What should I do with this dead heater?

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I have a hard time throwing out anything with potential. So many creative geniuses out there- what should I do with it? I started to take it apart and was thinking tiny greenhouse, display cabinet, patio end table or??? It's about 24" tall with fake logs, a glass door that opens, etc. Thanks in advance!

what should i do with this dead heater, heating cooling, repurposing upcycling

102 answers

Marcia Day on Mar 12, 2014
I don't know if this would work on a fireplace, but I once saw an old TV gutted out and made into a pet bed. That might be fun for a small dog or a cat to have their own little house.

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Jessica C on Mar 12, 2014
Put it out on the deck and make a backyard fire pit out of it. You can remove any electrical parts and just keep the shell. You may need to remove the door or glass as well.

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Kathy on Mar 12, 2014
Here's what I did with Mine and its really Pretty even tho it doesn't put out Heat for very long.

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Debbie P on Mar 12, 2014
I have one just like this it is made of heavy plastic the heater dont work on mine the the effect of the flames does so I have it in my living room an I put a pvc pipe painted black so it looks like a real stove

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Keith on Mar 12, 2014
You've already got some good ideas here.. I like your thought of the patio end table, too, but I'd mount several of the candle type flicker light bulbs in the back to give your patio some added atmosphere at night.

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Terri R on Mar 12, 2014
I like the idea of adding electric candles to this.

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Linda on Mar 12, 2014
maybe a terrarium, if it won't work with real plants, maybe fake plants, real gravel, stones, minature buildings, and play dough animals you find in the woods, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels etc. maybe even tiny birds setting on the plants or branches.

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Dotti Johnson-Porrett on Mar 12, 2014
I know a lot of teacher's who would love this for their classroom with fake fire in it. Or a library with fake fire in it and bean bags all around it...

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- Sandie Lori on Mar 12, 2014
  @Dotti Johnson-Porrett uuuummm....pretty sure she DID say it DOESN'T work??
  
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Bev Kent on Mar 12, 2014
this is lovely. how about rerouting the electrical to a overhead light (inside) then making a small garden, triennium in it, possibilities are endless

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Punky Morrison-Richey on Mar 12, 2014
dog bed :)

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Julie Pierce Collins on Mar 12, 2014
turn it into a backyard fairy garden.

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Linda D on Mar 12, 2014
i made a waterfall in a fake fireplace on my deck.....that might work

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Kimberly Irwin Weyer on Mar 12, 2014
Aquarium

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Lena Campbell on Mar 12, 2014
I see this as a perfect little way to make a replica of the old fashioned stoves that you could build fires in. It would be perfect for a little log house playhouse for kids or grandkids. The logs could even stay.

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Debbie Gates on Mar 12, 2014
Set it outside and fill and use it as a planter filled with bright red and orange flowers to look like a fire inside of it. Get something that flows like nasturtiums or other flowing flowers.

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Tea193235 on Mar 12, 2014
fishtank

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Kate S on Mar 12, 2014
Liquor cabinet/bar on porch.

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Lena Campbell on Mar 12, 2014
Inspirations work for the little cook stove. https://www.google.com/search?q=old+fashioned+cooking+stove&client=firefox-a&hs=Ozw&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&biw=1600&bih=797&tbm=isch&imgil=zYxfxD8Hc4LfzM%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcSlJaJ0BGmHVH_Xv6wkFXrNkm-XF5NljSuL19R2sU8wi3-PkTu4%253B400%253B400%253BiHU1gqiJHnYKCM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fgadgets.softpedia.com%25252FnewsImage%25252FFireview-Cookstove-Brings-Back-Old-Fashioned-Wood-Cooking-3.jpg%25252F&source=iu&usg=__MJzIErslzm2wiwExr0w14vtPdHs%3D&ei=xRYhU9aMBJL0qQHghIGQCA&ved=0CEkQ9QEwAg#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=zYxfxD8Hc4LfzM%253A%3BiHU1gqiJHnYKCM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fgadgets.softpedia.com%252Fimages%252Fnews%252FFireview-Cookstove-Brings-Back-Old-Fashioned-Wood-Cooking-3.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fgadgets.softpedia.com%252FnewsImage%252FFireview-Cookstove-Brings-Back-Old-Fashioned-Wood-Cooking-3.jpg%252F%3B400%3B400

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Carol Floyd on Mar 12, 2014
make plexiglass insert, get a pump and fish....

