Saturday, November 13, 2010

Baby Blue Bird Box

After

If you're wondering just what I saw in this homely, beat-up box -- well, not much really, except it's $.99 price tag.  I seem to have a thing for stuff that's less than a dollar and I have 
to say I love how it turned out.  

Before

I like this project because even if you're not a super duper painter you can do this...

So, how do you do it?

I gave it a good sanding (because it deserved one) and after several coats of pale blue spray paint it looked like this -- believe it or not.

  
The twig was painted freehand.  I let my paint brush do most of the work.  You may be able to tell those are single brush strokes I used.  That's okay -- I'm lazy that way.

Again, keeping it simple, I used single brush strokes 
to paint the leaves.  


Now for the real hard part.  Remember the bird I used as the pattern for my hand painted silk pillow?  Well, here he is again.  
 This time I simply downloaded him from the Graphics Fairy,  enlarged him to fit, printed him, cut him out, and using Mod Podge, glued him down.  Oh, I did have to flip him over 
and print him in reverse -- that part was hard!

"Is it time for my break, yet?"


Next, I distressed the box and the hardware.  Wait a minute.  Didn't I just sand it and give it a perfect coat of paint? 
 

Last, I glazed and splattered everything.



 I wish it was mine but it's not.  It's for a client.  I staged it in my bedroom just to show it off.











Dear Client, 

After a long and exhausting search, I regret to inform you I have been unable to locate a box for your bedroom...

Sincerely,
Lindy

...just kidding




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87 comments:

  1. Lindy,
    Very pretty. Sometimes it's hard to part with things you fall in love with. I know how that is. I'm sure your client is going to love it and I'm glad you took the time to show it to us and how to make it. Thanks.
    Cindy

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  2. Very pretty. I'm your newest follower.

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  3. Oh, so pretty. I need to do some printing of graphics fairy's images. I think something would look perfect on my train case :)

    great job..that box is huge & perfect :)

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  4. Gorgeous! I'm glad to see that you've had better luck than I with Valspar spray paint.

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  5. Lindy- I love it! It is perfect and it is much bigger than I thought it was in the first picture. I think you should keep it! It is a real treasure. What's inside it? Was it a large jewelry box or what? It really looks GREAT!>) Hugs- Diana

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  6. Lindy, I love this. I wish I was your client!!

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  7. Your bird box is so beautiful! You always do a lot of nature inspired projects, which I LOVE! And thank you for the tutorial ~ you make is sound so easy (which somehow I doubt for one lacking artistic skills). I also love that painting of the young child.

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  8. Beautiful!!! I think the distressing and stain look great. Can you tell me how to do that splatter effect?

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  9. that box is just beautiful - matches that pillow that I just love. Your so talented! love all your projects.

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  10. This box is absolutely beautiful. I love how you staged your photos!I am sure your client will be tickled pink with her wonderful new treasure!!

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  11. @NanaDiana

    It is big, isn't it? It's a silverware box! I've still got to redo the inside - it's pretty shabby (and not chic) looking! Thanks to everyone for all the sweet comments!

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  12. Awwww. shoot....

    I guess I could paint my own silverware box...but it just wouldn't be the same!!!

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  13. I don't like birds but this is nice.

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  14. I have a silverware box but not that cute little drawer like yours. I think you should do a video and show us how you get all that shading with one stroke! It is so pretty!

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  15. @Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

    That's a good idea -- I think I will! If I can stand to see and hear myself on video... Thanks!

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  16. Oh, that is just gorgeous! You are so talented!!

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  17. This is adorable! We've used that little guy! He's just perfect for so many projects!
    Beautiful job as always, Lindy!

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  18. You made that box come alive! The best 99 cents you have spent!!!

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  19. I love it. Very pretty. And I love your vanity!

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  20. Wow, what a great transformation! It turned out beautifully~

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  21. Hee hee! I don't blame you! Very cute...love the blue.

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  22. That is so beautiful! I don't think I could give it up! Maybe your client will forget about it!!!!!

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  23. Hi Lindy...

    Ohhh...how funny! Poor client! That's just too cute, my friend! I certainly don't blame you though...your box turned out sooo pretty! And...it looks fabulous on your vanity! I love how it looks with the painting of the little girl...they just look so pretty together! Thank you for sharing your beautiful box with us...as well as that great tutorial...for Sunday Favorites!

