Toolbox Makeovers

Hey girl, hey! When Lizzy was here for Hickabilly Christmas, we spotted some old tool boxes on the side of the road. Well, y’all know that my car is a magnet for this stuff, so we stopped fast and put the “junk in the trunk!”

We are going to make one of these absolutely beautiful and the other one will become a planter box for the porch. Check out the video below, or just follow along here on the blog!

Here’s my collection plus the two “new” ones we found for free on the side of the road! Actually, there are more than just these. I may or may not have a toolbox collecting problem, y’all!

I love turning trash into treasure, so let’s get started!

Supplies:

This is for the painted one:

Debi’s Design Diary DIY paint: Mint Chip

Milton’s Daughter: Iron Orchid Designs “Ephemeral Melange” transfers (Use code LIZZYERIN10 for 10% off)

Amazon: Sanding sponge, Krylon Looking Glass spray paint Click here to check out my crafting essentials (This is an Amazon affiliate link and I may receive a small compensation for items purchased from this link.)

Here is the IOD transfer from Milton’s Daughter:

I just painted on my Mint Chip paint, almost covering the toolbox.

TIP: The crackle technique is coming up next, so if you want the crackle finish all over your box, now is the time to do it. Just do sections at a time so your glue won’t dry. Click HERE for the full tutorial on the crackle technique!

And now for the crackle.

I used some Dollar Tree school glue and just brushed it on for a light coat. If you want small crackles, do a light coat. Bigger crackles, apply a heavier coat.

I gently painted over it, then dried it with my heat tool and now you can see it crackled!

Here’s the link for the full tutorial.

I sanded the box down just a bit to smooth out some rough spots.

Now for the transfers!

The IOD transfers are so easy, y’all. There is a paper backing that you simply separate from the actual transfer. Then you have a grid sheet with your image, just waiting to be applied! You simply use the tool that comes with your transfers to rub it onto your surface.

You can cut the image however you want, but I just rubbed it on around the curved edge because I like a more rustic look. Either way, the result is absolutely gorgeous!

TIP: Just in case you want to remove a transfer, you can use your heat tool and a nylon / plastic scraper. Your transfer will come off, but cannot be used again.

I added several more transfers that I just love. It was hard to choose!

I spray painted my handle with Krylon Looking Glass, and I absolutely love how this turned out!

The second project is using a toolbox for a planter.

Here’s the thing: this plant has been outdoors and was here when we moved in. It had a spider. A SPIDER, Y’ALL! Anyway, I just stuck everything in the toolbox and even added some fake greenery. It’s hard to tell what is real and what is fake here, so I think it all goes together either way.

These were fun and easy projects. Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite!

Thank you so much for stopping by,

XOXO-Erin