Hello amazing friends! Today is the day! I’ve had many of you keeping your eye out for today’s makeover, and it is finally here! I’m sharing what I did with this vintage wooden sewing box I picked up at the thrift store for $10:
Before I get to the makeover, did anyone notice that the legs are not even? Would you believe I didn’t even notice that little detail until it was done and I was taking photos?? It is supposed to be how it is on the left, but at some point, the legs had been moved closer to the edge on the right side.
I thought about leaving them, but I did make them even in the end. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Clean
The first thing this piece needed was a good cleaning as it was pretty dirty! I used White Lightning and a terrycloth applicator pad for this step:
White Lightning is a degreaser and deglosser, so it gets your pieces super clean! Mix one TBSP with a half gallon of warm water. Once this box was clean, I swapped out my water for clean water and gave it another wipe down.
And as you can see, I took everything apart so I could work on this project a little more easily. Here it is all cleaned and ready to go!
For the inside, I just used my shop vac to suck up all the dust bunnies.
Paint
There weren’t any potential bleed-through issues to contend with on this one, so I was able to get straight to painting! I started with the insides first this time.
Because they were unfinished, I chose Silk Mineral Paint. It does require a scuff sanding prior, but not on unfinished wood, so it was the perfect paint for those parts. I usually like to share the insides at the end, but here’s a peek..this is a 50/50 mix of Bay Breeze and Quiet Cove:
I’ll share more on the inside and why I chose to mix these colors in a bit.
Once I had the interior cubbies painted, I moved on to the outside.
I chose my favorite bright white for that, Cotton from Dixie Belle.
Sand
I sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge. (That makes it much easier to hold!)
Sanding smoothed everything out and allowed me to distress ever so slightly.
Adding a Transfer
After using my shop vac to suck up all the sanding dust, I busted out one of my favorite transfers, this French Ceramics transfer:
I have used this on a couple of projects like this one and I just love it!
My sewing box was still in pieces, so I cut the transfer to fit each piece using my rotary cutting set:
I lined up the pieces next to each other to be sure the pattern would match up while Lyla supervised:
I wrapped the transfer all the way around the outside of the box, leaving the top and the legs uncovered.
Seal
To seal, I used Clear Coat in Satin using my blue sponge applicator to apply it:
To paint the pieces that held everything together, I used spray primer from Rustoleum first:
Then, I followed up with a coat of Rustoleum Satin White spray paint. It was just easier to tackle those small pieces that way.
Once everything was dry, I reassembled the sewing box with fresh new screws and washers I picked up at the Home Depot:
Washers between the support pieces and the box help them to sit away from the surface just enough so that they don’t rub against the transfer.
The After
Here is how this pretty piece looks now!
You can see I moved the legs to match up better:
This is such a sweet piece. I left the top and the legs just painted…
And here you can see where I wrapped the transfer around the sides…
The inside
Here is what the inside looked like before:
It was just simple and unfinished.
Of course, I have to play with the insides too! I originally planned to paint all the cubbies in Silk Bay Breeze, but I was nearing the end of my jar and didn’t want to open a new one, so I painted the top two only. Then I decided to mixed Bay Breeze and Quiet Cove 50/50 for the next level of cubbies. And I painted the bottom compartment in Quiet Cove.
This gave me an ombre effect that I just love!
And on the inside of the lid, I added a bit more of this gorgeous transfer:
It’s a pretty surprise when you open the lid!
Bay Breeze looks so pretty with this transfer that I almost wish I had chosen this color as a backdrop for the outside.
And here is the whole box opened up! That’s a lot of compartments!
Here are the colors I used again:
I think I did this sweet wooden sewing box justice…what do you think?
You can find this transfer and over 80 more in my Etsy shop HERE!
And PSSS… the Classic Vintage Labels min transfer set that I used on all these projects is back in stock!
I only have ONE more piece left from this haul!!
Revisit any of these makeovers at the links below:
Applying a Transfer to a Lampshade
$5 Thrift Store Box Makeover with Transfer
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
This was a good sized haul!
The final piece will be my Trash-to-Treasure project for Tuesday! I plan to combine it with something else…
Then I need to get shopping!!
