Rimu Wine Rack

We've always taken pride in crafting our products from scratch, but we recently felt inspired to explore new ways of reducing waste. What better approach than to transform someone else's discarded items into cherished treasures? With Christmas fast approaching, we found ourselves in a flurry of gift-making, realizing that not only would it be more economical than purchasing gifts, but it would also infuse each present with a personal touch.

One day, as I casually scrolled through Facebook Marketplace, I stumbled upon a gem: a Simply Rimu wine rack that immediately caught my eye as the perfect gift for my Grandma (whom I endearingly call Mama) and her husband. Though the listing photos depicted it as slightly weathered, I could envision its potential to shine brilliantly with just a bit of restoration work. What's more, the price tag of $20.00 seemed like an incredible bargain, especially considering that the seller lived just two minutes away.

Process

1. Disassembly
   Disassembling the wine rack was a breeze; fortunately, it wasn't glued, screwed, or nailed together but rather held together by the forces of gravity and dowels, making it a cinch to take apart.
2. Sanding
   Next came the meticulous sanding of the wood. Given some water damage, we aimed to restore its former glory. Each piece underwent careful sanding to eliminate imperfections and ensure a better surface for the finish to adhere to.
3. Carving wine stopper groove
   Incorporating a groove for the wine stopper and corkscrew was a thoughtful touch. We envisioned crafting a personalized cork screw and wine stopper for the rack, and to prevent them from rolling about, we carved a simple yet elegant groove at the top. (Please refer to the Corkscrew/Bottle Stop Blog for more info)
4. Etching
   The etch design phase was particularly enjoyable. Knowing my grandma and her husband's penchant for wine, we decided to add a playful twist by etching the days of the week onto each bottle cradle. With eight cradles in total, we couldn't resist including an "in case of emergency" slot for good measure. And what's a MelonPickle project without a touch of humor? Atop the rack, encircled by a grape border, we engraved the whimsical phrase, "It's going to be a winederful day!"
5. Cleanup
   Post-etching cleanup was necessary to address any burn marks and ensure a pristine finish.
6. Finishing
   For the finishing touches, we opted for linseed oil, mindful of its food-safe properties, considering the wine rack might find its place in the kitchen.
7. Reassembly
   Finally, witnessing the wine rack come together during assembly was immensely satisfying.

From its humble beginnings as a $20.00 secondhand find with water damage, it transformed into a beautifully humorous, personalized, and rejuvenated piece. I couldn't be prouder to bring this creation to life.