• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

September 27, 2012

Vintage Tool Box Turned Frugal Fall Centerpiece

Do you ever wonder where those “vintage” items we all love so much come from?  Who owned them before us? For instance, my new (to me) tool box?


Being a vintage i.e. old tool box, I am going to assume the who was a him. We could even make a guess at his name…

I see a J and an M and a C.  So could be… John, or Mac or Carl? Do you think John Mac Carl ever thought his beloved vintage tool box would become a frugal fall centerpiece? That it would hold Miniature Foam Dollar Tree Gourds…

Or Twine Wrapped Wine Bottle Candle Holders tucked inside?

Do you think he could have even fathomed Burlap Covered Glass Jar Dollar Tree Candles nestled between Dollar Tree Fall Foliage and Twig Pumpkins stolen from faded and forgotten fall arrangements.

I’m sure he would struggle understanding why anyone would want to light any type of candle in his worn out tool box. A box meant for holding wrenches and hammers, screw drivers and awls, not berries and pumpkins and burlap and twine.

So the fact that it now sits on a dining room table, and not in a garage or barn somewhere, I am guessing would be quite a shock to John Mac Carl.

…but I think there would be a little piece of him that would be proud to see his tool box given a new life in a new home…and I promise John Mac Carl…or whoever it is that once owned this beautiful piece…that I will treasure it!

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

45 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Dollar Tree Crafts, Good Ideas Tagged With: fall, fall Decorating

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « A Pioneer Birthday Party
Next Post: Inspiration Friday No. 84…Welcome! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Debbiedoo's says

    September 26, 2012 at 10:42 PM

    It is totally awesome girl! LOVE your photos too, so pretty and so Fall festive:)

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 26, 2012 at 10:44 PM

      Thank you Debbie! I got to use my new replacement camera today for the first time. I did an upgrade and noticed a big difference.

      Reply
  2. Michelle @Paintsley says

    September 26, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    Gorgeous! Those wrapped candlesticks add such pretty texture. Oodles of fun fall inspiration! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Debra @ Common Ground says

    September 26, 2012 at 11:20 PM

    love it!! and those perfect burlap candles!!

    Reply
  4. Meredith Hilton says

    September 26, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    beautiful 🙂

    Reply
  5. Laura from Top This Top That says

    September 26, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    love it as I am sure they would too!!:)

    Reply
  6. Ange says

    September 26, 2012 at 11:56 PM

    What an awesome tool box full of a lovely fall display! I love it!

    Reply
  7. Jessica Kielman says

    September 26, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    Just gorgeous! Love every detail…I have been on the lookout for a similar toolbox.

    Reply
  8. White Weathered Hutch, says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:07 AM

    Your whole display is gorgeous and so frugal.

    Reply
  9. Eclectically Vintage says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:21 AM

    You never know – John Max Carl could have been in touch with his inner fashionista! Love your found toolbox – I think it’s the long lost twin of mine which is also sitting on my dining table! Love those twine wrapped candleholders!
    Kelly

    Reply
  10. Judy says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:43 AM

    It looks gorgeous as a centerpiece. I love every detail. What a great look.

    Reply
  11. Jen @ frazzled 5 says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:03 AM

    Wow this is gorgeous, how I wish I could arrange flowers and candles to look even half this good. The tool box- amazing idea.
    New Follower, blessed to have found your blog,
    Jen @ frazzled5

    Reply
  12. reFresh reStyle says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:24 AM

    Beautiful!! Love it and your photos!
    Debbie

    Reply
  13. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:42 AM

    I think it’s a great new life for this old tool box, Heather! I love everything you added into it. Quite the cornicopia of Fall! : )

    Reply
  14. Katie @ Creatively Living says

    September 27, 2012 at 2:30 AM

    Love it! What a perfect fall centerpiece!
    –Katie

    Reply
  15. Andrea says

    September 27, 2012 at 2:41 AM

    You are so stinkin creative and who would of thought all of the fillers were from the Dollar Tree. Awesome Heather and again your photos are beautiful!!

    Reply
  16. breida @ breidawithab.com says

    September 27, 2012 at 3:24 AM

    hmmm. . . what is it about an old tool box that makes us want to fill it with Fall decorations!? I just saw another toolbox centerpiece on another blog and you’re both giving me inspiration to do something similar. I have an amazing handmade piece to use – It’s been waiting for just the right season to make it’s debut!
    I always think about who might have owned this kind of thing – some guy – who needed to carry his stuff – and now it’s this incredibly desirable piece of vintage goodness! Can’t wait to get to work on mine!
    breida

    Reply
  17. Creative Raisins says

    September 27, 2012 at 3:48 AM

    That is super cute, I love how well it all works together

    Reply
  18. Becca says

    September 27, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    John Max Carl would be thrilled what you did with his tool box! I love all of the Fall goodies you placed inside. And, the candles are fabulous … Dollar Tree would be proud!

    Reply
  19. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    September 27, 2012 at 4:54 AM

    So cute- I love old toolboxes and have a couple myself. They are so charming for so many different displays. Love yours and your story!!