UPDATE! See what I paired this with to turn it into a super sweet decor piece HERE now!
Have a wonderful weekend, friends!
XOXO,
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Leanne says
This turned out so cute! The only problem is that the ombre effect of the interior is so divine you now can’t put anything in the boxes, otherwise it will obscure the effect! Lol. Another stunner Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Leanne! Ha ha so true! XOXO
Jackie C says
Oh wow, I especially love this one!
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I love, love, Love this and I would use it as a jewelry cabinet!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rose! It would make an excellent jewelry cabinet! XOXO
Linda Gysin says
I love the sewing caddy! Is it for sale? I’m a quilter and sew a lot. This would be a perfect caddy for me.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Linda! I don’t think I can part with this one! It would be excellent for quilting supplies! XOXO
Jan says
Beautiful. I’ve been waiting to see this one. I have one of these waiting for me to tackle. Love love love how yours turned out. Looks like a wooden puzzle when you have it all apart to paint!
Christy says
Thank you, Jan! Taking it apart made it so much easier! Have fun with yours! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
WOW, not only did you do it justice, but you made it BEAUTIFUL!! I love it so much! What a fantastic job!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Mary! XOXO
Cheryl Mangano says
What a fabulous job you did on this sewing box! I love everything about it. What a great storage container for craft supplies. I have been following you for quite a while and I love everything you do. I look forward to your blog everyday!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I appreciate that so much! Thanks for following along with me! XOXO
Petra says
What a cute piece and you’ve made it look very pretty – I can imagine SO many uses for this 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! Right?? XOXO
Janice Holt says
You did save one of the best for last. This turned out just gorgeous. The colors look so good together. Now I can’t begin to imagine what you will do with the last piece. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Janice! I thought it would be more work than it was, but taking it apart made it much easier! See ya Tuesday! XOXO
Denise Rocha says
Hi,
just wanted to say how beautiful this box turned out. I have the exact same one and have had it for a few years, not knowing what to do with it. This is very inspiring.
Thanks
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! I’m so glad you’re feeling inspired! XOXO
Denise says
Christy do you sell your pieces out of state and if you do have you sold the sewing box
Christy says
Hi Denise! I do occasionally ship smaller pieces, however, I think this one is a keeper! XOXO
Dee Ann says
Are you selling the vintage sewing box with the blue and white floral transfer? I would be interested in purchasing it! It is so pretty now!
Christy says
Thank you, Dee Ann! I will be keeping this one! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Oh my goodness! I had no idea that a sewing box could be transformed into such a beauty!! And, leave it to you to be so clever to think of that ombre effect. The colors are GORGEOUS!! PERFECT!!! You go, girl…🙃😋👍
Christy says
Aww yay! So glad you like it, Denise! Thank you! XOXO
Christina says
This is super cute! Love the colors and the transfer. Beautiful work as always.
Mine is full of sewing stuff and has been for more years than I’d like to admit. lol I like the tall handle on yours.
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! Glad to know yours has been useful for your sewing supplies as I plan to keep this one for mine! XOXO
Gayle says
Wow! Another great piece! I love the ombré effect. And I can’t believe how much you can cover with the transfers. I’m going to redo my dresser in the fall using transfers. I just have to decide which of the lovely transfers you carry that I want to try! Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Gayle! Transfers make me feel like an artist ha ha! XOXO
Jenny says
Such a sweet transformation! Great job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jenny! XOXO
Susan M Van Dyke says
Love it! It was definitely worth the wait. I will not be able to look at another one of these without seeing this beautiful piece. Now I wish I had my Mom’s back.
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Susan! XOXO
Cecilia says
That looks so pretty! You’re making me love transfers! I used to have one of those boxes – maybe a bit smaller? Anyway, I wish I would have kept it. It would hold a lot of art supplies, lol.
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! Transfers are amazing and can transform so many things! This box would have been perfect for art supplies! XOXO
Niki says
I don’t sew, but I could probably find another use for this. It reminds me of the transfer-ware plates I have. I’m excited to see what you do with the wine wall hanging thing it’s not the prettiest…. Have a fabulous weekend Christy!!
