better not pout.

Published on by Quandie

Today I’m sharing the gift that I put together for my Secret Santa recipient at work.  Since we’ve exchanged our gifts by now, it’s safe to go public with this one.

I started out with another crusty old toolbox that my picker found for me.

When they start out this crusty, plus are an unappealing color like … hmmm … what can I call that color that is blog appropriate? … I like to give them new life with paint.

In this case I also decided it was a good idea to seal it (after washing it thoroughly of course).

This time I used the Dixie Belle BOSS as a sealer.  I gave it one coat inside and out and let it dry 24 hours before painting.  I probably could have gotten away with painting sooner this time, but the BOSS is most effective if given a day to dry.  Better safe than sorry, right?

Next I painted the entire outside of the box in two coats of Dixie Belle’s Drop Cloth.  Once that was dry, I taped off a red cross and then painted that plus the inside of the box in Honky Tonk Red.

I sanded the edges to distress and then added one of the newest re.design with prima transfers.

I bet you guys are going to love this new set of transfers as much as I do.  This one is called Classic Vintage Labels and contains a collection of 27 ‘labels’.  These are going to be perfect for use on clay pots, galvanized watering cans, glass jars … the possibilities are endless.

I decided to use a more durable top coat than wax on the inside of the box so that it would hold up to potential liquid spills (based on the contents, which you’ll see in a minute), so I pulled out Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat Flat.  I applied it using a new to me tool, their blue sponge.  To use, simply dip the sponge in the clear coat and wipe it on.  It worked really well for this project.

My red and white color scheme had a double meaning.  First, I wanted the box to look like a first aid kit (sort of an ‘open in case of emergency’ vibe) and second, it also has a peppermint theme.

I’ve included all of the ingredients for making Peppermint Patties.  In case you aren’t familiar, that’s basically hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps.

I threw in this pair of vintage shot glasses that I found at an estate sale …

Plus this cute mug from Hobby Lobby …

You might think I was super creative when I thought to add some broken candy cane stir sticks to my photos, but that wasn’t quite how it happened.  Actually, as I was setting up for my photo shoot I dropped the mug with the sticks inside.  Fortunately the mug survived the fall, but every single one of the candy canes broke.

Luckily I just happened to have a second package of them so my photo shoot was salvaged and I decided to put the broken sticks to use as props for my photos.

Hopefully my Secret Santa recipient loved her gift!

I know I really enjoyed putting it all together!

Thank you to Dixie Belle Paint Co and re.design with prima marketing for providing the products used in this project.

49 thoughts on “better not pout.”

  2. I love that idea. I’m going to start collecting tool boxes at estate sales again (the market has dried up for resale). I purchase odds and ends throughout the year as little gifts for my family and this year I used boring old baskets. Next year it’s going to be metal boxes! Thanks again for the inspiration.

    Like

    Reply

  4. What a cute idea. These could be made up for little gift boxes for any holiday and sold in a gift/ antique store for those one of a kind items.

    Like

    Reply

  6. What a creative and thoughtful gift!! I’m definitely going to have to invest in some of the new prima transfers! I also want to try the dixie belle primer and flat top coat. I use the paint quite often and I have the gold gilding wax (love it) but haven’t tried any of the other products yet. Thanks as always for your inspiration! 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  8. What a cute, creative gift! I sure wouldn’t pout if I were to receive a gift like that…one lucky co-worker you have, Linda!

    Like

    Reply

  10. What a fun gift idea! Lucky recipient. Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat Flat is one of my favorites! It is a true flat finish. I have tried other brands that are not. For a vintage look, it is my go-to for a durable finish. And those vintage labels? My prima wish list keeps growing!👍🏼

    Like

    Reply

  11. If I worked with you, I would always keep my fingers crossed that you would draw my name for any gift exchange. This gift is so creative and fun. So much better than a gift card. Happy holidays!

    Like

    Reply

  13. I would completely rig the secret santa so you got my name. I’m also sure it wasn’t so secret once they saw the gift, it’s very Q. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  16. What an adorable gift! I can’t imagine the recipient not being over the moon! You are such a constant source of inspiration!! I just love your blog!! Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy 2020!!
    Vicki from Colorado

    Like

    Reply

  17. I may need to get a job there next year just before Christmas and offer to be in charge of the Secret Santa drawing. Your recipient is very lucky!!!

    Like

    Reply

  25. Adorable. A few weeks ago I dropped a glass jar of olives on my concrete floor. “Clunk”… nothing broke. I thought sure it would at least chip or something? So funny you dropped glass and candy, and the glass stayed intact! I’d call that a lucky “shot”. 😉

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.