Jewelry Box Revival

A
by A
4 Materials
$20
4 Hours
Easy
I found a carved wooden box at a flea market this summer. It was rough and unfinished on the inside. I doubt it was for jewelry...it didn't look refined by any measure. Still, I couldn't resist the challenge...
This is what I bought for $5 at the flea market. It was knicked and rough to the touch.
The hardware was covering up the carving and attached with nails that were too long.
I used plastic wood to fill in the knicks and gouges and then sanded the box inside and out.
A base coat of dark brown was applied for coverage.
The box was then painted with emerald green.
Once completely dry, I used a dark wax, carefully working it into the deep carvings, and the wiping away the excess.
At this point, I set it aside to dry for a few days.
This is what the inside of the box looked like.
These were my supplies to transform the inside of the box...brown paint, brush, and a squeeze bottle filled with brown felt flocking.
To flock, I simply painted the interior generously with the dark brown paint and then while it was still wet, squeezed on the flocking material. The first coat I did in stages, but the second coat, I applied all at once.
This is what it looked like when it was done.
I added feet on the corners to dress it up a bit.
Lastly, a new, much smaller latch was added. The box is now ready to grace the top of someone's bureau.
Suggested materials:
  • Chalk paint   (Michaels)
  • Liquid wax   (Michaels)
  • Felt flocking   (Www.etsy.com)
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Mary Carol Hall Mary Carol Hall on Oct 12, 2018

    Is chalk paint odorless when dry? I have painted interiors of little chests of pine wood and i didn't like the odor from paint. So i only buy old cedar chests to DIY.

  • Paula Paula on Oct 13, 2018

    Beautiful. You really did a wonderful job on that box. Where did you get the corner pieces?

  • Bonnie Bonnie on Oct 13, 2018

    beautiful transformation. I have never heard of felt flocking before. I looked on Etsy but I don’t believe I’m looking in the right place. Do you have a store link you could share? Thank you.

Comments
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4 of 10 comments
  • DebraY DebraY on Oct 01, 2018

    Lovely! From trash to treasure.

    • A A on Oct 01, 2018

      Thanks Debra.

  • Annette Annette on Oct 13, 2018

    Back in the late 1930's, you would use it to store keepsakes and love letters. My Mom tole painted my favorite flowers onto the top of her box, and gave it to me. It has her maiden name signature and date inside. Oh, and a few chosen letters from my Dad.


    • A A on Oct 13, 2018

      That's a wonderful story. I can only imagine the mementos this box once held.

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