
It’s time for another project and you’re in luck because this one doesn’t involve any sewing. I have an old toy chest in my classroom that was actually part of my brother’s bedroom set when he was little. It survived a flood in my classroom a few years ago and is great for storing my junk supplies so I just couldn’t get rid of it. It needed to be recovered though, so I picked fabric that matched my curtains. Unfortunately, I just updated my curtains so it was also time to update the chest. This is what it looked like before.
I decided it needed bright colors and polka dots too. The first step was to pop the lid off by unscrewing it. Then I just laid it upside down on top of my fabric and stapled the front edge.
You’re going to need a helper for the next part to get your corners nice and tight. I would suggest picking one that has opposable thumbs and not my furball.
With help, fold the corners of your fabric in like a present and staple in place.
Pop the lid back on, screw in place, and inspect it to make sure it’s on tight and won’t slide when a child sits on it. I had more help with this stage, as you can see.
I love it! You could easily do this with other piece of furniture too.
While I was at it, I updated a few of our crate seats too (using the same process). You can see that original tutorial here.

Super cute! But your furry helper is the cutest of all.
Tricia
Queen with Class
You are absolutely so creative! I love the orange and white polka dots! Super cute!
~ Katie
Teach Love Laugh
I love the bench!!! Your seats came out great too!! I made those this week also & they were a lot of fun! 🙂
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
Cute bench! I've actually used that fabric in my classroom. It is so bright and cheery!
EmilyK
I love the trunk! And the polka dots!
Kristi
Learning's a Hoot
OH it looks fabulous Christi!! I need a trunk now! I tried to go garage sale shopping last weekend for goodies for the classroom to no avail (it doesn't help that the hubby isn't patient 🙂
Nicole
Rowdy in Room 300
I make my hubby wait in the car when he gets antsy. And then I make sure to point out how patient I'm being whenever he is shopping for "man stuff." 😉
Very cute!
Aloha,
Corinna
Surfin' Through Second
Lovin those bright and fun polka dots!!! Both projects turned out so cute!!! I still haven't decided whether or not to take the crate seat plunge….hmmm. Thanks for linking up:)))
4th Grade Frolics
Aww! Your fur baby is such a good lil helper! 🙂
Jena
1st Grade with Miss Snowden
I love the seat on the crate. I really think I need to make some, and soon! I am your newest follower. I would love to have you come by and visit my blog! I am also having a little giveaway!
http://www.ateacherwithoutaclass.com
I love your fabric choices! And your pooch is adorable!! I need to make me some of those crates. It's been on my list forever. LOL.
Mrs. C.
http://teach-on.blogspot.com