Flatware Box Turned Keepsake Box

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Old flatware boxes are perfect for making into a keepsake box, jewelry box and more! Perfect for storing important items.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Hey friends! It’s trash to treasure Tuesday and my friends and I are sharing our fun new finds with you.
I’m sharing this old flatware box turned keepsake box.

But first….

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. :)

I had a great one and part of the reason for that was all of you! I am humbled and so grateful for the love and kindness shown to me, by all of you, this weekend.
And if you missed that post, I’m hosting a giveaway for my birthday…with one of you being a lucky winner! So if you haven’t already, hop on over and enter to win!
Here’s the link to the post all about it >>> ACR’s Birthday Giveaway

I can not tell you how much I enjoyed all of the birthday wishes AND seeing how long each of you have been around here. That was really fun to see. :)
For those of you that don’t follow along with me on Instagram, I also decided to step out of my comfort zone and shared a little more about me over there.
Not the easiest thing for me to do. I can write a blog post sharing painting tips, home decor or room makeovers all day long!
But when it comes to really opening up, well, that’s a little bit more than I am usually comfortable with.
So, if you are interested, you can check it out here >>>  ACR Instagram
And if you don’t already, I’d love to have to follow along with me over there. It’s just a different way to connect, more in the moment and a little more personal.
I just love it! It’s always been my most favorite social media platform. :)

What I didn’t mention in either the blog post or Instagram post, was that my husband and I spent my birthday, Saturday, getting our son moved in at college.
This is his very first semester away and it’s been tough!
He’s my last “baby” at home, so we are true empty nesters now! I’m not quite sure how I feel about that yet. lol
My husband asked me jokingly if I liked him enough to just be with him now and I laughed and said, I don’t know!! hahaha
Of course I do, silly man, but I’m feeling all the ‘mom feels’ right now. ;)
So all of the wonderful birthday wishes, kind comments, thoughtful messages, emails and inboxes truly made my day, on a day that was hard for me as a mom.
Giving a big ole virtual hug and thank you to each and every one of you. xoxo

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Flatware Box Turned Keepsake Box

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Here’s how my flatware box started out…..

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Remember this recent haul of thrift store finds??

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

I’ve already done the mirror, you can see it, here.
And the bread box is done too. You can see that one, here.
Today I’m doing the flatware box turned keepsake box so all that’s left is the little table. :) Stay tuned for that one.
Hoping to get started on it soon.

I love flatware boxes!
You can pretty much always find them at the thrift store. Plus they are great to use for keeping things in.
Things like jewelry, important papers, envelopes, etc. So many uses, really.

I turned this one into a keepsake box.

I knew I wanted to put feet and a handle on it to dress it up a little, so I started by filling in this “handle” area.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

I just used regular ole wood filler.
The handle there is actually one that came off of our bathroom cabinet upstairs, circa 1978. (I pretty much keep everything because you just never know when you may need it!! haha )
And see?? I needed that handle/pull. Good thing I save it. ;)

Once it was dry, I sanded to smooth it out.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

I drilled two holes for the handle.
I was actually able to skip adding screws in the back which was a plus since I had fabric in there!
I pushed the handle all the way in and it was a good and tight fit. And since it’s not a “pull” but just a handle to lift the top up and down, this worked out perfectly.

Then I got started on the inside….which is always the most fun. (not!)

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

I am telling you, every single flatware box I’ve ever removed the insides from, was a bear!
They really attach that stuff to STAY.

But I managed to get it all out.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Then I used this cutter tool to cut the fabric for the inside.
I measured, cut and folded, then hot glued them in.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

I just got a new hot glue gun and love it. My other one was so old and dripped terribly.
This one doesn’t do that. Or hasn’t yet anyway!

MATERIALS LIST (Keepsake Box)

I put the sides all in and then made one long piece to go from the top to the bottom.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

I wish I could link the fabric but this is one I’ve had for many years. It has long been discontinued, I think.
Here’s another project I’ve used it on >>> Thrifty Makeover with French Fabric

The bottom of the keepsake box got four new “feet”.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

They are actually old, wood knobs I saved from this dresser below. (the rest were originally on there but I had removed them before taking my “before” photo!)
And of course I saved them. :)

You can see this dresser all done, here >>> Knots Nautical Dresser

The outside got painted in the same Chalk Paint blend I used on this dresser turned coffee bar I did recently.
And I decided to use this stencil on the top.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

And sanded because I wanted it a bit worn and distressed looking….