Christy says
Oh absolutely! The wine hanging thing is very uninspiring ha ha! I do have an idea for it though! Enjoy your weekend also! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
I just love, love, love what you did to this originally boring basket! Kudos, Christy!
Question: How did you mark where they holes were to reattach the wood pieces?
Christy says
Thanks so much, Caye! I could still feel the holes through the transfer. 🙂 XOXO
Elizabeth says
As someone who loves the blue & white & has been sewing for 62 years, I say Bravo! Your re-creation is most beautiful. The different paint colors in the cubbies are gorgeous. Thanks for starting my day on wonderful note.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Elizabeth! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! XOXO
Susan Verbaan says
Christy you out did yourself! This sewing
box looks fabulous. It makes me wish I had one. Love your work.
Sue
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan! I appreciate that! XOXO
gwen says
This is so cute Christy! Now, what would I put in it? The options are limitless!
Christy says
Thank you, Gwen! Absolutely! XOXO
Barbara Brannon says
Absolutely gorgeous! Was so afraid you would paint it pink – yuck! Wonderful job! Do love the ‘Quiet Cove’ color too!
Christy says
Thank you, Barbara! Ha ha…no pink! XOXO
Sandi Allen says
Love this! What a beautiful transformation!
I have never seen a sewing box like this. Great find!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandi! I was excited to find this one! XOXO
Marianne says
I love how your sewing box turned out! I actually have been waiting to see how you would transform yours. I inherited one from my Mother in Law. I redid mine also, My husband and I changed out the handle so it wasn’t permanently upright. I painted the box a Royal Blue and the slats Gold. I decoupaged flowers on one side, and in marker I wrote my sketch box on the other side in Italic Calligraphy. The top has a quote about a Dreamer. I wrapped the handle with some leather cord and tied a bow in the center with a cross and a charm that had an M on that was my Mother in Law’s. It was quite a lot of work as I am sure yours was also! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marianne! Yours sounds absolutely lovely! I love the addition of the M charm for your MIL! XOXO
Toby Peplow says
LOVE this! Beautiful as always Christy! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Toby! XOXO
Charleen says
Be still my heart!!How beautiful this is. Absolutely beautiful! Love the choice of colors. Love the transfer. One of my fav that you have used. You are very talented. Wonderful transformation.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Charleen! I appreciate that! This transfer is one of my favorite transfers also! XOXO
Christine says
I have the same sewing box. It belonged to my Nana. Handed down to me full of thread and notions. Oh the possibilities!
Thanks for the ideas.
Christy says
I always love when I come across sewing boxes full of notions at estate sales, etc. What a treasure it is to have one from your Nana! XOXO
Cyndi says
Beautiful! I like the transfer on the Bay Breeze too, but I do love it on the white. You can’t beat blue & white. 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I will have to do something else with this transfer over the blue! I’m a sucker for blue and white also! XOXO
Robyn Wright says
This will make a pretty trinket or jewelry box. Love it!
Christy says
Absolutely! Thanks, Robyn! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
So pretty (I love this floral transfer!) and the inside ‘ombre’ drawer details tops it off! Have a great weekend my friend. XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I love this transfer too! Enjoy your weekend also!! XOXO
Mary says
Just beautiful Christy! Wow. I’ve always wanted one of these sewing cabinets, even when they were just plain ole ugly 🙂 You really transformed this into a beautiful treasure – It won’t stay in your shop long! Thank you for inspiring once again.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Mary! I’ll be keeping this one! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Deanna says
Oh my! The sewing cabinet turned out gorgeous!! I’m not a sewer, but this piece could be used for so many other things. Love the colors, transfers, everything about it. Lyla is a cute project supervisor. Are you going to sell it or keep it? If I wasn’t in Illinois, I would rush to your booth to purchase it!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Deanna! It sure could be used for so many things! Someone else suggested art supplies. This one will be a keeper! And of course Lyla has to make sure I’m doing my best work ha ha! XOXO
Rebecca says
GORGEOUS. I love the blue and white colors.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Rebecca! XOXO
Fran Blunt says
This turned out GORGEOUS! I have been wanting to try the French Ceramics transfer. I was intimidated by this kind of sewing box but your instruction gives me courage! I love it.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Fran! This makeover was made much easier by taking it apart! I hope you get a chance to try this transfer! XOXO
Debbie says
Oh boy! I love this! Now I HAVE to find myself a sewing box. Thanks for always inspiring me!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debbie! Good luck in your search! XOXO
Catharine Windmueller says
Christy, I am always so excited to see what you do to your pieces. They never fail to please. You have such a good eye and a remarkable talent for making hum drum items look sensational and showcase worthy. This sewing chest with your eye for detail is a perfect example of that. What a treasure this piece is.
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Catharine! Thank you! XOXO
p says
You definitely did this sewing box justice !
Such a pretty blue on the transfer. Delicate and not overpowering.
The icing on this piece is the stepped blue colors. 🙂
I know whoever gets this box will smile every time they see it.
A very sweet job.
Thanks for sharing.
p
Christy says
Yay thank you, P! I’ll be keeping this one, and I agree that it will make me smile each time I use it! Have a lovely weekend! XOXO
Shirley says
Christy…you’ve totally outdone yourself on this one! I’ve got everything to do mine except for the colored paints but actually after seeing yours, I’m going in a different direction. Only because my home is in darker colors and the white might stand out like a sore thumb and I’m totally into red, black, brown (as in natural woods) different grays and gold in my living areas which is where my sewing basket always ends up so I would opt for something along those lines. This is absolutely one of the prettiest makeovers of yours I’ve seen. I just love it!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Shirley! Enjoy transforming yours! XOXO
Karen Moore says
Christy, that turned out precious. I had one back in the day that was my mom’s. It never was that cute.
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! I was so excited to find this one! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Oh Christy! I have been waiting for you to get to this one. I got one a long time ago and had no idea what to do with it, so it has lived in my grandson’s toy room with Legos in it! I see these every now and then but don’t dare pick up another one. Now you have spent a lot of work to make this sewing box the Bell of the Ball! I would never have thought to disassemble it!! Great job! Stay hydrated!!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Cecilia! Taking it apart made it much easier to redo. Love it for Lego storage ha ha! XOXO
Josee says
I was wondering what you would do with this and as usual it is awesome! Thanks
Christy says
Thank you, Josee! XOXO
Robin says
What a pretty box (my colors). You went above & beyond, Christy! Are all 4 sides covered with the transfer or is the back naked?
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! Yep, all four sides are covered! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
It’s so beautiful, Christy! I don’t think I’ve ever seen one painted before. Mixing the paint colors was inspired. Don’t you love when a problem creates its own solution?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marcie! Yes…I love when plan B is better than plan A lol! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! You got a great price for that sewing box. They for at least $100. Think about that when you go to sell it. I have one but mine doesn’t have legs.☹️ I might just copy you except for the inside. I don’t have any silk Colors ☹️. It turned out so pretty
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I’ve seen how pricey they can be. I will be keeping this one for myself. Maybe you could add legs? They are such great storage pieces! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
What do I think of the new sewing box? I think, once again with awe and admiration, that you are THE. MASTER. (-:
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Connie!! Thank you!! XOXO
Wanda E Rose says
Please unsubscribe me from the email list. I am now getting your Facebook posts which is better. Thank you!
Christy says
You got it! Thanks, Wanda! XOXO
Sandra Barnes says
Cute! What size is the sewing box.? I have my great aunts, but it’s too lg to put on a table.
First I’ve seen.
Christy says
Thank you, Sandra! This one is 17″w X 8″deep X 14″tall. It’s really too big to put on a table too, but I just did it for the photos. 🙂 XXO
Joanne H. says
The sewing box makeover is soooooo cute. I don’t know what I love more; the stencil around the outside or the ombré effect inside. I love it all. I have a sewing box just like that. I had to take the legs off cause 2 of them gave way but you’ve inspired me to keep it, add new legs, and freshen up the look. That’s why I look forward to your posts- you inspire.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Joanne! I sure appreciate that!! I’m guessing that two of the legs gave way on this one also and that is why the legs on one side had been moved. I wonder if you can just move yours over also? XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh, my gosh, it is absolutely beautiful, Christy!
