I love half sized crates. They’re smaller than the full-size ones used in many crafts, so they’re easier to use in small spaces. I needed something for our Easter buffet to set the pie, and a half crate was the perfect size.
Farm Fresh Eggs Antique-look Crate
How to create an antique paint finish
See more easy craft ideas on our Pinterest – Make It! Craft Board
Supplies
- Half crate, natural
- medium grit sandpaper sanding sponge
- all-purpose tack cloth
- Martha Stewart Vintage Decor Paint, Linen
- Martha Stewart Vintage Decor Wax by Plaid, Clear
- 1″ paint brush
- Silhouette Portrait (or letter stencil)
- Silhouette vinyl
- jeweler’s hammer or regular hammer
- Martha Stewart Vintage Decor Wax by Plaid, Antique
- soft cloth
How to Create an Antique-look Crate
I happened to have one in my craft stash, so I started out with a half size unfinished crate (dimensions are approximately 16″x12.25″x9.25″ high). I used a medium grit sanding sponge to go lightly over the whole crate, paying particular attention to the top and bottom of the box where natural wear would have rounded off its very straight edges. After sanding, I wiped it down with an all-purpose tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
Since I wanted the paint to be very thin so that the wood grain would show through, I mixed one part Martha Stewart Vintage Decor Paint in Linen with two parts Martha Stewart Vintage Decor Wax by Plaid in Clear.
I applied only one coat with a 1″ paint brush and then allowed it to dry for about 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, I buffed the paint/wax combo in areas I wanted more of the natural wood to show through, and I avoided the areas that I wanted full coverage to be retained.
I focused my wiping on the areas where paint would have naturally been worn away over time – like the edges of the top and the bottom of the crate.
After I wiped away all of the wax/paint mixture, I let the box fully dry. While it was drying, I cut out letters from adhesive-backed vinyl with my Silhouette Portrait. Since I planned on using this crate as part of my Easter buffet decor, I chose to make it look like a vintage egg box.
The pink vinyl was very bright because Silhouette doesn’t make a lot of different vinyl colors, especially in the removable vinyl version. It was the best option available for a temporary placement.
Once the paint was completely dry, I took my jeweler’s hammer and banged up the edges. I use this instead of a regular hammer because I want to use a light touch.
How to Create an Antique Paint Finish
Originally I planned on leaving the crate the painted color, but after I had buffed the entire box with a soft towel, I decided to antique it because it was just too pristine and clean.
Antiquing is always hard for me – I’ve just spent time painting a piece and then I have to cover the entire thing with a dark brown glaze that completely changes the look. Once the antiquing paint has been applied, the only way to go back to the original finish is to repaint your project. Since I mixed clear wax with the original base paint, it gave me a little wiggle room because the wax helped to repel some of the antique glaze. If I had not incorporated the clear wax initially, I would have painted a layer of clear wax over the base paint and let it dry before painting the antique brown on so that my original work was somewhat protected.
I wanted a lighter more dirt like color for this one so I mixed two parts Martha Stewart Vintage Decor Wax by Plaid in Clear with 1 part Martha Stewart Vintage Decor Wax by Plaid in Antique. Then I brushed it over my entire crate being sure to get it into the creases and crevices.
After allowing the antiquing wax to dry for about 5 minutes, I wiped it away with a soft cloth. Any areas that I wiped away too much, I just reapplied the antique wax and let it dry before wiping away again. When wiping, think about where the piece would have light, worn areas and where the paint would be mostly intact. Edges, corners, etc. would be worn and show bare wood as well as the most dings. Areas on the inside and
To ensure a “dirty” look, like you’d find on a crate stored in the barnyard, I used the brush to add splotches randomly along the bottom, let them dry, and then wiped away the excess and blended them into the wood. I also brushed antiquing wax over the vinyl stencil to knock back some of the brightness of the pink letters.
After the crate had been dried overnight, I buffed the entire piece with a soft towel. I missed a few spots on the corners with the antique wax, and I’ll go back and fix later, but, for now, it’s done and perfect for the Easter buffet table.
Here’s the crate on our Easter buffet table. I think it served the purpose of raising up the pie to give the table more interest.
What will the half crate be used for next? I’m not sure, but using removable vinyl gives me the chance to easily do a makeover.
Have you used a half crate in your crafting? I’d love to hear (or see) your ideas!
It turned out just darling. Love the you can change out the messaging for holidays or whatever your decor is. Need to do more diy projects.
This is so easy and creative. I would do something springy festive with this
This turned out so beautifully and you make it look so easy! I would love to have a piece like this in my home so maybe I will need to try this DIY out!
Awesome craft! It did turn out to look beautiful. I love home decor that bring on a cozy feel and this antique looking crate is perfect for me. If I were to make this craft, I’d use it to keep magazines in and place it beside the couch near the fireplace. 🙂
That looks so awesome! You did a really great job girl!
What an awesome project idea! The customization options are truly endless and a finished crate would make a lovely decor piece or photo prop.
That turned out so cute! I really like the antique shabby chic look.
I haven’t used a half crate before. I love how it came out though! And hurrah for the gloves!!
I love this!!! There’s nothing like making it look old – your buffet looks beautiful! I’m doing this!
That looks so great. You know, I would never know that this was made from brand new materials. You did a fantastic job.
That is so cute! I love how it turned out. I need to give this a try. It seems fairly easy to do.
That looks really great. This would be a great photo prop.
The crate came out really great and It reminds me of spring. This will make a great weekend project for me and my husband.
This is such a cute idea. I will have to try making one for my daughters apartment. It is perfect for her decor.
Your crate turned out great! I always have that moment of doubt as I am antiquing something whether I royally screwed it up …. or not. Lol. It is a leap of faith. 🙂
Definitely a leap of faith!
I absolutely love it. I want to make a couple of these, too 🙂
The crates can be a bit pricey, that’s why I wanted the temporary decorations on them. I’m not sure what I’ll use it for next, but it’s ready to go. 🙂
I have never done a craft like this one, but I think your Antique paint finish crate idea is awesome! I would love to make this crate and have it out in my living room. It looks easy enough to make, and I can do it outside now that the weather has gotten warmer! Thanks for the idea.
It’s so easy! Just buy great paint and wax, that makes all the difference. Have fun!