D.C.-Themed Organizer #2

Dimensions: Height 20 inches, Width 15.5 inches, Depth 3.25 inches, Interior size of license plate box is 5.5 x 10.5 x 2.5, Weight 5 pounds. This is something that could be hung near a door and used to hold mail, gloves, hats, coats, keys, dog leashes or whatever. I was inspired by something I had seen at an arts and crafts street sale, but my design is considerably different. Two D-rings are attached to the back, so all you need to hang it in your home is a hammer and a couple of nails. Organize things and show your D.C. spirit! $125. Click here to purchase.

The Story

I made the back out of reclaimed pallet wood. I intentionally cut the boards to a length that would include the original nails to show on alternating sides. I used a belt sander and hand sanding to clean and smooth the wood. Because some of the boards were warped, I used a router to cut grooves on the back to allow them to be glued flat to a backing piece of underlayment. I made the pocket shelf sides and bottom out of leftover pine lumber. I stained the wood “Red Sedona” by Minwax, to complement the red of the D.C. flag. The pocket shelf is attached with screws. I carved the outline of the District with my Dremel 4200 and added black paint in the groove. As usual, I finished the wood with Minwax water-based clear satin Polycrylic. I bought the D.C. flag license plate online (flagsgeorgia.com) and chose the black hooks (from my local Ace Hardware store) to complement the black paint. I have a couple of extra D.C. flag license plates and can crank out more D.C.-themed organizers on a custom basis. Modifications can include vertical backing planks, different color stain (or even paint), or different hardware. Or, hey, if you have your own actual D.C. license plate, I could use that.

Related Items: D.C.-Themed Organizer #1; D.C.-Themed Organizer #3; State-Themed Organizers; Shelf and Five Double Hooks with Reclaimed Wood Top; Mirror, Shelf and Hooks on Reclaimed Shutters; Pin Board with Drawers and Pegs; Black Wire Storage Bins and Hooks with Reclaimed Wood Back and Top.