I have a fun little makeover to share today.
You see there was this very special lady we called Omi. She felt like a grandmother to me although she was actually my sister’s husband’s grandmother. She was at all of the family celebrations my sister hosted. She is resting in heaven now, but I aquired something special of hers, her sewing box. I love to sew, so a sewing box is a very personal thing to me. Nobody but you ever sees what you have stashed in your sewing box, right?
I thought that I would give her sewing box a fun little makeover to better reflect the beautiful person she truly was.
Here it is before:
And after a little paint and some mod podge magic!
So much better, right?
I started by taking it all apart:
I painted all of the pieces using what was left of my homemade chalk paint:
I didn’t paint the bottoms of each piece since I planned on using pretty paper to line them.
After a light sanding, waxing, and buffing (honestly I think spray paint was the way to go with this one…too late now!), I was ready to add my pretty scrapbook paper. I started with the largest piece and painted a coat of mod podge on the bottom.
Next I added my paper and gave it another coat of mod podge over top.
My ten year old was anxiously waiting to play monopoly, so to save time, I didn’t apply any to the back of the larger pieces. I just used a moderate coat on the bottom instead.
I also added this pretty print to the these smaller pieces:
I applied the mod podge to the wood as well as the back of these smaller pieces, then gave it a top coat.
After about 20-30 minutes, I applied another coat to everything.
I changed out the original knobs for these daintier ones:
I had a lot of fun choosing coordinating papers.
I had to go with something very ladylike…just like Omi.
I enjoyed going through it, imagining what she was working on. I found several wooden spools:
Can you read the prices?
29¢ for a big spool of thread?!
Here is one more before:
And after…
I love how sweet this sewing box is now…almost as sweet as Omi. I think she would have loved it 🙂
XO,
P.S. Can you guess which monopoly piece I was? The thimble, of course.
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Patti says
You did a fabulous job with the redo on this sweet sewing box. I’ve been looking around your site. You are extremely creative!
Christy K. James says
Thanks Patti! Your sweet comment means a lot. 🙂
Jamie says
OMG it’s gorgeous! Love it. You did such a great job 😉
Jamie @ Better With Age
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jamie! 🙂
Cindy Eikenberg says
Hi Christy – I absolutely love how you transformed this sewing box and I am sure that Omi would love it too! The inside is beautiful and I especially love the new knobs. Definitely pinning! If you have time, I would love you to share this tonight at our Best of the Weekend party! Have a happy Friday and a fantastic weekend.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Cindy! I’d love to link up!:)
Andi says
How do you come up with such CUTE CUTE CUTE stuff? I’m so in envy.
-andi
Christy K. James says
Well Miss Thang, I’m not in the process of building a house! Lol! 🙂
Michele says
Funny! My sister was always the thimble. I loved the old shoe. 😉
The sewing box is sweet and so creative. Lots of special touches. You did a nice job!
You’ll have to stop by sometime, I have been re-doing my garden, periodically checking in on yours for inspiration.
Christy K. James says
That is so sweet! I’m excited to check out your garden. It’s been so rainy here, followed by a heat wave that its been tough to get out in mine! I appreciate you hanging out with me here! 🙂
Mandy Hank says
Loving your knob choices! So whimsy! Cute Cute!
Mandy @ The Hankful House Blog
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Mandy! 🙂
Trish @ Uncommon says
Such a beautiful treasure from Omi! Thank you so much for sharing at Monday Funday this week! Have a good one!
Take care,
Trish
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Trish!:)
Michele says
Sweet sewing box! Love the polkadots and hardware:) Pinning! I posted anchor dress to Give Me the Goods! Swing by
Nancy says
That is so adorable! Great job!
Nancy
http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
Christy K. James says
Thanks for visiting, Nancy! 🙂
Cristina@remodelandolacasa says
Omi must be so happy to know you were the one who acquired her sewing box! Beautiful transformation, I love it!
Judith says
I have my Omi’s sewing box passed down from my mother. It still has some of the original sewing threads, buttons etc. in it and is similar to yours before restoration but has 3 layers and the wood is stamped with edelweiss flowers.
Christy K. James says
That’s so nice that you have that as a keepsake! Thanks for visiting, Judith 🙂
Holly @ Coconutheadsurvivalguide says
Hi Christy – I’m actually a little teary-eyed reading this post and such a sweet way to honor Omi’s memory. My “Omi” was my Great Aunt Myrtle and although she passed a long time ago, I wear her glasses (circa 1950’s) with my own prescription and love that she is with me every day. I can only imagine the fond memories you have as you use this box every day. Thank you for linking up to the Peace, Love, and Chocolate party and for your support of this great cause. Hugs, Holly
Christy K. James says
Our Omi was such a sweet person. I love that I have something personal of hers. That’s awesome that you have a reminder of your “Omi” that you can use everyday! I think you are amazing and I’m so glad to support you and your cause! XO XO