If you are lucky enough to live near an Ikea, you are likely familiar with the Gorm. This handy-dandy little shelving unit is ideal for organizing your pantry, basement or college dorm room – or your music gear. Inspired by a DIY tutorial (and the prospect of saving money), my husband recently crafted his own guitar effects pedal board from a $5 Gorm shelf. (And just what the heck is a guitar effects pedal board, you ask? I wasn't sure either. It's apparently exactly what it sounds like: a portable board that holds guitar effects pedals.) He made a few cuts, then reassembled the shelf pieces in a new configuration. The individual pedals are attached to the board with two-inch-wide Velcro, and there's a power adapter affixed to the back of the board to plug them into. He added a few finishing touches, like a handle and rubber feet.

I think the final product looks pretty rockin'. And I love any project that involves repurposing or recycling materials. (Even the lovely turquoise paint was left over from our son's bedroom walls.) I'm sure Ikea doesn't endorse it, but the site Ikea Hackers has loads of fantastic ideas for modifying the company's products. I think it's a testament to the versatility of the products – and the ingenuity of crafty folks. Although you'd be cutting it close for time, this project would make a great Father's Day gift for any dad who loves to rock. I, however, will have to find something else to make for my apparently crafty husband – perhaps this Gorm guitar shelf?