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

I also distressed the edges of the box, too.

I sealed it with a brand new product (to me!)…. this glaze.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Both the handle and the “feet” got this pretty gold spray paint.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Aren’t those the cutest little feet knobs ever??? haha
I think so! They are just perfect for that use.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

I’m trying to show the shimmer on that glaze I used. It’s a new one I’ve never tried before (it’s linked above).
It’s called “pearl effects” but the jury is still out on how well I like it. I’ll have to try on something else.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Anyway, it’s kind of hard to see in real life…and in photos! ;)
Maybe I will give it a go on a darker color and see how that looks.

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

Oh!! And I wanted to report on the white stain dresser here in the photos and the sealer I used on it.
So far, so good on no yellowing. Hoping it continues!
I’ll let you know. :)

You can get all the details on the dresser/stain, etc, here >>> White Stain Dresser

Here’s a couple more flatware boxes I’ve given makeovers to:

Have an old flatware box lying around? Go get it and give it a brand new makeover…and use!

Don’t forget to scroll down and check out my friends’ “trash to treasure” makeovers below!

PIN it to save it!

Old Flatware Box REPURPOSED To Keepsake Box!! Simple!! artsychicksrule.com #flatwarebox #silverwarebox #repurposedprojects #repurposedflatwarebox

I can’t wait to see what my friends did with all these treasures of theirs!

  1. Prodigal Pieces
  2. Confessions of a Serial Do It Yourselfer
  3. Bless’er House
  4. Girl in the Garage

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I’ll see you back here on Thursday with this! I can’t wait to show y’all! :)

See you then, friends!

xoxo

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50 Comments

  1. Beautiful results. I’ve about eight flatware boxes in various colors and find them perfect for storage of small craft items like miniatures or small things that end up lost in a box. I love them and am able to pick them up for usually $5, no more. And yes, pulling out that lining is a real bear.

    1. Thanks Eileen! OH my!! 8! Aren’t they perfect for storing so many things? That liner, they really want it to stay put! xo

  2. It turned out so nice! You give me so much inspiration and ideas. And I had to laugh about the fabric you used. My fabric stash grows all the time, and I can never throw any away. You just never know when you’ll need the perfect color and print! lol!

    1. Thank you Kimberly! I’m so glad!! Yes, lol, I have bunches of fabric. All different sizes, etc. I can’t ever let it go either! Because, just like you said, you just never know! Same with the knobs and hardware. ;) xo

  3. Perfect timing! I just stripped one of these boxes down and was wondering how to (neatly) cover the inside with fabric! Yours came out so pretty.

  4. Thanks for sharing. I have been collecting these cutlery boxes when i see ones I like. I am going to turn one into a remote control holder for the living room. Fyi…Link for stool on bless er house is not working.

    1. Oh yes! That’s a great idea Tammy. The other white “Paris” one I shared in the post used to house our remotes. :) (before I redecorated!) And thanks for that heads up on the other post. I saw your comment this morning while I was at the Dr with my Dad and alerted her. She fixed it right up! So thank you! xoxo

  5. Hi Nancy and Happy Birthday to you!. You look way too young to be an empty nester and I know how that feels. At least you have your Hubby. I have my dog Gracie. I have 3 flatware boxes I have picked while thrifting and I can’t wait to try this with one of mine. I love the idea of using old drawer knobs as feet. I also love the gold. That is not what I would have thought of but there you go, thinking outside of the box. I always have fun on Trash to Treasure Tuesdays with you and your friends.

    1. Thank you Cheryl! And aw, thanks, I just turned 52! Dogs are such wonderful companions too. We love our sweet Ryder. (and all our furry babies who came before him) So happy you enjoy Trash to Treasure Tuesdays with us! It’s one of my favorite days of the month. And yes, give those boxes a makeover and have fun! :) xoxo

  6. Your box is beautiful What have you found to be the very best way to remove the lining from these silverware boxes? I have one I am holding on to just because the lining is so hard to remove. I want to use mine as a stationary box.

    1. Thank you, Nancy! Oh my, that is a good question! I don’t really have a method, just pull, pull, pull. They are really tough. I used a staple/tack remover on this one and it helped. (it looks kind a like a flat head screwdriver but with a notch in the middle end). Stationary box is a great idea! xo

  7. Gorgeous! I need a flatware box for flatware (hehe) and how beautiful to display in my aqua toile papered dining room. OH – How can I purchase this?? I love it.

