above is the inspirational photo for my project.
These racks were used in shoe manufacturing factories from the late 1800's through to the 1950's (common here in the north east especially Maine).
The wheels and open shelving enabled the workers access to the rack from both sides as it was moved about the factory floor.
These shoe racks are so functional and I love the fact that they are on wheels so you can move them from room to room. My favorite spot for these in a kitchen stacked with dishes, glasses, bowls etc.
No thanks to reproductions offered by Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. The original older ones are getting harder to find and highly desirable. A few of my friends that live in Brooklyn say that some shops have these for sale and are asking over $1000 - which makes them way too expensive to own when you are lucky enough to come across one. I guess that was my final motivation.
I have been thinking for a while of trying to make these racks, not just make them - but to make them look old as well.. I showed the photo of the rack to carpenter John and described in detail to him what they were all about and the look I was trying to achieve. I think I shocked him with the request - I won't go into what he said but it was something like "people really want these"?
Since John is a hoarder collector of salvaged wood and he loves projects that he can use up his scraps with, he said he would attempt the challenge of making an old looking new shoe rack.
later in the day I stopped by the workshop to find this
of course I had to try it out
These rolling shoe racks will be for sale in the shop, but for those of you who are not local but are handy we will be offering in the near future - the step by step directions, and plans to build your own factory shoe rack. Stay tuned...
45 comments:
That is awesome! Years and years ago I bought one that I found at Brimfield...loved it but eventually sold it to make room for something else. I have always regretted that sale and now they are indeed expensive. This looks really, really good! :)
i agree with laura...awesome indeed! i love the rough-cut wood used for the repro.
interested in knowing why there isn't a bottom shelf...must have a purpose?
wish i had room for one, i'm sure i can think of a place. we have fence wood that is rough cut, so this would work well. look forward to the plans.
love it ! Very industrial looking. great job
I have one of those and your re-creation is a dead ringer for mine. I had to look twice and then read again because I thought I had misread when you said it was made. Oh my. I look forward to the tutorial!
If you want to compare to mine, here it is. It's amazing how similar they look.
http://www.cottag3.com/search/label/dining%20room
Plans would be awesome, I noticed the shelf supports are routed - anyway to make the rack without that would be great. We done 'reproduction' piece, you could probably charge close to that $1000!
LOVE, LOVE LOVE that! I've wanted one myself for quite a long time. Can't wait to see the plans!
**Tami
Wow-that's awesome. I love his response to you too!
I would have never known this was a reproduction. He is quite the craftsman. I am guessing there would be quite a few people interested in owning one.
I am thinking that I am in love with John!
It is absolutely gorgeous! Looking forward to the tutorial.
Perfect! What a great new old piece! Thank you for sharing.
Two thumbs way up for John! Look forward to seeing the tutorial!
Fantastico!!!!!!!!!!!!
:0)
How cute!
Oh wow....great job!
This is perfect, he has made it so beautifully! His recycled wood has exactly enough texture - these will go like hot cakes~
omg---love it! carpenter john is THE MAN of the week. kudos to you for inspiring him!
amy
Love it! I will definitely be waiting for the plans, this would be perfect in my sons room.
Absolutely gorgeous! I love it. John did such a great job - we all need a John!!
I just realised that doesn't sound very nice! You know what I mean!!
How very, very, very, very cool! You and John are to be commended. I'm sure these and/or the plans will be a hit!
K L A S S E ! vintage at its best.
Amazing!
OMGosh they are amazing! I would say John has some magical ways to whip up such a striking interpretation, I love his version even more than the originals! Seriously love them. ~Lili
I just forwarded this to my brother so we can brainstorm about making one for me! A tutorial would be superb. It certainly appeals to me in a big way. Thanks so much for sharing.
It looks wonderful especially with all of your white dishes! I had to laugh when reading about John wondering if people would want these. Yes! We want these!
I love the functionality and the look Lori! I think these will fly out the door~
Love this cart and how you are using it. The image of the wheel is just yummy. :)
Nothing short of fabulous!!
Super cute! Love the contrast against the white beadboard~~and what darling coffee cups!
I'll take one of those please! Love it!
I love this! I actually just bought a shoe cart this week. The nice thing about your reproduction is that the shelves are straight and it's much more practical.
Beautiful!
FAB.U.LOUS!!!!
Love it, it also reminds me of a French bread rack!
I so would have loved to have found it myself.
Love all that you inspire over here.
xx
Dore
My Mother and sister each have old shoe racks very similar to the oldie you pictured. They found them at flea markets years and years ago... and both of them have beautiful stacks of dishes displayed on them. I love the reproduction your friend made - it's fabulous! Enjoy it!
Oh, I love love love it!
I love it! I'll take one too, please!
This is absolutely beautiful! I keep my eyes open for them all the time.
xo
UH-mazing! Love this!
He did a GREAT job!! I LOVE it!
~Angela
I hope you post the how to info real soon, I love it and I would like to build them for my office/art room.
Love it. I want one!
This is fantastic! I love it. May I ask where you found your cute coffee mugs from? I love typography and these are adorable!! Thanks!
Love this and I'd love to feature it please let me know if this would be ok with you
Lauren
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