{DIY} Agate Lacquered Box

Thanks for the sweet comments about the first leg of our trip yesterday! It’s so fun sharing with you guys, and I loved hearing from so many of you who are planning your own trips to Puerto Rico. I’m happy to answer any questions, and the remainder of the Trip Reports will be coming up soon, so stay tuned.

Today I’m showing a little knock-off I whipped up over the weekend. I fell for this box on One Kings Lane, but not the $95 asking price! After adding gold leaf to my agate coasters, I knew I wanted to show them off a bit more…so this Agate Lacquered Box was born.

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

{What You Need}
Wood Box from craft store
Agate Coasters (or any gem-like flat object)
Wood Filler
Paint

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

You’ve seen these boxes 1,000 times at Michaels and Hobby Lobby…I chose a larger one, about 12-inches long. #TWSS

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

I think it looks more expensive without the cheap-o-latch…so unscrew it and fill the holes with wood filler, then sand it down. I removed the hinges, too, for easier painting.

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

Since I had a helper, I used DecoArt Chalky Paint because it goes on so easily with no priming, and easy clean-up. I think it’s better suited for non-crafty projects (like this dresser) though. If I were to do this project again, I’d spray paint the box to avoid brush marks.

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

Have you seen this new gadget, The Paint Brush Cover? It’s genius I tell ya…just pop your brush in between coats, and it snaps closed, keeping your brush wet until ready to paint again. No more plastic-wrapped brushes in the fridge!

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

I couldn’t resist using a gold-leaf pen on the inside rim of the box for an unexpected touch of glam when opened.

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

This next step is what takes this project from crafty, to the real deal…once the paint is dry, spray thin, even coats of Deco Art Triple Thick Brilliant Gloss Glaze for a super-shiny, lacquer finish. This stuff is amazing…we’re not talking about just a little glossy sheen…but a thick, hard, shell, with a mirror-like shine.

Tip: Let dry for a full 24-hours before touching. Even though it will feel dry to the touch after a few minutes, resist the urge or it will be covered in fingerprints.

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

The final step is to affix the agate to the top with a dollop of hot glue, and reattach the lid.

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box
My Dollar Store Terrarium is sill kicking!

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

Hi Sugarplum | DIY Agate Lacquered Box

Consider me smitten with my pretty, lacquered box! Especially since it cost about $80 less than this version. I haven’t decided where it will live, but I think it’d make a good hideout for TV remotes. Have you tried the Triple Gloss Spray?

Leave a Comment

23 Comments

  1. House Envy wrote:

    great DIY and it looks fab on that shelf!

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  2. looks great! i love the agate piece on the top! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  3. Joy Maier wrote:

    I saw the laquer boxes on OKL as well- immediately thought of your coaster project! I was thinking of doing a knock off as well using flat marbles and the Elmer's glue to give a raised look. So happy you shared- the gloss is gorgeous! Love your style and quick-witted humor. – theaspiringhome.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  4. Love it, Cassie! I've had a similar project rolling around in my head and you've inspired me to get on it today!

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  5. Oh, you know I love it Cassie! Agates and gold, ummm…YES, PLEASE! xo Kristin

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  6. How cute! I might do something similar this weekend!

    Danielle
    Smitten with Sunday

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  7. What a great idea!! LOVE this. I think I'll be giving this a whirl this weekend. Love the blog!!

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  8. Gorgeous!!!! You want to know the last thing I DIYd? Yep, the magnets. From like 27 years ago.

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
    • I still have some of those fab magnets!! xo

      Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  9. Hannah wrote:

    So cute! I DIY'd a malachite box and it is so much harder than you'd think!

    Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
    • Oh yes, I've wanted to try that malachite technique!!!

      Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  10. I wonder if the box is big enough to put nail polish in. I have been wanting something cute to put them in!

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
    • You can use any size box for the project…so I'd say yes, you could use it for nail polish!

      Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  11. Cute idea! Love it!

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  12. Loves it doll!! Xo

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  13. Alexa wrote:

    Oh that came out so so sweet. What a cute and feminine little touch!

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  14. So cute! Love it! That paintbrush holder is a great idea, we always use the plastic bag/rubber band-stick it in the fridge method! 🙂

    Posted 4.9.14 Reply
  15. Megan C wrote:

    I don't normally watch Shark Tank but the one time I did I saw the paint brush cover being presented! That is crazy. Where did you find it?

    Posted 4.9.14 Reply
    • Hi Megan — I found it on Amazon…the link is in the post! xo

      Posted 4.10.14 Reply
  16. Crys wrote:

    Where is your bust from? Love it

    Posted 4.10.14 Reply