Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

Vintage Sewing Box Makeover

As a middle-aged gal, I feel that certain pastimes are slowly fading out. Crochet, knitting, embroidery, and sewing are a few of them. Do you agree? When I am offered this vintage sewing box, I wanted to give it a facelift while still giving a nod to “vintage” in general. Isn’t it a fun shape?

Thrifted Box Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Not only does it have slat sides, but is also made of solid wood, and… has this quirky applique. ahem.

Top View of Vintage Sewing Box Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

In addition, on the inside there is ample room for all sorts of goodies.

Inside Vintage Sewing Box Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Mind you, you can totally use this box/tote for anything your heart desires like I did with this one transformed HERE.

Upcycled Remote Control Holder from Sewing Box by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

For me, I want to keep to the sewing vibe, as a gal with a needle in hand for many decades, to keep to this fading art.

LET’S HAVE SOME FUN

First, I use my putty knife to gently remove the sunflowers. I could leave them and paint them differently, but I don’t care for their placement and the painted-on leaves and stems. Then, I sand the lid aiming to get it to the raw state the rest of the box is in.

Removing Wooden Applique | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Because this box is made of solid raw wood (except the lid), I use my reactive stain to adjust the color quickly and give it a bit of age.

Applying Black Stain to Vintage Sewing Box | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Take a look at my sweet audience – Ivan and Loula. These two cause me so my joy as well as stress. They work in cahoots to keep all of us on our toes every.single.day. I’ve often said they’re worse than toddlers! haha. Anyhoo, as I’m staining, Ivan is meticulously watching my brush go back and forth, back and forth.

Ivan and Loula Watching Larissa with Vintage Sewing Box Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Meanwhile, Loula is displaying her displeasure with me not giving every second of my being paying attention to her. If you could see in person, you would see that the stain is not soaking evenly on the lid because of the glue of the appliques embedded. With that, I eventually spray paint the lid black, instead.

Finally, keeping true to myself and my love of typography, I create a transfer using my method, and hand-paint it in.

Hand-Painting Vintage Sewing Box | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

This is a great way for me to just have some fun and mix in my creative juices.

SEW IT UP

Here is my vintage sewing box with a new “old” look keeping with function and adding style.

Farmhouse Style Vintage Sewing Box Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Handmade Sewing Box by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

This portable gem makes it fun to leave it out as part of your decor and maybe bring a smile or two.

Sewing Each Day Keeps the Crazy Away Sewing Box by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Open Sewing Box with Notions by Prodigal Pieces | prodgalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

What is more, inside you have your notions and tools tucked away ready and waiting for when you get the urge to have stitch therapy. You crafters know what I’m talking about! {{wink, wink}} In this box, I have a ironstone butter dish with magnets on the bottom to hold my pins, my embroidery floss on mini clothespins with color number written on them, while also in a vintage salad bowl. Don’t you just love repurposing?

Sewing Notions inside Vintage Sewing Box by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Sewing Notions inside Sewing Box by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Likewise, I’d love to hear how you repurpose for your own crafting needs. In the past, I’ve created these:

SHARE

After leaving me some comment love below, I also invite you to pin and share my vintage sewing box revival. Let’s inspire others to create their own home story too.

So fun and sweet! This vintage sewing box makeover give a nod to days-gone-by with a bit of whimsy | by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter. Until next time!
blog signature

let's get socialPINTEREST | EMAIL

While you’re at it, more makeovers like this vintage sewing box:

Wood Console Makeover into Modern Style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #diy #modernA thrifted santa tin turns ooh, la, la, with DIY fun by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces. #prodigalpieces #thrifted #diy #homedecor

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    You are such an inspiring artist!! You make it all look so easy that it makes me want to try!! Thank you do mych for always going the extra lengths it takes to teach us your techniques! 😍

    • Larissa says

      That’s what I’m all about…hoping to encourage someone in any form. Thank you for taking the time to join me on my DIY adventures, Rebecca.

  2. Mary says

    Oh, that turned out soo cute! I went to the shop to see if it was available for purchase and already gone! Wowza! Can’t beat that for turnaround time 🙂 Love the typography you created on this wonderful sewing box. And all the other neat tricks you shared inside…magnet in a bowl for pins, floss on mini clothespins…You sure have great ideas. And I’m with you, as far as sewing and other creative endeavors that use my hands. It soothes the mind so much. Will keep doing my part to keep the crafts alive. Thank you for inspiring me once again, Larissa! ❤️

    • Larissa says

      Mary, you’re so fun! Thank you for making me smile and for being willing to support me in my creative endeavors. It’s always my pleasure to share with hopes to inspire. You’ve made my day. Hugs!

  3. Marie says

    Sorry to hear you’ve been down with a bug as well. I’ve been flat out for a few days and slowly on the mend. Oh, I like how the reactive stain aged the wood on the sewing box, Larissa. Amen to the sentiment and such cute design typography. Love this project! Wishing you good health this fall/winter season. Hugs from Canada

    • Larissa says

      Ugh…sorry to hear that for sure as it stink to be so ill you have to stop completely. I’m feeling bits better here and there. Thanks for loving in my work, Marie.

  4. Becky says

    My goodness, isn’t that box the cutest thing! You did a fantastic job on that lid! I loe it!

  5. Mary Loveland says

    Your artwork is always beautiful Larissa. You know if Ivan is 6 months old he is probably ready for his “snip snip” procedure; you want to do that before his hormones take over and he starts spraying. I love kitties also.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you. We know and already did that, but we don’t believe in spaying or neutering all animals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces