Cassie Bustamante

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If I can’t Find a Bar Cart, I’ll Make One Instead

February 27, 2012 by Cassie 73 Comments

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Anyone get the Grinch reference?  Anyone?

Since before Christmas, I have been looking for a bar cart for our dining room.  I had wanted to give one to Chris for Christmas, but never found one within my budget; or when I did find one, it was sold before I could get to it.   If you remember our dining room, you may recall this cute little cabinet.
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My mom bought it for my birthday a few years ago when we went to the auction together (that was what I wanted to do for my birthday.).  I painted it white and distressed it and added the turquoise beaded knobs.  And it worked really well in our old house where it housed my cookbooks.  Over time the doors swelled and didn’t shut as well.  We brought it with us to this house, but I wasn’t loving it’s very cottagey feel in the corner of the dining room, but I wanted to keep it for sure.

Well last week I was flipping though a magazine ( I can’t remember which but will search!) and I saw an old cabinet turned liquor station and somewhere, one of these turned on!
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Just like the Grinch, I got an idea.  I got a terrible, horrible, awfully good idea!  I decided that I could turn my cabinet into a liquor cart.  I began by removing the doors, and filling the hinge holes with woodfiller and sanding it down.

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Once that was done, I primed the piece all over.

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Then I used metallic antique gold spray paint to paint the inside.  I did the inside first because I knew I was going to be spray painting it with the gold, and I knew I could cover any spray paint when I hand painted the exterior.

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Before I painted it, I also turned it upside down (here it is on its back, but I ended up flipping it over) so that I could add casters.  You can buy casters at hardware stores, but I was literally working only with things I had on hand (all the paint, primer, hardware came from my stash of stuff).  I drilled holes in teh appropriate size for my casters, and then placed them.

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 I also added a brass handle to each side….

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And a brass hook to the front….

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And here it is now!  I surprised Chris by having this ready for him when he came home Friday.  Not sure it is the cart he was looking for, but you know what?  It was all free to me.  And I like it.   I am also considering adding a shelf to the bottom.

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All in all, I am pretty happy with this piece.  I am most proud of the fact that I didn’t have to buy anything to create this little bar cart for us.  Of course, as my mom pointed out, when the kids are older we will need a locking cabinet.

As a sidenote here is a funny story.
When I was 18 years old I got the grand idea to steal vodka from my parents.  They NEVER drank it, so I used a “Poland Spring” water bottle and filled it all the way up and put it in my closet.  I replaced the vodka I took with water.  I thought I was so smart.  Let’s fast forward 8 years to when I was about 26.  I got an email from my dad address to my brother and I.  He had made bloody Mary’s with my mom and they realized that they felt nothing… nada… He then realized that the vodka was watered down.  He wanted to know which one of us did it.  I called him right away and could not stop laughing!!!!  I called and said “It took you THIS long to figure it out?!?!?”

You might think less of me after reading this, but I think it’s a really funny story.  And I didn’t drink that whole bottle all at once… I used it over time in 7-Eleven slurpees, which then became “magic slurpees” to my friends and me.  And I know something else.  Yes indeed, Mom, I will be locking my liquor up.

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Comments

  1. Sabrina says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:17 am

    Awesome bar cart!! Nice job!
    That vodka story is hilarious!! I don’t think any less of you at all, because I did something very similar in high school! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:36 am

    The cart looks great! Love that it didn’t cost you anything.

    I think most of us have a story or two like that, all part of growing up!

    Reply
  3. A place 2 call home says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:52 am

    Very cute bar cart, I really like it. And in college we used to put vodka in our slurpees! Have a fabulous day!

    Reply
  4. Marie says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:59 am

    FUNNY story!! love the bar cart!

    Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    I did the SAME thing at my house!! But I had a leg up in that my parents didn’t drink! They had it there for guests…but don’t think they didn’t take a sharpie marker and draw a line where they’d last used the vodka.

    Aside from that, I think this is one of my top faves of yours. I just love how you repurposed it!

    Reply
  6. Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    Hehehe that was a long time to discover the missing alcohol. I love how your redid that cabinet. The gold looks so good.

    Reply
  7. Megan says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    That story is hilarious!!!!! Sounds like my parents, for sure! I loooooooooove the cart, the gold inside is freaking fantastic!!! You are like a creative genius 🙂 No seriously, you are.

    Reply
  8. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    What a great bar card and all the better that you made it yourself with what you had! Gold and brass are gaining popularity again, so you’re cutting edge too!

    Reply
  9. Carol says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    Ok, the funniest part is that your parents didn’t go by taste but by the “lack of buzz”. The cart is adorable-great idea!

