New Life for an Antique Toolbox



It was almost a lost cause...





Then I had an idea... let me try to save this antique toolbox.

Believe it or not it is made of plywood and plywood doesn't last very long, especially since it had been outside.


I started by gluing together all the parts that were separating with Gorilla Wood Glue.

The whole box got a coat of white Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
which made it look better right off the bat!

Next I printed an image from The Graphic Fairy
NOT in reverse. 

I used Mod Podge to adhere the image to the box and rolled it so there were no air bubbles.


I let the image dry then started to rub off the paper.


and rub, and rub, and rub.

With all that rubbing sometimes the edge of the image will come off. A quick Sharpie fix makes it just like new.


I gave the whole box a coat of Annie Sloan Dark Wax,
it gave it a great distressed vintage look.



I lined the bottom of the box with craft paper.


And this old plywood disaster is saved!







I hope you enjoyed this project and you'll take a look at my Amazon Shop for craft supplies I recommend. Also while you're here please sign up for the Homeroad emails on my sidebar so I can send my latest DIY post straight to you. 




   
Homeroad
Homeroad

I am Susan, the author and creator at Homeroad. I am a wife, mother of 4 daughters, and a grandmother of 5 and counting. I am a retired teacher, a DIY blogger and an artist at heart. .

Comments

  1. You did a great job saving that old tool box!! It looks fabulous!
    Jane

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  2. Well now, lets just pin this tote to my tote board shall we?

    Bliss

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  3. You make everything beautiful even the impossible!

    Karen K from Buffalo

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  4. Susan, you really amaze me! Taking something that was headed for the trash and turning it into a work of art. I love your blog and it's part of my morning routine to check and see what creative things you are doing!

    Carol H.
    Lakeside, California

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  5. beautiful! love the elegance of this rustic beauty! :)

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  6. Beautiful rescue ... Love the rustic look with that image.
    New follower.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

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  7. What a beautiful job on this piece! I am going to try this on a tray I have , I think it will work well. Thanks for the tutorial!

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  8. Hi Susan - Following you back! Thanks for the sweet comment on my PB KnockOff pillows! I love your blog! I just peeked at your painting ceramics post - I have some lovely pitchers I am getting ready to paint! Lisa

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  9. fantastic! Love this old box!!!! and that graphic is perfect.

    Great job!!

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  10. Love it! I have a similar one and have been wanting to put something on it. Yours is great. Hope you don't mind if I copy!

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  11. Love it! I have a similar one and have been wanting to put something on it. Yours is great. Hope you don't mind if I copy!

    ReplyDelete

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Susan