This past week, I rescued a black metal dome lunch box from the thrift store. I saw its hidden potential, especially since I grew up in the 1960's and 70's when plain lunch boxes like these were often transformed into decoupage masterpieces.
A classic construction worker style with room in the top for a large thermos, my $4.00 find is nice and clean; it barely seems to have been used at all. I decided to try my hand at transforming this lowly lunch box, so I pulled out a very unusual item I've been saving for just such an occasion.
Did you know that back in the 1950's, they manufactured draperies for the home out of paper? Seriously. This lovely flower and leaf pattern is a paper curtain panel, complete with a sewn-in rod pocket! The design is very bark-cloth-esque and it's perfect for decoupage.
So I began cutting, pasting, slapping on some polyurethane, and embellishing my masterpiece with scroll braid trim. Voilà! My secondhand lunch box has gone from boring to beautiful.
That was fun! It's good to get crafty every now and then.
(This post is linked to Kimba's DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land. Check it out!)
Susan
Creative project!
Posted by: Amy at The Red Chair Blog | January 26, 2010 at 09:43 PM
Wow! That is quite a transformation! The trim really adds to it.
Posted by: Rene | January 26, 2010 at 07:44 AM
I had a lunch box like that but it had my favorite Beatles - Herman's Hermits pic's and Yardley girl Jean Shrimpton
and Twiggy too.the inside was lined with paisley fabric.
I loved that purse.
Posted by: pat griffith | January 10, 2010 at 04:58 PM
Nice! I love it!
Posted by: Martha | March 02, 2009 at 07:42 AM
You created a lunchbox work of art, I hope you are enjoying using it :) Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Lunchbox Obsessed | March 01, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Wow Wow Wow! I love it Susan ~ that turned out beautifully!
. . . . . and who knew that they made paper draperies?? Remember Paper Dresses in the 70s???
Very Nice!
Posted by: Patrice | March 01, 2009 at 08:26 AM
It looks beautiful! It's so rewarding to turn something not so pretty into something beautiful.
Posted by: Sue | March 01, 2009 at 02:56 AM
I love what you did with the lunchbox - what a wonderful idea!
Posted by: Claudia Hill | February 28, 2009 at 06:43 PM
is that ever beautiful! way to go :)
Posted by: Krista | February 28, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Love it!
Posted by: julie thompson | February 28, 2009 at 08:02 AM
What an inspiration! I was shopping for vintage fabrics in my favourite thrift shop yesterday and came across a thick 'paper-fabric' in a stunning '70s design. I thought it was new retro, rather than original, but maybe I'm wrong... You've made me think again about the possible uses of the paper, and I may have to pop in again to snap it up!
Posted by: Alison Heal | February 28, 2009 at 07:00 AM