I gave in.

Ok, I gave in and actually did a DIY project and I really committed to it. Kind of.  What did I get myself into?

Here's my updated crate seats (I changed out the fabric):

Everyone has been pinning on Pinterest {I first saw it *here*} like CRAZY this wonderful storage seating idea with crates.  Well...I jumped into it and thought I'd do it! P.S. They are pretty low to the ground {for 1st graders} when you put them at your guided reading table. I just lowered my table a little bit and I think it'll work just fine!

The finished product!

Before you freak out when you see how much I spent, please be aware that I wanted to just get this project finished. I didn't take my time to price it out or seek donations.  I'm pretty sure Wal-Mart  and Home Depot would have donated most of the items used {if I would have been patient in getting those items}.

Remember I made 6 crate seats! You can start small!

Supplies and expected costs for 6 crates:

• Staple Gun {16.43- Home Depot}

• Staples 8mm {2.67- Home Depot}

• (2) 1/2 inch thick plywood about 2'X4' {22.52 for 2 - Home Depot} 

• Cutting the wood to fit in the crate {Free- Home Depot} 

• (6) Crates {20.82 for 6- Wal-Mart}

• Spray Glue {5.97- Wal-Mart}

• (2) Foam Roll 1 inch thick {32.00- Wal-Mart...*ouch*, instead of buying this foam I bought, just buy the egg shell foam mats!}

• Ribbon {1.97- Wal-mart} 

• Fabric {3.5 yards at $15.94-Wal-Mart} 

• A husband willing to help you out {PRICELESS!} 

Amazon (affiliate link) for crates: HERE

Here is my tutorial!

After having the Home Depot worker cut my pieces my hubby had to take them home and sand the corners down to round them out.

Cut the foam to fit on the wood.

Use spray adhesive on the wood focusing on the edges.  Pat down the fabric to ensure it sticks all around. Let dry for 2 hours.

Cut the fabric

It's best to have someone help you staple. I pulled the fabric tight and my husband used his muscles to staple.

The corners look much like a present being wrapped.

AFTER THIS STEP (It's not pictured because I just recently did this... buy vinyl table cloths by the yard at a fabric store (I got mine at walmart) and cover on top of your fabric with clear vinyl! Then you don't have to switch out your fabric. It just wipes right off!

Fit your ribbon {for the handle} and place in the middle.

Pull the ribbon tight (but not too tight) and start stapling!

You can use the ribbon as a handle to pull the seat out so you can store items in your crate.

The finished product!

My kiddos LOVE the crate seats during guided reading!

If you'd like a printable version of the tutorial click *HERE*.

*Also don't forget to Buy vinyl table cloths by the yard at a fabric store (I got mine at walmart) and cover on top of your fabric with clear vinyl! Then you don't have to switch out your fabric. It just wipes right off!

Great tips from our readers:
*Instead of buying the foam from the craft department, but the egg shell foam pads in the bed/bath department- It will be much cheaper!
*Try your local grocery store to get donated crates {eggs/milk are delivered in them!}

I linked up:

Inspiring Creations
C.R.A.F.T
I Heart Naptime
WhipperBerry
Sisters of the Wild West
Skip to my Lou
A Bowl Full of Lemons