French Sewing Box | Vintage, Paint and more...

Sunday, October 13, 2013

French Sewing Box

  


Vintage, Paint and more... thrifted vintage sewing box given an updated look

I was really excited about this project when I first started it but, it proved to be one of the most frustrating ones I've done in a long time.



Vintage, Paint and more... thrifted sewing box given a new painted look

This little sewing box is quite old.  My mother had one just like it that she used but this is not that one.  I bought this one many decades ago and had thought I should just leave it as it was but it really had no personality and the wood was in need of redoing as it had some stains and spots on it.  Then I saw a Sewing logo on The Graphics Fairy and knew I had to put it on this box. 

Vintage, Paint and more... thrifted sewing box given a new look with DIY chalk paint and a typography label

I love the finished product but getting to this point was not without it's moments.  I do not have in between pics I'm sorry to say.  But that may be just as well.  It was not a pretty sight at times.

Vintage, Paint and more... thrifted sewing box updated with chalk paint and typography

I painted the entire box with my DIY white chalk paint in Valspar Anthem White.  Then I traced the logo on with black graphite paper.  I then painted the tracing with black Sharpie paint pens.  So far so good and I am loving it.  But.....then I decided it needed a little antiquing to give it some personality.  I should have stopped because it just plain got ugly after that.  I am not a newbie to antiquing with glaze but for some reason this time it was not going as I had planned.  I wish I had a pic but it was too painful to take.  So I decided to go over it with just a dry brush of the white to tone down the antiquing.  Well, that didn't help - and in fact, it looked worse.  So hubby said just let it sit for a while and maybe it will grow on you.   I let it sit -for a month and...  Let me tell you the only thing it did was just look worse.  The only thing left was to repaint it.  Thank goodness paint is so forgiving or I would have a lot of botched projects.


Vintage, Paint and more... thrifted sewing box updated with chalk paint and typography

And so my dear little box got another makeover and this is how she looks now.  Sans the antiquing because I just could not go through that again.  After repainting I gave her a light sanding and then waxed her.  I think she is adorable now.

Vintage, Paint and more... updating a thrifted sewing box with chalk paint and typography

She is going to look perfect next to my sewing table.  How about you... have you ever had a supposedly simple project turn in to the most frustrating project ever?  Even when you were using tried and true techniques?  I would love to hear from you -your comments make my day.  I answer all comments through email.


Until next time - create something you love.
Hugs
Click here to see the parties I am linking to this week.
Please visit them and see all the great projects and inspiration found there.... 

19 comments:

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  2. Such a pretty sewing box. My mom had one like this when I was growing up and it brought back so many good memories. Thanks for sharing at this week's Project Inspire{d}.

    Pinned!

    Hugs,
    Mary Beth

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  4. What a cute make over. I just discovered that I love sewing and I'd consider myself lucky if I found a sewing box this cute! I found your blog through Fluster Buster's party. I'm a new follower!

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  5. Came out great Cathy! you just amaze me with all your creativity!! Keep them coming! love ya Theresa

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  6. HA! I have the same sewing box that used to be my mom's when I was a kid. It's since lost it's legs but I still use it to corral all my thread & scissors & whatnot. I'm inspired to give it a makeover now. Thank you!!

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  8. The makeover is fabulous. Some projects are harder then we thing! Thanks for sharing at TTF!

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  9. I bought one of these a couple of years ago intending to paint it, but the thought of all the moving pieces made me frustrated. So this week I just carried it as is to my booth for someone else to make it their project. And yes, I have had pieces turn out so hideous, my eyes hurt. Your finished piece is quite lovely.

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  10. Cathy, this sewing box looks so beautiful! Thank you so much for joining us and sharing at Best of the Weekend! Pinning! Hope you have a happy Saturday and a wonderful weekend!

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  11. I love your sewing box, Cathy, it turned out beautifully. Sometimes the projects that cause us the most grief are the ones we cherish the most later. (after we've finished cursing it!) Have a great Saturday. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Very sweet box and she is going to look perfect next to your sewing table!

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  13. You did a great job! I ♥ adding typography, and yours turned out fantastic! Thanks so much for linking up to ITS PARTY TIME -- shared your post via G+. xoxo

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  14. Really cute! I have a little sewing box that I painted Duck Egg Blue and planned on adding graphics. Haven't done it yet. Thanks for the reminder! And thanks for sharing your sweet box with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  16. Sensational Creation!!!! LOVE IT! : ) Thanks for sharing...hugs!

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  17. So cute! I bet it looks so wonderful next to your sewing table. Thanks for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays! x

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  18. Hi there Cathy, I quite like your finished creation! Love that you share your woes as from the other side of the screen most people only relay their successes. I, like someone who commented above, am a little leery to paint, chalk or otherwise, the moving arm parts. How do you stop it from drying in the open position or in the closed. Is it many thin coats of paint. I, too, was thinking chalk paint as I have a white and an antique white and may combine. Any tips would be greatly appreciated :)

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