Is it the norm for you to head to a thrift store or garage sale (even Curb le Chic) and not find one treasure, but two…or more? For me, that’s an absolute YES! Take, for instance, this Amish-ish box. Isn’t it so country-cute? {{insert sarcasm}} However, much like my non-geese-fetish, things like this need revival! In fact, my vision sees an antique cheese box with some DIY fun.
As you can see, this box is pretty stout being made of solid wood. Likewise, and added bonus is that it’s unfinished making it perfect to make it my own.
ANTIQUE TIME
While it’s obviously not possible to make an antique (typically something, at least or over, 100 years old). However, it is definitely possible to make it look like one. As a matter of fact, you can see how I’ve done something similar to this modern curio made vintage, or my bedroom remodel, or even this little cubby.
First, I break out my sander and remove the weird Amish folk. This feels so good!!
I just have to say that growing up in Amish country, surrounded by Amish in many facets, I don’t understand the infatuation of them in some circles. Honestly, like any group of people, there are good and bad. A couple of funny stories (though I have dozens). I bought a blueberry pie from an Amish woman at a farmers’ market in town. It had a whole whoppin’ 5 blueberries in it…yeah. Then, another time, I see an Amish man parked out in front of a BIG BLUE “always low prices” store selling apple cider. But, at the same moment, his son comes walking out of said store with gallons of cider he just purchased to turn around and sell for twice the amount to unsuspecting citizens {{whomp, whomp}}. Just be Amish-aware that some are not so savory, and I see people get taken all the time.
STAINING
Back to my aging process… Then, as soon as the graphic is gone, I am ready to take this raw wood to the next level. I pull out my reactive stains to naturally age the wood right before my eyes.
I’ve often posted that these things are awesome because they’re super easy to use, works in minutes, and doesn’t require wiping down and messy rags. You can see all my posts using the three stains I own in these past posts.
Here is my box with the weathered stain fresh applied. It will age using the natural tannins in the wood within minutes.
Next, I use my transfer method and my software to design a graphic for the lid as well as the side. After that, I fill it in and then distress and age the design to match the style.
By the way, I also use a tiny bit of my black reactive stain to go over the nailheads to give them aging as well. Even more, you can see the same effect I use on taking out my kitchen drawers and turning them into crate fronts.
SAY CHEESE!
Last, after all is said and done, I have my antique cheese box ready for adding a story to my decor and even serve as storage.
Isn’t that fun? I imagine a glorious round of sharp cheddar cheese in there! Or…maybe some remotes for our TV and devices…tsk. Also, the uses are so limitless. First, you can see I added a graphic to the top.
Meanwhile, I also gave some details to the side of my antique cheese box for fun too.
Further, here is the inside with just a stain finish to match the exterior.
There you have it! Additionally, if you’d like to make this a part of your home story, you’ll find this and more in my online store.
SHARE
As always, I adore hearing from you. Before you go, leave me some comment love and your questions below. While at the same time, pin and share to inspire others to take that thrifted find to make it their own.
What is more, it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time! Sadly, these things are needing to be tossed. Nonetheless, I have a new tutorial for HERE!
In addition, to get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter. Until next time!
Sherri M. says
Another wonderful DIY Larissa! Such talent in one sweet and generous person. My granddaughters are still loving their mice!
Larissa says
You just made me grin ear to ear, Sherri, for both compliments. What fun! Thank you!
Noelle says
Definitely an improvement over the “Amish” style!! And oh, your sweet little kitty love, how I hope he will get well and become a welcome addition to someone’s family (maybe yours!)!
Rebecca - NC says
Wow!! Huge difference! Love the thought of hiding remotes!! 😂
Your new little kitten!!!!….. tugging at my heart!!! What a lucky little thing to have found you and your family!! I’m sure your other two fur babies will happily welcome a new addition!!!! 🥰😉🥰
Larissa says
haha. I have used a sewing box for that purpose before that I did HERE. 😀
Well, Loula is beyond elated, but Lily is like…not another animal! haha.
Mary says
Your creative vision never ceases to amaze me, Larissa 🙂 This box looks now like it has always been a cheese box…love it! I have to go looking for that reactive stain; such an EZ process compared to some to get that antique look. Awesome repurpose girlfriend! ❤️ (So many cats are showing up as strays this year…not sure what that is about, but we have 2 now. I’m allergic to cats so they can’t be inside, but we have fed and sheltered them outside all winter in MN.. Yesterday I found myself buying catnip toys as well as some flea/tick drops for the one cat who will let my husband pet him/her and the woman at the store said something about the feral cats being fortunate 🙂 Your little kitty looks like it has mange and it is SO fortunate to be found by your family. I know it will thrive now ❤️
Larissa says
Your words mean so much, Mary, as I truly have fun, but share to inspire others too. Thank you!
You are a dear for saving them. I know I would have dozens of animals if I lived where my heart has always yearned for (country living). This little guy will be my son’s responsibility if he choose to keep him. I think he’s already melted to own him. haha.
Trudy says
Love the cheese box makeover. SO MUCH BETTER! I have a funny Amish story, too. I bought an apple pie for Thanksgiving thinking I was saving myself some time and supporting the neighbor. it was AWFUL! There were very few pieces of mushy apple and whole lotta brown goo! I think it was just cheap canned pie filling in a store bought crust. I was so embarrassed to have served it…
Larissa says
Thanks for the love, Trudy! 😀 Yes, it’s sad how I did the exact same thing as I love to make pies but thought I’d support local. It’s unfortunate that they take advantage of their social status to dupe others who trust them.