Happy Tuesday, my friends! Today I want to share with you this sweet little vintage tool box I’ve had in my stash for a while, just waiting for a little TLC. This is what it looked like when I purchase it. Pop over to the blog to see what it looks like now! My little tool box makeover!
I bought this cute vintage tool box a few months ago at an antique store for $12. It appears to be hand-made, which to me adds to its charm! It’s all wood and made from a thin veneer of sorts. 
The wooden separator easily lifts out, so you could use it with or without, depending on how you plan to repurpose the piece. This little tool box was obviously long used and well loved.
I decided to give it new life as a caddy for art supplies! First things first I gave it a good brushing and cleaning. Then I spray painted the entire piece inside and out with a fresh coat of white spray paint. Still, after the first coat of paint, there were still cracks and crevices the spray paint didn’t cover. I decided hand brushing was the best option for a smoother and nicer finish.
I had a sample of Modest White in a Satin finish on hand so I gave the tool box a coat of paint inside and out. This paint is thicker than the spray paint, therefore able to fill in the cracks and creases much better. After the paint dried, I replaced the separator piece, which gave me 5 compartments to work with.
I filled each compartment with an assortment of art and craft supplies. Now, when my great niece, Josephine comes, I’ll have the box ready and waiting! She LOVES arts and crafts! Or, in a few years when my grandson is old enough, it will be here for him as well.
The caddy now holds an assortment of colored pencils, crayons, shaped hole punches, decorative shape scissors, stencils, stickers and travel-size Spirographs. I love that all of the supplies are organized in one place, making it handy to pull out at a moment’s notice!
Hoarding comes in handy sometimes! Except for the stickers, all of the art supplies were saved from when my boys were young. I bought the Tiny Toon crayon caddies when we lived in Colorado and flew back and forth to North Carolina. Our boys were just 2 and 4 when we moved, so keeping them entertained was key. The plastic case has a built-in sharpener on the back and holds each of the 16 crayons in place. They were able to color without their crayons rolling off of the tray table. Both of our boys had their own backpack filled with activities and snacks to keep them occupied on the flights and while waiting at the airport. And if you’ll allow me to brag for a moment, our boys were THE BEST little travelers! Silly me, I kept the crayon caddies.
This little caddy could also serve as a tool box, or to hold garden tools or sewing supplies! Not bad for $12 and a little bit of paint!
Now, if only the weather will cooperate, I have more painting projects waiting in the wings! There is a sweet vintage high chair in the attic, just begging for a makeover. As soon as I tackle it, I’ll be sure to share! Thank you for stopping by and supporting my little blog. Please feel free to check me out on Facebook and Instagram for more DIY and home projects, as well as a glimpse into our new home! Have a great day! xoxo Dell
