Hello lovelies!! I’m back to working on my Spring Haul, and I only have FOUR pieces left! Today’s project is a thrift store box makeover. Y’all know I can’t pass up a box in good shape! And with all these gorgeous transfers at my fingertips, I couldn’t wait to use one here!
Here is today’s box that I found for $4.75:
I always consider boxes when I spy them at the thrift store because there are just so many ways to recreate them, and they are good sellers for me!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Prep
To prep this box for its big redo, I cleaned first with White Lightning using one of the terrycloth applicator pads. They come in a pack of two and are perfect for this step!
Then I swapped out my water for clean water and gave it a good wipe down once more to remove any residue. Gloves recommended since this is also a deglosser.
The inside started out like this:
It once held assorted teas as the plastic liner that was inside indicates. This lining came out really easily, leaving behind a nice, smooth interior, and that got a good wipe down also.
Paint
Next stop: Paint! I knew I wanted to use this smaller set of transfers for this box called Rare Birds:
Redesign with Prima carries a line of smaller 6 x 12 transfers that are perfect for smaller projects like this! Each set comes with three sheets.
You can find 19 different styles of them in my Etsy shop HERE.
And, they are very reasonably priced. I only used one sheet on this project.
Because I wanted to use a color that would play well with this transfer, I chose Sawmill Gravy…
I painted the entire outside in this beautiful soft, warm color.
Then, I applied two of the birds from one sheet in a pleasing design on the top by using the included burnishing tool to adhere it.
You just peel off the white backing, and then rub with pressure across the clear sheet on top of the transfer to transfer it to the surface:
Gently pull up the clear layer to check and see that it is transferring properly. If not, lay it back down and burnish some more. Once the image is transferred, remove the clear top layer.
Seal
Once I had everything in place, I sealed with Best Dang Wax in Clear.
The Finishing Touches
To finish this simple box off, I decided to add these antique brass feet to each corner. They attach with tiny screws:
I also found this in my stash:
This latch was a Hobby Lobby find and worked perfectly on the front of this box:
It was also attached with tiny screws.
Ready for the big reveal??
The After
That doesn’t reveal much, eh?
That doesn’t either ha ha!
Here’s a little more…
Simple but elegant. After adding the transfer to the top and the fancy feet and latch, it didn’t really need anything else!
I just love this Rare Birds transfer! This is two of the birds that I made face each other to create a design I liked…
And how cute are those feet?? Such a small detail, but they really add so much!
And the latch was just what it needed to bring it home:
Here’s a reminder of what the inside looked like before:
I decided to pull this serene Dusty Blue from the transfer to coordinate:
Then I added a piece I had cut off of one of the birds I used on the front, to the inside of the lid:
The inside was sealed with Best Dang Wax in Clear too.
One more peek at those cute feet!
That’s one more makeover closer to completing this haul!
You can visit any of these makeovers at the links below!
Chalk Painted Basket
No Sew Fabric Basket Liner
Shabby Candlesticks
How to Paint Fabric (chair makeover)
Painted Dresser with Transfer
Painting the Smalls #17 (lamp, small box, horse, napkin holder, and mirror)
Side Table Makeover
Metal Bread Box Makeover
Ballerina Decoupage Paper Box
Petite Side Table Makeover
French Provincial Night Table
Repurposed Cigar Box
Antique Oak Chair Makeover
Painting the Smalls #16 (candlesticks, small box, tray)
Stenciled Mirror Makeover
Hutch Makeover
I seriously need to shop for the next haul!
Meet me back here on Thursday where I’ll be sharing what I did with the lamps!
UPDATE: Wait until you see how elegant they look now! See them HERE!
See ya then!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
WOW WOW WOW!! I Love it so much! Those transfers are so beautiful and the latch and feet knocked it out of the park! I love the colors you used inside and out! I would so march right into your booth and buy this if I lived anywhere near you!! You are the QUEEN of DIY, I knew it as soon as I started following you many years ago, this just proves it!! WOW, you are so AMAZING!!
Christy says
AwwY you are simply the best ever, Mary! Thank you so much! I’m so glad you love it! A friend who saw it at my house wants it, but if it falls through, you’ll definitely be the first to know! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Oh my goodness!! I am in L..O..V..E..with this darling box!!! First I love birds. I’m
a novice ( VERY NOVICE ) bird watcher, and trying to memorize a few of the bird calls I hear from my back porch. I love these transfers. You are a creative genius in knowing how to place transfers.
Second, the colors you chose are perfect! I really like the dusty blue color on the inside ( as well as the transfer).
And thirdly, the embellishments are a great finishing touch.
Christy says
I’m so glad you love it, Denise! Thank you so much! We have a lot of green space between our home and the home that is behind us, so we get lots of bird visitors, and we love to watch them too! XOXO
Janice Holt says
What a pretty box and love the transfer, feet, and latch. The latch kinda looks like bird feathers spread out. Great job.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! You are so right… I never even noticed that lol! XOXO
carol snedden says
Love your small projects. I have been saving two tea boxes for years. My SIL gave me tea every Christmas. Now I am inspired to redo them. Thanks.
Christy says
Thank you, Carol! I’m so glad I could give you a little inspo for yours. There are so many great uses for these little boxes! XOXO
Abbe Kemack says
How do I love this box makeover, let me count the ways!
