Primitive Pine Box Gets New Wings

Teri.jeffrey
by Teri.jeffrey
5 Materials
$25
3 Hours
Easy
I’ve had this primitive pine box for several years knowing that one day it would find a new life. When I found these $5 wooden legs recently, it was an obvious match.
Cleaning Begins
The box had some sticky residue on the top and the legs were in an old garage so a thorough cleaning of all items was done with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar & water.
Sanding Makes it Better
Because the wood was very rough, it received a sanding with medium grit sandpaper on my palm sander. The legs were lightly sanded with a sheet of fine sandpaper.
Perfect Color
With colors from my existing chalk paint supplies, I mixed 10% luxe craft black with 90% Annie Sloan Aubusson for a dark gray blue. Legs were painted leaving the bottom ring for a contrasting color.
Color Me Blue
To keep the primitive nature of the box, I painted the outside and part of the inside lid but left the bottom and inside of the box in their natural state.
Birds Bring Color
To give this project an artistic element, I traced an outline of 4 birds on a line to the top of the box using graphite paper.
Creative Color
Using various chalk paints, the birds were given splashes of various colors in random designs.
Gilders Wax
To brighten the colors, touches of gilders wax (silver, patina & pinotage) were added to each bird and the bottom ring of the legs.
Annie Sloan Seals the Project
Box and legs were waxed with Annie Sloan’s Soft Wax and buffed to a soft luster.
Straight Top Plates
To attach the legs to the box, straight top plates were drilled into each corner.
Last Leg of Project
The straight top plates enabled the legs to be screwed into the bottom of the box.
One primitive wood box and 5 cheap wood legs have become a perfect storage piece of furniture.
Primitive Junk to Perfect Piece
One primitive wood box and 5 cheap wood legs have become a perfect storage piece of furniture.
She Cave Storage
My She Cave is now home for this project. Not only will I be using it as a coffee table in front of my loveseat, all of my magazines will be neatly stored inside.
Suggested materials:
  • Straight top plates   (Lowe’s)
  • Primitive pine box   (Flea Market)
  • Wood legs   (Garage Sale)
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2 of 3 comments
  • Deborahglassman Deborahglassman on Apr 13, 2018

    That is cute, effective at the task you have given it, and looks on day 1, like an antique that one would treasure. Great inspiration for any reader!

  • Patty DeBaun Patty DeBaun on Aug 27, 2018

    i have an old ammo box that would be perfect. i love your ideas and your sense of humor. also your easy to follow directions. thank you.

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