

    Danielle
    SewMuchCrafting.com

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  24. I really love this. I've been wanting to try a palette wood project, and I think I might be able to do this one :) Thanks for sharing your post, I think it's great your son helped too! What a great project to do together.
    Also, as a co-host of the Lovely Ladies linky party I want to say thanks for linking up this week, it's how I found you :)
    -Molly at Just a Little Creativity

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  25. This is adorable! Love how it fills up the table! I would love to have you share this and anything else at my link party!! http://www.madetobeamomma.com/2013/09/homemade-by-you-69.html

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  26. This is just too cute. Great idea. Thanks for sharing at our Thursday Favorite Things Hop.
    Angel

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  27. Good Morning! I'm just now getting into pallet projects... found my first one at a local dump ;-D Been letting it sit in the rain to "age" it more, but the sanded version looks great too!

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  28. this is lovely, thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. I featured you on facebook ♥

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  29. What a great look! I've been wanting something like this for my dining room table. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  30. Great project...looks awesome! I'm inspired now too. Please consider linking up at The Patriotic Pam this weekend. Party goes live Friday.
    Pam @ The Patriotic Pam

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  31. I LOVE what you have done. You should come show off your creativity starting at 8PM CST at Craft Frenzy Friday! http://obsessiveandcreative.blogspot.com/2013/09/craft-frenzy-friday-6.html It won't be a party without you!

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  32. Love your centerpiece! The planter box is so pretty and I love what you put in it for the fall.
    KC

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  33. I'm crazy impressed! I've shied away from any pins involving pallets. Bravo!

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  34. So pretty! Love how you decorate it for fall but it would be fun for any season!
    Thanks for linking up to this week's Catch a Glimpse Party! I'll be featuring this tomorrow. :)

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    1. Thanks so much for the feature Allison! I appreciate it!

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  35. Great job! That's a true DIY project with tools and everything! It makes a beautiful tablescape. If you get a chance I'd love for you to share at All Things Pretty. http://sparklesandastove.com/things-pretty-linky-party-27-features/ Have a wonderful weekend!

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  36. Love it! Such a great idea for a fall centerpiece. I am pinning to my Pallet board :-)

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  37. My husband just did a pallette project last weekend, I should totally post a picture! Thanks for linking up to #LOBS!

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  38. This is so incredibility cute and oh my goodness the possibilities on decorating this are endless. I love how you have it decorated right now and yay for a son who is willing to help. :) Thanks for sharing and for linking up to Thrifty Thursday.

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  39. Thank you so much for stopping in at Show Off Friday! Have a great weekend. That is a lovely planter box!

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  40. You know I love this! It's so similar to the one I featured at this weeks SYC. Great job and I too love making something for little or no cost! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  41. I love this too! I am really ready to grow my own herbs and this might be a great way to do it:)

    Nicole @ HoldtheOffice.com

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  42. I think that I shall send the Rooster out tomorrow and gather up some pallets for me.. this is a must do! Thanks for sharing with us at #LOBS!!

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  43. I love this idea! I have a couple of palettes in the garage from an old delivery! Now I know what I can use them for! I knew I could use them sometime! I'm bopping over from the VMC DIY Sunday Showcase. So glad you shared your link! I'd love to have you visit me sometime at http://www.kneadedcreations.com. Happy crafting! Deb @ Kneaded Creations

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  44. Love that rustic look, it's so perfect! Pinning this, and thanks for sharing at my link party!

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    1. By the way, I featured this on my blog today! Grab a Featured button if you don't already have one! http://practicallyfunctional.com/10-simple-fall-decorations/

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    2. Thanks for the feature Jessi! Your button is proudly displayed on my feature page!

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  45. I love your pallet box. BETTER THAN POTTERY BARN!!

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  46. What a fun box! This looks so great on your table!!
    Thanks you for hosting this party. You are so sweet….
    :)
    hugs x, Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

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  47. Love this! You are one of the features today at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Pop on over and grab a feature button for your blog. Here is the link to this week's party. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-69.html Hope to see you again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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    1. Thanks for the feature Kathryn! You made my day! Your button is on my feature page!

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  48. You just can't beat a good pallet project! Oh, getting your kids in on it --- even better! Thanks for linking up to Gingerly Made's Show & Tell Party. YOU've been featured! http://www.gingerlymade.com/2013/10/show-tell-features.html

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    1. Thanks so much for the feature Ginger! What a nice surprise!

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  49. This would look perfect on my table. I have been wanting to make something like this since I saw something similar on pintrest, too. Great job!
    www.mamagetsitdone.blogspot.com

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  50. Love the plantar box this week - great pallet project. We've featured this terrific DIY at BeBetsy on the BRAG ABOUT IT No. 24 http://bebetsy.com.

    Thanks again for linking up with us!

    Sharon and Denise ♥
    Hope to see you again soon...

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  51. Wow, great job and I love it. You will enjoy this for so many different things. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  52. Beautiful transformation. Looks simple and pretty.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Coming from Centsational Girl.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

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  53. The planter box looks great. I keep telling myself that I'm going to make something out of a pallet, but finding them can be a little difficult.

    Heidi’s Wanderings

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    Replies
    1. Pallets seem to be in high demand right now. Probably many other people are looking for them too.

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  54. Hi there,
    This will look beautiful as decor anywhere. Thank you for sharing it. This post will be Featured on this week's Thumping Thursdays Blog Hop. I look forward to seeing what other projects you have in store for us this week.

