I’ve got another thrift store find makeover to share with you. I know that we all access recipes on line, but I still love having printed recipes. I’ve got lots of recipes printed out and they’ve been crammed into one of my kitchen drawers. I’ve been on the lookout for a box that would be the right size. I found one recently at Goodwill that was just right, plus, it already had a coastal look to it, but it needed a makeover. Now, it looks great in my kitchen.
I’m not sure if this was someone’s DIY project or if it was originally purchased with the mirrored look. Either way, I knew I wanted to cover up the mirror pieces and change the colors. The broken star fish had to go, too. It was easy to change this into a Coastal Recipe Box that matches my decor.
The first thing I did was to add a coat of white paint. I used Apple Barrel White. Then I sanded the blue parts to give a distressed look.
I bought a bag of crushed sea shells at JoAnn’s using a 40% off coupon.
I used white craft glue over the painted mirror pieces and spread the crushed shells over them. As the shells were drying, I realized that the navy blue and the shells were not a good match.
I used Apple Barrel Cloudless for a better match.
I continued gluing the crushed shells down the front of the box. I let it sit for about five minutes and then shook off the excess shells that didn’t adhere. I filled in any blank spots with a few more shell pieces.
The interior of the box was looking well used, so I gave it a quick coat of white paint, too.
It makes a pretty decor piece on my kitchen counter as well as a functional recipe box.
It’s large enough to hold both printed sheets and recipe cards. The box was $1.99 and with a coupon, the shells were only a few dollars, plus I have lots of them left for some other project. I think this Coastal Recipe Box fits in nicely!
We would appreciate a pin! Thanks!
We party with some awesome bloggers. We’ll be sharing at lots of these great parties.
Beverly shares easy, inexpensive craft tutorials, diy projects for the home, coastal decor projects, & thrift store find makeover projects all designed to help you create a beautiful home on a budget.
Carol says
I really didn’t like the broken mirror look but love your colorful shells.
Beverly says
Thanks, Carol. I didn’t like the mirror look either. I tried to pry them off, but they were attached so well that covering the was only way to go. I’m enjoying its new look!
Laurie says
This recipe box is adorable! I love all the colors in those crushed shells! What a great way to cover up the mirrors! A much nicer place to store all your recipes for easy access! Pinning and share!
Beverly says
Thanks, Laurie! I love those crushed shells, too. The mirrored look had to go! It’s a bonus that I now have recipes in one place instead of stashed in a drawer! Thank you for sharing!
Kathleen - Bloggers Lifestyle says
Thanks for letting me know about this project. Wow what a difference your creativeness did to this recipe box. Interesting that you just painted over the mirrors and not remove them. The result is so attractive for all those recipes.
Beverly says
Thanks, Kathleen! Those mirror pieces were adhered too well. Painting over them was the best option.
Katrin says
This is such a cute recipe box! I like having printed recipes when I cook, way easier than having the tablet or laptop in the kitchen.
Beverly says
Thank you, Katrin. I like having printed ones, too.
Helen says
This is great – and it isn’t just for recipes! You can store twist ties or snack bags in it too!! thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!
Beverly says
Thank you, Helen. Yes, it could be used to store lots of little odds and ends. Thanks for the party!
CHristine says
That looks totally cute! I love the texture it giving a simple box. Great idea ladies!
Beverly says
Thanks so much! I like the texture it gives to the box, too. Thanks for stopping by!
Rachel O. says
Every cook needs a recipe box. 🙂 Love that you were able to take take something broken and unloved and turn it into something to fit your design! 🙂 Thanks for joining us at the Family Joy Linkup!!
Beverly says
Thanks, Rachel! Finding thrift store items to repurpose is such fun. Thanks for the party!
lorraine williamson says
love how this turned out did you use just regular glue or a particular type to make it last thanks for sharing have a great week
Beverly says
Thank you, Lorraine! I used regular white craft glue and the crushed shells seem to have adhered well. Hope you have a great week, too!
Gail @Purple Hues and Me says
You really transformed this awful looking thrift store item into a lovely masterpiece! Great job, as usual, Beverly!
Beverly says
Thanks, Gail! It was pretty awful looking! It always fun to transform something like this into something that matches my decor.
Frugal Hausfrau says
What a makeover! Thanks for bringing this by Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
Beverly says
Thanks, Mollie and thanks for the party!
Pili says
How is that you always come with the best DIY ideas?? I’m a declared sea lover and love that box!
Thanks for sharing the idea with us!
Beverly says
That’s so sweet of you, Pili. Thank you! Thanks for the party and the visit.
Debbie says
I still use a recipe box and a notebook too now. Tried pinterest and not easy. Tried using the laptop and it gets dirty or goes dark so the recipe box is still tops.
Love yours.
Beverly says
There’s just something I like about having a written or printed recipe. I agree with you, using my laptop doesn’t work well in the kitchen. Thanks for stopping by!