To refresh your memory, here is what my vintage bin looked like before. This metal cabinet, once used to store bread and produce in the 1940s pantry, has a door that opens and shelves inside, along with a top that flips up revealing even more storage.
To begin this up-cycling endeavor, I removed the bin's handle, sanded down every surface both inside and out (wearing a high filtration mask), and wiped it down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust.
I was determined to preserve the large flower basket decal on the front. To do so, I carefully coated it with a generous layer of petroleum jelly.
Since the decal's background would be visible, I needed spray paint that was a good match to the original color. Luckily, I found some. I gave the cabinet two generous coats of paint. Once it was dry, I wiped off the petroleum jelly to reveal the decal. The technique worked perfectly!
When I styled the photos for my recent Studios article, I chose to fill the bin with supplies that a crafter might use.
I made magnets and used them to transform the inside of the lid into a bulletin board. Then I filled the top shelf with rubber stamps and stamp pads.
Inside, I utilized vintage pottery and tins to corral a variety of art supplies. The narrow shelf on the door holds markers, colored pencils and paint brushes inside tin cans dressed up with floral fabric. The door's bottom shelf is just the right size for books and magazines. And don't forget my itty-bitty pennant banner at the bottom!
I'm very pleased with how the cabinet turned out. And I'm so happy to be able to share it with you here, and with the world in the fall 2012 issue of Studios magazine.
Susan
Well how cute is that. I just love the color.
Posted by: Sunny Simple Life | August 20, 2012 at 09:52 AM
Beautiful job - I feel inspired! Thanks for the idea on covering up the decal - that wouldnot have occurred to me.
Posted by: barbara | August 20, 2012 at 10:40 AM
The petroleum jelly is a great idea. It came out so cute and what great storage. It looks adorable with all your supplies in it.
Posted by: leslie | August 21, 2012 at 09:55 AM
Oh my, it's a beauty! What perfect storage! I love the petroleum jelly idea, and your little banner : )
Posted by: Sarah ~ Magnolias Attic | August 21, 2012 at 10:05 AM
I love it Susan, it turned out so good. I like your idea also with the petroleum jelly. Some day I might need that technique.
Your supplies look awesome in it, banner too. Good job!
Posted by: Elsie | August 21, 2012 at 11:02 PM
Absolutely darling! I also liked it in its before stage. Will look for the magazine.
Posted by: tammyCA | August 22, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Wow, you did a great job of restoring this piece. And it's such a perfect storage solution for lots of odds and ends. Cute!!
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | August 22, 2012 at 11:48 PM
I gain a tips here,I am not aware about petroleum jelly to protect images and not to destruct it's original view.Thanks a lot for these post.
Posted by: wellness at work | September 04, 2012 at 03:56 AM
Great idea!. What year is this particular vegetable bin?
Heather
Posted by: Heather | August 10, 2013 at 07:54 PM