Old desk is transformed into a sandbox
Flea markets and yard sales aren't just fun, they're minefields filled with hidden treasures—especially when it comes to old furniture. Even if the pieces don't look very good anymore, with a little imagination, they can be given a whole new life. Anita Holland from Australia did just that. She bought an old desk for $20 at a flea market. While it arguably looked ready for the dump, she saw the potential to make her niece incredibly happy. She posted her transformation on the DIY website, "Instructables" under the name Anita H25.
Here is the before photo. The desk is looking a bit sad and worn out.
But now the fun begins. Anita started by marking an area on the surface of the desk that she then sawed out. Later, something very important will go here, so she was extra careful with the measurements.
Since her niece is just 2 years old, Anita decided to lower the height of the desk a little. This meant getting rid of one of the three drawers. The little one will now be able to reach the desk top standing up.
She added a board between the legs of the desk to disguise the insert that is soon to come. The upper drawer won't be used in the final design, so she just reattached the face of the drawer for aesthetic purposes—handle and all. The lower drawer will stay in tact as storage for toys and other treasures.
Nearly there! Anita stained the wood dark brown and waterproofed it so the desk could withstand outside weather. It's finally all come together. She took a plastic tub, set it in the hole in the top of the desk, and filled it with sand. Tada! A desk-cum-sandbox.
And when her niece is all finished playing, she can pop on the lid for safekeeping.
What a sweet idea! I can't imagine many kids have a desk like this at home. She must be the best aunt around—look at all the time and love she put into this project. Sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration and tinkering to create something incredible.