Being DIY/crafters we often run into situations where people have old furniture that they just “knew” we could do something with.
More often that not this turns into a garage FULL of pieces I have NO clue what to do with!
So when life gives you lemons (aka furniture you have no clue what to do with) you make lemonade (aka Dog Bowl Chairs).
Right after we were given 4 old school chairs we quickly primed two of them.
The other two were not suitable for sitting, one had a cracked seat (ouch) and the other was missing a side support.
I was getting ready to load them into my car to take them to the ReStore when my sister mentioned that Bailey (her collie) would really love a raised feeding station.
And thus began the idea of the diy dog bowl chairs using old chairs.
Since I had the idea one would think I jumped right on that. Well I didn’t I bought the bowls and they sat for 6 months to be exact.
That is until I got my newest most awesomest toy in the world, my Silhouette.
Talk about fun, no more excuses time to get these chairs done and get them to some use rather than collecting dust in the garage!
Before you get started with any cutting you will want to sand down your chairs, basically knock the finish down, and remove any oils that might prevent you from staining the chairs.
I used the dog bowl (aka mixing bowl from Walgreens) as my pattern and then drew a second circle just inside the first one.
The 2nd circle will be my cutting circle, this space will create a lip for the bowl to rest on, instead of falling through!
With your circle drawn you can drill your starter hole.
The starter hole needs to be wide enough to allow for your jig saw blade.
Use the starter hole to insert the bit and cut your circle with the Jig Saw using the inside line.
Before you put your jig saw away make and do a dry fit of the bowl.
If the hole is too small do another cut.
It’s easier to take away than it is to add back!
Once your sure the hole is the proper size sand down any rough edges caused by using the Jig Saw.
Your chair is now ready for any word art you might want to add.
And then stain the chairs.
I used the same technique on the chairs as I did on my Industrial Bar Stools & Monogrammed Jewelry Box.
Once the stain has cured the proper amount of time, I recommend finishing the chairs with a clear protective finish like
Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Satin Finish.
This particular finish comes in cans for brush on and also in a spray can.
Whichever you prefer.
This will provide a hard durable finish that will stand up to even the most slobbery big dog!
And for those of you wondering if a dog would actually eat out of one of these elevated dog bowl contraptions … Yes they will!
This post has been Fenway Approved – 4 paws up!
Selina@CreativeJuicesDecor says
January 7, 2013 at 2:19 pmSeriously, thats GREAT! You did such a good job with something you “didn’t know what to do with” I had to do a built in area for my dog bowls otherwise I end up just kicking the dishes 🙂 I like the chair idea too though.
http://www.creativejuicesdecor.com/2012/03/house-tour-part-three-kid-cubbies-and.html
Allison @ The Golden Sycamore says
January 7, 2013 at 2:40 pmSo cute! Love the chairs! I got a Silhouette recently, too. I’ve only done a couple projects with it so far, but I hope to do many more! Have fun with yours!
Allison
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Courtenay says
January 7, 2013 at 4:41 pmWell, that is just awesome! I know cats really don’t need to have their bowls raised up, but I kinda want to make something like this for them anyway!
Courtenay recently posted..Make a Baskety Bowl From an Old Light!
Deb says
August 21, 2013 at 1:38 pmI’m thinking for cats, perhaps an old wooden coffee table. That way you have room to put the dish(es) and also a lounging area for kitty. Cats like to perch anyway and it’s also a good way to keep at least the small dogs out of the cat food.
keri @ shaken together says
January 7, 2013 at 5:14 pmSO so creative!! I’d need some pretty small chairs for our cats, but this would be a great reason to give into my boys’ pleas for a dog 😉
keri @ shaken together recently posted..{taste this} baked peanut butter & jelly mini donuts
Melissa-TheHappierHomemaker says
January 7, 2013 at 6:18 pmAre you kidding me? You guys are geniuses, I absolutely LOVE this! My golden would love it!
