Start a Revolution -- an Industrial One!

So not only am I feeling industrious -- I'm feeling INDUSTRIAL! So much so that it's time for me to start a revolution. We all know that America already had an industrial revolution back in ...., right after ....., around the time of...., well maybe we don't all know. But it certainly was a long time ago. So we're long overdue for another one. This one is going to be more of the home decor variety. And, yes, you caught me, I can't really start it because it's already been going on -- just not exactly where I live. But I'm definitely on board. And I'm going to do my part to let my corner of the world know that METAL ROCKS!

I'm starting things off with this dining table.

I saw a listing on Craigslist's free section for 3 55-gallon barrels. I picked up the barrels and a new customer to boot! However, one of the barrels was a little defective, so I started with that one.

I knew it would be a table base and had to determine if I wanted it standard or bar height. Since the good ones already were bar height, the decision was easy -- this would be my standard height table. It just needed a little help from my cut off wheel.

The 36" round piece of glass I had on hand from someone who had given it to me. The glass really should be a bit bigger, so I am on the lookout for a replacement.

I haven't made any decisions on seating yet, but in my stash I found 2 rusty bar stool bottoms that might be put to work.

I also found this chain with hooks. The yellow color and rust perfectly match the table (and the next piece you'll see). I'm not sure exactly what I'll do with it yet, but probably suspend it over the table with something hanging from it.

The table all by itself would look out of place, even in a hip industrial loft type setting. But pair it up with this next piece and it takes on a life of its own.

This tank cage I've had for a few years. I bought it at an auction for $5.00. I always planned to use it as a bench, kind of foot locker style. But once I saw the yellow of those barrels, I started thinking about it and knew it would be perfect standing up as a cabinet. I knew I definitely wanted it to have cool industrial casters so I added them (I should have taken a closeup -- they are very cool).

I decided a wine cabinet would be the way to go since wine is very hip right now. But it could really house whatever. (Personally, since I'm pretty much a teetotaller, it would probably be filled with Diet Pepsi but I'm not sure if that is quite as cool. )

The glass was basically free since I bought a pile of glass shelves at an auction for $1.00 (for the pile) a few years ago. The shelves are held up by bolts. There are a few metal bands on the sides and back of the box. There were a few holes and I just put the bolts through and tightened them with nuts and the glass rests right on them.

The section for the wine bottles uses pieces of rebar that I cut down to size just a little wider than the cabinet. The ends rest inside the "diamonds". I was going to cut notches to keep them from shifting, but found I didn't have to. The ridges on the rebar keep them in place naturally.

This last piece is probably my favorite. And I think that's because it's something I acutally could use in my own house. (Don't you hate when you're secretly hoping not to sell things!) It's still very industrial and contemporary, but it could also work in many settings.

It started with this frame that I bought -- I don't even remember when, but I'm sure only paid $5.00 or less.

I decided to use more of the glass again. But I had to figure out how. Finally decided to cut it to size that would mount underneath. To keep it up, I did the bolt through the hole trick again. They barely show, but even if they did it would work because I used rusty bolts.

So let the Revolution begin! (or should I say continue) I'm excited! All those metal thing-a-ma-thigs I've been squirreling away for just the right time can finally come out of hiding. I'll keep you posted.

Midge

I'm linking this up to TRANSFORMATION THURSDAYS over at the Shabby Chic Cottage.

I'm also linking it to SATURDAY NITE SPECIAL #16 over at Funky Junk Interiors.

Be sure to go over to both of those great blogs and check out all the cool projects. Peace.