Christy says
Aww ha ha! Thank you, Abbe! XOXO
Christina says
Beautiful art as always Christy. You made an instant antique with a lot of charm!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Christina!! XOXO
Diana L Cosgrove says
You are simply amazing ….. this little box is beautiful….
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Diana! XOXO
ZOYA K RAUSCH says
Hi Christy, I was so happy to see this post this morning BECAUSE, I just purchased these exact bird designs from you on Etsy.
I need you to please tell me how much you will price this box at for in your shop. I have a fairly large booth at a store here in Texas. My hardest task is pricing.
Also, just curious, do you shop at Goodwill for your re-purpose items?
Did they do away with the senior discount? I am 72 and really relied on this discount 25% off on Wednesdays. Anyway, they did away with it.
So upsetting! Thanks for your time. Z
Christy says
Oh yay!! I would price a box this size between $36-$40. For a bit larger, I go up to $45-$49. Here’s a post I wrote about pricing that may be helpful: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-price-the-smalls-for-your-booth/ I do shop at Goodwill, and I believe they did away with their discount here also. XOXO
ZOYA K RAUSCH says
THANKS CHRISTY LOVE YOUR POSTS/EMAILS
Christy says
You’re so welcome, thank you!! XO
Jackie C says
Really cute! What color/brand is the blue paint inside? I like it.
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! That color is Dixie Belle’s Dusty Blue: https://www.etsy.com/listing/715190802/dixie-belle-dusty-blue-chalk-mineral XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I always love your decorative boxes. They are big sellers for me too. Thank you for the inspiration!!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! People can always use a place to stash things lol! XOXO
Lucy Caldwell says
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Lucy!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Another beauty! You have such a fine eye for color and design, Christy. I predict that this one’s not going to be around long.
Christy says
I really appreciate that, Marcie! Thank you!! XOXO
Cyndi says
Love it! 🙂 Did you do any pre-drilling for the tiny screws or do they typically go in pretty easily without that? I guess a gimlet to get it started would be a good idea.
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I do usually predrill my holes, but these screws were so tiny and I didn’t have a bit small enough. The wood was quite soft though, so they went in pretty easily. XOXO
Deborah Mealus says
Absolutely beautiful! Your artistic talent is amazing and I love to follow your transformations! Thank you!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Deborah! Thank you!! XOXO
Charleen says
Beautiful. Love your boxes. Great choice of colors.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Charleen! XOXO
Michele M. says
Love love love that box!!! The color is awesome – that beige color (and blacks, browns and earthy greens) are my fav and all over my home.
If you would possibly like to do a sell via shipping to Ohio ( I pay of course) let me know what your price is total. And if not, that’s ok too but I really love that box. (Well I like everything you do nearly, but that one would situate itself perfectly in my house and I would love having a Christy Original!
I cannot even tell you how many tea boxes I have seen over the years.
You sure inspire me. Recently had surgery on my arm so once I am all well again I hope to honestly get painting again. It’s been too long. Hugs.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! I would love for you to have this box, but unfortunately it has already sold and I have one in line in case it falls through LOL. I didn’t know it was going to turn out so darn cute! I hope you heal quickly, my friend! XOXO
Angela says
Oh my, this is a fabulous transformation! Those feet are fabulous as is the lock. ❤️❤️
Christy says
Thank you so much, Angela! I’ve been hanging onto that lock for what seems like forever, and I was so happy to finally have a piece to use it on! XOXO
SonjaHansen says
I can understand why boxes are good sellers. Because there are people like me who can’t leave them alone. I can’t resist boxes and baskets and this one would be hard to leave behind.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sonja! I too am a sucker for boxes and baskets LOL! XOXO
Leslie says
another absolute beauty!
Christy says
Thank you, Leslie! XOXO
Margie says
Beautiful & I love the surprise inside. That blue is gorgeous.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Margie! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Charming and chic Christy! Just such a stellar job! Do you use tape to get that clean line between the inside and outside paint? Thank you!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Connie! I don’t use tape, but I keep a damp paper towel nearby and wipe off any overspill as I go. 🙂 XOXO
Sue Mellette says
What a splendid makeover! I love the color of the exterior with the birds’ transfer. It adds so much to the tea set turned jewelry box! The feet though and the latch are the details that take this to the next level. It could be a very old antique jewelry case, especially with the simple transfer on the inside top! The dusty blue adds that authentic touch! Thanks for sharing all the details. Have a wonderful week!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sue!! I’ve been hanging onto this latch for a while now, and I was so excited to have a project to use it on! XOXO
Gloria says
Love
It. That box is so darn! Cute! I have s tea box similar to yours. What a great idea you have given me. Yay! You are so talented. Can hardly wait til Thursday to see what other pretty things you have in store gorbus.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gloria! Enjoy transforming yours!! See ya Thursday! XOXO
Robin says
A lovely transformation. Too much for me to undertake, though. LOL. Let u know how fast it sells in your shop, please.
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! This was a rather quick redo actually, and it is already sold, with two in line if that falls through lol! I guess I’ll need to find another box to recreate this look! XOXO
Phyllis says
Just beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Phyllis! XOXO