Ok- so, in the interest of full disclosure, I fully intended this project to be my Product Test Drive post for this month. BUT, things didn’t exactly go as planned. So, I’m putting that product “on ice”…which has a double meaning. Why? Because my plans for this wooden medicine cabinet were to transform it into a first aid cabinet for the garage
Get it? Putting it on ice…first aid…ok, dumb joke!
Even finding this bathroom cabinet had its ups and downs. As I was snapping this photo in Goodwill, a woman came up next to me, intent on snatching it away from under my camera.
Thankfully, it didn’t get ugly. But thrift stores can be brutal if something’s not in your cart.
After she walked away, I quickly snapped another photo and hugged it to my chest all the way to the cash register.
ANYWAY, back to my upcycling idea. I decided to give this wooden medicine cabinet a military-style makeover. And it would double as a first aid cabinet that would look perfect in a garage.
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Experimenting with Vintage Effect Wash
My original plan was to try DecoArt’s Vintage Effect Wash in a dark green color on the cabinet. I’d never used this stuff before; hence my reference to a Product Test Drive.
I read the instructions and watched a video on YouTube before gathering my supplies and giving it a go.
First, I removed the hardware from the medicine cabinet to focus on the door. Then, I brushed a small amount on; this is how it looked before wiping the excess off.
Then, per the instructions, I wiped off the excess with a clean rag. Just as if I were using wood stain.
And I HATED how it looked. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. It just looked awful to me.
Maybe it was the wrong color. Or maybe it was the wood of the cabinet. It just…wasn’t the look I was going for.
Either way, I needed to another route for transforming my first aid cabinet.
Military Decor with a First Aid Cabinet
Next, I found a perfect shade of Army green from Behr Paint and carefully painted every square inch of my small wall cabinet.
Ahh…SO much better! And much closer to the vision I had in my mind. Now I could complete the transformation!
Next, I gathered my stenciling supplies, including red and white craft paints, my favorite stencil brushes, and a First Aid stencil.
I wanted the cross to be red (of course) and the lettering to be white. So, I centered the stencil on my medicine cabinet door, taped it down, and stippled on the paint.
And just like that, I had transformed the wooden bathroom cabinet into military decor and a first aid cabinet for our garage! (Or in a man cave, basement, or other guy-space, as well!)
Lastly, I just needed to re-attach the hinges and knob. Then my transformation would be complete!
Making a First Aid Cabinet for the Garage
Ahhh, that paint was such an improvement! So much better than the first try with the Vintage Effect Wash. I just think it’s adorable (but in a masculine way)!
It’ll be perfect as a first aid cabinet for our garage. But you could definitely use it as military decor in other spaces around the house, too. A kid’s room, a den…maybe a man cave or a basement.
LOTS of options with this thrift store makeover! It could also be a DIY Father’s Day gift, as well.
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Today is also Thrift Store Decor Team Day! Check out what my friends have been up to.
Vintage Inspired Military First Aid Kit
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If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for a masculine space, then you may also be interested in these bottle cap coasters, as well.
AND I’m so excited to announce that my first book is now available! If you love working with flannel or fabric crafts in general (sewing and non-sewing), then you will LOVE “Crafting with Flannel”!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
The domestically speaking link doesn’t work
Hmm, she must not have set her post to publish at 4:00 ET, which is when we were all supposed to. I’ll update the link when she publishes her post.
I make quilts by hand.. Do you habe any patterns of antique quilts?
I do not, have you ever looked at the blog Flamingo Toes? She makes quilts and I think she provides patterns, too.
Love this idea! Always need first aid supplies in the shop!
Right?? I think I found the best place to hang it now, too.
I’m glad paint #2 was the perfect fit! It turned out so cute!!!
Thank you!! I was SO disgruntled with the first iteration, LOL. First that lady tried to steal it from me at the thrift, then the paint wash looked like crap…had the paint been a failure, I would have tossed the whole thing! #3strikes
This is an awesome transformation, you are so creative!
Thank you, Kristin!
Loving that military inspired first aid kit! My hubby is ex-military and has a sugar shack (we live in one of the big maple syrup regions of Ontario, Canada) and this would be PERFECT over at the shack! You have inspired me! Just need to find a cabinet similar to yours…..awesome job!
Thank you so much, Beverly! I remind myself from time to time that not every makeover needs to be feminine or neutral, as I really enjoyed the change of pace. 🙂
I KNOW that lady would not have done something so cool as this. I love how the first aid kit turned out Sarah!
gail
Hahaha, right?! I used my “Serious Sadie” voice to let her know it was mine. And thank you!!
Such a great idea! Turned out fabulous. Where did you get the first aid stencil at?
Stencilslab.com!
What is the name of the green paint from Behr that you went with?
I believe it was Global Green.