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- Lorrie Curtsinger on Mar 12, 2014
  Exactly what I was thinking: have glass cut to fit and make an aquarium out of it.
  
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Diana Franck-Hallsted on Mar 12, 2014
Put white or orange x mas lights under the logs for a porch decor or on the patio

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Sheila on Mar 12, 2014
outdoor fire pit

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Pam Miller on Mar 12, 2014
I would consider converting it to gas, adding fire glass and setting it on the patio....

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Jota Rinehart on Mar 12, 2014
I like the Fire Pit Idea, If you have kids they could Roast Hot Dogs, Marshmallows, etc. Find a Small Grill, place it inside and Cook Chicken or Kabobs. And you could use real wood too! Put chairs around in a circle and do the Camp Fire Theme. And place a Kettle on Top for Hot Cocoa or Tea.

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Lorrie Walter on Mar 12, 2014
Take out the logs, and put in LED candles of various sizes. Nice light with ambiance!

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Terri Ford on Mar 12, 2014
Why not put battery operated candles in it?

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Diana Sue Mendez-Lucio on Mar 12, 2014
@ Toni Yates -It reminds me of an Amish fireplace soooo Why not make it a fireplace/fire pit for your back yard.. You can make it with a grill to let kiddos roast marshmallows too!! Just a thought.. Enjoy and please send an update!!

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Lynn on Mar 12, 2014
I like taking out the logs, paint it and use it for an end table. Put books on the bottom shelf or magazines in decorative magazine holders.

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Debra on Mar 12, 2014
Pet bed

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Judy on Mar 12, 2014
I plant flowers in everything.

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Trish Mertell on Mar 12, 2014
It already has electricity. Turn it into a night light. Install a cord w/ a few sockets for low watt bulbs. Put them behind the logs. Maybe do multi-colors...red, yellow & orange.

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Elizabeth Madden on Mar 12, 2014
Aquarium

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Martha R on Mar 12, 2014
I love the idea of a pet bed.

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J on Mar 12, 2014
If it's made like our electric fireplace.... It's like a compressed cardboard material that looks like wrought iron. So no chance of turning it into a firepit :)

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Dotti Johnson-Porrett on Mar 12, 2014
@30 results are available, use up and down arrow keys to navigate.sand was it (@No search results.sand)necessary to be rude in your comment, when you were the person who didn't understand? Yes I am aware that it's a non-working unit. I guess for some I need to be more specific.......fake = christmas lights and red/orange/yellow paper for flames. Sorry you didn't understand. I hope I made myself more clear. Many people like to have a reading nook with soft lights, and something soothing to make reading more enjoyable.

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Dyana Elkins on Mar 12, 2014
Aquarium!!

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Caroline Hargrove on Mar 12, 2014
Agree on the outside uses. The outdoor fireplaces/pits can be costly, this one is free.

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Joan Dingeldein Caughlin on Mar 12, 2014
Clean out the insides and put in shelves-- nice bookcase!!

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Mags on Mar 12, 2014
Oh I wished I had this.....I would place a dozen flame- less candles at different heights. Then switch candles on the timer switch. Then you would have nice ambient lighting at night.......

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Jackie I on Mar 12, 2014
Why not continue to use it for what it was intended. Put an adequate chimney on it, put it outside and use it for a fire!

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Mary M on Mar 12, 2014
Doll house

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Tami Richardson on Mar 12, 2014
put grooved shelves in it and make it a wine rack!!

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Dana Corby on Mar 12, 2014
Terrarium?

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Cyndi Webb on Mar 12, 2014
Doggie bed......check out Steampunk site...they have cool ideas.

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Lex263207 on Mar 12, 2014
Paint it. Sew cushion for the inside. Make it a pet bed!

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Lori Brett on Mar 13, 2014
Cat bed

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Edna Hinty on Mar 13, 2014
It would make an awesome stove for a child. Put burners on top, you have the oven.

