I adore making these crates for summer time, fall time, & Christmas time! Imagine one of those blue or purple specialty poinsettias inside. What an unique gift!
This is a simple project that can involve even little kiddos who like to paint. This is my first layering/distressing project, and I was pleased with the outcome.
Skill Level:
Beginner
Time:
Most of the time for this project was spent in the paint drying. Time spent, including paint drying time: 4 days
Time spent, excluding paint drying time: approximately 3 hours
Supply List:
- Small wooden crate. I bought mine at AC Moore. AC Moore sells them as “CD Boxes”. I think they are a bargain at $2.99! Use your half off coupon for the week to save even more.
- Three colors of paint. The box will be painted in layers. The layers work best in one of the following orders: dark, light, dark OR light, dark, light. I went with blue, white, brown (dark, light, dark). I shop the “oopsie” paint aisle at Lowe’s and Home Depot, so I always have plenty of color choices of great paint on hand!
- Paintbrushes
- Something to use as a stencil for the name or shape, should you decide to add one. I cut vinyl letters from my Cricut. I have to admit that I recommend this technique the best. The vinyl adheres to the box and creates a professionally stenciled look, but then it peels off easily without taking the underlying paint with it.
- Mason/canning jars- I purchased mine for a quarter a piece at a thrift store. Alternately, using washed and cleaned glass jars will also work. The box will hold either 2 quart sized jars or 3 pint sized jars.
- Potting soil
- Small annual flowers
- Ribbon
Step One:
Coat the entire box with primer OR use the primer and paint in one (this is what I used). I went with a beachy blue paint and primer in one. Let dry 24 hours.
Step Two
Place the stencils on the box. Make sure they are secured so the paint cannot leak under the stencils. Paint the second coat over the front and sides of the box. I used white. Let dry 24 hours.
Here’s a look at the stenciled letters. They were made with brown vinyl:
Here’s a look at the box with the white second coat applied. The stenciled letters have been removed.
Step Three
Carefully peel off the stencil. Using a foam sponge or brush, paint a third coat over the white (including the stenciled portion). I used brown. Let dry 24-36 hours.
Step Four
Using a light grade sandpaper, sand over the third coat once it has completely dried. Play around with this step. Sand until the box has the distressed look that you like the best.
Step Five
Plant the small flowers into the Mason jars. Tie ribbon around the mouths of the jars, if desired.
Add a personalized card or other touch! I think this is such a wonderful gift idea that uses inexpensive, even thrifted items, but looks store-bought! I can’t decide, though, if I like them with the two larger jars or the three smaller jars. What do you think?
Linking to these parties.
This is a wonderful gift to give! I will be pinning this, awesome idea!
Great project! I love the personal touch this gives to giving. Thanks so much for sharing at Etcetorize this week~
How cute Melanie! I see these crates at the store and always want to buy them! (Like the paper mache stuff!) I need to go shopping with you and get some crafty ideas 🙂
Ooh I like this!!! Love that it’s personalized and something they can use for a long time!
Love it! Pinned it {and I’m working on one of my own after seeing yours}, and I’m featuring it tomorrow from this week’s Handmade Tuesdays party :).
What a cute idea and it would make a wonderful gift. Thanks for sharing!
♥ Terrie ♥
This is so cute! Love the distressed look. You should link this up to The CSI project starting today. The challenge is refashions/upcycles. This would be perfect and you just might be a winner!
Come on by!
http://www.thecsiproject.com
Love this idea and such a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I am pinning it.
Such a cute idea!
Great gift idea!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
Love this! Would love for you to share this at our Kitchen Fun and Crafty Friday link party…just posted it!
http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/2012/07/kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday-link_19.html
How adorable is this!! I would totally display this at my place!! Love it!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality 🙂
I love this! I’m hosting a linky party “One Creative Weekend” at OneCreativeMommy.com. I’d love for you to visit and link up this idea and/or anything else you’d like to share.
I know you also host a linky party. I just started a linky party link up page . I’d love for you to add your party.
So pretty!! Thanks for linking this up to Fantabulous Friday at Little Becky Homecky!!
I’m a sucka for cute projects like this! Love your crate and so glad you linked at tip toe thru tuesday!
This is such a fun and easy Mother’s Day gift! Thanks for inspiring me today!