SFGate

ATGStores.com Hi, Dove. You could line the exterior with your fabric and line the interior with plastic and plant herbs in it. The different compartments could be used to separate the herbs, or you could do a combination of things - just so long as none of them needs too much water. And, you could still use it as a portable decoration. It's very nice, and we wish you luck!

Dove Cochrane ATG, Thank you for responding. I thought about herbs, it's just requires so much sunlight to keep them from getting leggy. I'm really trying to come up with something that will create an interesting contrast to the rustic wood; silver, crystal.... ?

decoenthusiaste Look for or have custom baskets made to fit the openings and use it as a silver holder for buffet style meals, even picnics.

yvonnecmartin I'd clean it up with oil.

Use it to sort mail. The center could hold your checkbook, stamps, and envelopes. The side partitions would be new mail and mail to be answered.

If you knit or crochet, fill it with balls of yarn in the side compartments and your latest project in the center.

If you quilt, fill with several stiffed balls in the color of your dining room.

An arrangement that includes dried plants from your garden or the roadside and pine cones would be nice in the fall. Maybe pine cones in the center and small bunches of dried flowers in the side compartment.

On the Spot Furniture Revival llc Fill with sand or rocks and use as a candle holder?

kitasei Perfect for garden tools.

Dove Cochrane I don't know what kind of Paul Bunyan carried this tool box but empty it weighs an easy 15lbs. It's not what I consider portable, better suited for a centerpiece type decoration.
I like the candle idea, I wonder how it would look chucked full of assorted heights and types of candle sticks.

ak17 I have one like that. i hung it on the wall, placed hook screws on them so I can hang my car keys and used it as a key organizer.

Dytecture This would make a great center piece as the season changes.

lefty47 HI -- Wow ! that is just like the one my Dad had, but was stolen . Please don't change it or paint it or put any hooks or store anything in it that will harm it ,etc. I would just keep it as is ,-just dust it up . Maybe just add some tiny furniture protectors on the bottom so it won't harm anything it sits on. You could use it on the kitchen island for fruit or cooking oils as display in the center of the diningroom table or on the floor under a console table or in a bathroom for towels and soaps and so on or set in a livingroom or den for books or magazines . If you keep it as is then it could be used where ever, when ever . I know it will work with any style decor from modern to traditional . My Dad's was very heavy also . Most of these were usually made by the carpenter that used them . Love it ! Makes me want to cry !

Dove Cochrane Dytecture,
I think seasonal decorations could be a lot of fun. I would also like something for the in between times that has some shine to it. Perhaps mercury spheres or blown glass orbs.

janishill I like the seasonal changes idea, but when I look at it I see it on a buffet with eating utensils in each compartment and napkins in the center.

Or filll it with glass/chrystal bud vase and a few single flowers.

Dove Cochrane Lefty,
So you know what I'm talking about, it's huge. I considered putting it in my studio to hold paint brushes, palette knives, etc - but I didn't want to ruin it, no matter how tidy you are, studios are happy disaster areas.
I'm sure this is home made too. I will put some felt pads on the bottom so it would leave marks, great idea, I should have thought of that.
I'm so sorry your father's stolen, I would be heart broken too.

Dove Cochrane Hi Janis,
Thanks for the photos. The art department at my college has an excellent glass blowing program. I think blowing spheres is part of the required curriculum. I'm going to check it out. Most students are thrilled to get a few bucks to cover cost. It may not be Chihuly, but then I'm not a museum either.

E Klo Not sure if this would work with the handle across the top - but I've seen a couple where the put different colored glass wine bottles in the middle as a centerpiece (maybe use bottles that pull colors from your fabric). Love the toolbox!

onthefence Good GRAVY what a find! I think we have similar styles Dove and I love many of the ideas you've had.

I do think I'd give it a swipe with some kind of oil if for no other reason than to feed the wood. Tung oil or maybe just lemon oil?

I love the idea of a mix of candles including maybe a couple in tall pewter or crystal candle sticks.

Dove Cochrane Oh I think we're getting closer, love the wine bottle idea, if I can keep them in there long enough before someone (like me) decides to have a a glass or two :-)
Candle sticks and wine, what a lovely combination.
I'm going to have to bring it in the house and try a few sample ideas and post them. It will give a better idea of scale if I do.