Hallway Reset: Grace by Grace – One Handmade Box That Has Served Our Family Well

I wanted to share more of our Hallway Reset with you this morning. When David and I lived in our Trailer we was going to Canton to purchase decorations for our home. I’ve only been once since moving into our Town Home but David and I plan on going back as soon as possibl.

In the meantime I wanted to we continue sharing our Hallway Reset: Grace by Grace, as I’ve been sharing some of the things I removed from the space before reorganizing everything. One item I couldn’t help but smile when I picked it up was a beautiful handmade wooden storage box we purchased from a talented craftsman at Canton Trade Days.

Sometimes the best organizing pieces aren’t bought from a big-box store. They’re handmade with care, built to last, and become part of our family’s story. This what would happen for my family when we would get in the car and do A Day Trip toHallway Reset: Grace by Grace – One Handmade Box That Has Served Our Family Well

As we continue our Hallway Reset: Grace by Grace, I’ve been sharing some of the things I removed from the space before reorganizing everything. One item I couldn’t help but smile when I picked it up was a beautiful handmade wooden storage box we purchased from a talented craftsman at Canton Trade Days.

Sometimes the best organizing pieces aren’t bought from a big-box store. They’re handmade with care, built to last, and become part of our family’s story. One of our favorite day trips is visiting Canton Trade Days in Canton, Texas. If you’ve never been, it’s often called the World’s Largest Flea Market, drawing visitors from all over the country.

Hundreds of vendors fill the grounds with antiques, handcrafted furniture, home décor, clothing, collectibles, plants, food, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Every trip feels different because new vendors and new treasures appear each time. If you find something you want you better purchase it because when you go back it might not be there.

David and I and sometimes Charlie and Bradley enjoy taking our time walking through the rows because you truly never know what you’ll find. It’s also one of our favorite ways to support small businesses and local craftsmen who pour their talent into every piece they create.

These handmade wooden box is one of those unexpected treasures that came home with us from a trip there—and years later, it’s still part of our everyday life.I first discovered these wooden boxes while walking through Canton Trade Days.

When they caught the corner of my eye because it has Kobe on it Charlie’s favorite basketball player. The craftsman creates each one by hand and even offers custom designs. The craftsmanship immediately caught our attention because every box felt sturdy, well-made, and unique.

The possibilities for customization are almost endless. He created a custom Los Angeles Lakers-themed box for Charlie featuring Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, making it something Charlie treasures. I also found a beautiful Happy Days–themed box that became the perfect Christmas gift for my friend, Debbie Finney Sutton.

With Back-to-School season right around the corner, I couldn’t help but think how wonderful these boxes would be for teachers or homeschool families. They would be perfect for storing lesson plans, flashcards, school supplies, art materials, recipe cards for cooking classes, or classroom rewards.

The box I chose has become one of my favorite pieces in our home. David thought when we moved from the Trailer the box would get thrown away and not used. But that isn’t true I’ve used it for different occasions and more times than not when people come over they ask if they can have it.

Across the front it says: “The Fondest Memories Are Made When Gathered Around the Table.”

The saying immediately reminded me of my grandmother’s house and all of those Sunday afternoons filled with down-home-cooked meals, laughter, and family gathered together. Those memories are priceless, and every time I see this box, they come rushing back.

The lettering is beautiful. It has an elegant font that almost appears three-dimensional, making the words stand out. Depending on the lighting, the white lettering sometimes takes on a soft gray or even pale blue appearance, giving it even more character.

The design is finished with a decorative ribbon, a spoon and fork accent, and a little pink heart along the bottom. That tiny heart always remind me of my daughter, Suzanne, making this piece even more meaningful to me. Charlie has said when he gets his own place he is taking the box with him.

One of my favorite things about this box is how versatile it has been. I’ve used it to store recipe books in the kitchen. I’ve filled it with utensils when we eat outside. Today it sits on our breakfast bar and snack station holding snacks for the family.

When I removed it during our hallway reset, it happened to be holding several small books that had accumulated there while I worked on product reviews for the blog. Now it is sitting on my desk as I was thinking about giving it to my mother in law for her kitchen table. Then that would give me a new reason to go back to Canton Trade Days. Would you want to come with me?

Charlie enjoys his custom wooden box just as much. He keeps small treasures inside his closet, including jewelry, loose change, small keepsakes, and other items he wants to keep organized. At times I’ve seen David looking at the boxes and I want to get one made for him to hold his keys, wallet and hat at night so its all in one place and we don’t have to play find this or that in the mornings.

Pricing and Value– The pricing was also very reasonable when we purchased ours:

• Small boxes – $10 which is perfect for my niece and nephew to hold there pens, pencils and phone it
• Medium boxes (the size I own) – $15 perfect for kitchen decorations
• Large boxes – $20 the perfect Gift Box size

Finding handmade pieces like these reminds me why I enjoy shopping at local craft shows. Not only are you bringing home something unique, but you’re also supporting talented artisans who pour their hearts into their work. I hope you check out Canton trade Days soon.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates