Sunday, February 5, 2012

Updating an Ugly Box with Graphics and Paint




My husband had a box in the garage that originally held a car waxing kit. The box was sturdy and a great size, but not very cute!  :)




I started with a Graphics Fairy label.
   



I tried to 'age' it with tea.  I really didn't have to do this step, as it didn't make a huge difference.



 

I painted the box with a couple of coats of green spray paint.  


I then sanded down the edges.



I cut close to the edge of the graphic, then mod podged it on the box.


I put an antiquing gel on the whole thing, then rubbed off the excess.  They used to sell a one-bottle antiquing gel, but now you buy the Martha Stewart Antique Effect and mix it with any color you want.  I mixed it with the color Vanilla Bean.  I bought both of these bottles at Michael's.  I mixed them together with equal parts.

 






I added a knob so it's easy to open.  I now have a great place to store my weekly ads and coupons.




Thanks for visting!

Pam


I am linking to the following parties:

 

UndertheTableandDreaming The Graphics Fairy

25 comments:

  1. Looks wonderful. What a great idea. Hugs, Marty

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  2. Looks wonderful...luv the color.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  3. Pam it looks wonderful! I still haven't tried applying a graphic to something, but after seeing all your fabulous projects I really want to try. You make it look so easy. What is antiquing gel and where do you buy it. I love the finish it gave your piece.

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    1. Thanks Martina! I just added information about the antiquing technique in the post. I used Martha Stewart Antique Effect with Martha Stewart paint, both purchased at Michael's.

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  4. Really cute, Pam! I am looking around the house for things to put a label on now :) Great color!

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  5. Super cute...and I am also wondering about the antiquing gel. I would love to know where to purchase it as well. Thanks!

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    1. Thanks Heidi! I just added information about the antiquing technique in the post. I used Martha Stewart Antique Effect with Martha Stewart paint, both purchased at Michael's.

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  6. I love it Pam! The blue is really pretty. You are so creative!

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  7. How smart you are! it is too cute and useful to!

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  8. Oh my goodness this turned out so cute, I just love the color and the graphic from Graphic Fairy...love her stuff!
    So glad you stopped by La Bella Vie to say hi, its really nice to know there are other people out there "like us"...DIY projects are our thing for sure!

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  9. Wow! That is amazing! You did such a great job and it looks like a really old vintage box. I wonder if my hubby has anything like that in the garage . . . : )

    Lori
    Thrifty Decor Mom

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  10. Hi Pam,

    Your ugly box turned out gorgeous!!!! WOW! Some beautiful difference.

    Dee

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  11. Looks great Pam ... Nice job on making it look old. Charming.
    Good job.
    Found you on Coastal Charm. Hope you will visit me at Timeless Treasures.

    Blessings
    Audrey Z.
    http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/

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  12. Hello,

    So pretty Pam! Love the aged look...I am going to have to try this.
    Have a good week.

    Claudia

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  13. I like to visit your blog because you have so good ideas. I remember the first post I have red in your blog- it was about a box with horse image for your friend. I am positive one day I will do something sililar.
    Ewa

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  14. I love any type of small box. They're so practical and easy to jazz up. Yours is simply wonderful. I love the color you painted it and the glaze is perfect.

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  15. I love wooden boxes, and you have made this one beautiful and useful.Love the color you chose as well as the graphic.

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  16. What a great transformation. Love old boxes.
    Glad to be your newest follower, Mary Alice

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  17. Great job, Pam! I love the color and the label you used! Great idea to add the knob.

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  18. I really love your style! What a great transformation!

    I'm a new follower and can't wait to see what is next!

    Kaitlin
    http://notsosimplehousewife.blogspot.com

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  19. That's going to make you happy every time you use it.

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  20. Wow....you are really great at these makeovers. Love the color!!!

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  21. That is fantastic! There is nothing better the homemade decoration!

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  22. Wow! It looks really nice! I might give it a try!

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Thanks so much for leaving a comment.