upcycled bar cart

When our kids left the nest, we downsized from our sprawling suburban existence to a small urban condo, so it goes without saying that I got rid of a lot of “things.” Except for one thing. This rickety, rolling push cart (which I converted into an upcycled bar cart.)

You see dirt and rust. I see memories.

This little cart is way more than a discarded piece of factory equipment. It is a piece of my past. In 2007, I opened the doors of It’s a Wrap Ideas, a small design and embroidery factory. What began with one clever idea and a sewing machine in my basement quickly found its identity as a US made wholesale company, designing free-spirited embroidered tea towels for boutiques across the country. Some of my designs even landed in the product lines of Ballard Designs and Pottery Barn. 

I’d be lying if I said my ego didn’t love the glamour of it all, but my heart belonged to the little cement-floored factory, filled with fabric bolts and embroidery machines and a staff that breathed life into my artistic ideas. Oh, and we also had an “order picking” cart, rolling down the aisles of inventory every day. Despite all the high-priced equipment we had, this little gray cart became one of our most essential pieces.

After seven years, I sold the buiness but held on to that little cart. Just like people, many objects have unused potential. I just knew there was more in store for my cart (now retired from factory work) than housing potting soil and garden spades. 

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step 1

I hosed it off, scrubbed it clean, and sanded off several spots of rust.

step 2

Because I plan to use this cart on my balcony, I drilled several tiny drainage holes in both the top and bottom shelves to prevent rain from pooling. A regular drill bit did the trick, no masonry bit needed.

step 3

Time for fresh paint. I came across this Stainless Steel Finish spray paint that I thought would look great on the inside of the upper shelf. It took several coats, and once it dried thoroughly, I needed to gently brush away the grainy top layer. Then a smooth stainless steel shine began to emerge.

step 4

After securely covering and taping off the freshly painted inner top shelf, I sprayed the entire cart with a light layer of white primer.

Once dry, it was time for the final color. Fire Orange satin finish. A dose of patience was needed, because it took several coats.

step 5

For an added touch of fun, I ordered this chrome wine glass holder. All I needed was 4 bolts and nuts and my drill to mount it under the top shelf.

step 6

Plan your party. 

That’s right. Just roll the cart right out onto your patio, porch or deck. Stock it with some chilled drinks and glasses. It can even serve as a perfect barbecue cart. Invite some friends over. And enjoy.

If you’re dying for a sweet little cart like this but don’t feel like thrift store trolling, you can buy a new industrial cart for your project here.

The biggest compliment is a little share – pin the photo below!

Check out some more sweet entertaining ideas!

• Floral ice cubes to wow your guests!
• Plan a Moroccan rooftop dinner.