Thursday, August 4, 2011

Sew Simple Box

Repurposing a wooden box has to be one of the simplest and most practical projects a treasure collector can take on. Wooden boxes of all shapes and sizes are available for pennies at thrift stores and yard sales. Here's one I recently completed.


I didn't take a "before"photo of this totally nondescript box I picked up at a thrift store. It was one of those unfinished jobs you can find at any local craft shop.

I painted the box a creamy color called "Chicken Broth" and distressed it. Then, I gussied it up with pieces of a sewing pattern, thread spool labels, vintage buttons from my collection and a stunning advertising image from The Graphics Fairy.


To give the box a more special feel, I added feet--painted wooden thread spools.



When I picked this box up in the thrift store, it was in near-perfect condition. Since then, thanks to the relentless humidity we've experienced in the Midwest this summer, the top warped enough that it won't close completely on its own. That was easily solved with the addition of a couple of vintage metal bobbins and a piece of vintage lace I can use as a tie if desired.

My new sewing accessory box is the perfect size for storing seam binding, bias tape and all the colorful rick rack I've collected for my sewing projects.

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5 comments:

  1. This is very sweet! I've made many memory boxes out of old cigar boxes I find at thrift shops =) I give them as wedding gifts most times. I hope you will come show this off at my VIP Party today. http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/vip-party-22.html

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  2. hi Ann ~ I love your style. LOVE it! Wonderfully composed piece, that would make me smile every day. Especially love the bobbins and little tie closure. brilliant :) visiting from Sister Sunday - Diane @ home sweet homemade

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  3. Beautiful transformation!

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  4. Very clever! I love the closures. Such a unique idea. i am going to have to start keeping my eyes open, as a lover of boxes!
    Fondly,
    Su

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  5. You gave this little guy charm! Love the button closure especially.

    I'm your newest follower.

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