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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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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!

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

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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. […]

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