the candy cane toolbox.

Published on by Quandie

Remember back when I said I prefer to work with vintage toolboxes rather than newer ones?

Well, there are always exceptions to every rule, right?

Today’s toolbox was not especially old.

Nor was it in the usual rusty and/or crusty condition.  Which is kind of a bonus really.  It didn’t take a whole lot of prep to get this one ready for paint.  I washed it and then gave it a coat of Dixie Belle’s clear B.O.S.S.  No sanding required.

And really, I probably didn’t even need the B.O.S.S. on this one.  But at the time I was prepping a whole bunch of toolboxes, sort of assembly line style, so I B.O.S.S.’ed them all.

I decided to stick with the red on the inside of this one, just giving it a fresh coat of Dixie Belle’s Honky Tonk Red.

Once that was dry, I added a candy cane transfer from I.O.D.’s Candy Cane Cottage inside the lid.

Next up I painted the exterior of the box in Dixie Belle’s Drop Cloth.  Then I started cutting up different elements from Candy Cane Cottage to see what I could come up with for the outside.

Rather than immediately rubbing transfers on as I chose them, I decided to place everything first to see what would fit.  That way if I needed to overlap some elements I could be sure to apply them in the right order.

This time around that only ended up impacting one spot, where the word “Old” overlaps the floral under it a bit.

If I had put down the wording first, I could have rearranged the floral so that it didn’t cover it, but in the end it’s easier just to do a little pre-planning.

Those florals were the sole reason I ordered this particular transfer.

They are such a pretty combination of floral and holiday with those red berries.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I only wish these images were larger.  I used the two larger florals included with the transfer on either side of the toolbox, and then supplemented those with two of the smaller florals on each side.

By the way, I should probably mention at this point that this limited time only transfer is sold out everywhere.  If you didn’t order it immediately upon release, you likely missed out.

I also added some wording from Candy Cane Cottage to the top of the toolbox.

I think it turned out pretty dang cute.

Now, you might be wondering, what in the world would you do with a Christmas themed toolbox?

Well, how about keeping your gift wrapping supplies in it?  Scissors, ribbon, tape, bows, etc.

Or, you could just use it as decor, placing it on a shelf or table top, or even just under the tree.

But I also really like the idea of filling it up and using it as a gift box.  Remember the toolbox I created a few years back as a Secret Santa gift?

This one would be perfect to fill up with the same sort of stuff.  Some peppermint schnapps, peppermint sticks, hot chocolate mixes and some fabulous retro shot glasses; everything you need to make a peppermint patty (the drink, not the candy).

Whatever you’d use it for, it is available for local sale so be sure to check my ‘available for local sale‘ page for more details if you’re interested.  Be sure to act fast if you want to pick it up, I’ll be bringing this one into the shop on Wednesday.

Also, be sure to leave me a comment and let me know if you’ve used the I.O.D. Candy Cane Cottage transfers, and if so, how did you like them?

22 thoughts on “the candy cane toolbox.”

    1. They are pretty much sold out. I’m not sure what the marketing strategy is behind this limited time only/sold out quickly thing, but I find it annoying too.

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    2. I was bound and determined to find this also! I went under IOD stockists and managed to score a couple of them from Canada!!! Shipping is a lot but if you really want it, then—

      Liked by 1 person

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  3. I love this box! The florals are lovely. The candy canes too. Great job! Wish I lived closer. Actually wished you lived closer to me. We are loving the warm sunshine in Florida. 😊

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    1. I want to be sure I understand your question, and you understand my answer, so forgive me in advance if I over-explain. First up, this toolbox is done completely with transfers (no stamping, no stenciling). There aren’t any gold transfers on this one, but there are quite a few gold metallic transfers out there to choose from (I used one of my favorites on this piece). I have never found a gold ink that I like for use with a stamp, so I can’t help you there. As for stenciling, I almost always use paint for stenciling (not ink). I like to use the Dixie Belle Gemstone Mousse in Golden Gem for that (you can see that here). Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find this product on Dixie Belle’s website anymore. However, you can still find some people selling it online. Another option for stenciling in metallic gold is to use the the Moonshine Metallics paint in Gold Digger (also from Dixie Belle). I used that on this bookcase. I hope this info helps!

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      1. Linda,
        When you stencil on cloth do you have to heat set it so it won’t come off in the washing machine? I bought the new I.O.D. Kitty Cat Christmas stamps and green ink to stencil some cloth napkins and I am hoping that they won’t come off in the washing machine.

        Thanks,
        Paula

        Sent from my iPad
        Please excuse any typos

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      2. Just to be clear, ‘stenciling’ and ‘stamping’ are two entirely different processes. I do stencil on fabric using paint, and I do heat set it either with an iron or in the clothes dryer. However, the paint still fades some after washing. As for stamping on fabric with ink, using a stamp (not a stencil). I don’t have much experience with that. I tried it once with Ranger Archival ink and it faded quite badly, so I wouldn’t recommend using that ink on fabric, period. But is sounds like you’re possibly using the I.O.D. ink and I’ve never used that product on fabric. Best of luck to you.

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  5. This is the nicest toolbox remodel you have done! I love it. I wasn’t able to buy any of the IOD new releases this season when they were first released and now of course they aren’t available.

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      1. Maybe, but, producing only a small, limited amount does seem to create a buying frenzy and which then in turn opens up the opportunity for products to be offered online above the original price. Regardless, it has been fun seeing what you are creating with the IOD Christmas releases.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Oh, THIS one is my new favorite! I am a bit Christmas crazy, anyway, and this would be perfect on my mantle. Too bad I am in Washington state 😢. Gorgeous work, Linda….like everything you do!

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