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!

While you’re at it, here are more fun makeovers like this antique cheese box: