Fourteen thrifty makeovers delivered. Whew! Some have been small and some not so small, but they are fun to see either way, right? Today’s makeover is a small one, but worth seeing I think!
I found this homely little wooden apple box for $1.25 at the thrift store:
Sadly, this probably would have matched my décor at one time. Oh I went through a country décor phase all right. In my defense, my décor was based mostly on what my Mom was giving away at the time!
Getting rid of the apples did not break my heart one bit!
With just a little paint, this thrift store throw-away became an updated and fresh little planter box!
The plants are fakies of course and were purchased at IKEA.
I started by spray painting it dark just like the faux drawer tray I shared the other day.
Then I painted over the bronze with white latex paint.
It definitely needed something else so I taped off the diamond pattern with Frog Tape (this is for delicate surfaces but it’s all I had), and painted them in with a little French Linen:
A little sanding brings out the darker shade underneath…
You could dry brush the edges with a dark brown paint to get a similar effect. I sealed it with clear wax.
This would also be cute with four mason jars inside holding pens, pencils, etc.
If you want to see a dark hole of a kitchen, check out my kitchen before here.
Would you have seen the potential in this little box?
I thought it was worth a share just as a reminder that sometimes when you walk through the thrift store, you need to bring along your imagination. 🙂
Meet me back here tomorrow to see what I did with this:
UPDATE: No need to come back, see it HERE now! 🙂
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
ColleenB. ~ Texas says
Super cute planter box.
Also would work great by putting canning jars inside and holding silverware if you have a family gathering or just to sit on the counter or center of your table which will also free up drawer space
Or; add some canning jars to hold beautiful flowers in.
Possibilities are endless for that cute little box
Christy K. James says
I love those ideas! There are so many possibilities! 🙂
Heather J says
Christy, this is really cute. I LOVE this pattern but I struggle to get it taped off properly. Honestly this is the most frustrating thing for me because I do love the pattern so much:(
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Heather! I love this pattern too, and I struggled to use actual math to figure out the pattern on my first try. Then I came up with a simpler solution! Here’s how to get the perfect harlequin pattern: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/harlequin-bench-with-chalk-paint-decorative-paint-by-annie-sloan/ Have a great weekend! XO
Heather J says
Christy THANK YOU so much! That is just what need! I will let you know how I did…this is my weekend project:) I REALLY appreciate the link…you’re the best! Have a great weekend! thanks again!
Christy K. James says
You’re welcome! Let me know how it goes! 🙂
Jenna says
Much improved! Love it!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jenna! 🙂
Dotte says
Ohhhh, I been so enjoying & love all your make overs….
You find and repurpose them into the best things.
Thanks for your great inspiration!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much Dotte! I’m glad you’re enjoying them! 🙂
Mary says
What a great idea for the little box. I have one around the house I think I will do that with. Could you give us (or me) a tutorial on the wax? I can never seem to get it right.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Mary! To seal with the wax, I use a soft clean cloth or my wax brush to apply the wax, making sure it gets into the surface well. Then I use a clean cloth to wipe the wax away. The surface should not feel sticky or tacky, it should be smooth. I wait about 10-15 minutes, and then I buff with another clean cloth to a nice sheen. It works best if your surface has been sanded smooth first. Hope this helps!
Mary says
Thanks so much, it does help!
Maggie M says
Great idea! Of course all of your DIY projects are great ideas! Love how your planter turned out. Can’t wait to see what else you’ve got up your sleeve:)
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Maggie! I have some fun pieces to share this week. 🙂
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
Too much gorgeousness, Christy! I love it! Apples were totally my decor too, a few years ago! 😉 Hope you have a great weekend, friend!
Christy K. James says
Thanks!! Ha ha I had the full on country décor going on! Enjoy the rest of your weekend too! XOXO
Joanne Boulter says
I love the box, grey and white it perfect! 🙂 Jo
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jo! 🙂
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Perfect update to a pretty ugly box that the average person would walk right past. Those IKEA succulents looks pretty darn good for faux. Love it!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Marie! I love plants that I can’t kill. 🙂