    Reply
  10. Kara @ June & Bear says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    great job cassie! i love the gold interior and the casters. and i’m with carol–i think it’s hilarious that your parents knew because they didn’t feel a buzz.

    Reply
  11. m e g a n says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    that’s hilarious! I love how your cart turned out! So creative! Eventually when we have room for one I would love one too, I’ll have to remember this trick.

    Meg

    Reply
  12. Katie @ Wildwood Creek says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    Love the gold and brass on the cart! Funny story! In the future, a lock is a must have.

    Reply
  13. Twice Nice says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    I absolutely love that you repurposed that cabinet for a bar cart! You really rocked it though with that gold paint on the interior. Fabulous! Funny story about your parents. At our house it was the blue stain on the kitchen carpet that came from Blue Curacao (Blue Hawaiian drinks. ;-)Funnier still, my Mr. and I have high schoolers hanging out here so ours is locked up…only we forgot where we hid the key! Took us months to find it.

    Reply
  14. Cathy Wall says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    So clever, a brilliant, use what you have solution! Definitely add the shelf to the bottom! Your story about the vodka cracked me up…imagine, 8 years till discovery!!!!
    Cathy

    Reply
  15. Amy says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    That’s a really great idea! Also, the vodka story brightened my morning. Hilarious!

    Reply
  16. 17 Perth says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    Cassie, that is a hilarious story! Hahaha. The bar cart turned out great. I love the little handle on the side too for a towel!

    Reply
  17. Kelly says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    You are too fabulous! The gold makes the whole thing for me. I can’t believe you did it for free!! And the vodka story cracked me up. 🙂

    Reply
  18. miss flibbertigibbet says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    Too funny…great idea and use of furniture!
    Lorraine

    Reply
  19. Between Blue and Yellow says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    Cute idea! To be 18 again 🙂 Everyone had at least one friend whose parents didn’t lock up the liquor.

    Reply
  20. Melissa at HOUSEography says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    So cute! such a great story and a great bar cart. i think the shelf would make it seem even more like a bar cart, because you could store an ice bucket and other things that you don’t really use as much.

    Reply
  21. Ange says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Great idea to make that a bar cart! Love the gold of course and the hooks too! I’ll make sure to hide my vodka in a water bottle so you can’t steal it from me. Although maybe you could make us magic slurpees at Haven?

    Reply
  22. michelle says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    What a great idea, I love it! Loved your story, that is too funny!! Oh yes, I remember magic slurpees too! 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  23. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    What a great idea! Love how it turned out …

    … and I just love, love that vodka story! That is too funny. Seriously, 8 years! Ha!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  24. Kim @ keller-creative says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    Love the gold inside to the bar cart! I love the vodka story 😉

    Reply
  25. Feral Turtle says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Hi Cassie, This is the first time I have been here. I found you through a comment at Meridian Road. Love your blog so far, and had to become your newest follower. Now I have to go back and see what other great things you have done! Cheers.

    Reply
  26. Sarah says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    That is hilarious!! I love that your parents didn’t taste the difference but felt it!! Haha!! Great job on the cart, I think it looks fabulous!! -Sarah

    Reply
  27. Gwen @ The Bold Abode says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Think less of you? I think I like you just a little bit more…but don’t tell my kids cuz I will kick their butts if they ever do that.

    And, my parents NEVER had liquor in the house, so it took me until college to break the law…

    Reply
  28. Karena says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Cassie I love it! You might add a couple of interesting decanters and a maybe a crystal stem or two on the top!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

    Reply
  29. Andrea says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Okay, that was brilliant! I love the inside painted gold. Who didn’t sneak vodka from their parents for “magical drinks”! Our kids will never do anything like that. ha!

    Reply
  30. Tanya from Dans le Townhouse says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:00 pm

    Fabulous! And, because it has sides, it looks so neat and orderly. Open ones can look a little cluttered, but yours looks good. Inspiring project!

    Reply
  31. Lisa Scibilia says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    You are a riot!! I love that story and that it took your mom & dad 8 years to figure it out!! So funny! And I love your bar car – so creative with the handles and hooks and gold inside!!!! – but I was thinking as I was reading it about how sad I am that I can’t have a bar cart (I have the perfect spot for one!) because I officially have a teenager and yep, no matter how much I trust him, time to lock up the liquor!!! 🙂

    Reply
  32. The Rooster and The Hen says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    What a fabulous transformation, it looks so great! Stopping by from the power bloggers tribe with a special invite to link this bad boy up on the RRR party on March 2nd if you’d like.

