Hello, sweet friends! While I have definitely been enjoying sharing all the favorites from the past year, I am SO excited to be back to creating! I have a brand new makeover for y’all today, my first of 2024! I’m sharing how to transform that old silverware box.
It is also Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday, so be on the lookout for four more fabulous makeovers from my friends at the bottom!
This silverware box is from my current haul and it only cost me $2.50:
All orange tags were half off so this was a deal for sure and it was definitely coming home with me!
The hardest part of rescuing these flatware boxes is removing the insides. This one gave me a bit more trouble than usual, but I got most of it out:
What was left will be covered, so this is about as good as it got! You can see in that photo, that I used several tools to remove the lining!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
The outside wasn’t in great shape.
The top was all scratched up and the stain was separating and flaking apart, although it is difficult to see here…
Sand
So, I gave it a good sanding with my Ryobi Corner Cat sander and 220 grit sandpaper to smooth it out:
This is great for smaller jobs. I have the cordless version that uses their multi-use batteries, but they make a corded version too.
Clean
If I have any holes to fill with Dixie Mud, I will clean first as not to disturb the mud, but since I did not have anything that needed filled, I sanded first. Once the top was all smoothed out, it was time to clean!
For that I used White Lightning which comes in a powder form. I just mix one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water. These terrycloth pads are perfect for cleaning your projects:
You can toss them in the wash and use them over and over. White Lightning is a degreaser and a deglosser, so it will give your piece the best possible prep for paint. Gloves are recommended and then be sure to swap out your water for clean water and give it one more wipe down to remove any residue.
Ready for paint!
For this box, I chose Tea Rose:
Two coats was perfect.
My inspiration for using this color was this gorgeous Blossom Botanica transfer:
After sanding lightly all over with a sanding sponge to smooth the paint, the transfer went on next…
Seal
I sealed with Clear Coat in Satin using the Blue Sponge Applicator.
Update an Old silverware box
Let’s see how this updated silverware box turned out!
I just love this soft, muted pink!
And the Blossom Botanica transfer is so pretty with it!
I used one large piece of the transfer across the top and let it cascade over the side. Then I added another small piece to the right, front so it would hang down a bit further.
The original knobs were missing, but these dainty glass knobs I picked up from Hobby Lobby were perfect.
The inside
Here is what the inside looked like when I found it:
It looked like someone had started to remove the lining.
And here it is again after removing as much as I could:
When deciding what to do with pieces that have a fabric component as well, I often look through my fabric to see what I have that will work with my options to help choose a direction to go in.
I had forgotten all about this curtain panel I picked up for $5 at the thrift store before the holidays, but it was nearly a perfect match to both the paint and the transfer!
I used my rotary cutting set to cut the pieces for the lining super easily:
See my detailed tutorial for lining these boxes with fabric HERE.
The inside after
Here is the inside now…
How pretty is this fabric??
I was surprised when I saw the tag on this curtain panel said Mainstays. Walmart is stepping it up!
As you can see, fabric covered all the gunk that was left behind. I shared a link above that shares the how-to for lining these boxes.
The fabric is a perfect match too.
This box came with handles on the sides that I was not able to remove, so I just painted right over them. The paint just helps them to disappear a bit…
This was a fun project to start the new year!
These are my favorite kinds of projects, because this box could only get better from where it started!
I hope you enjoyed my very first project of the year!
Here’s what my talented friends are sharing today:
And that is one piece closer to getting to shop for a new haul!!
I only have a few things left! I forgot to include this box in the fancy collage I made of all the individual pieces, but here it is in the group photo:
Here is everything I’ve completed from this haul so far!
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’ll be back on Thursday with this bookcase I brought home from my booth to redo!
Say good-bye to those stripes!
UPDATE: See how I completely redid this bookcase HERE now!
Hope your week is off to a great start!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh my it turned out so beautiful! I LOVE the color, and the fabric, it matches the paint color so well! Your first make over for 2024, and it is starting out with a BANG!! I LOVE IT!!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I am so happy to be back to creating!! Have a great week, my friend! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
You always do such a wonderful job with these, Christy. I know they are buggers to work on at times! 😀
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Larissa! That prep is the worst, but they are fun once you get past that lol! XOXO
Sue says
I always anticipate what you will do with the insides of your boxes. This was so perfect, the stars had aligned for you! Lovely choices of pink and transfers/fabric!!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! Yes, all the elements of this one came together so nicely…I love when that happens! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Your flatware boxes are always one of my favorites; love the color and love this one has another drawer. The inside is beautiful also.