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! XOXO
Marietta says
Darn if you have not done it again! I keep thinking these would make great art storage if I would put shorter legs on them to sit on a desk or table and after seeing this I will be picking up all of them I see.
Thanks again Lady!
May the wings of inspiration brush you lightly forever.
Christy says
Aww I love that sentiment, thank you, Marietta! This would be awesome for art storage for sure!! XOXO
Kathy says
I love how this turned out! Especially LOVE that transfer, and the paint color effect! I could see this as a jewelry box.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kathy! It would make for wonderful jewelry storage! XOXO
Celia says
So pretty, blue is just the perfect color! I think this would be a good jewelry box too.
Christy says
Thank you, Celia! Absolutely! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
So perfect! Those colors are gorgeous with the transfer. I had bought one of these Norwegian sewing boxes a very long time ago. Recently sold it for $100. Doubled my money lol. Mine was a darker stain. Now I wish I kept it to do what you did lol. Love it so much!
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! Oh dang…at least you made some good money on yours! XOXO
Denise says
Okay thanks anyway
Gerri Steinbaugh says
Thank you so much! I love it!! It gives me so much inspiration, as I have one just like it that was my Mom’s. It’s a true treasure. She kept a lot of her crochet hooks and yarn in it.
Christy says
Oh wonderful! What a treasure indeed!! XOXO
Dawn says
Hi Christy,
I have the same sewing box. I received it from my aunt. I’m so glad to have found your blog. It gave me inspiration to fix her’s up since it’s so old.
Christy says
Perfect! These boxes have so much potential to be super cute! XOXO
Stephanie says
This is beautiful. I have my grandmother’s sewing box just like this only no legs I’ve been wanting to do something with it but wasn’t sure what, this project definitely provides some inspiration.
Christy says
Thank you, Stephanie! What a treasure to have from your grandmother! XOXO
Char Michaud says
You never stop amazing me with your beautiful projects. This one is so special with the blue and white transfer and the paints. It really does look like million dollars after you put your magical touch on it. Always look forward to seeing more. Beautiful work❤️
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Char! Thank you! I enjoyed seeing this one come to life for sure! XOXO
Suzanne says
I have one of these in desperate need of refinishing. I love what you have done but mine is all wood, no screws, so I have no idea how to take it apart!
Christy says
Thank you, Suzanne! Oh no, that is a challenge! I hope you can figure it out! XOXO
Becky says
Wow. I thought the outsides were beautiful, but the insides are even better! I love all the shades of blue!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Becky! I really enjoyed working on this one!! XOXO
mary ann says
Thank you for the ideas – beautifully done.
Christy says
My pleasure, Mary Ann! Thank you! XOXO
andrea says
I just love how your sewing box turned out. I also have one, it’s very old as I’m almost 60 and it was my mothers. Mine doesn’t have legs and it’s natural wood with a black wood handle and extension bars. I’m afraid if I changed the look, it wouldn’t be so sentimental. Yours is beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Andrea! I can certainly understand how you wouldn’t want to change the look of yours for sentimental reasons. XOXO
Cherri says
This is so pretty that I’m trying to do one now. My question is, did you wrap the transfer around the back side too? I’m sure you did. And, We’re you able to match everything up? I’m having difficulties figuring that out???
Thank you!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cherri! I wrapped it on three sides of each piece. So, I started across the front and wrapped it around the side on either end and then around the back, leaving the center piece where it meets the other side and will not be seen when closed, blank…just paint. I hope that makes sense! I was able to continue the pattern all the way around that way. However, this is a busy pattern, so if you had to join pieces together, I don’t think anyone would notice if it doesn’t match up perfectly. XOXO
Patricia Bradford says
It turned out beautiful; I have had mine for about 33 years and can’t seem to part with it! I no longer use it but you have inspired me to do something similar with it for future use. Thank you 😊
Christy says
Aww you’re so welcome, Patricia, thank you!! XOXO