old bread box - a project that went south

February 25th, 2009 in member junk

MelHow, member

4 users recommend

The scene under the umbrella is one of my favorite parts of the story.

Add Comment
Print

I have several of these solid wooden bread boxes. They are a great place for storing cds, small books (I am a bibliophile) or other junk.

I painted this one black last spring and it hung around my garage all summer - my Dad busted it when he used it to sit on while pumping up a bike tire. He fixed it for me.

I finally got to it but it didn't work out how I want so I tried to sand it off - note to self - the only way to really take beeswax off is to melt it and that doesn't get rid of it all.

Finally, I used these old pages from a copy of LIttle Women. I sealed it all in wax - but should have coated the paper first to prevent the wax from soaking into the old paper because it is a bit darker than I hoped. I used a car buffer to shine it up.

As the wax ages it clarifies and the look has improved. I am unhappy with my execution. However, the longer this sits in my bedroom the more it grows on me.

Pattern or design used: My own design

posted in: member junk, wood, container, whimsical, black, cream, paper, beeswax

Add Comment Print

Comments (10)

goodolegirl writes: somebody explain the "wax sealing" process to me. New one for me, and sounds intersting. Posted: 12:50 am on April 28th

MimiToria writes: This is an awesome project, and the results are lovely. I really like the black background on your breadbox and your technique with the wax is way cool.
Gretchen Posted: 10:57 pm on February 28th

junkermidge writes: I really like the way it turned out. It's a great repurpose and you're right, it's practical for storing so many things. Way to go!
Midge Posted: 10:45 pm on February 27th

fellowjunker writes: Your project is truly beautiful.....I love that you rescued this and use it!!
xojanis Posted: 10:25 pm on February 27th

bridiemurphy writes: What a terrific remake! I see these breadboxes all the time...a seat, well, no (sorry Dad)! But, a stash for books -- delightful!

Thanks for sharing the process -- I love the beeswax touch -- very "homespun" and timeless.

Great post. Posted: 7:52 am on February 27th

SeaGlassLady writes: It looks wonderful...I love the ingenious addition of the old book pages. Posted: 10:48 am on February 26th

Junk_Sophisticate writes: Sorry for all the mishaps but it really turned out terrific! It doesn't even resemble a breadbox anymore.

Nice work!
Candy Posted: 8:35 am on February 26th

Faeryhollow writes: From a fellow bibliophile as well as an ardent Louisa May Alcott fan....this is a wonderful project! The patina is great. I've been wanting to try to use beeswax to age items and give them a soft luster, and this lovely example just inspires me to go for it. I'm a beekeeper and so have easy access to plenty of wax. By the way, I also love the scene with the umbrella - a sweet romantic scene with Jo and Fritz :o)
Barbara Posted: 8:25 pm on February 25th

georgiamoon writes: I really like how the pages look on the bread box. I don't think it went south at all, Georgia Posted: 7:57 pm on February 25th