It’s amazing how much coffee we, as in David and I, drink on a monthy basis. Especially since we were not coffee drinkers up until a few years ago. Being a bit older, choosier and more eco-conscience than say, younger java joes, we search out coffee that is made from fair-trade, shade grown and organic beans. We have become fond of a brand of coffee from Trader Joe’s that fits all those criteria in one canister…which brings me to the canister.

We had tons of them because I could not bear to throw a single one out. I used some for Holiday cookies that we gave to friends. I used some to house my art supplies, but still, they lingered under a kitchen cabinet, growing in number. Then one day while David was pulling out a bottle of wine (our other favorite beverage of choice) from the hall closet it dawned on me that we didn’t have anything to keep our wine in. Storing our vintages on the top shelf of the hall closet for months I waited for the day when one of us would get bonked on the head by a bottle of Carménere. Some where between that thought and seeing one of the coffee bean canisters came the idea of a wine rack.

For all you MacGyver types, here’s a project for you.

Begin with 6 canisters, making sure your bottles will fit inside. Remove the lids and save (that’s for another recycled project that’s coming soon to this blog.)

In your choice of color (or colors) spray paint the outside of all six of the canisters. You will need to do 3 coats. Let them dry for at least 12 hours before going to the next step.

Use a small amount of tape to secure three of the canisters together. This will be the bottom tier. Do the same with two more canisters and set them aside. That will be your second tier.

Now run a bead of heavy duty glue (I used liquid nails) between the gaps in the front and back of each canister.

After the glue sets, place the second tier on top of the first and mark where they meet. Remove the second tier and set aside. Run a line of glue down the length of the canister from front to back where the markings were.

Now place the second tier on top of the fist.

Do the same with the last canister, placing it on top of the second tier, marking, then gluing. Let dry for at least 12 hours.

If the glue shows you can spray another coat of paint to cover the glue. Now fill the rack with your favorite vino from our favorite wine shop, The Wine Authorities…hey, they ship their chemical-free wines almost anywhere! Salut!