Blue and White Florals-Balsa Boxes Makeover

There’s something timeless about blue and white florals. When I started working on these oval vintage balsa boxes, I knew I wanted them to feel soft, romantic, and just a little bit vintage. With layered floral patterns and delicate lace trim, they turned simple boxes into something that looks right at home on a dresser, vanity, or guest room table.

One Dollar Vintage Oval Cat Balsa Wood Boxes

My friend Regina spotted these vintage balsa wood boxes with painted cats at our favorite thrifty store for only one dollar!

Sand Painted Areas of Balsa Boxes

These balsa boxes are ready enough to paint, but sanding the painted surfaces smooth will make for a better paint job.

Dixie Belle Bonding Boss

Dixie Belle Bonding Boss was the only true white I had on hand. I began painting with a small paintbrush.

This is after one coat of paint. I ended up doing two coats on all areas of the balsa wood boxes to prepare them for the white floral napkins.

I used crumpled brown craft paper to lightly sand all the paint in between the first and second coat.

This is after the second coat of Bonding Boss.

Blue and White Florals-Decoupage with Napkins

I purchased two packages of blue-and-white floral napkins on Amazon. A pack of 36 (6 styles) and a pack of 27 (9 styles).

The napkin in the first row is on the smallest box (4). The bottom-left napkin is on the largest box (1); it actually has a tinge of purple after the Mod Podge was applied. The last napkin in the image on the left was used for the second-largest box (2). I used one napkin out of the 36-pack on box number 3.

Using a hem guide to measure the strips is much easier than using a tape measure. Set it once and forget it. For each of the four boxes, I used 1 complete napkin for the lid (see more below) and two strips from a second napkin for the box. Except for the smallest box, it took only 1 napkin strip.

I couldn’t find my exacto knife, so I used a kitchen knife to cut the napkin strips.

From top left, box 1, 3, 2, 4. It was difficult to find patterns and colors that would work together.

All of the two-ply blue-and-white napkins have been separated to make them ready for decoupaging onto the balsa boxes.

Of course, I didn’t use the entire napkin for the lid. I placed the lid under the napkin to find the pattern I needed. Actually, this is lid number four (the smallest), and I mistakenly affixed the napkin upside down, meaning the small rivet is in the front.

I’m not an expert in decoupage. Because I didn’t want the pattern to shift, I held one side down while lifting the napkin to apply the Mod Podge. Gently, I laid the napkin atop the lid, then I changed sides and applied Mod Podge to complete the process.

Supplies For Decoupaging Napkins

I chose to use a foam brush and a styrofoam plate to apply the Mod Podge to the balsa boxes. In the image above, you can see that the large strip of a one-ply napkin extends over the top.

Trim Napkin Using an Emery Board

Look closely to see that the rivet is indeed in the front of the box. After the Mod Podge dried, an emery board was used to trim away the excess napkin on the lid and the box.

Decoupage can make quite a mess. I left the inside of all the boxes and lids natural. After using the emery board, I used the sanding sponge to smooth all edges of each box and lid, ensuring they close smoothly.

In the top right of the photo, you can see some white beading that will be used later.

Trimming the Blue and White Floral Boxes

In my stash, I found some self-adhesive vinyl trim. It was too large, so I cut it down to size to fit each of the four lids.

Delicate Blue and White Floral Boxes

For the most part, everything turned out smoothly. There are a few wrinkles, but they’re not very noticeable in real life.

With Lacey Trim

Ideally, real lace trim would look better, but this is what I had on hand.

Floral Boxes with Beaded Trim

Any trim you choose can be attached with a dab of hot glue. I like the beaded white trim the best. How about you?

Before you leave, I would love for you to save and share this simple idea on Pinterest. Thanks!

10 Creative Ways to Use Small Oval Balsa Wood Boxes

These little oval balsa wood boxes may be lightweight, but don’t underestimate them. They’re the perfect blank canvas for paint, decoupage, transfers, or stencils. Because they’re not meant for heavy storage, I like to use them for sweet, simple things that add charm instead of clutter.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Small boxes like these are so easy to decorate. They don’t take much paint, they’re inexpensive, and they’re a great way to try a new technique without committing to a big piece of furniture. Sometimes the little projects are the most fun.

Thrift Store Decor Ideas

• Thrift Store Cat Boxes-Decoupage Makeover (You’re here, thank you)
• Style a Classic Coffee Table with Thrifted Items
• Vintage Suitcase Into a Wall Storage Cabinet Writing Station
• Free Home Decorating Ideas Using Colored Glass Vases
• DIY Outlet Cover Picture Frame
• How To Age Terracotta Pots
• How to Apply Gold Leaf to Canvas
• Wine Bottle Centerpiece

There’s something special about taking ordinary thrift store finds and giving them a fresh purpose. From decoupaged cat boxes and aged terracotta pots to a vintage suitcase turned wall cabinet, each project proves you don’t need expensive supplies to create something beautiful. A little paint, paper, or creativity can turn overlooked pieces into charming decor for your home. I hope these ideas inspire you to look at your next thrift store find a little differently and imagine what it could become.