    Have a super Sunday!
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  24. Gorgeous! That is so very pretty. And whatever you do with it, I'm sure the owner (will it be you?) is going to adore it for life. I am so impressed with your paint skill. My 7 year old is more artsy than I am, so I can't even imagine being able to paint a tree. I can mod podge though ;) I really like your paint effects too! Awesome work Lindy. :)

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  25. Oh, I would also love to have this! :) You could hide it at my bedroom? ^^

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  26. oh my gosh- i painted a box very similarly for the market i did last weekend!!! of course, mine was stenciled, as i don't have your talent, but it was a bird on a branch on a blue box. love yours, lindy! it's beautiful!

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  27. Love the box!! I have always felt like I cheated if I didn't paint everything, but I love that you mod podged the bird!! I think I am over my cheating feeling!

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  28. Beautiful job! I love the color you used and the graphic was perfect. That was a great find for .99!!
    Jane

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  29. Fabulous job! I am looking out for a box to redo for my granddaughter, she LOVES treasures and deserves a treasure box to put them in. Great find!

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  30. Hi,

    Really pretty. I am a big fan of decoupage...it is so much fun to do. I can see why you couldn't part with it.(-:

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  31. That's one lucky client Lindy! Featured you on Craft Gossip today :) http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/vintage-bird-box/

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  32. So creative ... very lovely Lindy... and I feel you are a bird lover ... very cute project and it transform the box in such a preety thing... I am going to share it on my FB page...
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah...

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  33. LOVE what you did with the box. Beautiful!!! I want just a touch of your talent:)

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  34. Hello Lindy... I link up your this project on my blog under the title of Inspiring Project... you can see it by clicking the icon on top of my blog named Inspiring project... I love if you grab my featured button on your blog, It is on the side bar....
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

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  35. @La Vie Quotidienne

    Just had to clarify the box IS going to it's new home (the client's a follower) HA! HA!

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  36. Lindy, love the bird box, and the size and how he sits on that branch is perfect, love it!

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  37. That is SO gorgeous! And the box is MUCH larger than I expected! Great deal, and please share more about the glazing part -

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  38. Lovely painting on the box...and I especially love the piece of furniture it is sitting on!!

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  39. I just saw your post at Met Monday and I just had to comment about how beautiful it turned out!!
    Check out my site...SAS Interiors. Be inspired and become a Follower!
    ~Jenna
    www.sasinteriors.blogspot.com

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  40. I never would have believed that box started out the way it did! I'll have to check out Graphics Fairy. Beautiful!

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  41. Oh Lindy, yo did an excellent job on the box. It looks so pretty..Christine

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  42. Adorable job, Lindy. Just love it. I used to have that same bird as my header on my blog. So of course I love the bird. I love how this turned out. I could probably even paint it. ;o) Usually my painting consists of a roller and a large wall. That's the extent of my talent. Have a great week and thanks for sharing.
    Hugs~ Amanda

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  43. That is sooo cute! I love it! And, you're right -- I think I COULD do that! (thanks to your simple tutorial!) Looks perfect!

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  44. Oh no, I was going to ask what you keep in it but then I re-read that it's for a client. Hey, could YOU ask HER what she keeps in it?

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  45. This is amazing Lindy!!! Your client is going to flip over it!! Thanks for linking this up to Brag Monday.

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  46. What a beautiful makeover! Excellent job! Love it!

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  47. Lindy, you are awesome! Great project-transforming that beatup box to something so pretty. Good job!

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  48. Another beautiful project, I love that you flicked the paint over it at the end. It's bigger than I thought it was, too. You have a fortunate client.

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  49. Good job, funny lady! Good tute too.
    cb

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  50. Just gorgeous! I will never buy another already painted box again! This method is so much better! (Well, I will try not to anyway.)

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  51. Almost missed the bus just getting to the end of your comments list...he!he! just kidding...love your georgeous birdy box, very clever!

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  52. Lovely lovely lovely! I couldn't even paint a twig, so I am amazed at your vision and talent!

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  53. This is really lovely...inspires me! Hopped over from Brag Monday...

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  54. I love this and the bird really looks hand painted!

