Since that time (last summer) I kept my eyes open at thrift stores for the perfect rolling desk/cart that would be the base of my project. A few months ago I found this one at Deseret Industries. Luckily I had my daughter there with me to size it up with!
I wanted to be able to share a tutorial for this project here for you, but I kind of just created as I went. So I will give as much info possible, and the rest you can use as inspiration!
These are the colors I chose to paint my stand: Warm Yellow, Berry Pink, and Key Lime. All from Home Depot, all gloss finish (other than the chalkboard paint). I have not used the lime yet, but may use it to accent a few little things I add to the stand later. I also used a white base coat spray paint beforehand.
After the base coat, I painted all the yellow first. I taped off the parts behind the frame to paint the pink. Then I painted on the chalkboard with a small roller and brush for the edges.
We built the top canopy with the ability to be detatched, using 4 carriage bolts, so it will be able to fit inside our vehicle if we wanted to take it anywhere. I used some off-white canvas that I already had, for the canopy top, and used lots of Fray Check on the scalloped ends. Then I taped off and spray painted the canvas to match the rest.
I chose to use a rolling computer desk because it was the perfect height for my kids, has a rolling [keyboard] shelf, and a bottom shelf as well. Also because it had [locking] wheels.
We just added a full back to it and lowered the rolling shelf dow a few inches. We also added "lips" to the outside of the shelves to keep things from falling out. Then we finished the front by "framing" the chalkboard with some other wood scraps we had lying around.
I found these cute pink aprons at Hobby Lobby.
Other necessary items: Chalk and Eraser (dollar store), Hand Sani, Lemonade Mix (less-expensive to buy the sugar-free, generic brand), Plastic Cups (these are 9oz cups, 80ct for just over $2- best price so far!). The big spout-container is plastic (a MUST), and I found it at Walmart. (I added the ribbon for fun.)
Problems that came up, and our solution to fix them: I found out real fast that castor wheels are not meant for concrete. We plan to fix this problem with some used stroller wheels (that lock as well- very important).
Finally toward the end of this project, I went online to look for even more lemonade stand inspiration. Here are some sites I found and LOVE. These ladies are so creative and even have free printables! I can't wait to go spend more time on their sites. A big THANK YOU to these talented women for their beautiful work and inspiration:
I definately plan to use some of the beautiful printables from these talented women listed above! I also plan on fixing the wheels and adding a handle for pushing/pulling the stand down the driveway and sidewalk.
And there you have it, friends! 
I got this done just in time for my daughter's 7th birthday. Happy birthday Alia!!
It is absolutely adorable! T
ReplyDeleteNice job...it's sooo cute!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find your beverage server jug? I'm looking for one. Thanks.
That's really cool looking! Nice idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies! (This blog post took me a long time to post. Sorry. I have updated it with lots more info. I got the beverage jug at Walmart. :o)
ReplyDelete