I really seem to have a thing for boxes. Not cardboard boxes, but wooden boxes. Preferably old wooden boxes.
Sometimes I just leave them as I find them because they are the perfect shade of green and have a deliciously shabby patina.
But most of the time I like to give them a makeover.
My favorites are those with hinged lids like old recipe card boxes …
They are quick and easy to paint and then dress up with transfers, or stencils, or old hardware …
They are the perfect project for a rainy afternoon.
I went to an estate sale with my sister a couple of weeks back and picked up a simple wooden box with a curved lid. I didn’t even take a ‘before’ photo of it because it didn’t feel like something that would be special enough to share here on the blog.
But then I added some paint, followed by a couple of transfers, and just like that it was transformed.
I started by giving it a base coat of Dixie Belle’s Sawmill Gravy, and then added a stripe of their French Linen down the center. These two colors are the perfect companions.
Once dry, I sanded to distress and then added a Classic Vintage Label transfer from re.design with prima to the top of the box …
and a couple of bits and pieces from the IOD Label Ephemera transfer to the front.
If you’re still keeping track, this is the 8th piece I’ve done using just the one Label Ephemera transfer.
I didn’t stop there either. I also used some of re.design with prima’s decoupage tissue paper to line the inside of the box.
I adhered it using Dixie Belle’s Gator Hide, which works like a charm.
Once it was all done I loved it so much I wanted to keep it. But then I decided it would be even better to gift it to my bff. This way I can visit it every now and then at her house 😉
So I’m curious, which of these boxes is your favorite?
As always, thanks to Dixie Belle Paint Co for providing the paint and the Gator Hide used on this project, and thanks to re.design with prima for providing the Classic Vintage Label transfer used on the top of the box.
I just love the little box, it sits by my bed and it reminds me of you. I haven’t decided what I am going to put in there yet but I am sure I will think of something – maybe my readers since I have them laying all over the place. Thank you again!
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I’m glad you love it! And I could probably fill that box with readers too 😉
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Well to be honest the green vintage box “as found” is my most favorite! But I do really love your latest update. I love the combo of sawmill gravy and French linen. And the transfers and floral decoupage make it so special.
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Good choice Laura! I love the original finish on that one too. You just can’t beat the real McCoy!
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I enjoy seeing all of your boxes. You do such a great job with them ❤️
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Thanks so much Monica!
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I love them all!! I can’t pick just one as my favorite!
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Thanks Abbie!
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How nice to see these gems again! My fave is the last. Catching a glimpse of the tissue paper inside is a little surprise for the eyes, making it extra special.
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I love the vintage “1953” (my birth year – lol) box and it also went to a very good home! It currently resides on my scrapbooking desk and is filled with miscellaneous “doodads”. I enjoy looking at it and it reminds me of you too. Funny how some items do that…love your blog, keep on blogging!
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Yes, that one definitely had to be your favorite Terri!
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Now that I’ve figured out how to use that decoupage tissue, I expect I’ll be using it a lot more often!
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Hi
I like the black one. But the idea of using these cuties for glasses is a great idea since I too have them everywhere.
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That black one would really hold a lot of readers 😉
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I love this one. Well, actually I love all of them because I, like you, have a thing for boxes. I have a non-collection of little decorative boxes (not wood) on my dresser that has now spread to wooden hinged boxes on surfaces all over my house. The neutrals on this one work beautifully with the transfer. Very nice.
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What is it about boxes that is so appealing? Maybe it’s the mystery of what could be inside 🙂
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I love every one of your boxes! I love black with white writing, and the blue and cream combo is so pretty and vintage looking, and the this newest one, too. 😮
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Thanks Connie!
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Hmmm…of these boxes the green one grabs me the most. My favorite of all the ones you’ve done has to be the black one from October of last year the “Chatellerault”.
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That was a good one! In fact, I kept it for myself I liked it so much 😉
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Love the two striped boxes – that look grabs me every time! Especially with the wording over the stripes. On the last box did you use gator hide outside too? You are a constant inspiration to me – thank you for sharing and for giving out the details of how you accomplished the look!
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No, I didn’t. I used clear wax on the outside. And thank you for your comment!
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I love the green one and the black one but most of all, I have to agree with Victoria2853. That one is the best!!
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Thanks Linda!
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