Owl Pattern Case

I had a space on my floating shelf in my craft room I needed to store all my huge patterns, mainly toddler backpack patterns.  I thought of different ideas, but found this metal file chest at the thrift store for $2.00.

I kind of liked the brown, but it was not going to clean up very well, so I had to paint it. I did keep the contrasting lid though.

Before and After.

So here's my process:

1. Clean with soap and water (and Goo-Gone in this case)

2. Spray with primer

3. Two coats white spray paint

4. Two coats Aqua paint on the lid only {paint semi-gloss from entry bench project}

So at this point it seemed a little blah to me.

And I've been in an artsy mood.

I decided to paint something on the front.  There isn't much room in my craft space, so every inch on my shelves needs to be storage and functional.  I love when people have beautiful shelving with pictures and art like Pink Suede Shoe HERE. 

It looks great I think. 

But I don't have room for framed photos or anything, so I thought I'd make this case a little art piece.

And I loved this idea of layering branches with one contrasting color from Lemon Tree Creations.

I don't have any stencils, so I just had to wing it.

SO..on with it:

I sketched some branches on the front, and painted them on with Glidden Gentle Tide, satin paint I had from painting the kitchen walls.  Compared with the darker blue, it was more green and pale.

Then I added the aqua paint for the accent branch.  But it seemed really square, and boring, so I added the owl to make it more interesting.

Then I plopped it on my shelf and loaded it with my patterns.