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  55. I love, love, love this! Please email me, I'd like to discuss the possibility of you making one of these lovelies for me :) Thank you! Oh, I found your blog through Sew Much Ado.

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  56. Oh, how lovely - that looks sooooooo romantic!!!!!! And thank you so much for your sweet words on my blog!!!!

    Hugs Jade

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  57. Gorgeous box! Love the transformation! Found you via Blue Cricket's party. So glad I did. Thanks for the awesome inspiration.

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  58. I really, really like it. It has me thinking what I can do with a similar technique.

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  59. Beautiful transformation-I've got a thing for birds over at Bless My Nest!

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  60. So pretty very good job on the freehand drawing and I also have the little bird to use UMMM I have a little wooden box and I have some vintage luggage think I may try my hand at drawing thanks for sharing!

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  61. beautiful and tutorial is so light and easy, making us believe that anyone can do this...

    ok. you're invited: come link it up with us:
    http://www.finecraftguild.com/diy-linky-party-21/
    and you may find some great other ideas there also.

    looking forward to showing off your work to our readers.

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  62. That is beautiful. You took trash to treasure to a new level. ~~Sherry~~

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  63. Stunning!!!!

    I've never thought to 'splatter' the glaze or stain before...thanks for that recommendation.

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  64. I agree! It's a keeper! I sometimes look around my house and wonder why I don't spend the time on it that I do on/in clients. (I think Hubs wonders the same thing!)

    If you get a chance, stop by this weekend and link up to Passion for Paint. Always glad to see you, Lindy!

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  65. what a great transformation on that box!

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  66. This is just gorgeous. I love how you have it displayed as well.

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  67. very nice, well done. hope you found time to read ONE MORE comment

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  68. Lindy - this is so pretty! visiting from Graphics Fairy ;-)

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  69. Lindy, this is beautiful. I have a plain old wooden box just like this. You've inspired me! But I know what will happen because it's the "Before Christmas Busy Time", I'll put off doing it until later!
    I'm happy to have found your blog through the Graphics Fairy.
    Diane

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  70. Good Morning Lindy!
    This is Wonderful! I Love how you Transformed a Homely old box into a Beautiful Work of art!
    Thank you for sharing your "How to" and Congratulations on being Featured on Brag Monday!
    Have a Wonderful Thanks Giving!
    Hugs
    Jill

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  71. love the box - so cute! i have that Edward Coubane print you have in the photo as well....i was in an antique store years ago & came across it....the little girls eyes are mesmorizing, aren't they? definately a purchase i'll never regret!
    -tracie

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  72. I’m wondering now if we can talk about your sites statistics – search volume, etc, I’m trying to sites I can buy adspace through – let me know if we can talk about pricing and whatnot. Cheers mate you’re doing a great job though.

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  73. I have read a only one of the articles on your website in the present circumstances, and I definitely like your line of blogging. I added it to my favorites trap age list and resolve be checking back soon. Divert repress into public notice my site as ok and fail me know what you think. Thanks.

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  74. Всем привет, Могу предложить Вам посетить сайт, с огромным количеством информации по интересующей Вас теме.

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  75. I enjoyed your post and became a follower. Your client is very lucky. Now I have to go junking for a box of my own to paint. xo Robyn

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  76. I wanted to let you know I just featured this in my latest recap post on 10 great ideas on how to use vintage prints!! Great project!!

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  77. Wow, this is AMAZING! Do you mind telling how you went about distressing it? Sorry, I'm new to all this but would love to give it a go :)

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  78. @bluebellbunny

    Hi Blue Bell Bunny, I wasn't able to reply to your question. Please send me your email address and I'll be glad to walk you through it!!!!

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  79. Oh wow, that's SOOO sweet of you, I wasn't really even expecting a reply! I will email you now :)

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  80. I just discovered your blog and am glad I did. Your creativity is an inspiration. I admire your work and bravery. It's awesome what you've done in 2 1/2 years to your home. We've been working on our before and after for almost 25 years. Not many people can see beyond what's in front of their noses but you did and it's beautiful what you've accomplished. I think my favorite is the old satellite dish turned into a chicken coop. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your projects. Thanks.

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I'm excited you're leaving a comment. I can't wait to read it...L.