What I Did on My Holidays - The Voodoo Sewing Box



I recently had some holiday to use up from work, which I intended to spend at home 'achieving' things, but mostly spent my days watching old movies and repeats of CSI. But I did complete one project I'm proud of - the Voodoo Sewing Box!

My mother in law had the box above (something she picked up at a jumble sale) and kindly gave it to me. It has a 2 little lids on top, with foam pads covered in fabric, and a little drawer underneath, as well as a handle for carrying. I thought it would be great, as I don't have anything nice for my sewing bits and bobs; most of it languishes in horrible plastic boxes and bags.

Initially, I was going to leave it in it's original state. But the more I looked at it, the more I thought it was too bland for me. So I attacked it with a screwdriver and pliers, and wrenched off the pads. (above)

Then I dug out these scraps, left over from a shirt I made for my husband. Got my hands on my husbands staplegun, and covered the pads with it.

I thought that would be it, but the fabric was way too wild for the box in its original state. That's when I decided to make it into something that resembled a sewing box crossed with a Gypsy caravan, with a dash of rock 'n roll! I got some cheap paint from the local hardware store, and after giving the box a light sand, I put a couple of coats on it.

Then to add some Gypsy elements, I painted the Nicole Needles symbol on the back, and some naive hearts and scrolls on the front and sides.

A light coat of varnish to protect it, and it's done!

Here it is in action!