Once a junker, always a junker…even a junker who shares the love with her kids. Scripture says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he grows older, he will not abandon it.” Proverbs 22:6. And so, look at this goodie my son pulled from the trash one fine spring day. What is it? I assume it’s a toolbox, but what’s better than that is I have a vision for this as a antique medical box. Are you with me?

Originally, Mr. O picked it out and brought it home to lock up his goodies. Since he’s now a newbie to the DIY world, he wanted to paint it, but I said he shouldn’t. Not only is that red paint awesome, but it also tells a story. For a year or so, he let it sit on the floor collecting dust. Then, I finally told him it’s time to clean up the space and he put it out for trash. {{gasp}} NOO!!

Apparently, he removed the hinges and threw them away (say what?!) because of one thing…he lost the key to his lock.

With this in mind, I ask him if I can have a try at giving it new life and he eagerly agreed.

DIY TIME

So, you may be wondering why I am interested in this crusty old thing? Well, because I see the potential in what it can become. Furthermore, a few years ago, I found a wall clock thrown out for trash and turned it into a Swiss medical cabinet. With that past project in mind, I decide to add a bit to this to make it into an antique medical box. Sounds good, right?

First, I need to get the lock off it…ahem.

In order to do that, I use my bolt cutters and it comes off relatively easy.

Then, I need to replace those hinges. Thankfully, I have these hinges leftover from my recent upcycle of a vintage sewing machine table that suit this box perfectly.

However, the lid of the box is pretty thin, so I cut reinforcements out of scrap luan to add to the back so I can use screws to hold the hinges in place. Originally, the screws stuck out into the box as I remember warning my son to be careful of them.

Last, once assembled, I add another scrap piece of wood to the interior for a shelf and paint the inside of the lid white. As a final point, I’m a sucker for typography using my transfer method, so I had to add that as well. eep!

MEDICAL FIX

Finally, after my little DIY stent, this now antique medical box is ready to add a bit of spunk to someone’s wall decor. I love it!

Not only does it have that rustic vibe I adore, but it also offers storage for daily grind goodies, medical supplies, or even to stage with some vintage finds.

Maybe I’m a little on the nutty side for seeing the potential in this #trashure, but that’s what makes my DIY adventures fun. Additionally, if you’d like to make this a part of your home story, you can find it and more available in my online store.

SHARE

In addition to leaving some comment love below, I invite you to pin and share to inspire others. Who knows, maybe there are other boxes out there just needing some TLC. Even more, I’d love to hear what you would have done with this box. I’m always here to inspire you to give DIY a try in any facet of life. Let’s explore together!

What is more, you’ll want to sign up for my FREE newsletter to get the details on my next Trash to Treasure Tuesday fun! Until next time!

While you’re at it, check out these other fun DIY projects like my antique medical kit: