Hello there! Today’s makeover is a real trash to treasure project. I found this garage storage organizer thing at a yard sale but I didn’t plan on keeping my nails and screws in it. I knew it could be much prettier and chic.
First I took the drawers out and cleaned it all up. Then I took the blue case outside and painted it with black Rustoleum spray paint. Make sure to spray a few thin, even coats for the best results. (Discover all my favorite products and tools for doing DIY makeovers here.)
I went through my stash of scrapbook paper and picked out three sheets that coordinated. I cut out six pieces from each sheet to fill the drawer fronts.
Since the front of the drawer wouldn’t be see-through anymore, I thought it would be good to number each one. Otherwise it might be maddening to search through 18 different drawers to find what you need! I printed the numbers on off-white card stock.
After lots of cutting, I laid out the papers and numbers for each drawer.
Then I used Mod Podge and an artist’s brush to glue the paper in place.
When all the drawers were finished I slid them back in and voila! This sweet little organizer was complete.
It would be great for craft storage: buttons, thread, beads, washi tape… or maybe even jewelry or hair accessories.
I bought this owl on a trip to Anthropologie – it’s actually one half of a salt and pepper shaker set but I got it on clearance because the other owl was missing. Lucky me!
I love this paper; I’m a sucker for anything with a French or vintage theme.
Here’s a reminder of the before and after below. Feel free to Pin this project for later or share this idea with a friend.
I hope you liked this revival of one of my favorite trash to treasure makeovers!
Jen, Girl in the Garage
Next, visit my friends’ makeovers below – click the links to see the Afters!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
How totally chic is that?! Great makeover for an ugly piece, Jen…pinning!
Christy says
I love this so much! It makes me want to rehab mine right away lol! XO
Dawn Osborne says
You ROCK! Check out my page on facebook…The Untamed Country! You inspire me!! Thank you for that!
Helen Holley says
This is great! I am all about an upcycle!
Helen H
Pamela says
That is pretty amazing! Very talented!
Jaana Flaherty says
Intersting! And so cute! Great job.
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
SO creative!!! I always thought this was such a great piece Jen!!! 🙂
xo
Nancy
Gloria says
So cute Jen!! What is the size of this piece? I would love to do something like this
Jen says
Thanks Gloria! I think this one is about 18 inches tall.
Carol Alexander says
Clever girl!
Laura Purath says
If you wanted to be able to still see through the drawers front, you could cut an oval shaped or square shape cut out of the scrap paper so that the scrap paper is just a frame
Jen says
That’s a great idea- thanks for your advice!
Carmen I Ortiz says
Really beautiful! I liked the idea of numbering the drawers because all you have to do is make a master list, put it in one of the drawers (first or last) and then just refer to the list when looking for something.
Linda Helmer says
This is a truly beautiful make-over! Ugly to classy with a lot of inspiration in between! Did you mod-podge the paper to the inside or outside of the drawers?
Way to go for an amazing re-do!
Jen says
Thank you, Linda! 🙂 The paper is inside the drawers. I put just a thin line of Mod Podge across the top of the front of the paper and then stuck it inside the drawer. It dried quickly.
Tabatha bedenbaugh says
I loved reading your blog. I have been painting and reselling for over 20 years. I finally got out of it about 6 months ago. I was exhausted by the pressure to keep my booth full and to make a profit. I just started back selling online, small pieces, quick turn, etc. My question to you is, do you sell from your house? I don’t want to the overhead of paying for a space and I am not available on weekends to do markets. Would you suggest I set up an area in my garage for staging and selling? I am just doing this part time, I have a full time job. Thanks!
Jen says
Tabatha, I have been renting a booth for 4 years and I also sell at a few vintage markets each year, so I rarely sell any pieces from my home. I do think it could work if you set up space in your garage like you mentioned. Either 1-2 pieces at a time or maybe have a “pop up” shop once a month or so where you have many pieces for sale at once. You can also market yourself for doing commissioned pieces which can keep you busy without having to figure out how to sell your work. I think Facebook advertising can be fickle but it can also be very effective. Hope that helps- good luck! Jen
Margot says
Love how it turned out! It would look so good in my bedroom 🙂