Do you have rubber-necker syndrome when you’re out hunting for #trashure? You know…when you walk by something that first catches your eye, but you don’t feel the pull to go get it until you walk away? It happens even to the best of us. This is how the story begins for this vintage musical jewelry box that also happens to be a mini dresser. Isn’t it sweet?!
The first time I saw it I said to my kids, “Isn’t that cute?” It was sitting on the top back shelf and I left it there. Why? Well…first, my cart was nearly full and I didn’t really need another project to work on. Second, it was missing a drawer, and pulls. Plus, I was trying to buy only things I could work on within the next few weeks so I didn’t drown in to-dos.
However, my furniture-lovin’ self couldn’t resist that tiny mirror. When I pulled it down off the shelf I also found it was a music box. SOLD. eep!
Here we go on a musical jewelry box makeover. Remember I mentioned the missing drawer and pulls, but there was also minimal damage here and there to the mirror frame and dresser cabinet. Nothing a little wood filler couldn’t fix.
DIY TIME
First, I filled the spots and sanded them down, then had an epiphany. In the past, I have worked on other mini dresser jewelry boxes and they had missing parts as well. Instead of getting rid of the mismatched pulls, I had saved them in my stash. Don’t you know they are nearly identical to the ones on this mini dresser. Stash for the win again! {{applause}}
Then, this metallic finish is slightly different, but since I’m planning to paint that doesn’t matter much. To brighten up this musical jewelry box, I used a white spray paint to tackle the mirror frame and cabinet bottom. Also, to accentuate the pulls, I used a bit of wax to add dimension.
THE REVEAL
Finally, are you ready to see my musical jewelry box all made new? Here’s this cutie all done and ready to go.
This was just too fun to work on and my kids helped me too. First, the top is definitely one of my favorite parts. My little laurel wreath painting adds that fun touch I like to give my pieces.
Now, I have to ask…would you know that I had replaced two of those mini pulls?
Likewise, even the missing drawer doesn’t make much difference when I filled it with the tiny silver ring box.
MUSICAL
At first I kept playing the music box to try to figure out the tune, but I just couldn’t place it. I could sing it, but the title wasn’t coming to me. Thankfully, good ol’ Google has an app you can use to look up music box tunes by number, and I found it to play The Blue Danube. I totally did a head smack because I knew the song and that goes perfectly with the blue lined drawers.
I hope you have enjoyed this mini dresser makeover and maybe are tempted to go back for those little gems we spy on the shelf. You just never know, right?
Likewise, if you love this musical jewelry box, you can find it available for purchase in my store along with all of my other handmade creations, vintage finds, and redeemed furniture.
SHARE
Additionally, do pin and share this sweet little makeover. In addition, it’s fun to be inspired to try new DIY projects…and to have a stash. tee hee!
Up next this vintage Art Deco buffet is gonna get new life. Head here to see!
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Adorable! And it looks like the missing drawer space was just made for the little ring box as its so perfect there.
It was super fun to do and I’m glad I didn’t leave it behind. 😀
I took one look at that dresser and thought what a wreck. As I scrolled down and saw the transformation I was truly amazed. What a beauty. Again you dazzle your followers with your great talent. Have a great day.
My first thought too! haha. I’m glad you hung with me till the end. Thanks, Della!
That is so sweet, Larissa, a perfect gift a a young girl. Where on earth did you find that little silver ring box? It is beautiful and a perfect fit!
Thank you, Claudine! I like to find little vintage treasures for my kids stockings each year and this is my daughters. I love it!
I wasn’t sure what I was looking at when I saw your “giant” picture with the “dresser”, lol! What a great find and I have never seen one like that. That trinket box fits perfectly. Amazing! I am so glad to hear you had your first family vacation. I hope there are many more to come. ❤️
haha!! So funny! I hadn’t seen one like it before too. I had to snag it. We had a blast!
It’s so cute and the empty space looks just like it was made that way for the little silver jewelry box to go in. I can’t even tell all the pulls aren’t original to the piece. Of course, the top with the laurel wreath is the icing on the cake.
Hope you and the family had a wonderful vacation at the beach!
I debated on building another drawer, but I had a lightbulb moment. woot! So glad it worked out. We had a fantastic time. 😀
Everytime I go thrifting now I see things and think “Hmm, what would Larrisa do?” You really have a gift.
Yeah, baby! haha…that’s awesome!
This is a treat for sure as how many of these are everywhere at antique stores, yard sales and second hand stores. Love the wreath on the top and the way the wax brings out the drawer pulls. I have to ask do you paint the back on stuff like this?
Such fun to find and redo. 🙂 It depends on the piece. If it has markings, I don’t so it retains the history.
I love painting tiny furniture pieces. I have never seen one with a mirror thats awesome! Great transformation as always.
This was a first for me too. Such fun!