    1. Thanks Lillian!! Your dining room sounds lovely! Try your local thrift store!! I bet you find 1…or 15! ;) I’m not sure what I’m doing with this one yet, but I’ll let you know if I decide not to keep it! Thank you, Lillian! xoxo

  8. Nancy, I am sooo glad you posted the flatware box again! I just rescued 5 boxes from the dumpster and remembered that you were the box-makeover-Queen! One is actually an old humidor! However, the one I started working on took over 2 hours to get the innards cleaned out-OMG! the paper stuck under the fabric was terrible to get out. I have never seen any DIY person with pretty hands or nails! I think to make the blue box from scratch, using what you had on hand, is awesome! Knobs for feet!! How clever is that!! I can’t imagine how you keep everything organized, like knobs-handles-feet-WOW. Maybe you can share some of the organizational tips that you have for your make-overs. There are so many bloggers talking about organizing the house and I need to get my workspace organized! Just a thought!

    1. Oh my gosh, that’s awesome, Cecilia! Oh yes, the old humidors are great too! And yessss…those insides are so tough! I’m telling you, they don’t want them coming out! Haha, yes, it’s hard to keep polish on the nails. ;)
      And I love adding little feet to things, trays, boxes, etc. Makes it so fun. Flat knobs like that are just perfect for it! Oh, I’m not so sure I’m the one who should share an organizing post on that stuff!! Not yet anyway! We are in the process of redoing our garage and shelves because they are in need!! ;) xoxo

  9. I just love flatware boxes and this one turned out gorgeous!! I’m intrigued by the glaze sealer you used. I bet it shimmers really pretty in person. Had to hold back a tear as you were talking about how hard Saturday was as a Mom. I didn’t realize this was his first year away! Maybe you will be super productive now since you need to keep your Mom mind busy lol! Or maybe we can keep you busy by thrifting!! XOXO

    1. Thank you Christy! :) The jury is still out on that glaze! I think I need to try it on something else and see how it goes. And YES….so hard! This is his first time away. He was going to go away last year but changed his mind and then had decided to go in the fall but had to have that surgery. So here we are! lol I’m still trying to figure out life right now!! haha It’s an adjustment, for sure. Yes, on both! xoxo

  10. So pretty!!! I had one of those somewhere, not sure if I still do, but if I find it it may get a makeover! I’m right there with you with the moving your child to college thing, it’s hard! We moved our youngest to college last fall about a week before my 50th birthday. She is about 100 miles away and is able to come home fairly often, but It’s still hard on me every time she goes back! I have found staying busy with projects helps a lot?

    1. OH yes, do! Or hop on over to the thrift store and pick another one up! ;) Oh my gosh, isn’t it?? He’s our youngest and about 80 ish miles away, so not so bad. But it’s still really hard! I’m still adjusting to this! :) xoxo

  11. What a great keepsake box Nancy! I also enjoyed looking at the other two flatware boxes that you made beautiful!! I love them all!!!

    1. Hey Kaycee!! Thank you so much! Flatware boxes are such fun makeovers and so great for storing so many things, too! :) xoxo

  12. Those boxes are usually stinky and disgusting, probably from spending years in the garage or basement. Ew! This one looks like it wasn’t too bad inside, but it’s still a challenge to get all that flocked lining out. I love how you used the extra pieces you already had to jazz it up. It is beautiful now! Wishing you a belated happy birthday and a wonderful year to come.

    1. You are right! They can be gross. The ones I’ve gotten have been okay. (I will pass them up otherwise! ;) )Thank you and thank you for the birthday wishes too, Marcie! :) xoxo

  13. Your flatware box is so pretty, Nancy! LOVE the fabric you lined it with. Happy belated birthday ? As an empty nester for a few years now, I totally understand what you’re going through. The house gets so quiet! You’ll always miss having them around but eventually, you’ll find your new normal.

  14. Beautiful! I have a large wood cigar box that I have been deciding what to do with it. Now I know!!! Thank you!!!

    1. Oh nice, have fun with that!! :) I have an jewelry armoire I need to do a little something with too. Hmm, I might have to pull it out and get busy also! xoxo

  15. I know it hurt your Mama heart to take your baby off to college. I hope he has a great semester! You did a wonderful job on this box and it looks great on your dresser. There’s one waiting for a makeover in my basement, I just haven’t had the motivation to tackle removing those pesky innards.

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