As promised, here is another project for the graduate; an altered paper mache’ box that’s the perfect size to hold a gift card now, and a tassel later.
I used Smooch Spritz to give the box the look of old metal that has aged over time. Smooch Spritz is a shimmery ink that you can spray; it goes on opaque and covers well in just one coat. And although it looks like it took hours to achieve the finish, it was accomplished in about 15 minutes using just 2 colors of Smooch Spritz. And since Smooch Spritz covers so well, there is no need to paint or prime the box first.
Here’s a closer look at the lid…
And here are some more close-ups of the details on the box…
If you don’t need a graduation gift, you can still make the basic box and just change the lid embellishments to whatever theme you like. Father’s Day is less than a month away and this box would be terrific for any dad as well. Maybe add a few vintage keys tied with twine to the top, and stamp with an appropriate Father’s Day sentiment. {More Father’s Day projects coming up next week!}
Here are the supplies and directions you need to make your own altered box…
“vintage metal” altered paper mache’ box
Skill Level: easy
SUPPLIES:
Clearsnap: Smooch Spritz: Silver Foil and Vanilla Shimmer, Smooch Accent Ink: Illuminate and Moonlight, Crafter’s Ink: High Top Pad – Black, Stylus with Blender Tip and Color Catcher
Indus Trading Company: DIY Bangles:Time Together Collection: wood cut out - Graduation
Hampton Art: Graduation Time clear value set
Hero Arts: Curly Alphabet cleardesign stamps
Memory Box: Antique Damask wood mount stamp
Darice: paper mache box
Tools: adhesive, white paper towels and heat gun {optional}
DIRECTIONS:
Designer Notes:
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use Smooch Spritz as you would spray paint, spritzing while moving your hand across the piece to create an even coat.
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depending on the type of paper mache’ box you use, it may or may not absorb the Smooch Spritz quickly. If ink pools, you can gently blot with paper towels.
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you can use a heat gun to speed up drying time, just be sure to keep heat gun moving and don’t overheat to avoid warping your box.
1) Remove lid and place it along with the box bottom in the Color Catcher. Begin spritzing the top and sides of the lid and the sides of the bottom using Silver Foil Smooch Spritz. Allow pieces to set a few minutes before turning them to another side. Continue until all sides are done. Let dry a few minutes.
2) Spritz pieces again as before, this time using Vanilla Shimmer Smooch, and blotting gently with a clean paper towel a minute or so after ink is applied. {The blotting will help develop the aged appearance of the box}
3) Ink wood cut out cap using Black Crafter’s Ink applied with Stylus and Blended Tip; let dry.
4) Apply Smooch Illuminate to top of cap; let dry.
5) Outline cap using Moonlight Smooch, then smudge lightly with your finger to blend.
6) Let all pieces dry completely before proceeding.
7) Ink tip {about 1”} of Antique Damask stamp with Black Crafter’s Ink and stamp design around sides of lid; set aside to dry.
8) Use Black Crafter’s Ink applied using Stylus and Blender Tip to “antique” edges and corners of box lid and bottom.
9) Stamp “2010” using Curly Alphabet and Black Crafter’s Ink at lower right of box.
10) Stamp “class of” using stamp from Graduation Time set, above and to the left of “2010” using Black Crafter’s Ink; let dry.
11) Fill in “class of” letters using Moonlight Smooch.
12) Adhere cap to box at upper left.
Fill box with paper shred in silver, white or black and add gift card…
---tami
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