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Nora Weaver on Mar 13, 2014
Sit an aquarium in it

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Frances Bruckner on Mar 13, 2014
I found an online video for how to replace the switch when mine broke but I love these creative ideas!

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Sarah Wilson on Mar 13, 2014
I moved our old wood stove to our deck and turned it into a planter, with trailing plants coming out of the front. It can then also serve as an outdoor table. Use Rust-oleum barbeque high-heat black paint to paint and protect it, and put a plastic liner in the bottom to protect it from rust.

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Kara McGraw on Mar 13, 2014
Dog bed

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Angie W on Mar 13, 2014
I vote for outdoor fire pit, animal bed, or wine rack.....Beautiful...

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Adrianne C on Mar 13, 2014
Sell it to someone who needs a efficient heater!

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Betty Webb on Mar 13, 2014
I think it would be cute as an end table with books in it or a plant. You could also store logs for a fire pit if you have one.

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Penny Miller on Mar 13, 2014
Gut it and make it a storage area for your real wood if you have a real fireplace.

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Venessa O on Mar 13, 2014
definitely a cat bed

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Jacie1948 on Mar 13, 2014
make a planter for inside or out.

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Wendy G on Mar 13, 2014
These ideas are all awesome. I would either do a cat/dog bed or garden

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Kathy Hausbach Dean on Mar 13, 2014
Use it for candles.

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Kelsie Baxter on Mar 13, 2014
display on your porch, display with ole pots filled with plants and do some ground cover plants inside (leave the logs) let them partially cover the logs, add some small animals figurines, rabbits, squirrels, etc. please post photos

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Jlricker on Mar 13, 2014
Is it heavy enough for and outdoor fireplace?

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White Oak Studio Designs on Mar 13, 2014
I'd fill it with colorful flowers and put it in my garden or on my deck.

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Norma R on Mar 13, 2014
I vote for yard art.

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Jay B on Mar 13, 2014
A dog or cat retreat? : )

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Nora Q on Mar 13, 2014
a fairy village?

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Darlene Lucido on Mar 13, 2014
Display for books or collectables

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Shelley on Mar 13, 2014
Several ideas come to mind....make it a cat/dog house, paint it a rich color to make a room pop with some detailing and add some other rout iron companions so it doesn't stand alone, remember the change outs, like special occasions with magnets, excellent for a hanging/trailing plant after the remake.

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Pao264503 on Mar 13, 2014
You could put a fish tank inside with colorful fish to sit and watch and enjoy

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Connie Hale on Mar 13, 2014
I would like to gut the inside, add a soft cushion and make it into a dog/cat house.

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Rhonda on Mar 13, 2014
Make sure everything is sealed tight shut & turn it into a fish tank.

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Robin LaRiviere on Mar 13, 2014
Patio, outdoor campfire pit?

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Priscilla Straggas on Mar 13, 2014
Make it into a fish tank

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Kathleen Turner on Mar 13, 2014
I like the idea of pots of flowers--yellows & orange flowers to resemble fire. On top use old cookware(enamel?) with any color flowers.....In the winter, decorate with evergreens, red silk poinsettias, ribbons.......possibilities are endless

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F. Schuster on Mar 13, 2014
I have one I am turning into a mini bar

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Judi Doherty on Mar 13, 2014
I haven't read all the comments...BUT...it would be perfect for a cozy outside fire pit and it would really serve it's purpose!

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Alan M on Mar 13, 2014
Remove the inside works and replace them with candles.

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- Polly Zieper on Mar 14, 2014
  @Alan M I've seen some people put pillar candles of varying sizes inside a real, buit-in fireplace, and it looks great!
  
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JoAnn Knight on Mar 13, 2014
I think it would be cute painted, add a colorful cushion and use for a dog or cat bed. Especially on a back porch.

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Charlotte Belange on Mar 13, 2014
Toni; I like Judi and Alan's ideas. But first is it cast iron? If it is great, you can make it a fire pit or to hold the candles or camp light. If not flowers would be great. Char B Yelm, WA

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Mallory Cook on Mar 13, 2014
It would make a cute terrerium

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Tina Varney Gibson on Mar 13, 2014
Take out the insides, paint it, add a cushion and make it a pet bed. I like the idea of a fish tank too.

