I’m a little addicted to reclaimed wood toolboxes.
But if you’re a regular here, you already know that. So why should Christmas be any different? 🙂
But with a twist of course. This one illuminates, thanks to shutters!
Remember my story on landing all these shutters from my neighbour?
Slowly, I’m finding ways to use them. Aside from my funky wall in the workshop, I felt this shutter toolbox would be a super cool way to help illuminate my rather darkish kitchen. And it sure does!
So… I built this in the evening in low light, so I don’t have any tiny step by steps. But it’s so basic you won’t need them…
How to make an illuminated Christmas shutters toolbox
What you’ll need:
Two short boards for the sides.
Two shutters for the front and back.
A branch for the handle.
How to:
1. Cut two boards to desired height for the sides. Shape the top square edges if desired.
2. Pre drill holes in the 4 corners of the shutters.
3. Screw shutters onto the two sides.
4. Cut branch to size, then pre drill, and attach from the outside of the sides.
Don’t worry about a bottom. You don’t need one. It’s sturdy enough without.
But you could certainly have one if you want it. I just didn’t have enough wood, plus I wanted the lights to sit on my metal kitchen island anyway.
Cheating is indeed allowed here. 🙂
5. Line the bottom of the toolbox with low heat mini lights.
6. Add jars or ? filled with water, add fresh cut greens and decorate!
One screw attaches the branch from the outside. So easy.
Plus I needed this shot in here to see that amazing bokah effect again. 🙂
Fresh cranberries and faux snow add a little extra ho ho ho.
I ran out of spray snow, but this is actually easier to clean, since I’ll be moving this guy to my kitchen island. So be sure and come back and see it in action! 🙂
Imagine the toolbox glowing away on a black metal kitchen island in a dimly kit room by evening. It’s pretty awesome!
What I love most about it?
The greens are real, is much safer than burning real candles, and can be used year around with different decor.
Such as this handy file storage beside the computer. It’s the perfect size for file folders.
It’s in my downstairs office, but I love it so much, I really think I need to move it to the main blog office.
Or just make another. 🙂
But for today…
It’s all about a wild and crazy rustic kinda Christmas.
Kinda makes you want to sit down, chug that Christmas coke, flick off the overhead lights and admire it, don’t you think? 🙂
Ready for more? Here you go! And don’t forget to look for today’s giveaway at one of these fine blogs…
Songbird – Christmas vignette & $150 Milk Paint Giveaway! (worldwide)
Inspired by Charm – Merry entry table
Shanty 2 Chic – DIY wood block frame
Remodelaholic – Rudolph rednose embroidery
Thistlewood Farms – Kitchen Christmas decorating ideas
Love it! (of course! – I love most everything you do). Now I’ve a post idea for ya….. where does one keep all those little baubles that we use to dress up projects such as this one and not live in a mountain of mess and yet have easy access to them for playing and tinkering to decorate? Know what I mean? I’ve got mine stored in a crawl space in big boxes – and getting to them is such a pain (no attic here). To get one little element – would have to remove the whole lot… Gotta be a better way and the rest of the house is already pretty full. But gotta be something better for quick grabs for decorating. I may need to work on my own blog post huh? 🙂
Hey Joyce!
If you’re referring to where do I store my everyday junk, I will indeed be blogging about that in the new year moreso. I’m going on a gut and purge frenzy come January and am taking you all along for the ride… and encouraging you to do the same! 🙂
sounds like a plan…. may need to spur each other on!
Consider the Christmas Coke chugged. I love this!!! You’ve outdone yourself once again!
You are amazingly creative!!!!! Love it!!!
That’s my favourite one so far!! Just beautiful!
I love it so much Donna–the lights are so warm and lovely.
donna this is so cool, bet it does look awesome in the dark xx
Oh my O my I want one — clever you and this is awesomely perfect! When I drop in I am pleasantly surprised every time with outstanding ideas — Thanks tons!
Hugs
I love this illuminated Christmas shutter toolbox so much! I need to be more adventurous with my upcycled projects!!!
Shutters. Come to mamma!
Glowy and adorable… except our three cats would be *so* into the snow and cranberry “toys!” (Maybe out dog would be too, but she’s too short to get to much.)
Donna, such a fun use of shutters, and love the light show! I used shutters as a side table with a light inside and got the same effect…only, you really noticed at night. All the different elements from branch to yardstick trim make my heart sing! Beautiful job! Wish we lived closer, would love to join you on treasure hunts and creating serendipitous repurposed gifts to the World!
I’m with you Joyce…a post on clever ways to store our beloved “junkets”, I’m sure Donna you will bring the answers!
Okay, so this might be one of my favorite FJI projects!! Love it! Serious. Can you make me one? I can’t wait to see how you incorporate it into your holiday decor. 🙂
xo Michael
How do you come up with all these great ideas?
Wow….that is so cute!
What a genius way to repurpose a small shutter – I just love this idea (but then I love all your amazing ideas).
Love this to pieces, Donna! Glad I saw it in the HuffPo article… 🙂 Just fabulous!!