Hi All! Wendy here to share up a FUN FUN & festive holiday gift idea!
Are you lovin' all the fabulous gift & holiday decor ideas that we've shared all week!? LOTS of great inspiration! Handmade gifts are so sweet & special to receive. I know I love to receive them (not that I'm dropping any hints or anything to any gift givers out there - wink wink - but I have been SUPER nice this year).
So, without further ado, let's get started "behind-the-scenes" into the making of my "Magical Memories" Altered Shadow Box.
First of all, I have a craving for all things vintage, old world, antiques, you get the picture....I could literally thrift & vintage shop all day long. So, in saying this, the "25 Days of Christmas" collection so speaks to me in the images, patterns, the beautiful twist & blending of colors is just pure magic, and the matching elements (i.e. stickers, borders, etc.) are the perfect finale to making your project very eclectic & vintage-y (just don't check Webster's on that word, please).
I gathered up a selection of papers from the 6x6 paper pad from "25 Days of Christmas" collection.
Yep, I know you are already drooling over this collection, go get some if you don't already have it but then again you have a chance to win it up (laterz I will tell you about all that....promise).
Next, I gathered some fun embellishments...mini glittered ornaments, mini light bulbs, mini thread spools, mini bows...[hmmm...maybe I should insert here that I love mini things on projects]. Also, some fun bingo numbers, clear acrylic fragments, and the unfinished wood box I found at the local craft store.
Now, the marriage of acrylic paint to the wood box. Gotta' love paint! Paint makes me happy & it turns the ordinary into something kind of extraordinary (all in your opinion, I guess). By the way, I'm not name dropping but I love Liquitex & Golden paints simply because they are better quality (although slightly pricier) but the coverage is beautiful & less water content (so less of that see through effect with cheaper paints). But I'm not knocking cheaper paints, so if you go that route, you will have to paint a few more layers instead of one layer, know what I mean? So, I didn't want to bring out any retaliation on that opinion - wink wink. So, go ahead & paint in all the nooks & crannies (as I call them), even the metal hinges, and just swipe paint all over using a foam brush. You will see later in this post that I didn't paint both sides of the outside cover (not just to save paint, yep, back to the price point...but you will see the rationale later)...
Now your box will look like this when all painted. I left mine to dry overnight. Yes, I get rather messy when painting, scraps of clear paper packs work great for this (like a cheap version of wax paper).
Now the fun begins....or maybe you might see this next step as a puzzle. Now you see above why I didn't paint all the way on one outside cover. The reason I say a "puzzle" because you will need to play around with the variety of sizes of the fragments to fit the size of your box. So, I literally felt like I was putting together a puzzle, but I love puzzles, so it was fun. I chose all my clear fragments first and left them arranged as I wanted them on the cover (and cross fingers you don't shake the table and collapse it all, back at point A, just sayin').
Then, I decided which papers I wanted to highlight behind the acrylic fragments. You can use Glossy Accents (works like a charm & dries super quick, even for me in the South) to adhere the papers to the fragments. Use your scissors to trim excess paper away after dry. Then, adhere with Glossy Accents to the cover.
In a creative perspective, look at all the ways to highlight all the great images in the papers (i.e. clip and think "out-of-the-box")this will add a lot of spice to your project.
Then, I dropped in the mini ornaments, mini bows, those mini bulbs with some red & white baker's twine as the string, mini thread spools (used a cut paper strip from the collection wrapped around one spool). All these bulkier embellishments were adhered with my addiction to Glossy Accents. (Note: Don't be eager to wiggle the mini ornaments & mini light bulbs around to see if they are sticking/dry but allow them to dry completely (recommended overnight to dry). Yes, I confess, I tried it (I had to test...trial & error...it happens.))
On a side note, most of these embellishments I found on clearance aisles at craft stores, non-scrapbook aisles, in my own stash (yep, it's HUGE), vintage stores, yard sales, etc. Re-use & re-purpose.
Here I added in a recent picture taken a few days ago while on vacation to NYC. I loved this display on a building!
Now your altered project is all ready for gift giving (if you can pull it from your clutches).
Or to display on a shelf or above the fireplace at home.
Thanks Simple Stories fan & hope you enjoyed my project!
Simple Stories -
Other -
- Wood Box, Mini Bows, Mini Ornaments - Local Craft Store; Clear Fragments, Bingo Number, Mini Light Bulbs - Advantus - Tim Holtz; Acrylic Paint - Liquitex - Titanium White; Baker's Twine (purchased in Germany); Mini Thread Spools - Maya Road; Glossy Accents - Ranger; Pop Dots - American Crafts.
Don't forget to leave a comment on our blog posts this week for your chance to win a 25 Days of Christmas collection kit. Comments will close TONITEEEEE at midnight and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.
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Love the altered shadow box and what a great gift idea!
Posted by: Joan Borgelt | December 03, 2011 at 03:23 AM
Wow! I never would of thought of it.
Posted by: Eileen | December 03, 2011 at 04:44 AM
Love this shadow box! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Pam | December 03, 2011 at 05:01 AM
LOVE it! You always amaze...
Posted by: Betty Weaver | December 03, 2011 at 05:05 AM
Really great project!! Wonderful idea
Posted by: Amy | December 03, 2011 at 05:49 AM
Awesome box! I love it.
Posted by: jpscraps | December 03, 2011 at 05:58 AM
What an AMAZING idea!!! Very cool!! Thanks so much for coming up with all these wonderful ideas!!!
:-)
Posted by: Michelle | December 03, 2011 at 06:07 AM
I love that box and all the little "trinkets" to go along with it and the paper is awesome too! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Linda D | December 03, 2011 at 06:10 AM
What a fabulous project! The 25 Days collection is wonderful!!!
Posted by: Katie Piotrowski | December 03, 2011 at 06:14 AM
WOW! what a creative project!! totally loving the cover and in particular the ornament square hehe :D fabulous!
Posted by: Shauna | December 03, 2011 at 07:02 AM
I bought 2 of the 6X6 pads for this line, I absolutely am in love with this collection.
Posted by: Jodi | December 03, 2011 at 07:02 AM
Great shadow box idea! Thanks for this. Love this Christmas collection!
Posted by: Betty Johnson | December 03, 2011 at 07:08 AM
Love how you've put this all together. The paper is perfect for this project.
Posted by: Pat | December 03, 2011 at 07:13 AM
Your work is gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | December 03, 2011 at 07:21 AM
OMG, Love your shadow box...and Simple stories.
thanks for the tutorial, love reading this blog.
Posted by: MaryAnn | December 03, 2011 at 07:22 AM
Can't wait to try this project. Thank you for sharing the instructions! It's beautiful!
Posted by: Elicia Pace | December 03, 2011 at 07:34 AM
beautiful display box...I especially love the wooden spool.
Posted by: Heaney | December 03, 2011 at 08:11 AM
wow! this is gorgeous!
daniellehigginbottom at hotmail dot com
Posted by: danielle higginbottom-brown | December 03, 2011 at 08:20 AM
Love those acrylic pieces! I'm gonna try that! Thanks!
Posted by: Lauren Hershey | December 03, 2011 at 08:48 AM
Gorgeous shadow box Wendy!!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Lindy | December 03, 2011 at 08:53 AM
Very neat!
Posted by: Connie O. | December 03, 2011 at 08:55 AM
WOW Wendy this is beautiful! Love your use of the clear fragments, I'm always tempted to buy them but never seem to be able to figure out what to do with them. Love, love, love it!
Posted by: Stacy | December 03, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Beautiful! I love how great the papers look under the fragments!
Cat
Posted by: Cat | December 03, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Thank you, Wendy! So pretty! I love the way you used the fragments, really creative!
Posted by: Susan Day | December 03, 2011 at 09:26 AM
What a creative idea!
Posted by: Margaret | December 03, 2011 at 09:32 AM
So nice!! What a great unique gift idea! I so have to borrow this idea! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Wendy Crowe | December 03, 2011 at 10:38 AM
I love all those mini clear acrylic scraps arranged on the box!
Posted by: sandra m. | December 03, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Love the cover of this box - combining the fragments with 25 days of Christmas paper is PERFECT! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: kat | December 03, 2011 at 10:43 AM
So very creative, loved the fragments in the mosaic!
Posted by: Krystal H | December 03, 2011 at 10:47 AM
That's adorable!
Posted by: Janie La Pierre | December 03, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I love your 25 days of Christmas Collection and I have been looking for it everywhere. The box is a beautiful family keepsake.
Posted by: Jen Zwaska | December 03, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Cute ideas!
Posted by: DeAnn Runge | December 03, 2011 at 11:09 AM
This is soooo Wendy! in other words...incredibly creative!
Posted by: Lynn Darda | December 03, 2011 at 11:40 AM
This is amazing! It would be a wonderful gift!
Posted by: Jean Marmo | December 03, 2011 at 12:04 PM
This is a very lovely shadow box.
Posted by: Michele S | December 03, 2011 at 12:07 PM
This is such a beautiful holiday decor item, I wouldn't want to part with it for sure.
Posted by: Suzanne | December 03, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Very cool. I am making a little shadow box myself and this gave some awesome ideas.
Posted by: Lisa P | December 03, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Awesome project! I won't have time to make one this year, but will definitely be on the look out for those mini items to make one next year. Fun!
Posted by: Darla Weber | December 03, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Adorable project. Love fragments! :-D
Posted by: Doris Widder | December 03, 2011 at 01:10 PM
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Deb | December 03, 2011 at 01:11 PM
Gorgeous! Such a great way to decorate for the holidays!
Posted by: Cynthia B. | December 03, 2011 at 01:56 PM
What a fantastic project!
Posted by: Gini Cagle | December 03, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Hi Wendy,
Yep- I am drooling over that collection! Love your project! Thanks for the tip on the paint. I have been meaning to go get some but didnt know which to use. I did a project with white spray paint recently thinking it would be better and I think I need to stick to acrylics ( it was a nightmare- I am too impatient and ended up with bubbles, cracks and drips- not good).
Posted by: Laura Lien | December 03, 2011 at 03:06 PM
wow, that is an amazing idea! love how you used the papers!
Posted by: Deb Routledge | December 03, 2011 at 03:15 PM
Love this project and how adaptable to whatever type of "box" you have! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Lynn Wigren | December 03, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Just gorgeous!!!
Posted by: b. poteraj | December 03, 2011 at 03:46 PM
I love your project--the papers are amazing.
Posted by: Sharon Gullikson | December 03, 2011 at 03:46 PM
Jeepers creepers--nice!
Posted by: Natasha G.P. | December 03, 2011 at 03:47 PM
Have to admit my fragments have been neglected - but after seeing your beautiful project I may have to dig them up. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Dorothy C. | December 03, 2011 at 04:10 PM
Super cool,clever and creative! TFS!
Posted by: Nicolle Kramer | December 03, 2011 at 05:30 PM
That's a great Project! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Memoriesbymanda | December 03, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Great Project! I love the use of fragments.
Posted by: Memoriesbymanda | December 03, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Cute cute cute. There are those baby ornaments. Where did you find the little trinkets???
Posted by: Heidi Mireles | December 03, 2011 at 07:33 PM
goodness me! I love that 6x6 pad, it looks amazing in your project.
Posted by: Ruth | December 03, 2011 at 07:37 PM
I so wanna be you when I grow up!
Posted by: Kelley | December 03, 2011 at 07:45 PM
Soooooo wonderful!!
Posted by: Kay Tee | December 03, 2011 at 07:54 PM
I just love this project. Such a neat vintage look to it!!!
Posted by: Dawn Johnson | December 03, 2011 at 07:56 PM
totally awesome! but I will admit, I'd keep it for myself LOL...am now on the lurk for the acrylic fragments!
Posted by: kate blue | December 03, 2011 at 07:57 PM
I just sound this site and I love it!!!
Posted by: fonda butler | December 03, 2011 at 08:03 PM
This is such a fun project!! I love the light bulbs! Great idea!
Posted by: Ashley Horton | December 03, 2011 at 08:11 PM
Awesome project! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Melinda Wilson | December 03, 2011 at 08:38 PM
What a fun project and home decro piece!
Carol B
ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by: Carol B | December 03, 2011 at 08:45 PM
Great idea on the altered shadow box! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Stephenie | December 03, 2011 at 09:06 PM
You are always raising the bar! Great job... thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Janey | December 03, 2011 at 11:13 PM
What a unique and beautiful project. Love this!
Posted by: see mary stamp | December 04, 2011 at 05:02 AM
love the inspiration behind this - can't wait to try and would love to win the 25 days of Christmas - hope to hear from you!
Posted by: natalie murphy | December 04, 2011 at 12:23 PM
What a cute idea!!!! I'm so excited to try this out! AND I love, love, love the "25 Days of Christmas" collection!!!!
Posted by: KristiYaYa | December 04, 2011 at 02:57 PM
Wendy, I {heart} you style!
Posted by: jules! | December 04, 2011 at 08:25 PM
Hi Wendy! Not a scrapper here, I found your site while searching for using acrylic paints & alcohol blending solution (yep, that's how I got here) actually, I'm a jewelry designer. Anyhow, I just had to comment from one crafter to another (I do love painting wood tho) YOUR PROJECT is FABULOUS!! It makes me want to run out and buy the same box and go to town making my own!! Anyhow, you're very talented and just wanted to say, thanks for the eye candy!
Posted by: Andi | December 05, 2011 at 11:40 AM
This is such a cool idea - I know what to do with my fragments now! ;)
Posted by: Susie | December 05, 2011 at 04:55 PM
Gorgeous project!
Posted by: Shelley Haganman | December 05, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Gorgeous, love how you used the fragments, that collection looks fantastic
Posted by: Geraldine | December 06, 2011 at 02:14 PM
How cute is this!
Posted by: Naomi A. of Colorado | December 09, 2011 at 08:44 PM
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Posted by: izabela | January 28, 2013 at 10:41 AM
Creative, creative, creative!!!!
Posted by: Karen Horsham | May 17, 2013 at 08:08 AM