    Reply
  33. Sarah says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:11 pm

    LOL! That little story at the end is hilarious! That was me just a few years ago, stealing my parents alcohol because they never drank it- well actually my mother has never drank anything ever, so I guess it’s just my dad’s. Isn’t that what almost ALL teenagers do though? I think it’s almost a rite of passage nowadays!

    Reply
  34. Lisa - A Room with A View says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:58 pm

    I love the idea and the gold interior, too. Your story is hilarious, one you can laugh about now but after a few years you will probably decide you need to close off the alcohol and lock it up, too!

    Reply
  35. Ali Richardson says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:20 pm

    Ha ha!!! FUNNY story!! Let’s have magic slurpees when I’m there, k? Mmmm!!! I love that bar cart! It is perfect 🙂

    Reply
  36. Heather says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    Just needs a pretty brass tray on the top and a cool cocktail shaker. My grandfather tried to teach me to drink before I went off to collage, but I kept falling asleep over dinner so he gave up. We still have some of his vermouth in our bar and he died a very long time ago! Wonder if it is still good?

    Reply
  37. Jacqueline says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:02 pm

    It looks great! Very creative also, I’ve been wanting to turn an old dresser we have into a bench. Maybe this will happen soon.

    Reply
  38. [email protected] Road says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    You are a like a thrifty stylish genius! It looks VERY cool, and for free? Nice!

    Reply
  39. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    So funny! You’re going to be way ahead of the game with your kids! LOL
    I had three teenage boys in the house at one time, but only one would dare such a thing. My hubby was a hellion as a teenager so we were always a few steps ahead of him. We put white vinegar and water in the vodka bottle and a little coke added to that mix subs for gold tequila.
    His friends were so mad when their beverages were ruined! “Dude, your parents are twisted!”
    Good times. 😉
    Love your little bar cart!

    Reply
  40. Fiona, LilyfieldLife says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    you’re so funny. magic slurpees! hilarious!

    Reply
  41. Allison says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    Wonderful job on the bar cart, Cassie! The gold inside gives it just the right touch of glam. What a nice gift to your hubby. Yes, that is a funny story and one I think many of us can relate to. I loved the email your Dad sent you. Happy Monday!

    Reply
  42. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:27 pm

    Who doesn’t love a bar cart? I love it, down to the towel in the side. Happy to “meet” you from the power bloggers tribe and follow you.

    Reply
  43. cheryl @ nefotlak. says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:29 pm

    brilliant!! love it. cheryl xox.

    Reply
  44. Erin @ His and Hers says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:52 pm

    What a great idea to revamp the old cabinet! I love the little touches, like the brass handles and the towel. 🙂

    Reply
  45. Carrie @ Hazardous Design says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:57 pm

    First of all, the bar cart is fantastic. The gold paint detail is a perfect touch. As for the vodka story, I did did the same thing in high school…and so did my little brother when he was in high school. My parents never drank, so the bottle that my brother watered down was actually the same bottle I had already watered down. Too funny, and I still don’t think my parents know 🙂

    Reply
  46. [email protected] Not Included says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:09 am

    First, I can’t stop laughing about the vodka story and your parents.
    Second, Magic surplees sound amazing. I might have to make one this weekend. I’m with Ange, we need these at Haven!
    Third, well, that cabinet came out great. Love the gold and the idea of the hooks for hanging things outside.

    Reply
  47. Emily @ 52 Mantels says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:14 am

    I love it!! What a great use of existing items!!

    Thanks so much for coming by and saying hi!! Nice to “meet” you!! 🙂

    I’m following you on my way out!

    Reply
  48. WhisperWood Cottage says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:15 am

    Love the gold and brass! I also love that it took your parents that long to figure it out! Too funny!!

    Reply
  49. Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:37 am

    HA! I’m still laughing over your vodka stealing story. I did something very similar but with those little travel size liquor bottles they use in airplanes. Plus I don’t think my mom ever noticed because she just had the bottles because they were cute. 🙂

    Ok, enough with lushes type stories. Your cart is very cute. I love the casters so I think it’s great that you used supplies you had on hand.

    Reply
  50. DecorandtheDog says

    February 28, 2012 at 3:19 am

    Too funny!! I never pictured you as the rebellious type.

    The cart is fabulous!

    Reply
  51. Eclectically Vintage says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:00 am

    A girl after my own bar cart (and liquor) loving heart! Fab job!!
    Kelly

    Reply
  52. Laura from Top This Top That says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:31 am

    funny, but not really since I have little one’s now and have done all the same tricks. Your newest follower from the “Power blogger Tribe” 🙂
    Laura

    Reply
  53. Emily says

    February 28, 2012 at 5:08 am

    the cart came out so cute! and thanks for the reminder that we will be needing to lock up the stash in just a few years!!

    Reply
  54. Mr. [email protected] says

    February 28, 2012 at 5:34 am

    The gold looks really great.

    Reply
  55. beachcomber says

    February 28, 2012 at 9:12 am

    love it..great idea!!
    found you on coastal charm.
    x

    Reply
  56. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    Great idea, I have never seen this type of transformation before. I love it! I would love for you to join our Tues linky party, Cowgirl Up, one party, four blogs http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/2012/02/cowgirl-up-4.html

    Reply
  57. { The Painted Home } says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    love it! awesome eye chart towel too! d e n i s e

    Reply
  58. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    This is awesome Cassie! LOVE it!

    Reply
  59. [email protected] Design for Living says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    Very funny! Love the bar cart!

    Reply
  60. vintageshabbychicks says

    February 28, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    Hi Cassie…LOVE the bar cart!! Hmmm.. got to go dig thru my garage to see if I can repurpose one too! Love the vodka story..too funny:-))

    Reply
  61. Maury Kilgo says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:01 pm

    You are so clever! I love that. I love the gold paint on the inside and I definitely got the Grinch reference. love that movie!

    Reply
  62. Katie says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    Love the cart Cassie! That gold is great!! And don’t worry, I used to do the same thing with my parent’s liquor! That’s hilarious it took him 8 years to figure it out!

    Reply
  63. Julia @ 551Eastdesign says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:14 am

    Haha too funny Cassie! By the way I love the peacock print in the background! Did you make it?

    Reply
  64. ✯StaceyAnne✯@Rendition Road says

    March 1, 2012 at 6:25 am

    I have been searching for a beverage cart for-ev-er; what a truly ingenious idea to make what you can’t find! This piece is absolutely stunning. I really think all the extra little details you added make it so much better than an average bar cart. I’m your newest follower! I found you from the POPP over at Domestically Speaking.

    Reply
  65. Janeous says

    March 2, 2012 at 4:05 am

    I absolutely love this! And the price tag is perfect! 😉

    -Jane @ Urbanejane.com

    Reply
  66. chateau chic says

    March 2, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    Such a creative idea. So much more charming than a store bought cabinet!
    I’m a new follower, Mary Alice

    Reply
  67. Kim @ Too Much Time says

    March 3, 2012 at 3:19 am

    Cassie! You really did a great job with this:) I love the casters and fixtures you added.

    I would be thrilled if you stopped by linky party going on all weekend!
    http://too-much-time.com/2012/03/get-schooled-saturday-12.html

    [email protected] Too Much Time On My Hands

    Reply
  68. mONICa and eLAINe @ Decorating Insanity says

    March 3, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    Cassie, yup we think alike, just make it!! Anyway it turned out great. BTW…where did you get that towel? It’s so cute! Would love it if you would share your transformation here:
    http://www.decoratinginsanity.com/2012/03/furniture-friday-7-and-link-party.html
    xo…mONICa

    Reply
  69. mONICa and eLAINe @ Decorating Insanity says

    March 3, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    Cassie, yup we think alike, just make it!! Anyway it turned out great. BTW…where did you get that towel? It’s so cute! Would love it if you would share your transformation here:
    http://www.decoratinginsanity.com/2012/03/furniture-friday-7-and-link-party.html
    xo…mONICa

    Reply
  70. gail says

    March 7, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    Cassie,

    LOVE this bar cart! So happy when I see you repurpose something! 🙂
    thanks so much for linking up to catch as catch can!
    gail

    Reply
  71. Good Time Charlie says

    March 7, 2012 at 11:08 pm

    The bar cart looks fantastic. I love the gold interior. The story is the best part though!!!! That is really, really funny!!

    Reply
  72. Jenn @ myfabulesslife says

    March 10, 2012 at 2:44 am

    Love the cart! I keep thinking lately that I need one but it would probably always be empty 😀 And love the story, sounds like my in-laws who have had the same bottle of New Year’s champagne for the entire 10 years my husband and I have been together–still unopened. And “magic slurpees” and I had a good run together in college too, in fact, can’t drink them anymore due to a few too many really good nights (and I guess maturity 😉 ) Anywho, love the cart!!

    Reply
  73. Oliver Maddison says

    October 21, 2013 at 2:24 am

    Thanks for Sharing this wonderful information,The bar cart looks fantastic. I love the gold interior, for more info click here

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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