    Reply
  20. priscilla says

    September 27, 2012 at 11:57 AM

    Fabulous ! Love it !

    Reply
  21. Sheila says

    September 27, 2012 at 3:17 PM

    very interesting, when i look at the letters what i see is … J H M. lol. oh well, it doesn’t really matter does it? your arrangement is Gorgeous! 😉 thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  22. Honey at 2805 says

    September 27, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    Adore you toolbox! It has such an interesting mix of “ingredients” and textures! I have my Daddy’s toolbox, (along with some of his tools) which I plan to decorate this year. You are in inspiration!

    Reply
  23. Richella says

    September 27, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    Love your tool box–it looks great with the fallish elements in it! But I think the initials are JHM; the C doesn’t look like a letter to me. Clever the way he formed the J with the first line of the H. So he was handy and artsy and smart. Maybe John Henry Michaels. Or James Hampstead Morgan. It’s fun to imagine, isn’t it? 🙂

    Reply
  24. Cynthia says

    September 27, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    Just a beautiful use of such a great box. I love all the items you used to fill this with. Gorgeous!!

    Cynthia

    Reply
  25. Robin says

    September 27, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    Your toolbox looks amazing all decked out for fall. I also love that you added candles. You just can’t have enough of them this time of year.

    Reply
  26. Helen's Decor says

    September 27, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    Hi Heather, You have me hoping someone somewhere sees this tool box and knows exactly who owned it. I know they will enjoy seeing it as all of us have. Love your sentimental thought of J C M! It looks gorgeous on your dining table and who knew!! Thinking there might be a rush in blogland of bloggers shopping for an old tool box. Thanks, Helen

    Reply
  27. Lisa at Shine Your Light says

    September 27, 2012 at 5:41 PM

    I absolutely love how you styled this tool box!! I am so inspired! My husband’s great-uncle built him a wooden toolbox just like this when we were first married. It’s so special and I’d much rather use it in the house than for tools. I LOVE how yours looks with the whitewash and the letters preserved….so cool!

    Reply
  28. Our Pinteresting Family says

    September 27, 2012 at 6:59 PM

    That is simple and gorgeous!

    Reply
  29. Barb says

    September 27, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    It’s gorgeous!

    Reply
  30. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    September 27, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Stunning, Heather!! I’ve been looking for a piece like this–so envious. 😉

    Reply
  31. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    September 27, 2012 at 7:50 PM

    So pretty, Heather! I love the burlap-covered glass jars–will have to try that out!

    Reply
  32. Coastal Cottage Dreams says

    September 27, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    Love your centerpiece! So beautiful! Happy Fall!

    Reply
  33. cherished bliss says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:28 AM

    Everything is just beautiful! Love it!!

    Reply
  34. Christina at I Gotta Create! says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:29 AM

    Absolutely beautiful with that warm, rustic feeling.

    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
    Wildly Original linky party is open.

    Reply
  35. Helen and her Daughters says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:33 AM

    That is absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  36. thistlewoodfarm says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    Heather,

    You are SUCH a rock star! I love everything about this. The photography (*sigh*). Your writing. The fact I have a toolbox that told me today it needs some burlap candles 🙂

    It’s amazing. I’m just sayin’
    🙂 me

    Reply
  37. Anne says

    September 29, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    What a beautiful center piece!! LOVE those colors!! Great photos!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  38. Hi I'm Shannon! says

    September 29, 2012 at 3:49 AM

    I felt the same way about my Homers toolbox. I completely understand!

    It sure turned out pretty. I think he’d be pleased 🙂

    Reply
  39. Katherines Corner says

    September 29, 2012 at 11:55 PM

    Love it! Hopping over from Our Everyday Harvest, I always enjoy my visits to your blog. xo

    Reply
    • Katherines Corner says

      September 29, 2012 at 11:56 PM

      oops I mean from Potpourri Party….

      Reply
  40. Pamela says

    October 3, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    So beautiful! You came up with a great display. Thanx for coming to THt!

    Reply
  41. Honey at 2805 says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    You are featured today at Potpourri Friday at 2805!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fall Decorating with Natural Elements says:
    March 14, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    […] Wreath – Virginia Sweet Pea     Country Living Pumpkin Tablescape – Mom 4 Real   Fall Filled Toolbox- At the Picket Fence   French Country Cottage   Corn, Acorns and Pine Cones […]

    Reply
  2. Fall Centerpiece Ideas to Make says:
    September 10, 2014 at 1:59 AM

    […] Vintage Tool Box Fall Centerpiece from At the Picket Fence: Another tool box container idea! Faux flowers and grasses are mixed with candles – so pretty. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic

    Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic
  • A New Podcast

    A New Podcast
  • Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive

    Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive
  • Kids Need Real Answers

    Kids Need Real Answers

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

a tale of two Christmas trees

Latest Recipes

Making the Case for Heirlooms

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic March 21, 2026
  • A New Podcast March 21, 2026
  • An Autumn Home Tour October 9, 2025
  • How to Adapt Your Traditions as Your Kids Get Older December 13, 2024
  • Christmas Home Tour 2024 December 13, 2024

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 At The Picket Fence