Hello, amazing friends! I am so happy you stopped by my little corner of the internet today! I’m sharing a painted thrift store jewelry box that happens to be one of the few remaining items from my Fall haul:
This was $12.95 at the thrift store which I thought was very pricey. It was in great condition though, so I nabbed it.
I had started on it before the holidays, but then I came to a stand still when deciding what to do about the broken hardware on the top two drawers. They were not removable, so I had to figure out how to fix the issue.
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Finally, I decided to cut away as much as I could with my Black and Decker rotary tool that is similar to a Dremel tool:
I had to buy the metal cutting disk separately, which I believe I found at Home Depot. (As you can see I had sanded the surface also. I had planned to use Silk mineral paint when I first started, but plans changed.)
I cut the top two as the bottom two were still in tact at that time and I didn’t mind the mix:
Clean and Prep with tape
Next, I cleaned well with White Lightning and taped off the areas I didn’t want to get paint on:
This small project took many hours. I honestly think I could have redone a dresser in less time!
Paint
Although I had originally chosen to use Silk, I ended up going with Fluff chalk mineral paint instead, only because I wanted a white background, and this white covers in just two coats.
I did not want to paint all these small parts more times than necessary!
All the tape was removed as soon as the second coat went on.
Transfer time
To dress it up, I pulled out the leftovers from this French Ceramics transfer:
Y’all know this is a favorite of mine! I’ve used it HERE, HERE, and most recently HERE.
I used the enclosed stick to burnish it to the surface, cutting holes where the hardware was so I could lay the transfer flat:
I used a razor blade to cut around all the parts.
Seal
Once I had the transfer completed, I sealed with Best Dang Wax in clear:
I applied it with the smaller French Tip brush since I had lots of small areas to reach.
Then, I buffed away any excess with a clean, soft cloth…
Painted Thrift Store Jewelry Box After
How did this box turn out??
You decide!
Before, this jewelry box, originally from the Bombay Co, was dark and boring.
Now it is light and fresh!
I only added the transfer to the front and sides and left the top white.
Can you spy the new hardware?
I found those at Hobby Lobby:
They were painted in Fluff also and sealed with wax.
Using two pulls on each drawer was really the only option since I couldn’t drill through that center doodad that I was unable to remove.
The inside
The insides were in perfect condition. That is one of the reasons I decided to buy this box as that is rare.
When I was deciding on which transfer to use, that factored in. What transfer could I use that would work with the black?
I think this one did well since it has the black script throughout…
I painted the sides of the drawers in this gorgeous matching Silk color, Quiet Cove:
But I thought you were keeping some of the old hardware?
Would you believe one of the remaining pulls broke? So, I had no other option but to use the new hardware on all the drawers, but I think it looks better this way anyway!
Whew, these little boxes are a lot of work, but fun too!
I hope you enjoyed this one today!
I only have a few more projects to cross off from this haul!
Here is everything I’ve completed from this haul so far!
Transform that Old Silverware Box!
Freebie Mini Table Makeover
Travel Case Makeover
Super Easy Chair Makeover
Painting the Smalls #24 (Six mini makeovers!)
How to Update a Silver Tray
Painted Hutch Using Silk Mineral Paint
Update a Plain Box with Paint and Transfers
Vintage Tray/Easel Makeover
Framed Cubby Shelf Makeover
Update a Picnic Basket with Decoupage
Painted Metal Quilt Rack
Vintage Brother Sewing Machine Cabinet Makeover
Child’s Chair Makeover
Painted Console Table
French Provincial Dresser Makeover
I have a couple of the pieces that are left done and will combine them for Thursday! This lamp is one of them:
UPDATE: See this lamp and the absolutely perfect shade I found for it, plus one more item, HERE now!
See ya then!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Carla says
Oh, it turned out beautifully! You do such an amazing job on your projects.
Christy says
Thank you, Carla! I appreciate that so much! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh my, it is so beautiful! I think that it is a happy accident that another handle broke, because now it looks balanced, and the center pieces all match and look like an emblishment in the center! BEAUTIFUL!
Christy says
Thank you, my sweet friend! I have to agree about the handles. I don’t think it would have looked as nice with the mix either! XOXO
Jennifer says
I love it! I think this turned out great. It was serendipity that the other little pull broke. It looks perfect with 2 pulls on all of the drawers instead of just two of the drawers. I think it would have looked top heavy otherwise. I love that transfer as well. Thanks for the inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jennifer! I think so too…it was meant to be lol! XOXO
Cynthia says
You always amaze me with your recreations and this is no exception. Love it.
Cynthia
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Cynthia!! XOXO
Sandra says
It’s really beautiful..
But it cost a lot ..took a lot of time..and hardware expensive..won’t you need to ask a lot for it
Christy says
Thank you, Sandra! It did take a lot of time, but I won’t lose money on it. The handles were .99 for a pack of two and I used leftover transfer pieces from another project. It would be totally worth the time, effort, and cost if you were redoing this for yourself or for a gift, but due to the time involved, I won’t be doing another anytime soon lol. XOXO
Tina Matteson says
Stunning!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tina!! XOXO
Nana Diana says
I love how this turned out. It was worth all the hard work. I hope you can sell it and get a good price for all your hard work.
Christy says
Thank you, Diana! I definitely won’t recoup my time, but it was a fun one to flip! I think I’ll pass on the next one I see though ha ha! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW!!!!! What an ordeal for you – but man oh man does it look beautiful. It is so pretty and a perfect size – someone will be sooooo lucky to own that star!
