Shabby Chic Altered Button Box with Little Birdie Crafts

Hello, Friends!  Today I have a little home decor project to share with you.  This shabby chic altered button box is a quick and easy project that you could adapt and use with any style of box.

As you well know, I have a “thing” for vintage buttons.  There’s something magical about the worn edges, the soft patina and the inner light in a true vintage button.  So when my sweet grandgirl gave me a little wooden trinket box for my birthday, I knew I eventually wanted to alter it and create a sweet storage spot for my favorite buttons.

Don’t they look great here?

Shabby Chic Altered Button Box: The Process

I started with this cute little 5″ x 3″ x 3″ wooden box.

First, add a single layer of Little Birdie Black Gesso.  Paint inside and out!

 

Next, add random brush strokes of Sand Stone Chalk Paint. Make the brush strokes go in different directions.  Then repeat this process using White Gesso.  Now let everything dry for a minute or two.  Then use a damp paper towel and scrub away portions of the paint/gesso to create a chippy, shabby chic finish.  Use a sanding block to take some small areas all the way back to the natural wood base.  If you take off too much paint/gesso, add more.  Then repeat the wiping off process.

When you are happy with the shabby chic/chippy finish, sponge on some Frayed Burlap Distress Ink.  Then seal everything with Matte Gel Medium.  Let things dry.

Shabby Chic Altered Button Box: The finishing touches

Once the box is dry, cut panels of Vintage Reflections Paper to fit the recessed areas on the box.

Then wrap the box with 1 1/2″ wide Antique Gold Plaid Ribbon and tie a bow.  Tie a second bow with burlap string.  Top with a big fat vintage ivory button and a single Renae Swiss Mocha blossom.

Decorate the top panel with a Lucille flower and leaf cluster.  Add a small tag.  I just cut this from a scrap of paper and wrote the word “buttons” on it.  Then adhere some Adelina Swiss Coffee blossoms and a key to finish the tag.  Add more vintage buttons, sewing notions and a mini pair of scissors.

This is one of those easily adaptable home decor projects that would make great gifts.  Use different colors and make a beach themed box.  Use metallic paints for a steam punk themed box.  It’s a really fun addition to your craft room decor.

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Shabby Chic Altered Button Box Supply List

• Little Birdie Gesso: White and Black
• Sand Stone Chalk Ink
• Matte Heavy Gel Medium
• Vintage Reflections 12″ x 12″ Paper Pack
• Lucille Grape Tan Flower Pack
• Renae Swiss Mocha Flower Pack
• Adelina Swiss Mocha Flower Pack