DIY Whitewashed Vintage Crate Label Caddy


Hi there, Friends! It's no secret that I adore decorating my home with vintage treasures. Today I've combined my love of vintage with my fondness for crafting with clearance and a simple DIY technique to recreate this lovely caddy.  


vintage crate label caddy


Ever since I ordered several vintage crate labels from Melissa's Antiques, I've wanted to use them for something special. I think the old designs are just gorgeous. 


vintage crate label caddy



Then I found this wooden caddy on clearance at Ross. It had a few random paint splotches on it, but the price was right and I had an idea for the paint finish. 


vintage crate label caddy with DIY whitewash


As you know, I'm partial to shades of aqua but I wanted to give this caddy a softer, time worn look to complement the vintage crate label. I decided to create a whitewashed finish using Americana Decor chalk paint. {I'll share how I used the Americana Decou-Page, in another step of the project.} 


DIY whitewash from chalk paint
As DecoArt Blogger Outreach member, I received these supplies from DecoArt. See full disclosure here.


For whitewash, the paint needs to be thinned, so for every quarter sized dollop of paint, add a few drops of water. Mix it thoroughly and then paint it over the surface, as pictured. More or less water can be added as desired. You may want to experiment on a small section before proceeding. 


vintage crate label caddy with DIY whitewash


Next, before the paint dries, use a barely damp cloth to remove the excess wash. Work in sections; applying the whitewash and wiping, before moving on to the next section. If this sounds complicated, believe me--it's not! The entire process on this caddy took me about 10 minutes. Over the years, I've used this technique on everything from crafts to furniture.


vintage crate label caddy with DIY whitewash



It doesn't take long to dry. Once the surface is dry to the touch, it's ready to add the vintage label or embellishment of your choice. Postcards, scrapbook trim, fabric or even photos can be used. This was my first time to use Americana Decou-Page. I like the subtle matte finish and that it doesn't leave the lacquered look often associated with decoupage. The most important thing is to use a very thin coat and smooth the label as you apply it. It can be applied both as an adhesive and as a sealant. 


vintage crate label caddy with DIY whitewash



Ta-dah! 
vintage crate caddy with DIY whitewash
This post contains affiliate links for suggested supplies. See full disclosure here.


These wooden caddies are so versatile--almost anything could be added. Bottles of orange soda would be adorable, but since I'm not a soda drinker, I upcycled bottles as vases for rosemary blooms and it smells amazing! 


vintage crate label caddy with DIY whitewash


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DIY whitewashed vintage crate label caddy




Have you used whitewash before? 

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MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR FEATURING THIS POST:

   FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGECraft Frenzy Friday








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Would you like to comment?

  1. This is so cute. I will have to be on the look out for a little crate. Did You plant the rosemary in soil or are they cut stems? I like old labels too, will go check out the site. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. What an adorable creation. I never would've known that it's not old. Charming!

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  3. Love! I really love that old label and the wood crate!

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  4. So pretty Cecilia. Timely post for me as I have an old fruit shipping box I want to add vintage labels to. Thanks for the link. I will check it out.
    Hugs,
    Audrey Z.

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  5. This turned out really cute! Love the soft blue whitewashed color and the label is adorable.

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  6. Very cute. The whitewash really softened the look of the crate. Love the label too!

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  7. Love love love this project! And I'm going to check out those crate labels as I could use one for a project I'd like to complete for my kitchen.

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  8. Your jars fit perfectly in the carrier and look beautiful! I love those old labels, too. Orange soda is my son's absolute favorite lol. Thanks for the details on the whitewashing. I always hesitate to try it but perhaps now I will! xo Kathleen Charm BraceletDiva {At Home}

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  9. This turned out really cute! I love vintage looking things also. We have a restaurant in our town that is full of those type of things and it is fun just sitting and looking.

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  10. So cute! I love starting projects like this...my husband just wishes I would finish them from time to time!

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  11. Your idea with the vintage label really came to life! LOVE, LOVE!

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  12. What a great idea - Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW's DIY party!

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  13. What a darling and charming creation! You are so creative!
    Happy Valentine's Day evening!
    Hugs,
    Jemma

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  14. I love the whitewash look and of course the color of the crate is a favorite. Now I want some labels to play with too. Very sweet.

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  15. Cecelia,
    It turned out really cute!! Great job!! Thanks so muchf or stopping by!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  16. Looks vintage, great job! Thank you for sharing at DI&DI :)

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  17. Cecilia,
    Great job updating the wooden crate from Ross. I like the flowers in the bottles displayed in it.

    Judith

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  18. I love the color you chose for the little crate Cecilia, it compliments the orange label so wonderfully. Lovely makeover

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  19. Cecilia, Your color choice works very well with the bright orange label. Have a great day! Sylvia D.

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