My contribution was to help upholster the seat (under the watchful eye of Mr 2 1/2), I have never done anything like this before but we were happy with the result.
And the finished result... The most wonderful and unique toy box a couple of kids could ever wish for:
Now that this is completed I am hoping to get a little workshop time myself. I have a lovely tourmaline ring that is about 90% finished and a head full of ideas just waiting to be realised.