Christy says
Oh yay! Thank you, Janice! I love when they have a drawer and they are really fun to do once you get past removing the innards lol. XOXO
Barbara Warner says
Christy,
You’ve done an absolutely beautiful job on this chest. I love the color and the transfer, not to mention the interior. Best of all, I love the knobs on the drawer! You’re stupendous!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Barbara! I was really excited to get going on it once I pulled together all the elements that worked so well together. I’m sucker for those little glass knobs too! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
I love Tea Rose and that fabric and transfer compliment it perrrrfectly! Super sweet makeover Christy! Pinned! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I couldn’t believe what a great match that fabric was to the Tea Rose…I love that color too! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi friend!! Happy New Year! I love how this turned out. The inside of your upcycled boxes are always so perfect. This might be one of my top favorites. I miss painting smalls but I think I’m going to start back up. I can always take it to the store I had my booth at. She said she would put m y projects on the floor to sell. I noticed Redesign just had a big sell. Does that mean they have new items coming out? Thank you for sharing Christy, you have always been a huge inspiration to me
Christy says
Happy New Year, Cheryl!! Thank you so much. I’m so glad you love it! That’s awesome that still you have a place to sell your smalls. They are often my favorite projects. And yes, Redesign has some beautiful new things on the way! They will be revealed at the end of this month. Dixie Belle also has seven new Silk colors and a new BOSS/Slick Stick-in-one product on the way later this month. They have all been busy! I hope your year is off to a great start, my friend! XOXO
Kimmylouwho says
Beautiful box that will make someone very happy! How much will you charge for it at your booth?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kimmylouwho! I usually price these boxes in the $45-$55 range. XOXO
Sandra Whittington says
Do you know when the new Silk colors will be available in your Etsy shop?
Christy says
Hi Sandra! I will be able to order them on the 15th and so whenever they can them to me and I can get them listed from there. I will definitely announce it on the blog and my FB page when I have them available to purchase. 🙂
Becky says
I love your pieces. I love white and pastels but also love black. I don’t see you do a lot of decoupage pieces, but I saw a picture of a beautiful black piece with a stunning decoupage treatment. I have never decoupaged a large piece since I was concerned it would not come out well. Would love to see you do a piece like this since your instructions are always so clear and complete. Thank you.
Christy says
Thank you, Becky! I have only recently carried larger decoupage papers in my shop, so now I am anxious to use some of them, but you can see one of my favorite decoupage projects here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/vintage-secretary-makeover-with-decoupage-paper/ That gives you at least an idea of how I do them and I hope that helps! I will be digging into some of the gorgeous ones I have for a new project soon though! XOXO
Cyndi says
That is SO pretty! That color is perfect on this box, especially with that gorgeous tranfer!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cyndi! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh my gosh – this one made me GASP. It is absolutely positively one of the most beautiful projects yet. I looooove that color and can’t wait to use mine. That box is stunning, Christy. You are so talented.
Christy says
Aww yay…I’m so glad you love it, Michele! Thank you! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
So pretty!!
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! XOXO
Nette says
Lovely! Is the butterfly part of the same transfer?
Christy says
Thank you, Nette! It is…this transfer comes with several butterflies! XOXO
Addie says
Aaahhhhhh….much better! Great way to start the new year off right!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Addie! I love it when it can only get better ha ha! XOXO
Audra says
Beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Audra! XOXO
Petra says
That would make such a gorgeous gift – well done – it looked fiddly to do 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! Getting the insides out is the hardest part, but then it is fun! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Another fabulous box, Christy! The colors are beautiful and someone is going to be thrilled with it.
Christy says
Thanks, Marcie! I hope so! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
SO sweet, Christy! I love the fabric you chose for inside! And I love making over these boxes too but those insides are always a bear, aren’t they?! lol xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy! The insides on this one did not want to come out lol! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
That old box is gorgeous now, Christy! All the pink is perfect! xo
Christy says
Thank you, Jen!! XOXO
Teresa Mossi says
Hi – I love the box! Such a beautiful color. Did it already sell? If not, do you sell online? I would like to buy it, but cannot get to VA right now. I am located in MD so not too far. Thanks
Christy says
Thank you, Teresa! I only sell my items in my booth here locally. Unfortunately, if I sold online, I wouldn’t have any inventory for my booth. It is a job to keep it well stocked, especially now in the cold winter months when our antique mall gets a lot of traffic. I hope you understand. XOXO
Karen says
Oh Christy, You’ve done it again! The thrifted curtain panel is a perfect match to the paint and transfer. I don’t know how you keep from having a house full of smalls to use in your own decor! I love doing them, but have such a hard time parting with the finished project!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Karen! I do want to keep so many of them ha ha! XOXO