Melissa-TheHappierHomemaker recently posted..DIY Popsicle Stick Starburst Mirror
Debbie reFresh says
January 7, 2013 at 6:59 pmOh my goodness, Murphy needs these! Love them and your dog 🙂
Debbie reFresh recently posted..Oreo {Smoothie}
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
January 7, 2013 at 7:49 pmGiving this a 5th paw up and pinning it because it’s super creative and cute!! All that’s missing is a “be merry” chair!!
Kelly
Laura Beth says
January 7, 2013 at 10:45 pmOkay, this is amazing. Our big boy Max would LOVE his own set :o)
Laura Beth recently posted..Mexican Casserole
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real says
January 8, 2013 at 7:48 amThese are too adorable, and would be perfect for our horse dog! Amazing!
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real recently posted..Open Cabinets With White, Aqua, Lime Green, & Silver Accents, Plus Some Huge News!
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
January 8, 2013 at 3:53 pmGreat project! My dog has an elevated bowl, but it’s ugly and plastic. She’s totally jealous of Fenway. Pinned this!
Kelly @ View Along the Way recently posted..Do I look fat in watercolor?
Lindsey says
January 8, 2013 at 7:20 pmGreat idea!!! Now if only my dog was about a foot taller and I had space for two extra chairs… 🙂
Lindsey recently posted..DIY Conversation Heart Garland Wreath
kristin says
January 8, 2013 at 11:17 pmOMG I love this! My dogs are too small but when we get a big dog I am so doing this! Thanks for linking up.
XO
Kristin
Tammy says
January 8, 2013 at 11:30 pmThose turned out great! Our Jake would be sad if we did that. He like to lay down and rest while he’s “carb loading” as we call it, (he always runs to his food bowl and eats in the middle of playing). But I’ve read that elevated bowls are easier for older dogs, so this might be something for us to consider when he gets a little older. You did a really nice job! Thanks for sharing them with us 🙂
Tammy recently posted..Scissor & Craft Tool Caddy
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says
January 8, 2013 at 11:32 pmThese are so adorable! We have a great dane, so he has to use raised dog bowls. I hope one day we can have a kitchen or mud room that is big enough to accomodate something like this. Nice way to break in the Silhouette!
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell recently posted..DIY Play Kitchen – Part 2
Jacque says
January 10, 2013 at 2:37 pmThanks Kelly! Preschool size chairs would work get for this one as well!
Christine says
January 9, 2013 at 7:00 amThis is absolutely AMAZING!! Great way to stop them from dragging the bowls around! So pretty!!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality!
Christine recently posted..From Dream To Reality – Linky Party #49
Heather says
January 9, 2013 at 9:38 amYOu guys are so clever!! Love this idea!! We used to own a German Shepherd, Zack, and this would have been perfect for him!
Heather recently posted..Germ Bust Your Toothbrush or Spinbrush – Cleaning Tip
karen@somewhatquirky says
January 9, 2013 at 11:59 amWonderful. Could this mean no kicked over water bowls and less mess to clean up? Great job!
Cindy says
January 9, 2013 at 12:49 pmI love this idea! My son’s dog is much bigger than my two dogs and he comes to our house every day for day care. He has to eat up on our boot bench because he hates eating on the ground. I’m going to look for old child’s chairs. I’m inspired!
Jacque says
January 10, 2013 at 2:35 pmCheck cragislist. They don’t have to be in great condition because they aren’t for sitting! Good luck!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
January 9, 2013 at 5:54 pmOh my gosh I love it, and I love your dog! Big slobbery dogs are totally the best. 🙂 We’ve got tiny kitties right now, but when we live in a house and have room for a big ol’ dog, this is so happening!