Well done, Christy. You sure know how to give new life to stale pieces!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Michele! I appreciate that! I’d rather take on a dresser any day ha ha! XOXO
Cheryl r Atkinson says
Hi Christy! You cannot go wrong with fluff and French Ceramics. Jewelry boxes are alot of work and I have had that issue with knobs that won’t come off. We always seem to work around it. It’s beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! I tried to find some kind of decorative pull that I could use with the existing broken hardware, but I couldn’t find anything tiny enough. Oh well, this worked lol! I’m not sure I’ll be taking on another jewelry box anytime soon ha ha! XOXO
Cyndi says
I know it was a lot of work, but it’s SO pretty! AND functional. I especially love pretty AND functional. LOL 😉
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I do enjoy a challenge sometimes, so it wasn’t all bad lol. I’m glad I was able to give it new life! XOXO
Charlene Godby says
Love this project. That French transfer is more like it! It actually has French writing on it this time! Lol
Christy says
Thank you, Charlene! Ha ha yes it does! XOXO
Sandra Whittington says
Christy,
My sister’s and I have a hobby/business of buying and restoring these vintage jewelry boxes. They find them, clean them, and I paint them. We have sold 124 jewelry boxes in approximately three years. They are a labor of love! There isn’t much profit but a sisterhood of fun. I’m waiting for the new Silk colors to be available. I painted a jewelry box in Secret Path and could have sold it 20 times…..you just never know what is going to be a hit! I love your blog and Etsy shop.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandra! And wow…the jewelry box business is good. How lovely that you and your sisters have that together! I love that each box can be so unique. Secret Path is one of my absolute favorite colors, so I’m not surprised that one was a hit. I got my order in early Monday morning as soon as we could for the new colors, so I’m just waiting for my notification that they’ve shipped. Woohoo!! XOXO
p says
Ohhh, now it’s a jewel ! Your use of transfers is very well done on this piece. I like that you left the feet and top white to balance all the patterns.
Such pretty shades of blue. 🙂
A lot of work for sure ! I know someone will find this to be a loved treasure.
(I would )
The new handles look sweet. Great job !!
p
Christy says
Thank you so much, P! I originally planned to cover the top, but yes, it seemed to need that clean surface for balance. I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
Lizzy says
It’s so pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
So pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! XOXO
Cheryl says
Beautiful!!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Ohh Christy, it’s lovely now! I like that everything is pulled together because it matches. I think that the “non match” application is great when working with a non traditional application as a whole. This beauty is not unconventional and therefore needs cohesiveness to make it work. Great job, Kudos!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Caye! I think I always feel the need to match lol. XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Whatever you do, it looks great!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Caye, thank you! XOXO
Cheryl Frey says
I always look forward to seeing you work your magic!! You keep me inspired 😊
I gotta ask—where in Hobby Lobby did you find the handles?
Christy says
Aww that means so much, Cheryl, thank you!! I found those handles in the aisle that has the wood cut-outs and clock parts. 🙂 XOXO
Naomi Shelton says
Beautiful, Christy! The transfer really makes it. You are so good at using those. Hope you get somewhere near your time’s worth when you sell it!
Christy says
Thank you, Naomi! I appreciate that! This transfer could make anything look better it’s so pretty. I probably won’t, but it was a treat to see it come to life! XOXO
Carroll Xavier says
From meh to wow! Love the French Ceramics transfer, too, and it makes the jewelry box gorgeous! The contrast of black and white also enhances the look…nice job! 🙂
Christy says
Yay! Thank you, Carroll! This is such a great transfer, and I was so happy it worked with the black! XOXO
Alexa Goltz says
This jewel box is absolutely adorable! I love all the transfers you use and the special way you add cute colorful accents to all your pieces. You are the best I’ve seen at repurposing and reviving all the smalls and larger furniture pieces! I look forward to your posts so keep up the beautiful work!
Christy says
Wow I appreciate that SO much, Alexa, thank you!! I don’t know what I did before transfers lol… they are so fun to create with! XOXO
Janice Holt says
I’m usually the first one commenting but not today; we have a lot of snow here in NW Alabama and my internet (and cable) went out but thankfully it is back on now. Love this jewelry box and I don’t usually care for blue this is just gorgeous.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice!! It seems there are wintry weather warnings all around us, but no snow for us boohoo! Stay warm, my friend! XOXO
Cecilia says
I really like the little handles on it. I think it just adds a nice touch. I’m surprised you didn’t get bleed through – it looks like the kind that would. Love the blue and white transfer. Roses, script and the color! What more could you ask for? Beautiful!
😊 Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I’m kind of glad the other pulls broke as these do seem to work better. This was a newer Bombay Co piece, so I think I escaped the dreaded bleed through because of that. You never know though! I’m so glad you like this one! XOXO
Karla says
My husband gave me this exact jewelry box many years ago. I have often thought it needed an update but had no idea what to do with it. Thank you for inspiring me with this beautiful re-do. Blue and white is my favorite!
Christy says
Oh perfect! It is a great box, and I’m so glad you like the redo, thank you! XOXO
Heidy says
Hi Christy,
It’s perfect! Blue is not even my color but I love how this looks. The handles are perfect and the blue on drawer sides is perfect! This is a piece to make you happy just walking in the room!
You definitely have the magic touch.
❤️Heidy
Christy says
Aww thank you, Heidy! I’m so glad you like the finished piece. It had me thinking a bit with those missing pulls, but I got her done lol! XOXO
Marietta Walker says
You nailed this one, even with all the problems with the hardware! I of course, now expect nothing less from you! You never fail to amaze me with your ideas and your ingenuity. The more difficult a project, the higher you rise!
OK, enough of the flattery! Just know that I read and look at every post, because I have learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing all of your projects, My booth has a Grand Opening, on March 22. We are currently working our butts off trying to get everything done!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Marietta! I appreciate your encouragement! And how exciting…I wish you all the success with your new booth! XOXO