I love when I find an old hand-made tool box. This tool box was really ready for the trash with all it’s built up grease and stains. I just couldn’t let it go to the trash pile. It was broken on one side that was unrepairable and there were screws sticking out. I had a lot of repairs to do and I had to work had to sand all the layers of grease away. Underneath all that grease was some great wood so I didn’t want to cover it up with stain. I opted to leave it natural and I love the outcome. You don’t always have to paint or stain sometimes simple is better.
This tool box is being recycled into an organizer to hang on any wall. I had to address the damage on the side of the box. First I tried to glue the piece that was still there, but that didn’t work at all. So I had to come up with a way to make it work and removing the damaged area was the best plan. Once I cut about an inch off the front I had to angle the side edges in the front using my jig saw. The inside of the box had an extreme build up of grease even more than the outside. I sanded it the best I could but, It needed to be sealed so that it could be used to store things. I painted the inside using Valspar paint with a built-in primer. I love this smoky teal blue color it adds a punch of color to any room. Once the paint was dry I sprayed the entire box with clear finish in satin.
I’m not done yet I have to put the hardware on the front to give it that finishing touch. When I went to Waco I found these great hooks at an antique mall. I bought them because they were fun and functional. Okay let’s be honest I bought them because I have developed an addiction to hardware. If only you could see my collection these days it’s really over the top. Maybe I’ll do a blog on my studio again in the near future. It has changed so much sense I first blogged on it. Not only did I put the fun hardware on the front I put the functional hardware on the back for hanging it up.
I’m not one for tossing out something and giving up on it. This tool box might have been a toss out but my “save it” attitude just couldn’t let it go. It turned out to be such a nice piece. I can’t wait to see it hanging in someone’s home. What a great way to organize your back door needs, to keep keys away from little ones or maybe store your scarves and gloves. So many ways to use this recycled tool box but the best part it has restored life. I’ll place it in my booth by noon today so drop by Doc Hollidays Emporium 113 S Birmingham Wylie. I’ve loaded a few more items in the booth, I hope you like all the added items. It’s Friday I’m hitting the road to Oklahoma to find some treasures. It’s hard to have a gypsy soul you just wanna explore and hunt for treasures. Whatever you are doing this weekend make some Blue Happy memories!!
