Not just repurposing, but BEING repurposed......" if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come." ~~ 2 Corinthians 5:17



Saturday, May 22, 2010

Brought to you today by the Ladder....

I love projects with ladders. They are very easy to work with, you can get them free or very cheaply, and the possibilities are endless! Stepladders can make instant shelves and side tables -- and you probably already have some hiding in your garage. But my personal favorite is the rung ladder. You know they are sturdy because they're designed to hold big heavy guys. But sometimes, a rung will break. Those silly men tend to throw them out at this point. And that's when the junker's fun begins.

This is probably my favorite of my ladder projects --
I call it a gossip bench, but I've also heard them referred to as courting benches or make-up benches (for feuding couples). I used 5 ladder sections, with three of them the same heights and facing the same directions. Then I just placed a couple wood planks across the rungs. The other 2 sections are for the 2 back pieces. By placing these on opposite sides it forms two seats that face opposite directions. Just screw it all together and finish however you wish.


Here's another nifty ladder project --
I saw something in Pottery Barn that had the same feel so I put one together with finished shelves I had on hand and 2 long ladder sections. The underside of each shelf has a hole drilled near each corner. Then I put a corresponding short dowel in the rung. I just slide the shelf onto the pegs to hold them in place, but it can easily be dismantled for moving.

Here's what it looks like when it's all dooded up!

This next project is hamming it up for the camera --
It literally is! Because this ladder arbor was used at our church's Spring Tea as the setting for posed photos. Normally it is a bit more dressed down for relaxing outside.
So you can see there are many fun possibilities for rung ladders. I'd like to try a desk or sofa type table next. And even after the projects are down, any leftovers can be put to good use.
Small sections can be mounted flat on a wall horizontally. They make great "frames" for photos, or simple set some shallow objects, or even hang stockings at Christmas time.
Now go have some junk fun with ladders,
Midge
I am linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors

18 comments:

Funky Junk Interiors said...

Wow, you've put ladders to many different uses! I love the dark brown one, it looks fabulous in your home! Very cool!

Thanks for linking up to the ladder party at SNS!

FJ Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

Catherine @ van Breugel Design said...

My favorite is the second photo. I think that is the perfect store display shelving. The arbor and the double-sided chair are brilliant as well. Thanks for sharing your great ideas!

Marianne said...

That are great and imaginative projects. That little gossip bench is too cute.

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

How creative. I love the green color. I am a big fan of all things green! Maybe not hunter green though. : ) Cute stuff. Saw you at SNS.

Coleen's Corner said...

I can't pick! All of them are really nice and well put together. The gossip bench made me giggle for the suggested uses. I think I need one for the boys when they fued!

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

I love them ALL, but the one I saved to my inspiration folder is the arbor! I'm hoping to marry that daughter of mine off real soon! :)
great job on all of them!
gail
ps I NEVER see ladders at the curb. :(

Melissa said...

So many wonderful ideas!!

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Hi Midge,
Amazing ladder projects!!
Happy day!
xojanis

Anonymous said...

Love the ladder project and all your past projects posts!! You have done some great things with junk!!!

bee blessed
mary

ann at greenoak said...

such good ladder ideas!!! and im impressed with your whole business model.... looks like you have lots of things working..especiallyo like your party plan...i always learn something here,,,..and you dont have to be open 6 days a week!!!
ann

Proper Prim said...

Love your ladder post... great ideas... my favourite is the arbour one... love the little gossip bench too... oh shucks I love them all...

Hugs, Deb

kanishk said...

Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
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Prior said...

Love your ladders. The arbor would be cool for a wedding! I enjoyed your post about a shop/work place. I have been thinking along the same lines... Lezlee

Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic said...

I love all your ladder creations! You know how much I love ladders! ;)
Rose

Gail said...

I love your ladders! You are very creative. :)
Thank you for your comment. That is my nieces bedroom. She and her husband are avid outdoor people.

Unknown said...

I love the ladder gossip bench! So creative. Thanks for linking up!

The Hillbilly Wife said...

I'm a new follower, found you from My re-purposed life. I am so excited to read through all your projects~we are new to re-purposing, but I'm loving it. Thanks!

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

So many fun ideas Midge :) Love old ladders!!! Hope all is well...chat soon, Laurel