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Jessi @ Practically Functional says
January 16, 2013 at 9:52 amJust wanted to let you know I featured this on my blog today! You can check it out here and grab a Featured button if you want: http://practicallyfunctional.net/2013/01/the-fun-in-functional-link-party-33/
Jessi @ Practically Functional recently posted..Simple DIY Clock Makeover!
michele@hellolovelyinc says
January 9, 2013 at 8:55 pmcharming!
so happy to find your sweet blog via tuesday’s treasures!
when you have a moment, we’d love to have you stop by to say hi!
smiles to you.
michele
hello lovely inc.
michele@hellolovelyinc recently posted..stylish girlfriends {melissa james}
katie says
January 10, 2013 at 8:37 amThis is too darn cute! And ironic because I posted about a dog bowl holder as well on Monday! lol.
katie recently posted..{Tutorial} Vintage Coca-Cola Crate Turned Dog Bowl Holder
Jacque says
January 10, 2013 at 2:34 pmHaha that is GREAT! Everyone keeps asking for a version for small dogs you need to post this up on Hometalk!
Laura / The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles says
January 10, 2013 at 10:38 amI love this idea! And obviously – and most importantly – so does your dog! :)) Gorgeous and functional at the same time? Priceless! 🙂
Laura / The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles recently posted..Silhouette Portrait Giveaway from Jill at Create.Craft.Love.
laura@Top This Top That says
January 10, 2013 at 10:59 amOh, I just love this idea! What a clever way to use the old chairs. Featuring this in my weekly wow’s on Saturday.
Debbie says
January 10, 2013 at 7:10 pmThis idea is great for dogs as well as cats! Way to go! It’s better for the animals too. My cousin’s husband makes and sells these along with other woodworking projects…they are very popular.
I saw you sharing with Transformation Thursday
Debbie 🙂
Debbie recently posted..Recycled Christmas Tree
Christina at I Gotta Create! says
January 12, 2013 at 3:45 pmAnother hit! These are marvelous. I’m pinning!
<3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
Wildly Original linky party is open
Carrie @ My Favorite Finds says
January 12, 2013 at 9:02 pmSo,this is super cool and very creative! Thanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.
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Ruth @ Living Well Spending Less says
January 13, 2013 at 1:56 pmThose are absolutely darling! Great job!
Ruth @ Living Well Spending Less recently posted..and then i realized i was doing it all wrong… {lessons in homeschooling}
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} says
January 13, 2013 at 4:04 pmThese are so cute, and pretty I’m digging the idea. Now I wish I had a dog to make some of these. You think they’d work for a parrot? 😆
I suppose for those that have smaller dogs and the chairs seem too high, they cut cut some of the legs off to make them the right size for their dog too.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} recently posted..Sugar & Slice Sunday Link Party #10
Dana {CraftedNiche} says
January 13, 2013 at 7:19 pmThis is so cute! I made a much shorter (but same concept!) one for my little Jack Russell out of a step stool. Thanks for sharing!
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Heidi says
January 13, 2013 at 11:23 pmLove them! Great idea!!
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Monica says
January 14, 2013 at 11:10 amSo clever and cute! I know all about being given old things because “you’re crafty, you’ll find something to do with it.” If I keep getting stuff we’re going to have to get a garage just to put it all in 😉
PS: Your dog is beautiful! I want to reach through the screen and pet him.
Monica recently posted..Crockpot dulce de leche (testing Pinterest).
Megan says
January 14, 2013 at 11:46 amThese are so adorable! I would love for you to come link up to my Get Social Sunday party and follow along. What a great idea for others to see!
http://alivedinhome.blogspot.com/2013/01/get-social-sunday_12.html
Tracy Joyner says
January 14, 2013 at 12:45 pmTHE coolest idea EVER 🙂
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Debbie says
January 15, 2013 at 10:39 amHoly Cow! Those are so stinkin’ adorable! What a crazy, unique and fun project. They turned out absolutely awesome. I’m really impressed. Can you tell? Found you over at the CRAFT Monday Funday party. It’s my first visit to your blog, but I’ll be back for sure. Have a great day!
Debbie
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Rachel says
January 15, 2013 at 3:22 pmI love this!! So perfect! Stylish and totally functional.
