DIY French Burlap Storage Ottomans

November 30, 2012

It was love at first sight.  Ballard Designs had done it again.  I wanted their French burlap storage ottoman!

But at $279 {sigh} it was not meant to be.

I had burlap storage ottomans on the brain.

And the other side of this cube:

It was torture I tell you.

Then one day I saw this in my daughter's closet, filled with stuffed animals.



Gotta love the gray plastic wheels.

It was a great rolling storage bin for a baby's room. (Her theme was "The Cow Jumped Over the Moon.")  But it had seen it's day and I knew just what to do with it.


Since the top was a bit uneven I glued Dollar Tree rulers to each of the four sides at the top to make them more even and better suited to accept a lid.


I knew it would make my life easier later when I tried to upholster it.


Then I added batting all around the cube to try and make it appear uniform all the way around.


Then I did the same "wrap" with burlap.


Now I'm getting somewhere.  

I used individual nailhead trim tacks to keep the burlap in place.

Notice how I changed out those plastic wheels with some industrial style bronze casters?  Even little changes like that can really make a difference.


Much better.

Next I stenciled on the French text with black acrylic paint.  

Here's the first side.




Here's the second side.

  Gotta have at least one fleur-de-lis.

And now side number three.

 I know this side looks a little wonky since it's not perfectly straight, but I'm gonna go with the "imperfections equal character" motto here!


I thought the star added a nice touch.  But seriously, what's missing from this picture?


Exactly.
A nice bottle of wine.


I left the third side blank.  

The final task was to create the lid.  I used some foam we had lying around the house from a long-ago dining room chair reupholstery job.  It was a bit too thick so Mr. CBD sliced it in half. No easy task, but he managed it.  


Then I glued the foam to some particleboard to give the lid stability.


I cut the corners of the board at an angle so I wouldn't be left with rigid corners that might look funny under the burlap upholstery.  Then I swathed it in, you guessed it, batting.


Finally I covered the entire lid with burlap, stapling the underside as I went along.  It's nice to be gaining more confidence using the industrial sized stapler.  I would have loved to add some tufting but this girl can only do so much.

Overall I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Added bonus:  I can hide the mess store stuff in it!

Oh, and that perfectly sized square tray I put on top?  $2.99.  At Goodwill, of course.
I can see switching out the tray from time to time depending on my mood.

I'm guessing my French burlap storage ottoman cost me somewhere in the neighborhood of around $25.00 (probably less) to create.

Now that's more like it!

For some reason it took me F.O.R.E.V.E.R. to finish this project.  My family got sick of seeing parts of it strewn all over the house for weeks.  I'm  so glad it's finally done!

    Now I can sit back and enjoy the view.


I hope you've enjoyed reading about how I transformed that old storage cubby on wheels into something worthy of living room stature.  With Christmas rapidly approaching I can't say I'll actually have time to blog about my Christmas crafts and decor, but I sure will try!

 And if you're not already a follower I'd love it if you would follow me through Google Friends Connect in my right sidebar.  You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest -- those links are right at thte top of this blog.  The more the merrier! 

xoxo

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Leave a Comment!

Karena said...

Kathleen I am amazed! Your Burlap Storage Ottoman looks much better than the $300 styles any day! Love the stencils (and the wine)

xoxo
Karena
2012 Artists Series and Giveaway from The House of Edward!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Oh wow, you clever girl!! This is a fabulous and thrifty version of those so overpriced ottomans. Great tutorial and great job!!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

You did a great job - and at a much better price!
Enjoy your weekend.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

This is one outstanding THRIFTY makeover...would love to have you come by on Monday and share it at my NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY party.

Blessings,
Linda

Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate said...

Brilliant makeover. I love it. And I love the wonky side because once again, it looks like fabric you came upon at a French flea market. Love this!

At Home in English Valley said...

Hi Kathy, WOW, when you get a idea, you run with it! It's a amazing makeover, and perfect in your beautiful home. Did you cut your own stencil? Once again you amaze me! Have a great weekend my friend! Love, Penny

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Wow! Very resourceful and it looks fabulous! Love it!

Kim @ French Country Antiques said...

I love your version better. It turned out great!

Decor & Harmony said...

Way to go Kathleen you've met the challenge! Your makeover looks great.

Ann said...

Theres nothing better than being creative and having the same if not better treasure. You did a great job. Burlap is my favorite to create with. Looks great in its space.
Ann

Anonymous said...

Kathleen, this is wonderful! Wow, how clever! You always amaze me with your creativity! I love this piece!

Pendra said...

So very creative and you saved yourself somewhere around $300.00. I am looking at a ratty old black leather ottoman Mr. P. has his feet up on right now and I even have 4 rollers just like those...wonder if he'll even notice??? Thanks for the inspiration and for saving me a bunch of bucks and no more ratty ottoman!!!
Crafty Hugs,
Pendra

Privet and Holly said...

I seem to sing
the same refrain
whenever I visit
you, but girlie,
YOU ROCK!!!

This is a seriously
wonderful project
that I'm going to
PIN as soon as I
sign off, here.

Hope you are finding
some quiet moments
of joy, this December,
to put your feet up and
toast your talents on
this lovely ottoman, my
friend!

xo Suzanne

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I love the fact that you printed on multiple sides, Kathleen. You did a great job.

Mel said...

wow, I love your ingenuity! That is a seriously awesome makeover. Saw this at the burlap party and it would have won my vote!

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