One of the best parts of creating an outdoor gardening space is crafting an area that reflects your own personality and uniqueness.

Seattle Goodwill is DIY (Do It Yourself) headquarters. There’s no creative limits to what can be made using Goodwill materials, and there’s nowhere else you can find such an eclectic assortment of goods all in one spot.

As part of our Summer DIY series, I, with the help of Goodwill teammate Nicole, recently made a beautiful barrel table that provides a great statement to any outdoor setting.

Here’s the supplies we used:

• Used barrel
• Sander
• Can of KYRLON Satin Finish Crystal Clear Spray Coating
• Corks
• Bottle of LOCTITE SI 595 Adhesive/Sealant Clear Paste
• Glass table top

The first step is purchasing an old, used barrel. Don’t worry too much about the condition. As long as the barrel is in one piece and doesn’t have too many ugly markings, it’s fine. Blemishes here and there can be removed. Use a sander to smooth out the wood, and remove unflattering marks on the barrel.

Next apply two coats of KRYLON Satin Finish Crystal Clear Spray Coating to the barrel. This will give it a nice look and also bring back a little color you sanded out.

This next step is a bit tedious and takes some patience, but apply a layer of LOCTITE SI Adhesive/Sealant to the top of the barrel and begin laying down the corks you either purchased or collected in a circular pattern.

Finally, head to your closest Goodwill and purchase a gently-used table for the glass top. Remove the glass, and fashion it to the top of your corks.

Mobile File Cabinet Raised Plant Bed

Sometimes you need a before and after picture to do a DIY project justice. That’s certainly the case with the unattractive metal file cabinet we thrifted at Goodwill and turned into a fun, colorful gardening bed.

Here’s the supplies we used:

• Old metal filing cabinet
• Four standard caster swivel wheels
• Hammer & large nail
• Power drill
• Paint & primer
• Stencil & spray paint
• Large cloth (for paint spills)

First remove all the file cabinet’s contents so all you have left is a shell. Turn the cabinet upside down, grab your hammer and a large nail to create starter holes for the wheels to fasten in to. Then take your power drill and drill holes before attaching wheels. Drill a few additional holes along the bottom for drainage, and screw down your wheels.

Lay down your large cloth, flip your cabinet upright so the wheels are against the ground and begin applying a fun “paint and primer” combo color that will give your gardening bed a nice pop. Once dry, use your stencil and spray paint to design the front of your bed. Apply dirt and plants as desirable.

Not only do we enjoy making DIY projects, we love seeing everyone else’s creations. Please tag us in your social posts (@SeattleGoodwill on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and share how you’ve used your Goodwill finds.