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Frances Darlena Cain-Johnston on Mar 13, 2014
Always needing storage in the kitchen. Coffee/tea station. Snack cabinet. Stain glass door.

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Jennifer Swift on Mar 13, 2014
i used the fake logs in my garden as a border between my rock garden and my mulched beds.Tthe local frogs particularly love the one with the knot hole in it. most people who see my garden can't tell they are fake, and they hold up extremely well under the sun and weather, better than real logs.

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Terri Breitung Willoughby on Mar 13, 2014
Patio end table / terrarium

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Sharon B on Mar 13, 2014
Use as end table with battery light inside, have plants cacti... Or get logs u plug in that heat and shorten them and have another stove

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Paige Wolfe on Mar 14, 2014
Outdoor fire pit!!

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NanaWells on Mar 14, 2014
They have that Gel for fake fireplaces you can get and use it outside on the deck would be great

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Toni Yates on Mar 14, 2014
Such wonderful ideas! I will have to let you know which way I go but think I am leaning towards a planter box (top and bottom) with candles. Maybe a little chalk paint, too!

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Leah Benson on Mar 14, 2014
aquarium

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Cathy Cottrell on Mar 14, 2014
We had one that the heater quit working so we took off the legs and the heater box underneath and set it in a fake fireplace that had been left in our garage when we moved in----we painted the fireplace surround black and set the stove inside----the lights on the stove still worked so we plugged it in and have a looking fireplace that we used in my daughters' shop and we don't have to worry about anything catching fire. People think it is real!! Good luck!!

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Diane V. on Mar 14, 2014
Small bookcase, miniature or fairy garden, outdoor planter, garden tool storage & mini potting table, outdoor minibar

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Robin H on Mar 14, 2014
Grab some appliance paint from your local hardware store and go to town! Paint it FIRE ENGINE RED or BRIGHT YELLOW, or even a BRILLIANT BLUE - whatever would match your décor in the room it's in. Don't get rid of it - you may not use it A LOT, but there will be those blustery days, when a glowing little wood burning stove is JSUT the place to have a cup of hot tea or cocoa and pass the time with loved ones! They've got REALLY great cast iron humidifier pots shaped like animals you can place on top too at Plow and Hearth.

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Liliana Wells on Mar 14, 2014
Paint it and use as end table. After you remove the ogs, you can use the space for books or nick knacks. I am a book worm, so I would put books there. If near the kitchen, use for cookbooks or magazines.

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Cyndi on Mar 14, 2014
that would make a fantastic fairy garden

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From My Cherry Heart on Mar 14, 2014
Gut it and turn it into a mini bar. Fill it with candles for a nice warm glow at night! Good Luck, Please let us know what you do with it!

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Patricia Brining on Mar 14, 2014
I would see if the new infrred? units would fit in it!

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Bonny Wikle on Mar 14, 2014
Lowes and Home Depot have new inards to replace broken or contact stove co and see. If that is what you use it for otherwise there are great ideas from these other pinners. Enjoy!

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Trudy Innes Crebo on Mar 15, 2014
I would use it on the patio with candles in it.

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Darlene Clonts on Mar 15, 2014
pet bed or fish aquarium

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Cynthia Hudek on Mar 16, 2014
Take out the glass, cover the opening with black mesh. Set a stereo /radio inside and set on the covered patio or deck for outdoor music!

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Pam W on Mar 17, 2014
make it into an aquarium

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Gigi In The Forest on Dec 04, 2014
I love the dollhouse idea! Gut it, put in shelves with dividers (4 rooms?), decorate - and viola' - a dollhouse for tiny dolls like lalaloopsies or fairies. My granddaughter would love that. Hmmmm, I think I have one of these that doesn't work in the garage. Guess I have another project - LOL!

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Sharon Russell on Dec 05, 2014
"Little Free Library." Google it :) p.s. you'll get new friends out of it, too

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Phyllis tomelloso on Dec 09, 2014
I made a small green house and uses it on porch

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