    Sincerely,

    Karina
    http://www.momintheusa.net

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the feature Karina! I appreciate it! Your button is on my feature page!

      Delete
  55. You should be in love!! Your rustic planter is perfect!! Plus, I love how you filled it. I just had a huge vanity delivered on a DOUBLE pallet. I might be more excited about the pallet than the vanity. Haha. I would love for you to share your pallet planter on the link party I'm co-hosting this week. http://twoityourself.blogspot.com/2013/09/yay-were-co-hosting-link-it-or-lump-it.html

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    1. Thanks for inviting me over to your party! I linked up!

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  56. This is really cute!

    Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!

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  57. Thanks for sharing this great project at the Krafty Inspiration Thursday Link Party, you have been chosen as one of the top 5 featured posts at tomorrows party.
    Have a lovely evening!
    Maria @ Krafty Cards etc.
    http://kraftycardsetc.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the feature Maria! I appreciate it! Your button is on my feature page!

      Delete
  58. What a beautiful pallet box - great job! It makes a wonderful centerpiece/runner on your table. It would look great in a few spots in a house. I have never seen any pallets around my neck of the woods, maybe I need to keep my eye out too! Thanks for sharing :)

    Blessings,
    Nicole @ WKH

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  59. I saw someone else make this and I knew I wanted the exact thing for my centerpiece on my Fall table but I forgot how it was made. But I can still make it for Christmas, I love this idea and it looks so simple. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from TT#4.

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  60. Hey there, I'm stopping by to let you know you're featured at the TGIF Link Party this week! I hope you'll stop by to grab a button and link up again. The party starts at 8pm EST.

    http://www.livingbettertogether.com/2013/10/tgif-link-party-no-16.html

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    1. Thanks so much for the feature Rebecca! I appreciate it! Your button is on my feature page!

      Delete
  61. Hi Bonnie! This looks absolutely fabulous! It just encompasses fall :) I wanted to thank you for linking up at last week's Get Crafty Friday link party and I also wanted to let you know that your planter box will be featured at this week's party! I would love it if you would stop by and grab a feature button. The party start tonight at 8pm EST!

    -Amy

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    1. Thanks so much for the feature Amy! I appreciate it! Your button is on my feature page!

      Delete
  62. love this! feel free to post on the Fall Crafts Blog Hop today!
    http://www.sugartot.net/my-blog/2013/10/fall-crafts-blog-hop.html

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the invitation to your party! I linked up!

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  63. I am in love too. Cute, cute, cute! -Michele @ Neat Little Nest

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  64. I'm already following, waving hello from Thumping Thursdays. I love the box, it's perfect for Fall!

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  65. oh, I LOVE it too, great job!! perfect for Fall!

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  66. Love it! We have a huge farm table and I am always looking for ideas for the middle of it! Can't wait to add this to my husband's 'Honey-do list'! :)

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  67. I love your pallet planter box and pinned it! I have a couple of pallets sitting outside and if there is enough wood leftover from the project currently using it on, I MUST make one of these for my dining room table. I found you over at the Fall Linky Party at Setting for Four.
    Marie@InteriorFrugalista

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  68. Love this box! I've been wanting to make one of these for some time now. I'll have to do it soon!

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  69. This really turned out great! Great tutorial and use of a pallet! Would like to invite you to come by and share at One More Time http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2013/10/one-more-time-share-it-one-more-time.html Tammy

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    1. Thanks for the invitation to your party Tammy! I linked up!

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    2. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing pallet box at One More Time Events...Hugs Tammy

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  70. I love it too! You did a great job! Thank you for linking up this week at Sewlicious Home Decor! :)

    Marti

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  71. My sweet hubby made one of those boxes for me a year or two ago, and I LOVE being able to change it up pretty regularly!! Good for your son getting in some woodworking training. Most younglets enjoy the craft after they get started!
    Blessings to you,
    J

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  72. That is GORGEOUS!!! I love the rustic fall look it gives your home! Such a fun idea. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Thursday's Temptation. I am going to be featuring this tonight on my blog!
    Jill

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the feature Jill! I appreciate it! Your button is on my feature page!

      Delete
  73. I found you at Sew Many Ways. I so want to make something from a pallet. Seeing your project (and reading words like "fun" and a teenage "partner in crime" sounds just right to me. I do need to get a sander, I see, to make the pallet project work. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  74. Oh, I love this! It turned out fabulous! Just pinned. Stopping by to let you know that I featured it at Pick of the Bunch today! Thank you so much for sharing with us at A Bouquet of Talent!

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Hugs
    Kathy

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the feature Kathy! I appreciate it! Your button is on my feature page!

      Delete
  75. Love it -- PINNED IT! Thank you so much for linking up to ITS PARTY TIME! xoxo

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  76. Sorry for the delay in notifying you but Congrats! You were featured on Friday’s Five Features over on DIY Vintage Chic. Stop by and grab yourself a button! http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/2013/10/dont-forget-to-stop-by-and-like-my.html

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    1. Thanks for the feature Becca! Your button is on my feature page!

      Delete
  77. I'm head over heels in love with it, too! Thanks for sharing it with us at Throwback Thursday!

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  78. I love pallet projects and this is so simple and cute. I just love it! Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday.

    xoxo
    Denyse

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  79. I love this, I made a smaller version and stained it walnut. Love it

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