#TBCCrafters - Multi-purpose File Box

Check it Out!  I recently found two crafty items on clearance at my local craft store, a basswood file box (unfinished) and a file folder box card set that I thought would go perfect together.  And since I was working on a craft similar to this one right before the fire, I wanted to finish the idea I had. Nothing from the other craft made it out so when I saw this box marked down, I knew it would be my chance to finish it finally! 

See my idea for this box goes further than a Recipe box, although it's perfect for that!  I think this box would be awesome for addresses, computer passwords, work contacts or even just friend files.  I also LOVE the idea of a Prayer box full of inspirational scriptures.  Since I love to change my mind I immediately knew that I wanted to paint the top of the box with chalkboard paint, that way if I wanted to change it from a recipe box to a prayer box, no problem, just erase and rewrite! 

Here is a quick rundown of the supplies that I used to create my box:

• 1 Basswood File box
• File folders (for the inside)
• Blue & Black acrylic paint
• Chalkboard paint
• Mod Podge
• 2 Buttons
• Floral rub-ons
• 1 sheet of decorative 12 x 12 scrapbook paper
•  Paper flower
• Antique Label pulls
• Chalk

I start with painting my lid with the chalkboard paint. You need to paint on at least 3 coats for a good finish. 

Next I continue painting the entire box.  I chose the lt. blue color because honestly, it was the only color paint I had at the moment and my paper matched!  So I painted the inside of the lid as well as the rim and outside of the box with that color and painted the inside black.  I like to paint the insides of boxes black because it hides scrape marks.  

The next step would be to cut your paper to fit the box.  I was able to get all 4 outside pieces as well as a piece for the bottom inside out of 1 12 x 12 sheet.

Next up I added my floral rub ons to the top corner of the box.  If you look really close you can see that the last petal on that design didn't quite end up right, but that is okay!  With the help of a few little buttons strategically placed, no one (but you and I) will ever know! lol

Next I mod podged my cut paper pieces to the outside.  I love to use mod podge for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it makes it easier to clean later.  I cut my front sheet just a 1/8 of an inch short so that a thin line of blue shows.

Next I added my label pull to the front.  I plan to put our last name in there!  These pulls came with fasteners so I just used my little hand drill and predrilled a hole to get them started and they just went right into that soft wood.

Then I just glued on a cute paper flower, put the files in the box and got my chalk out!  

I think this cute little box will be used a lot.  I don't have many recipes right now, so that is what I am going to use it for...right now!