Custom Coffee Shelf -- by Rob (and Linda)

[Sharon G]

Several days ago I posted asking Rob (Rob and Linda on the Casita Forum) for ideas on building a coffee shelf for the dinette bed in my Spirit.

I wanted one because I can't reach the ledge of the refrigerator from my bed without uncomfortably stretching. And I had knocked a full cup of coffee over in bed one evening while surfing and doing crosswords.

To my shock, he wrote me and asked me how I envisioned the shelf and what dimensions I wanted, and said he would build one for me!!!

The only thing I really knew was that I wanted it to be big enough to hold a cup of coffee and a ballpoint pen. So he pretty much took that and ran with it.

Today I got the shelf in the mail, and it is more wonderful than anything I could have imagined.

I wanted to do something special for Rob and Linda in return, but Rob said no. Instead, he told me to do something special for someone who is not expecting it... to Pay It Forward.

I could go on and on about how special this shelf is to me. But I really am at a loss for words. This truly is the most special gift I have ever received. My favorite thing in the world is my little Casita. And having a piece of fine furniture designed especially for it makes it even more "mine."

So Rob.... again, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

I have the blinds off for cleaning in these pictures. When they are up, they will cover the top of the shelf mount and make it unnoticeable.

[Sharon G]

More photos showing how the shelf comes apart for storage.

[gmw photos]

That is very nice ! Thanks for sharing that and posting the photos. I too have been mulling over in my head how to make a "small removable shelf" in my trailer for exactly that same purpose. Seeing what he made for you has given me a couple of ideas.

[melissab]

The 2006 Casita Freedom Deluxe I posted in the Referrals section has something similar but it's a half circle and flips up (on a hinge) out of the way entirely. It's installed on the Divider between the dining table and bed on the bed side. Just another option if you're building one for yourself. Maybe somebody crafty could start selling these as they would work on any trailer.

Melissa

[Mike Magee]

Nifty-keen! That's really nice. And it matters not about having the blinds cover part of it, because it looks great anyway.

I had the same sort of dilemma, but I just bought a folding plastic cup holder. It doesn't look nearly as nice as this!

[Sharon G]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

I had the same sort of dilemma, but I just bought a folding plastic cup holder. It doesn't look nearly as nice as this!

I had been thinking about getting one of those car cup holders that hook into the window, but wasn't sure how stable it would be if I bumped it.

This little shelf is solid as a rock and I can bump it and it's not budging!

[Hambone]

Great idea.....never would have thought to attach or hang from window, now im told I have another project!!

[jen b]

That's a neat idea. What a nice gesture.

[melissab]

How does it hook onto the window? It goes perfect with your decor!

[theresa p]

very nice, sharon! it's good to have connections....and friends!

[ken h]

Great design, very Mcgyver-ish

[Sharon G]

Originally Posted by theresa p

very nice, sharon! it's good to have connections....and friends!

Theresa, the only connection I had is just being a poster on the same board he posts on.

I think that was part of his "Pay it Forward" strategy. It sure shocked me!!!!! But every time I see that shelf, I will sure think of him!

Hambone, that was probably part of his strategy... inspiring ideas!

Jen, it was an awesome gesture. So incredibly special!

Melissa, it screws into the metal window frame. And doesn't it make that area of the trailer look like a real little bedroom?

Ken, Mcgyver on steroids! At least from my perspective!

[Hazel in Sk]

Wonderful story. I LOVE Pay It Forward happenings!

[Terry Lou]

What a wonderful story! Refreshing to know there are still selfless people out there. I have the good fortune to know a few myself but, I still love hearing this sort of story!!

[john warren]

very nice work. i bet by summer a lot of folks have one in their trailer.

i made something simular to set my radio on.

[cpaharley2008]

I like the matching pen in the first picture set.

[Sharon G]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I like the matching pen in the first picture set.

I didn't think anyone would notice that.

[Rob and Linda]

Well, actually I was the winner in this deal! Getting to help Sharon make her Casita truly "hers" was a priviledge... and she is such a delight to work with. Of course, I absolutely love Casita projects... Linda says that I like the "figuring it out" part better than I like the "building it" part... she may be right, and making Sharon's shelf so that it was sturdy when "set up" and pretty much disappear when not in use, had me scratching my head for a while. Anyway, Sharon caught me "between projects" so the little time I put into her little coffee shelf was welcome time back out in the shop.

Linda and I both wish Sharon many years of happy use of her new coffee shelf!

You go, girl!

Rob

[theresa p]

excellent job, rob!! we know sharon appreciates it and really is proud of it.

[Sharon G]

Originally Posted by theresa p

excellent job, rob!! we know sharon appreciates it and really is proud of it.

If the person I pay it forward to is as surprised and appreciative as I am about my shelf, the world will truly be a little brighter.

I have gone out to the Casita several times today just to admire it.