DIY LACQUERED BOXES

Recently when I visitied Nell Hill's in Kansas City (see my tour here), the only thing I took home with me was a lot of inspiration!  There was one thing I was tempted to buy, but I quickly realized it would be such an easy DIY.  The store was full of colorful lacquered boxes...oh so pretty and handy for stylish storage on a table or bookshelf.

I knew that I had one old box at home, and a quick trip to Michael's and $3 got me a smaller one.  Here they are before:

I removed the clasp locks on both because I knew I wanted something different there and filled the holes.  I just used small pieces of painter's tape to cover the hinges in the back.  Then, I used some spray primer to prep the raw wood box.  I was afraid the coverage would be spotty if I didn't.  When it was dry, that box got a light sanding, then I applied a few coats of Meadow Green to both boxes.

Even though the green paint is a glossy finish, I used a clear spray acrylic gloss topcoat for an extra layer of shine.

Remember the Christmas ornaments turned curtain medallions and backplates for my China Cabinet hardware?  Now one is adorning my shiny green box!  On the smaller box, I found a carved wood decorative piece at Hobby Lobby and sprayed it gold.  Both have a crystal added to the center.

To attach them, I used hot glue and secured them to only one section of the box... the lid for the little box and the bottom for the big box.  They open and close unhindered and the ornaments help hide the spot where the old clasps were removed, while upping the glam factor!

I'm enjoying the pop of green then carry over to this side of the room.

It's a bit difficult to photograph the sheen, but you can see it a little better here.  Nice and shiny!

I can't remember how much the inspiration boxes were at Nell Hill's, but I'm sure I came out ahead by using what I had!  What do you think? Are you in on the lacquer craze?

Linking up with:  The Shabby Nest, Thrifty Decor Chick