PVC + 5 Gallon Buckets = Great Toy Storage!

Here's a quick and easy PVC solution and a fun way to store toys or anything else...

Vivian LOVES putting things away these days...I can only hope that habit will last!  So I thought of making a small (but expandable) "storage shelf" that she can reach and where she can put balls and various other toys.  This project took less than an hour.

Materials needed:

• 1" schedule 40 PVC pipe.  They sell this in 10' increments which is just about exactly what you need for this project.
• 4 x 1" PVC slip tees
• 6 x 1" PVC slip elbows
• 1 x 1" PVC 4-way cross connector
• 2 x 1" PVC end caps
• PVC Pipe cutter (I use a table/chop saw because I cut a LOT of PVC)
• 3 x 5 gallon buckets (can get at hardware or superstore in paint section)

When I have just a few cuts to make in a 1" or smaller pipe, I will use a pipe cutter.  These range from VERY affordable to my favorite thing...the chopsaw...

 

1. Cut 10 pieces measuring 10  inches
2. Cut 2 pieces measuring 4 inches
3. Cut 3 pieces measuring 2 inches
4. Assemble as shown

 When adding the buckets, put the buckets face-down and bang the pvc onto them for a snug fit.

You could also paint the whole project now that there is awesome spray paint that bonds to plastic!

PVC and Me...The Beginning. Jewelry Holder.

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE making things out of PVC.  PVC is an amazing medium to work with, it's like tinker toys for grown-ups.  Being up in the mountains and having taken a break from a fast-paced career life...I have to be busy.  I also found that having a child created new challenges in my 30-year old house. 

It all started with the re-organization of my jewelry.  I am one who thinks like MacGyver...and I had lots of random bracelets and necklaces that I wasn't wearing because they were shoved into a jewelry box or a plastic storage container.  I first thought that I would use a curtain rod...

This was somewhat functional but lacking the aesthetic effect that I wanted...I also had to remove it any time I wanted to get something off of it, and subsequently remove other things surrounding whatever I was trying to get to.

Then I had a day that would change my life.  I went to my local hardware store to look for solutions.  I happened upon the plumbing supply aisle and landed in a whole new world!  My very first project was a jewelry holder.  With the discovery of PVC connectors and spray paint for plastic...I was hooked.