Toolbox Turned Planter

I recently transformed a wooden toolbox into a planter for our deck. The toolbox wasn't getting much use, other than housing some dead spiders that our daughters found endlessly both gross and fascinating. Meanwhile, I've been needing more bling for our back deck. Enter The Graphics Fairy, and I was inspired to transform this graphic into a label that establishes the date we bought our house, this labor of love that we live in. Here's the before and after shot:

And here's how I did it:

Toolbox Planter
Nap Rating = 3 naps

Materials & Supplies
Proud note: I had ALL of these supplies--each and every thing--on hand already, so this project cost me nothing except a few dollars for plants. If you're a DIYer, you may get this lucky, too!

• Wooden toolbox or crate
• Paint
• Sandpaper
• Stain
• Paintbrush or foam brush
• Newspaper
• Power drill
• Burlap
• Staple gun
• Pencil
• Permanent marker or paint pen (I highly recommend this one because it's permanent and doesn't bleed like a Sharpie might.)
• Painter's tape

Steps

1. Lightly sand the toolbox and wipe clean
2. Turn box upside down and drill several holes in its bottom for drainage.
3. Paint the box in the color of your choice. I just used some leftover white from a previous project. You don't have to be exact, or even neat if you want to achieve an aged, shabby look.
4. Find a graphic you like and print it out. Choose something with fairly simple lines--something you could easily trace.



5. Using a pencil, color the back of the graphic.
6. Turn the graphic right side up again, and place it on the box in your desired location. Use painter's tape to secure it.



7. With the pencil, trace the outline of the graphic. The pencil on the back of the paper will transfer to the box.
8. Using the permanent marker or paint pen, fill the graphic in.
9. Lightly sand the box again to "rough up" the graphic a bit.
10. Ball up some newspaper and wipe stain all over the box. I used a light hand, and made sure not to go in the same direction so it didn't look too intentional. I just wanted it to look a bit aged and worn. If the stain looks too dark, just wipe it down with a paper towel or shop cloth.
11. Line the inside of the box with burlap and use a staple gun to secure it. I did this for a little extra protection for the inside of the toolbox, and also because I wanted a raw edge of fabric peeking up.
12. Now it's just time to pick the plants you want for the inside of it! Fill the box with potting soil, place the plants inside, and make sure to water them before finding the perfect spot on your porch or deck for your newest project.