Outdoor Shelves {Part One}

Well, it’s about time. I’m finally making some progress getting my porches dressed for summer! My first little project is on my back porch.

This is the entrance that is most used. Guests that are staying at my little inn have a key to this door which leads into the kitchen.

(yes, I’m recycling pictures from yesterday. I forgot to take a before shot. Oops!)

It’s not a huge space, so things sitting on the floor of the porch usually get in the way. With that in mind, I decided to take advantage of that big blank brick wall with the oddly placed glass block window.

Let me introduce you to my new outdoor shelves!

Pretty cute, right? I filled them with some random things just to take some pictures. (That’s why this is only Step One). Decorating these guys will come on another day, in another post. I need to get my hands on some plants as soon as the threat of frost is over.

Let’s take a look at how these shelves came together! And don’t worry, they are a piece of cake!

First up, I did some measuring to determine what size boxes I wanted. I then cut up some leftover 2x4s to create three boxes.

Using some wood screws, I screwed the wood together at the corners.

Yep, it was seriously that simple. No fancy minter cuts here. I wanted it to look rustic and simple.

Once everything was together, I gave them a quick sanding.

Next I wanted to add some interest to these boring boxes. I picked up some stencils, black paint, and brushes at Wal-Mart and got stenciling.

I just choose some random (and not so random) words, numbers, and symbols. Some of the words will make more sense in Part Two of this little makeover.

Next step, stain! Again using a lighter and darker stain that I had on hand, I stained all three boxes.

After the stain was on, I felt like the shelves needed a little more interest. I grabbed some red paint and added that to various spots around the shelf. I used the same brush as my stain, so the paint went on very thin.

Once everything was dry, I gave the shelves a light sanding and then sprayed them with a clear spray sealer.

After that, the shelves were complete and ready to be hung. I drilled two holes into the back of each self.
Using a masonry bit, I drilled holes into the brick and inserted screws. The holes drilled into the shelves were placed over the screws and the shelves were hung and done!

Super cute, right? I just love they they turned out. A warm little welcome to everyone entering my home and little inn.

And while I’m not sure if this is where this adorable little sign will stay, but I’m loving it here for now. It was a special gift from the lovely Kathy of South of Main Street. Thank you so much Kathy, I just love it!

I also love how that oddly placed window doesn’t look so odd anymore. It now looks like it was supposed to be there. Success!

The stencils details also add a unique touch. When my Mom stopped by my house today she asked ‘where’d you get that wood!?’, having no idea it was just 2x4s in disguise.

Any guesses what I havve planned for that tall skinny shelf?

 The stenciling on the side may give it away, but if you need another hint, check out my ‘Ideas for the Garden‘ post.

Now I am even more anxious for summer to get here! Those little pots are just screaming for some dirt and flowers.

So what do you think of my little porch project? Do you like my outdoor shelves?