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Vintage Sled Nightstand

December 27th, 2008 in member junk     
JunkArchitect Jim Healy, contributor
12 users recommend
The sled on its new base
I had nothing to do with the lamp, its store bought.
Mocked-up prior to painting and distressing
I copied the Logo from the top of the sled
Concept Sketch
The sled on its new base

The sled on its new base

Photo: Jim Healy Copyright 2008
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While driving through the Berkshires in Massachusetts I came upon an estate sale at an abandoned dairy farm. Immediately this old snow sled caught my eye and I bought it. The women who had lived on the farm for 60 years had a story for every item she was selling.

Her brother-in-law was a toy salesmen and this was the sled he carted around to show his customers. The story went on for forty-five minutes (like this description) and all I could think about was what else was in that house and barn!

Anyway, I made a base for the sled and turned it into a nightstand for my son’s bedroom. It’s designed to look like a “Sled Display” in an old toy shop. The base is wood with miscellaneous metal straps and bars. I cut a piece of plywood in the shape of the logo on the sled body and painted it to match…“COMET”.


Pattern or design used: My own design
posted in: member junk, metal, wood, cottage, family room, whimsical, furniture, bedroom, table, paint
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Comments (17)

plumberdaughter writes: I love this what a great idea. One of a kind, love the painted sign on the front. Posted: 2:03 pm on January 1st
JunkArchitect writes: I’ll have to post the Headboard soon. It’s made from old skis, wood pulled from a dumpster and miscellaneous metal pieces.
I did paint “Cabins” on the sign…it also says “Color TV”. Just think, at one time color TV was a big draw. Posted: 1:39 pm on December 30th
kopykatkim writes: Another great design from you! That is a really cool sled. I have a couple but they are not that old. Of course the whole room is great, but you didn't make the lamp????? Shame on you, I know you could do something amazing for that room.

Kim Posted: 12:53 pm on December 30th
JUNKFORFUN writes: I COULDN'T MOVE ON UNTIL I LEFT A COMMENT.
... OH MY GOD! I LOVE IT! IN FACT I LOVE THE WHOLE ROOM WHAT I CAN SEE OF IT.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK- I KNOW YOU WILL. Posted: 11:43 am on December 30th
KimberlyMelamed writes: Wow! I just can't get enough of your work! You have such a vision and style. Love it! And thanks for spilling the beans on the other treasures found at the sale. I was with Georgia... my heart was racing at just the mention of the sale. Ha Ha Ha can you say addiction? Posted: 11:22 am on December 29th
Meadowview_Farm writes: Hi Jim:
I love how you create a "story" to inspire your work....that "this was designed to look like a sled display in an old toy shop". I always appreciate good finds and putting items together --- but give me a wonderful story to go with it (whether fact or fiction) -- and my sentimental needs are satisfied!
Kari Posted: 8:34 am on December 29th
Junk_Sophisticate writes: Oh, this is nice! Your posts are always fun to read too. Looks like your son has a pretty cool room.

Thanks for sharing.
Candy Posted: 7:28 pm on December 28th
JunkArchitect writes: Ok Geo, here’s a partial list. Lots of old garden implements (tiller, shovels, etc.), some great old milk bottles, couple of old pine frames, the glass jug on the corner of my fireplace mantel, 1950’s Disney puzzles?, old apple baskets…enough yet?

It was one of those once-a-year; I wish I had a bigger truck kind of estate sales, the kind where you have to stop for a beer around 3:00. Then you spend the rest of the afternoon thanking God and telling him how good you’ll be if he lets this happen more often. Posted: 4:56 pm on December 28th
CottageElements writes: Great job on the table. Your finishing work is awesome. The boards on the side look like they came from an old sled. What a lucky son to have such a terrific room.

Happy New Year!

Lani Posted: 4:43 pm on December 28th
georgiamoon writes: Ok , now you know that I think everything that you do is AMAZING, but...WHAT else was in the BARN???? You cannot leave a story in midstream, I NEED to know. Did you find some other fantastic stuff? don't keep me in suspense. Just the words "Estate sale at an abandon dairy farm" sends my heart racing. NOT FAIR! Geo Posted: 4:17 pm on December 28th
roadtriplouise writes: Just the best, so creative! It's so great to reuse an object and make it into something unexpected!!
Ann Posted: 11:39 am on December 28th
suewhitney writes: Awesome! Wow, your son is one lucky little guy!

Happy New Year!
Sue Posted: 11:06 am on December 28th
bridiemurphy writes: Super "cool" room! Love the headboard with the nightstand...I can see a denim pouch hanging off of the end of the piece, catching laundry or perhaps holding books? Your attention to detail, creating the comet logo fronticepiece (?) is awesome. Posted: 9:18 am on December 28th
junkinhart writes: Now this is something any boy would think is cool! Even the lamp on top I'm sure you redesigned from something else!! Great job!!

Cindy Posted: 8:29 am on December 28th
LuAnn writes: I've seen sleds turned into many things but nothing like this. You did an excellent job. I'm sure your son loved this! Your projects are always very creative. Good job.

LuAnn Posted: 7:33 am on December 28th
MimiToria writes: I really love the way you make one-of-a-kind unique pieces out of found treasures to decorate your familys home. Each piece you create is distressed to look so original and the final outcome is always awesome.
Another great job! Also, it is fun to see your mock concept drawn up and colored for each of your visions. Thanks for sharing your projects. You are a great addition to the site, and all of us await your next project. They are always good.
Happy Holidays!
Gretchen Posted: 9:11 pm on December 27th
junktiqueboutique writes: You always come up with the greatest projects. I think your son's headboard says "Cabins" but not sure. That's exactly our house decor'. Love the rustic look. Posted: 8:57 pm on December 27th
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