How to Make an Heirloom Toy Box

Creating an heirloom toy box can be simple or complex depending on your skill level, but is a great idea for a keepsake for anyone with a small child. This version is for those who are crafty but lack skill to actually build a wooden toy box from scratch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pre-made wooden toy box
• Paint
• Glaze
• Stencils
• Paper scraps or photos

1. To make an heirloom toy box from an existing box you must first find an appropriate toy box. It should be made from wood and be completely unfinished. You may even be able to make one yourself if you have the skill. Once you have the base for the heirloom toy box project it can be a good idea to spend some time thinking about the style and design you want for the box. Then use your ideas to formulate a list of materials. Do you want a nostalgic heirloom toy box, one that suits a country decor, a gender neutral design, a retro styled box or something else? Try not to pick something your child is into right now and may grow out of but instead pick something more universal and long lasting.

2. Once you decide on the style of heirloom toy box you need to gather your materials. If you decide to paint the box in its entirety you can do this ahead of time to get it ready for the decorating, two coats should be good both inside and out. Try using a different complimentary color for the inside for an added effect. Stencils can be applied to a painted or non-painted box depending on the look you want. If you are skilled at hand painting you may even want to consider creating your own designs on the heirloom toy box or adorning the stenciled designs with additional colors or details.

3. A truly unique way to add to the heirloom toy box is to use decoupage. You can print photos on paper or buy highly detailed images from places like Wallies. I even created a small heirloom toy box by covering the entire thing with images of cars. Anything goes with decoupage and it truly creates an heirloom that your child will love for years to come.

4. No matter how you decorate the heirloom toy box, be sure to glaze it. Glaze will help preserve the heirloom so that your child can keep it forever.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want your child to be able to pass the heirloom toy box down to his or her own child be sure to make the box gender neutral.
• Mix and match paint and decoupage for a fun and unique look.
• Decorate the inside of the box for special memories for your child - try decoupaging a letter that you hand wrote to your child.
• Be sure to use the right glaze so that the heirloom toy box can be washed and will last for many years - ask someone in the craft or hardware store for assistance.

[GreenMomma]

on 4/21/2009 adorable idea!

[CaseyCarlton]

on 3/27/2009 What a great idea to make the toy box. 5 stars