Upcycled Old Hand Tools

I always like to check out the tool section at our local thrift stores. Sometimes I find tools that I need and can use, often times I find old hand tools that have been discarded for new, better functioning tools. I love the old hand tools with wood handles. They have such a lovely patina. I upcycled two recent finds into picture holders.

Black and White Boho Toolbox

Wood boxes, can one have too many? No, the answer is no in case you were unsure. They are sturdy and can be used in so many ways in every room of the home, and can be painted to fit any kind of decor.

I while they are easy to make, this toolbox came from the thrift store. I always look for them and if they are a decent price, I buy them (this one was $4.99).

I decided to paint it black. I then wanted something painted in white on it. I thought about stenciling the word tools or a number on it, but I really wanted something a little more funky and boho in style so I decided to paint a freehand rainbow design.

Thrifty Thursday Primitive Spice Box

To buy or not to buy, that is often the question at the thrift store.

This little reproduction, primitive, wood, spice box is one of those items that I questioned. On the negative side, it screamed early 90's country primitive--I half expected to find apples or hearts on it. On the plus side, it is sturdy, real wood, would provide a bit of storage for small items, and I had an idea of how I could upcycle it.

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Thrifty Thursday How to Update and Use a Stepstool

Little wood stools and stepstools are a common item at thrift stores. I always buy them if they are reasonably priced, made from wood, and if after giving them a little shake, they don't wobble. This IKEA stepstool met all three of my criteria so I bought it.

It of course needed an update. I wanted something fresh and fun that would add a pop of color to a space so I decided to paint two-thirds of it a bright, sunny yellow. 

Sweet Chippy Vintage Stool Table

I was not sure what this little white piece of furniture was when I saw it at the thrift store, but I could tell that is was old and had some lovely chippy paint layers and it was solid so I decided to buy it.

Isn't it sweet?

I thought it might have been a chair seat without the back, but it is a regular rectangle size. I think it was a little bench or stool and that it might have had caning or some type of an insert. Someone put an extra piece of wood on top long ago because it has the same layers as the rest of it.

Thrifty Thursday Upcycled Antique Rattan Chair

Yep, it's not Thursday but this is a thrift store upcycle so I am still sharing it on a Friday, rebel child that I am.

I found this very old (I do believe antique, meaning it is 100+ years old.), weathered, chair at our local Habitat for Humanity Restore. It was weathered, I am guessing it spent some time outdoors, and a little bit of the caning on the chair back was broken. But, because it was fairly solid and I loved its lines, the inlay on the top, and the rustic bits--rusty nails, raw wood, I bought it.

A little care was all this antique side chair needed to update it and bring it back to life.