Tea Box Projects

October 28th, 2009 in member junk

TinTinJunkFan, member

6 users recommend

License plates fit perfectly on the lower half of this box...

Japanese tea chests are commonly made of cedar and lined in thin sheets of tin. What makes them ideal for storing loose tea leaves is also what makes them terrific for storing clothes, books, and much more...

These woodblock prints were just the thing especially since they were free....I purchased the corner brackets from a wood working shop...

This large chest makes a good nightstand...

Here are the tea boxes in their nakedness... I put the casters on them.

License plates fit perfectly on the lower half of this box...

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This site has motivated me to finish up, albeit slowly, a lot of my slow-burner projects.... During the time we lived in Japan I collected tea chests (chabakos) of various sizes...Some I found discarded at the curb, some were purchased (and I was able to get a couple for free after befriending the local tea merchant) I have also occasionally seen them at Asian markets here.... The large chest was decoupaged in washi paper, and I used some free art prints that were given out with our newspaper to promote an exhibition. For the smaller chest I cut up an Atlanta road map and then tacked on some GA license plates... This one holds maps and travel info....

Pattern or design used: My own design

posted in: member junk, container, furniture, organizer, house wear, storage, chests

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Comments (8)

alicemom writes: Those are fab-o! I did not realize how big the chests are.
Thanks for showin' & tellin'.
smiles, alice Posted: 8:26 pm on October 30th

suewhitney writes: Wowsers, these are fabulous. Looks like these took you some time. They are well worth your efforts. Stunning!

Be Well,
Sue Posted: 9:32 pm on October 29th

shabbychick writes: I haven't seen tea chests before either - you've repurposed them beautifully!

Thanks for sharing.

Kathy Posted: 4:16 pm on October 29th

fellowjunker writes: You have done an amazing job on these tea chests....love the combination of papers, etc. that you have used. Well done!!
Happy day.
xojanis Posted: 1:08 pm on October 29th

Junk_Sophisticate writes: Wow! These are great! Thanks so much for introducing me to tea chests. I had never seen these before. Your addition of casters really make them nice.

Thanks for sharing!
Candy Posted: 4:40 pm on October 28th

RustyDiva writes: These are way cool. I love what you've done with them!!!! Posted: 4:36 pm on October 28th

racers7 writes: Hey I love repurposing chests and trunks! I have a few myself. I love the casters and asian theme too (maybe because I'm asian hmmm). Melody Posted: 1:11 pm on October 28th