Duct Tape and Denim

Thrift store makeovers~Upcycled Jewelry~Living a Repurposed Life~DIY Crafts

Misc Thrift Store Makeovers

DIY Recipe Box, Vintage Metal Recipe Box Makeover with Paper Clay Castings

Welcome to the first Thrift Store Decor Upcycle Challenge of the year!   We took a few months off for the holidays, but now we’re back to share more upcycled thrift ideas!  This year we have even more bloggers and TONS of thrifty upcycle ideas to get those wheels spinning.  Today I’m sharing a DIY recipe box.  You won’t believe the transformation!  Here’s what it looked like when I found it at my local thrift store.  Can you see the price tag?  Only 50 cents!

Vintage metal recipe file box BEFORE makeover. More thrift store makeovers at DuctTapeAndDenim.com

And the best part was inside.   The old recipe dividers were still there.  Looks like they were owned by someone who actually did some cooking!  Too bad they didn’t leave the recipe cards.  I would have loved to have those, too!

Vintage recipe files in box. DuctTapeAndDenim.com

This post contains affiliate links.  You won’t pay any more when you use these but I will earn a small commission on any purchases you make after clicking on them and I greatly appreciate it.  Thanks for helping support my little blog!!!

{{{Get your own printable copies of “25 Things You Should ALWAYS Buy at Thrift Stores” AND “Top Ten Thrift Store Tips” when you sign up for our thrift store makeover list. }}}

Supplies for DIY Recipe Box Makeover

First, make the baroque detail piece by rolling a piece of paper clay in your hands to get it flexible.  Brush a little cornstarch onto the mold so the clay won’t stick.  Press the clay into the mold.  Remove excess.  Turn the mold upside down and gently roll the paper clay piece out.  It doesn’t need to dry in the mold. 

Here’s the video to show how easy this really is.

Glue onto the front of the recipe box.

Close up of paper clay detail on recipe box | DuctTapeAndDenim.com

Paint the entire box with gray paint.   No need to prime if you use a chalk or mineral based paint.  Touch up if needed.  One coat may do it.

Allow gray paint to dry completely.  Dry brush white paint very lightly over the entire box.

Vintage metal recipe card box | DuctTapeAndDenim.com

Now for the inside, trace around the bottom of the box on the scrapbook paper and cut a little smaller to fit in the top and bottom.  Brush on a thin coat of decoupage medium, apply paper, and brush another thin coat on top.

Finished vintage metal recipe box makeover. Thrift store to kitchen! DuctTapeAndDenim.com


If you liked this DIY recipe box, check out all the other AMAZING upcycled projects!


Thanks for reading about my DIY recipe box!  Let me know what you think about the molds.  I’m also linking to these parties.

‘Til the next project,

 Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim

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AntiqueFarmHouse

DIY Recipe Box - Vintage Metal Recipe Box Makeover with Chalky Finish paint and paper clay molding. You won't believe how it started out! DuctTapeAndDenim.com

nfdone – We share at these blog parties.  Featured on:  Merry Monday #143, Craft Schooling Sunday, Crafty Weekends Party 

Comments

  1. Claire says

    I didn’t even know you could buy moldings like that, that’s definitely sparked my imagination. Great upcycle.

    Reply

  2. Amanda @ The Kolb Corner says

    What a score it would have been to have those original recipe cards! I love the detail you gave the front of it and the gray color is perfect!

    Reply

  6. Debrashoppeno5 says

    I love it. And yes it would have been great if the recipes were included. Nevertheless, you did an amazing job making the plain recipe box so pretty. I need to check the molding technique.

    Reply

  12. Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods says

    Adding that wooden piece to the front is so smart! Love the painting technique too.

    Thanks so much for the DIY inspiration!

    {BIG hugs}
    ~ Ashley

    Reply

  13. Chelsea @ The Johnsons Plus Dog says

    That’s adorable! I love how it turned out. I love the little touch that the white dry brush adds.

    Reply

  15. Toni | Small Home Soul says

    I love that box now but the old way reminded me of my sweet grandmas recipe box. I love the new update, and that mold technique is pretty cool!

    Reply

  20. Florence @ VintageSouthernPicks says

    I think I even have one of those “dullsville” recipe boxes around here that I figured was hopeless for selling. You have given me new inspiration! Love how yours turned out with the decal!

    Reply

  21. Marilyn Lesniak says

    Thank you so much for linking at #overthemoon! I look forward to seeing what you share every week. Please come back next week and allow us to promote your content!

    Reply

  22. Carol ("Mimi") says

    I never knew you could make embellishments from a mold like that. It really completely changes the look of the box, along with the paint. Really nice transformation.

    Reply

  23. Sharon@BlueWillowHouse says

    I would have walked right by that metal recipe box at the thrift store. You have a great imagination for creating such an adorable recycle. Thank you for sharing your upcycle at the Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make link party!

    Reply

  25. Emily says

    What a great makeover! I love that the old dividers were still in there. Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday; I’m featuring your project in my round-up for this week’s party, which goes live tonight!

    Reply

  28. Debrashoppeno5 says

    I love how you updated the recipe box. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Link Party.

    Reply

  30. Beverly says

    Love how you updated the recipe box and the color is perfect. Stop by over The Moon since you are being featured.
    Hugs,
    Bev

    Reply

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