One of the best parts of shopping the Wednesday Antique & Miscellaneous Auction here in Shipshewana is discovering those unexpected treasures that spark a little creativity. Our guest writer — a talented vendor from the Ship-Chic Craft Show — recently scored a box full of small wooden drawers during the live auction. What looked like simple old toolbox drawers to most bidders became the perfect foundation for a unique holiday DIY project.
A Treasure Discovered at the Antique Auction
These drawers likely came from an old carpenter’s or engineer’s toolbox — full of character, craftsmanship, and the kind of aged wood that DIY lovers swoon over. Finding a whole box of them during the Wednesday auction was a major win. That’s the beauty of a live auction: you never know what you’ll come across!
Cleaning & Prepping the Drawers
Once back from the Shipshewana auction grounds, the first step was to clean the drawers. A simple mix of warm water and Dawn dish soap worked perfectly to remove years of dust and grime. After drying, she lightly sanded any rough edges to make them project-ready.
Adding Beautiful Printable Art
To give these vintage drawers new life, she used printable artwork purchased from Etsy.
Here’s how she did it:
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Print the artwork on an inkjet printer.
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Trim the designs using a rough-edge ripper ruler for a rustic look.
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Apply a generous coat of Mod Podge inside the drawer.
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Press the printable in place and let it dry.
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Once dry, add another coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal it.
This simple process transformed the plain drawers into charming decorative pieces with a warm, handmade feel.
Finishing Touches: Festive & Floral
After the Mod Podge dried, she embellished the drawer with seasonal touches — greenery, berries, floral sprigs, a rusty bell, and ribbon. It turned out beautifully and reflect the creativity our Ship-Chic Craft Show vendors bring to every event.
A Perfect Example of Upcycling Inspiration
The finished piece is now ready to display in her booth, and it’s exactly the type of handcrafted treasure shoppers love finding at the Ship-Chic Craft Show. Whether you’re searching for Christmas décor or a unique handmade gift, our craft show and weekly antique auctions are full of possibilities.
Want to try a project like this yourself?
Join us in Shipshewana for the Wednesday Antique & Miscellaneous Auction, explore the flea market, or shop the next Ship-Chic Craft Show. You never know what forgotten piece might spark your next great DIY idea!
Guest blogging courtesy of Petal My Pretties