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Shannah @ Just Us Four says
January 16, 2013 at 7:24 amThis is such an awesome idea. Larger dogs, especially, need an elevated bowl to be comfortable when eating/drinking. Glad to see Fenway enjoys it!
Shannah @ Just Us Four recently posted..Project Organization – The Craft Room
Crystelle Boutique says
January 16, 2013 at 10:23 amHow fun! Those vintage chairs are adorable. What a lucky dog!
And cute too!
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Ginger says
January 17, 2013 at 8:58 amLove it! I know my lab shepherd mix would love it too.
Check out my Show & Tell party this week. It would be great if you linked up this project. http://www.gingerlymade.com/2013/01/show-tell-9.html
Ginger recently posted..Hanging Succulent Garden Tutorial
Leen says
January 17, 2013 at 9:38 amI love this! We have a 14 and a half year old lab /corgi mix who has been laying on the floor while he eats. I bet he would love a raised bowl!
I am going to have James teach me to work with power tools. Every cool project like this I see I think “I wish I could do that!”
Sorry we didn’t get a chance to meet at the Southern Bloggers Conference. Looking forward to meeting you both at Haven 🙂
Nancy says
January 17, 2013 at 1:56 pmBrilliant and amazing! I laughed out loud when I saw this!
Love for you to stop by and check out some of my project:
http://www.dosmallthingswithlove.com
Also, I host and “oldies” link party on Tuesdays–a way to get come traffic out of our awesome, but old projects we posted long ago.
Hope to see you there–and excited to be following you via rss.
Nancy
Charlene@APinchofJoy.com says
January 19, 2013 at 5:54 pmSo clever and cute!!! Projects sometimes are like fine wine — they just need to age. Six months sounds about right! Thanks so much for sharing on Busy Monday!
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Kimm at Reinvented says
January 21, 2013 at 6:33 pmWow, the ultimate Trash to Treasure for pet lovers! Fantastic job! Great pics too! 🙂 I have a 3 month old lab puppy that likes to pick up his bowls and run around the house with them as soon as they’re empty. This would fix that habit!
Kimm at Reinvented recently posted..Thrifty and Cute Organizing
DeNacho says
January 22, 2013 at 10:02 amLOVE IT! we did something similar for our boxers, building in their feeding stations to our kitchen island (based on an old modification to our old kitchen years ago) – http://blondemafia.blogspot.com/2011/08/dinner-is-served.html. i can truly appreciate anyone that places that kind of importance on their 4-legged kids! great job! i’m recommending this to a friend of a friend who has Great Danes!
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Jocie@OPC The Better Half says
January 22, 2013 at 10:39 amJacque, I may have to go get a dog so I can do this! I even have one of those little chairs! You guys are just doing some amazing projects!! 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up.
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Inspire Me Heather says
January 30, 2013 at 9:44 amHello you guys! I love, love, love your chairs – that’s too cool! I’ve got these linked to my “pets” post too today – rounding up ideas to decorate around and with pets!
Inspire Me Heather recently posted..project: pets
Mark Jones says
March 24, 2014 at 3:13 amThat is absolutely superb. Instead of throwing used chairs, using them in this way will be undeniably perfect. Thanks a lot for reaching out and sharing this info. Keep up the good work.
Rilane says
June 23, 2014 at 8:24 amWow. The first time I see so strange and fantastic DIY. I wonder where you get such ideas 🙂
Gilly @ Colour Saturated Life says
February 10, 2015 at 8:35 amI need one of these so my chihuahua can’t get to my cats food! The cat could jump up to eat and drink and the dog is stuck on the ground! Awesome Idea!
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Sarah J says
February 10, 2015 at 10:30 amPopping over from The Makers Linky Party =) If I had the space, my next dog would have those. Very clever! Be sure to share your crafts & DIYs at Two Uses Tuesday (Mon 11pm EST to Fri 11pm EST, February is a month long!) over at Sarah Celebrates if you don’t already!
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Jeanette says
April 8, 2015 at 1:07 pmTotally awesome and very creative!