Recently a challenge was given to me to figure out a solution. The Ice Bucket Project. In the Community Center, up in the Palace Theater we have a Grand Foyer that serves as a Reception area as well as a gathering place for different functions. The staff decided that they would like to have a different scenario for serving refreshments there. They ask for a larger container for ice to be served out of. One that would hold alot of ice and be easy to drain the melted water from.
So our Maintenance Department was called in, and our own 'McGyver' created the way for an igloo ice bucket to 'set' down in the table by cutting the tables and having the igloo become part of the table. This way the drain would be below the table and water could be emptied easily without having to remove the entire bucket. Then the project was presented to me to see if I can come up with a idea to 'dress' it up. Hmmmmmmm...... maybe a God Idea will help me with a creative thought here!
So let's dress the table first - so I make a new tablecloth. This one is 20 feet long. Easy, just one very long tablecloth to make. Then as the fabric drapes over the ice bucket I can see where the cuts need to start.
Make the cuts diagonally across the lid. Then carefully slide the fabric down the sides until it fits snugly around the tub. Then slip it off and take the entire tablecloth to the sewing machine and hem the cut edges for a smooth finish. Then the tablecloth itself is complete and ready for the final layout.
Then measure the bucket and cut a double length of the same fabric, and gather and sew the fabric to make a 'skirting' out of it.
I always keep scraps of pretty trimming and now this one might come in handy. And as you would know it, this length is just right!
Don't you just love it when things come together right? It makes me smile while I work. Sew it all together and voila! We are ready to put this baby together.
I love Velcro. It's the best invention and it's many uses so helpful. On this project, the sticky side gets put on the igloo. And the other side of it, gets sewn on the skirt.
Then it's time for the first fitting. The skirting looks pretty good, with a little hemming needed. But the lime green will have to go.........let's see how do we get rid of this un-elegant looking rim. This just won't do, any ideas?
Yes of course! That's it - the perfect idea! I will run to the store and be right back!
Finding some paint that is for plastics and safe for children's toys should work perfectly. So it gets a nice coat of black paint and while it dries, the skirting gets its little hem.
Now look at this..... it's coming together nicely. The colors look good in this beautiful room and this deep ice bucket will serve fresh ice all day long without any problem. Would you like to see the final results? Drum roll please.....
This looks good and fits our decor perfectly. No one would guess that is a bright green rather ugly igloo under everything! And as I finish, the happy sounds of arriving guests for another function that is happening downstairs. Let's get this done, and these sewing things loaded up and gone before anyone sees me. And Monday when the next rental is being served their food here, they will enjoy the results, and the staff's work will be a little easier - and that makes me happy.
Ice Anyone?