Repurposed Toolbox Flower Planter
Every once in awhile Mike and I will pick up something super rusty and junky, and absolutely love the way it looks right off the bat. Sometimes we’ll know exactly what we’re going to create or use them for, and other times (like with these toolboxes!) we just know we love them and just had to get them!
So, since I was at a loss with these beauties I had to sit and chew on ideas for awhile for this particular project.
I didn’t mind the rust, but I wanted Spring.
Do you ever feel the same way?
For instance, I do believe that if we had found these gems during the fall I would have been ALL for the rust.
Wouldn’t they have made some gorgeous funky pumpkins, or collaborated with a bunch of oranges and yellows?!
This post does include some affiliate links, but they are for your convenience. I promise! Please click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Meanwhile, I still wanted color, but in the form of pastels and springy yellows!
You know me. I turned to the power of paint.
In the form of my favorite go-to brand–Fusion Mineral Paint.
Have you ever tried painting rust before?
Honestly, me either! So, I figured I’d start with Fusion’s Ultra Grip for a tough base coat.
P.S. If you live close to my brick and mortar shop I have both of these products available for purchase. Not sure where I’m located? Check out my Visit Us page for more info!
Here’s what I did:
- Put a nice layer of the Ultra Grip onto my toolbox and let it dry overnight
- Added a coat of Fusion Mineral Paint in Buttercream and let it dry overnight
- Added a second coat of Fusion Mineral Paint in Buttercream and let it dry overnight
- Last, but not least–added some dirt and beautiful flowers to my new and improved planter!
Pssttt… have you ever wondered what paint brush you should be using, or a great one to try? This one
I could not be happier with how gorgeous this beauty turned out?!
As you can see, I left the clasps and top handle rusty to give it a little bit of an interesting aspect to it, and I decided not to paint the inside of it either.
The contrast is just awesome!!
I’m not sure how hard toolboxes are to come by, but just use your imagination! You can do the same think with:
- bread boxes
- colanders
- tins
- watering cans
- bowls
- mail boxes
Happy Monday!
creativejewishmom/sara says
April 3, 2016 at 6:46 amLooks fantastic! I am in the middle of a huge yearly Passover house cleaning, and was just eyeing my own old red toolbox that is quite rusted, and quite a bit bigger than yours. I had also thought of using it as a planter, but was undecided. Now I realize I just have to paint it, or part of it, thanks so much for the great inspiration on craft schooling Sunday!
LZ Cathcart says
April 9, 2016 at 6:00 pmOh yea!! Paint it up! I just know it’ll look awesome :)
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
April 3, 2016 at 8:08 amWhat a cute idea and great way to repurpose an old toolbox. I think that I have an old metal tackle box somewhere, will have to try and find it. This looks like a much better way to use it then storing old rusty fishing tools.
Karren Haller says
April 5, 2016 at 9:29 amLZ, this is the cutest project, I love to see how things are repurposed, Great project!
I have Pined to share!!
I have chosen to follow you on Pinterest, FB< Twitter and Instagram today!!
Thanks for sharing on the #OMHGWW this week!
Hope you have a great week!
LZ Cathcart says
April 9, 2016 at 6:22 pmThank you so much! I’m looking you up as we speak :)
Sadie Seasongoods says
April 6, 2016 at 7:33 amJust gorgeous- great transformation and reuse! Would love it if you’d link up to Talk of the Town. :) http://www.sadieseasongoods.com/talk-town-link-party-14/
LZ Cathcart says
April 9, 2016 at 6:29 pmThank you so much, Sadie! I’ll stop on by right now :)
Felicia says
April 6, 2016 at 4:38 pmWhat a creative idea and unique planter. I love repurposing old items. Found you at Swing into Spring linky party.
LZ Cathcart says
April 9, 2016 at 6:33 pmHi Felicia! Thanks for stopping by :) Loving your bubbly cocktail over on your page!
Sarah says
April 8, 2016 at 6:56 pmThis is SUCH a cute idea!!! I may have just the old toolbox for this! Thanks for sharing! :)
LZ Cathcart says
April 9, 2016 at 6:36 pmNo problem!! I can’t wait to see what you come up with :)
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
April 9, 2016 at 12:51 pmSo cute! I love the idea of using different things as planters! Such a fun idea!
LZ Cathcart says
April 9, 2016 at 6:58 pmThanks, Morgan! How funny is it that I was just looking at your “stockpiling blog posts” post. Great minds ;)
Betsy says
April 9, 2016 at 8:12 pmLove this! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Talk of the Town. Pinning:-)
LZ Cathcart says
April 9, 2016 at 8:37 pmHi Betsy! Thank you so much for hosting and pinning :)
gail says
April 10, 2016 at 11:16 amI’m so ready for Spring, and I love your toolbox flower planter!
thanks for sharing at Talk of the Town.
gail
LZ Cathcart says
April 17, 2016 at 9:15 amMe too, Gail! Thank you so much for stopping by :)
Theresa @DearCreatives says
April 14, 2016 at 11:52 amSuch a cute idea! Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Shared.
LZ Cathcart says
April 17, 2016 at 10:54 amThank you so much, Theresa!
Stella Lee @Purfylle says
April 22, 2016 at 2:15 amThis is the prettiest use of a toolbox I have ever seen. I just had to include it in my Earth Day roundup. http://www.purfylle.com/2016/04/36-earth-day-ideas.html
LZ Cathcart says
April 24, 2016 at 9:46 pmAww thank you, Stella Lee! I will head on over there to check it out pronto :)