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Saturday, September 8, 2012

Butler's Chocolate Crate

I can't believe I'm actually going to sell this box, but I am.  I found it at one of those sponsored neighborhood real estate sales.  It's got a tool tray in it and it started out as a wood crate.  The details of the crate are wonderful, but there was a very large oil stain on the top that I feared would bleed through a simple stain and varnish.

My husband painted it with Rustoleum Canyon Black brush on paint and top coated it with the same color spray.  I gave him strict instructions not to do very much sanding because I wanted the old world feel to come through loud and clear.
I have no idea of the age of this crate, but it's been around the block, the tool shed, the garage, whatever you want to call it.  Nicely dinged and beaten up from years of use.
 For the gold design, I used a simple inexpensive stencil I found at Michael's.  I didn't join the lines to make it look hand painted because I wanted to keep the aged primitive feel going.  I used acrylic craft paint in antique gold and burnt umber.  I put them sided by side on my paint palette and dipped the stencil brush in the gold on one side and then the burnt umber on the other side.  This made for a very uneven coloration thus looking like some of the paint had been worn back with time.
 I wrapped the gold design around the sides of the box.  I used my script 3-inch alphabet stencils to do the lettering which was done with ivory acrylic paint.  I came back with burnt umber on my liner brush and did a little shading on the letters just to give them a bit of depth.  It's barely visible against the black background, but it did have a subtle effect.  When it was totally dry, I came back with lightweight steel wool and rubbed the whole piece to dim any harsh lines from the stenciling.  Then it got a clear sealer coat.
The next photo is the crate as I found it, dust, oil stain and all.


 I love this look with fall colors, and I think at Christmastime it will look amazing with the traditional greenery, but honestly, I love this look all year round.  The old world look is definitely my style.

Thanks for dropping by.  As always, thanks for visiting and I hope you take away some inspiration for your own style and projects.
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16 comments:

Lynda Bergman Decorative Artisan said...

Very, very, very nice!! Always love your work!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It's beautiful, Maggie! You did a great job with the letter stencils, I would never have gotten them lined up as well as you did.

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

What a fabulous old box! You picked just the right paint color and design to dress it up for the season. Black is always a classic!

Pat C. said...

Maggie, Maggie, Maggie, your creative vision must be flowing from a bottomless well, because you never cease to amaze me with your amazing designs (and execution)!! I just love this piece... truly stunning!!

xoxo

NanaDiana said...

Maggie- That is beautiful. You have great visions that you bring into play with the pieces you do. Blessings- xo Diana

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh Maggie, that is so fabulous!!! You fooled me, I thought that is how you found it, great job on the gold mixing all of the shades

Carol

Cathy and Paul @One Creative Couple said...

I love how this turned out. Beautiful job!

Gypsy Heart said...

I can't believe you're going to sell it either! Love it ~ great job.

Pat

Annette T. said...

Maggie, the box is beauitful and the lettering really sets it off. It definitely has that Old World charm to it. I can think of so many uses for it. Will it be at Aubergine?

Anne said...

Maggie,
I would hold on to it and enjoy that box for a bit.You did a fantastic job! LOVE the color and stenciling!
xx
Anne

Bliss said...

Looks yummy in more ways than one!

Bliss

srpprcrftr said...

You sure have inspired me, wish I could buy that box tho. I love, love items that look old world, old period.The black is perfect for the box/crate/whatever it is. If I didn't know differently I'd think it came that way, great job sprucing her up.
I have an old trug I'm redoing so will use some of your expert direction to fix her up.

Wanda @ Just Vintage said...

So, so pretty! You did a beautiful job!

Unknown said...

What an awesome project! Found it at French Country

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Beautiful transformation. Thanks for sharing on Shabbilicious Friday.

Debra@CommonGround said...

gosh, this is gorgeous, can't believe you're letting this go, it just wonderful!!! Perfect colors, and I love the stenciling! thanks so much for joining in for the party!