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Create Your Own Decorative Boxes - Materials & Instruction by Bonnie P Carrier
Decorative Boxes: These boxes are terrific for storing all sorts of items. The can be used alone or several sizes stacked one on top of the other would look perfect sitting in a corner of any room.
Materials:
- Plain Boxes - Purchased separately or in sets. Generally made of papier-mâché, can be found at craft stores.
- Fabric - Any pattern you choose. A yard is usually enough to complete four boxes. You can also use wallpaper borders.
- Paint - Your choice of colors. Any brand of craft paint will work fine. Left over latex paint can also be used. If you are going to try the crackle finish, you will need two paint colors. Stain can also be used in place of paint.
- Decoupage Glue - Mod Podge is a good glue, however any brand will be fine. A small bottle is enough to start with, it lasts a long time. The glue will have a milky appearance when wet, but dries clear.
- Paint Brushes - A small brush can be easier to use with cutouts. A medium size will work fine for the painting.
- Crackle Medium - This is optional. If you would prefer just a solid paint color or if you are staining the boxes then disregard this step. Of course you could try it both ways.
Instructions:
- Cut out images from fabric or wallpaper. Tip: some of the images may be small, try using a pair of embroidery scissors they work really well.
- Paint your base coat on the entire box and let dry. If you are using the crackle finish, the base coat is what will show through the cracks.
- If the box is intended as a gift, you may want to paint the inside of the box, lid and bottom with the base coat This will give the box a more finished look.
- Paint a coat of the crackle medium over the base coat. Let dry. The directions on the back of the bottle will give the recommended time for that particular brand.
- Next, paint on topcoat. Use just enough paint to cover on a down stroke motion. Try to avoid over brushing, as this will erase the cracks. The cracking will begin immediately.
- Let topcoat dry completely. Once dry, begin gluing on cutouts
- Spread a thin layer of glue on back of cutouts place on box and smooth to remove any wrinkles or air bubbles.
- After completely dry, brush a thin coat of glue over the cutouts. This will act as a sealer.
Other Options For Decorating The Boxes:
- Painting each box in a solid color, either all the same or several different colors.
- Covering the entire box in fabric with trim glued around the edges.
- Painting the box then stenciling around it.
- Staining the boxes, adding cutouts, then applying a light coat of the stain over the cutouts for an aged look.
About the author: Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating - The Information Center. She is the mother to two grown daughters and two very spoiled Shelties - Sebastian & Oliver. www.savvy-home-decorating.com
This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2011 bonnie carrier
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