When you’re looking to make a special gift for the tiny people in your life, it’s always rewarding to gift something from the past, a treasure of sorts. As holiday season rolls around it’s a time when I like to get creative. bah…I always like be creative, honestly. haha. However, making gifts for children really delights me to no end. It’s time to raid grandma’s closet to create an upcycled flatware chest dress-up set fun for kids of all ages.
Now, before I continue, I want to invite you to see what I’ve done with other upcycled flatware chests in the past:
- Washboard Silverware Box Cupboard
- Upcycled Silverware Box into Jewelry Box
- Upcycled Silverware Chest for Home Decor
- Repurposed Silverware Box to Luggage
Here’s a peek at the inside of this one. Nothing special, but definitely has potential to be more. When I get this, it did have a mixed lot of stainless-steel pieces in it, but those are not piquing my interest.
Also, why are these boxes almost always lined in red? Why not blue, or purple, or green. meh.
DIY TIME
As you can imagine, the first order of business is to remove that lining. I will be honest and say that this is my least favorite part of repurposing these boxes.
However, it’s a necessary job and it feels good when it’s all clean. For this particular box, I just mist with water, let it soak in, and scrape out. Sometimes, I sand too. Next, I use a black paint to give the box a couple of coats letting cure in between.
Then, once the paint cures, I line the interior of the box with black felt as well. With that in mind, here’s a video demonstrating how I line my boxes with fabric.
That makes it dressed up and a perfect blank slate for what’s next. Check out what my local thrift store shopping spree scored.
One of the most fun and most affordable ways to bring the imagination to life are scarves! They can be used to dress up, make tents, banners…you get the idea. Many moons ago when my children were tiny I made a huge basket of scarves over time. They STILL play with them to this day for skits or just plain ol’ silly time.
PLAY TIME
Here’s my dated and dingy upcycled flatware box turned into a box of creative play. Care to join us?
Just imagine a case full of loved ones accessories and goodies…even the case can have a memory too! My kids never cease to fail me with their creativity. Also, I gifted a vintage kids luggage full of scarves to my nephew a few years ago. Since then, he has sewn together his scarves into a quilt for his bed. So fun!
Additionally, if you look close, I added a luggage handle and closure to the top.
Plus, I also add rubber feet to the bottom to make it more functional too. Can you tell I have fun with my projects?
So…who’s game to live a little and have some fun? There’s no reason you can’t join your kids, your grand kids, or the neighbor kids in some fun. It’s a treat to play at any age!
In addition to sharing your fun childhood dress-up memory, do pin and share to inspire others. Spread the love.
With that in mind, stay tuned to see what becomes of this I just pulled off the curb from my neighbor’s trash. eep! Come see it now HERE.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more fun projects like my upcycled flatware chest:
Oh!! So!! Cute!!!! My sister and I used to spend HOURS dressing up in our Grandmother’s things. This just brought back a FLOOD of happy memories!!!! How incredible to give a child the gift of imagination!!!! ?❤️? That is something sorely lacking in this age of “instant” everything. A good reminder to exercise those brain cells, both young and old!! ?
You need to grab some scarves and a few friends and have some fun! If we’re closer, we’d be there in a heartbeat. Hugs to you, Rebecca! And I agree…modern day devices are not for me.
Did you use stripper to remove the glue , etc after removing the fabric? That is the worst part of these boxes for me. Some of the boxes I have had the silverware in them and now I need to figure out what to do with all those pieces. Your boxes turned out spectacular!
I used water…I was floored! Most of the time I just sand it out, but this time I had plenty of paperboard left, so I used water and notice the glue was water soluble too. Mind-blown. Thanks for the love!
Wow, talk about memories! My oldest daughter (she’s 42 now) used to play dress up at my mom’s house. Sometimes, my nieces would come over and play as well. My daughter has fond memories of those days with her grandmother.
Those are my kinda treasures…ones that never break or can be replaced. Savor them!:D
Yes, I can tell that you have fun with your projects but I can also tell that you pay attention to detail (hence the rubber feet). This is such a fun idea to upcycle a flatware chest!
P.S. First, I love that you gave your nephew luggage filled with scarves. But even more, I love that he made a quilt with them for his bed!
Thank you for getting me and my nutty ways, Marie. Kids just don’t seem to play like they should anymore. Imaginations are wonderful! 😀 Yes, that little guy loves to take naps in his homemade quilt. I love it!