Give today's natural look to an inexpensive pine storage box in just three steps. A fun, easy job for the weekend!

You'll need:

Raw pine blanket box
Sandpaper
Selection of bolts, nuts, screws and chain
Tea towel
Piece of scrap timber
Screwdriver
Methylated spirits
Soft cloths
Wood stain (we used walnut)
Furniture polish
Patina (optional)

Here's how:

1. Sand all corners of the box to remove rough edges. Tie the nuts, bolts and other metal objects into the tea towel and knot firmly. Bash the blanket box with this bundle to produce random dents. Drive a screw through the scrap timber so the point exits the other side. Hit the box with the timber, creating holes and dents with the point of the screw.

2. When satisfied with the amount of distressing, dampen a cloth with methylated spirits and rub it into the box. Use a cloth to wipe wood stain over the box, working with the grain of the timber, one section at a time. Apply the stain lightly, building up the colour gradually. Let dry for 24 hours.

3. Use a soft cloth to rub furniture polish into the box and buff it to a soft sheen. If you wish, rub patina into the hinges to blacken them.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens TV

(Pics: P Scott)