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Thursday, May 1, 2014

DIY LACQUERED BOXES


Recently when I visitied Nell Hill's in Kansas City (see my tour here), the only thing I took home with me was a lot of inspiration!  There was one thing I was tempted to buy, but I quickly realized it would be such an easy DIY.  The store was full of colorful lacquered boxes...oh so pretty and handy for stylish storage on a table or bookshelf.


I knew that I had one old box at home, and a quick trip to Michael's and $3 got me a smaller one.  Here they are before:


I removed the clasp locks on both because I knew I wanted something different there and filled the holes.  I just used small pieces of painter's tape to cover the hinges in the back.  Then, I used some spray primer to prep the raw wood box.  I was afraid the coverage would be spotty if I didn't.  When it was dry, that box got a light sanding, then I applied a few coats of Meadow Green to both boxes.


Even though the green paint is a glossy finish, I used a clear spray acrylic gloss topcoat for an extra layer of shine.


Remember the Christmas ornaments turned curtain medallions and backplates for my China Cabinet hardware?  Now one is adorning my shiny green box!  On the smaller box, I found a carved wood decorative piece at Hobby Lobby and sprayed it gold.  Both have a crystal added to the center.


To attach them, I used hot glue and secured them to only one section of the box... the lid for the little box and the bottom for the big box.  They open and close unhindered and the ornaments help hide the spot where the old clasps were removed, while upping the glam factor!



I'm enjoying the pop of green then carry over to this side of the room.


It's a bit difficult to photograph the sheen, but you can see it a little better here.  Nice and shiny!


I can't remember how much the inspiration boxes were at Nell Hill's, but I'm sure I came out ahead by using what I had!  What do you think? Are you in on the lacquer craze?




 photo jennifersignaturetwo_zps56f3de87.png

Would you like to comment?

  1. Very pretty! I found some pretty boxes at TJ. Maxx with an inlaid bone and colored geometric pattern. They also had some unfinished wood boxed with cut patterns that would look great painted.

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  2. I love that green! :) Those two boxes are the perfect size for stacking, they look great.

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  3. There is nothing better than your signature green! Perfect look and addition to your shelves!

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  4. They turned out great Jennifer - nice addition to your bookshelves :) So fun to craft - right?

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  5. These are so great! In fact I might just have to steal this idea for my daughter's room - she has soooo many little things that I need to find pretty storage for!

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  6. They look fabulous, I love the green. The boxes are so pretty with the brass hardward, great addition to the bookcase.

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  7. Beautiful! And that green!! Looks wonderful in your shelving! :)

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  8. Love this! I did something similar with Michael's boxes but instead of gold medallions, I bought agates from the gift shop at the OK Science Museum and sprayed the edges gold! I've seen these go on One King's Lane for upwards of $80!

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  9. Love love love this. So gorgeous!

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  10. LOVE these, Jennifer!! I am green with envy, haha ;)

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  11. They look fantastic on your bookcase, the perfect pop of green!! I love an easy diy with major impact! :)

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  12. Really great DIY project! Love what you did for the medallions. I can't believe you didn't buy anything at Nell Hill's though--I lived in Kansas City for four years and half of everything in my house came from the Atchison, KS store! I'm dying to get back there one day!

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  13. Jennifer….we are kindred spirits. I have been lacquering boxes this week as well, for my many shelves I have to fill :) The green looks so great against the black in your bookcase!!! Love love love love love.

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  14. I love, love, love! And even better in your signature color :)

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  15. They are beautiful! Smart idea, now I'm looking at those cheap, wooden boxes in a totally different way.

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  16. Love this - I just might do something similar in my daughter's room! Thanks for sharing!
    Shelia
    www.houseofhighlands.com

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  17. Beautiful! I love the hardware you used, that makes such a difference!

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  18. These look great Jennifer and I love the decorative pieces you chose! I've want to try this gloss coat. I didn't have much luck with the last brand I used!

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  19. Perfect and love your signature green and stylish accents! Youre amazing. xo Nancy

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  20. What a great color! I love the decoration you added on to them too.

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  21. I adore your boxes. I did similar ones in a radiant orchid color. Your hardware is amazing. I was cheap and used pieces of an old bracelet! What a statement. Well done!
    Jennifer@DecoratingDelirium

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  23. Love Love Love! Can you tell us the color green you used? Thanks!

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