While on vacation, and having a few hours to myself one day, I googled thrift stores in the area, and found a local Salvation Army. After [only] three u-turns, I finally found it. It was a bit disappointing. However, I did pick up this wooden caddy for 99 cents.
When I got it home, I realized it came with its very own dead moth. Ewww! I don't want to know how long it's been hiding in there.
After a thorough cleaning, I painted it in my current go-to color, Behr's Clear Pond, which I had
on hand.
Ahh, it looks better already!
For creative inspiration, I turned to a vintage children's book called "The Bobbsey Twins on Blueberry Island." I fondly remember reading many books in the Bobbsey Twins series in my early reading days.
Using book pages and my stash of paint chips, I began altering the wooden box into a handy desk caddy.
For those of you familiar with my altered art, you know I prefer clean lines. For this project, I'm going to go c-r-a-z-y and try my hand at collage! [My friend, S, will be glad to know I'm using her favorite art technique.]
Paint chips.
Torn pages [eek--don't tell the librarian!].
Twine.
A collaged clothespin on each side--to hold notes.
A vintage measuring tape cut around the 56" mark -- happens to be the year I was born [and, uhh, also my current age, at least for one more week], a stamped image and a rustic metal tag.
A roll of the dice shows another five-six. Cosmic.
Added these metal "legs" to give the caddy some stature.
(Plus, I've had them forever.)
Here are photos of the finished caddy. For now, it will hold markers.
What do you think of my new desk caddy? What would you use it for?
You may also like these projects:
Come party with me here and
restoration redoux throwback thursday
house of rose inspire-me-please-weekend
diy showoff that-diy-party:
serenity now blog
practically functional fun-functional-link-party
a bowl full of lemons organize-it-link-party
the life of jennifer dawn a-little-bird-told-me
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mod vintage life mod-mix-monday
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answer is chocolate.bff-open-house-link-party
the grant life life-of-the-party
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ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday
adventures of a diy mom terrific-tuesday
sowdering about on-display-monday
made to be a momma homemade-by-you
clean and scentsible the-inspiration-exchange
the 36th avenue
coastal charm nifty-thrifty-tuesday
You may also like these projects:
Come party with me here and
restoration redoux throwback thursday
house of rose inspire-me-please-weekend
diy showoff that-diy-party:
serenity now blog
practically functional fun-functional-link-party
a bowl full of lemons organize-it-link-party
the life of jennifer dawn a-little-bird-told-me
family home and life wow-us-wednesday-link-party
mod vintage life mod-mix-monday
serendipity and spice manic-monday
answer is chocolate.bff-open-house-link-party
the grant life life-of-the-party
52 mantels thursdays-are-your-days
posed perfection all-things-thursday
ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday
adventures of a diy mom terrific-tuesday
sowdering about on-display-monday
made to be a momma homemade-by-you
clean and scentsible the-inspiration-exchange
the 36th avenue
coastal charm nifty-thrifty-tuesday
Love the collage effect and the metal legs! I have a couple of cigar boxes and plan to decoupage them and add legs. I like the paint chips and the tape measure and my number to cut off at would be 64! Haha!
ReplyDeleteI love the look! Unfortunately, I don't know if I can bring myself to cut into a book, even if I have two or more copies. I know, a little weird. But this looks great. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love that you add legs to it! I would use it for markers or paint brushes. Great finished project!
ReplyDeleteI really like this! And what an awesome find, man I love the thrift store. I also love crafts that use book pages but I simply cannot bring myself to tear up a book. I fell like a part of my soul will be crushed if I did, regardless of if I liked the book or not haha
ReplyDeleteI'd love it if you linked up with our party this week!
http://www.sowderingabout.com/2013/08/on-display-monday-15.html
I love collages and this is adorable! You did a great job!
ReplyDeleteCome visit my link up part on friday at http://craftdictator.blogspot.com
Really neat idea! Something else to put on my to~do list!! Thanks for sharing ;)
ReplyDeleteit is gorgeous!!!!
ReplyDeleteTerrific tutorial and pictures!! Your project is really different and creative.
ReplyDeleteThe gang over at My Personal Accent, invite you to link-up this post at our rules free Blog Strut Link Party/blog hop, Thursdays at 5:00 PM PST. Our Blog Strut isn't your average blog hop, it offers many ways to promote and give exposure to your blog and posts. We pin all links, featured posts, as well as offer free co-host spots and button/logo redesign, plus free social network link ups. Join us and show what you’ve got!! http://www.mypersonalaccent.com/linkyparty/
How fun! There are so many fun things you can do with book pages. This is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to share this (and any other post!) at my Life of the Party link up! It just opened! Im going to poke around your blog a little more. :)
http://thegrantlife.com/life-of-the-party-1/
Wow, you are very creative! Love anything collage and this is definitely a PinIt.
ReplyDeleteMarie@Interiorfrugalista
How cute...and perfect for pens! I love those little metal legs! Where on earth did you find them? Thank you for sharing at What We Accomplished Wednesdays!
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative use for that tired old moth house. You're so clever the way you embellished it with measuring tape; you'll always remember just when you made it. Love the addition of the feet!!
ReplyDeleteSo cool! You really "altered" this piece!
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing with the book pages and clever embellishments.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Patti
I love the little legs on here!
ReplyDeleteI love it! You have a real gift!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat colors, items, combinations, and compositions....
hugs x Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
love it! you could also use it as a centerpiece with a bunch of flags or any craft made on a long stick....thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday, Shanah Tovah!
ReplyDeleteLooks great!! What a great score that little wooden caddy was!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute!!! I love the bottom pieces you added. I would LOVE for you to share this at "That's My Style" Link Party TODAY! I hope to see you there. :)
ReplyDeleteKarla @ www.MySerendipitousLife.com
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such sweet comments.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of decoupaging with book pages - but I just don't think I could bring myself to rip them out of the book! Maybe I could photocopy and age them :)
Wendy @ The View from the Manor
Love! I tried to do a mixed media project and it was a failure. It's still in my craft room while I try to decide whether I can salvage it or redo it.
ReplyDeleteI think the extra touches are great and make a difference - like the clothespins on the sides to hold notes!
ReplyDeleteDiscovered your blog via Throwback Thursday.