The girls on my holiday list this year are receiving adorable, one-of-a-kind jewelry (or treasure) boxes! So cute and functional. Here are the steps to make one of your own.
Leave a message on this post and you can win this jewelry box! Drawing will be held on December 12.
STEP 1
Supplies:
- Wooden box (This one came from Michael's for less than $5)
- Modge Podge
- Small sponge brush
- Decoupage sealant
- Fabric or paper (this size box used 1/3 of a yard of fabric)
- 2 squares of felt
STEP 2
Cut your fabric or paper into different sized shapes and size with your smallest one being about .5"x.5" and the largest about 3"x3". If you're going to use fabric, cut with pinking shears to minimize the fraying (I learned this the hard way!)
Remove metal hardware from the box and put into a very safe, covered container. The screws are very, very tiny and quite easy to lose if the container is spilled (believe me!).
STEP 3
With the small sponge brush, paint on a thin coat of Modge Podge approximately the same size as one of the pieces of the larger fabric. Place the fabric on top of the Modge Podge and push out the bubbles. Put a coat of Modge Podge on top of the fabric or paper. I like to use a lot of Modge Podge so that the fabric is basically soaked. You don't need that much, however, for paper. Repeat this step until the entire top and bottom are covered. Don't cover the inside bottom of the box as you're going to put felt here.
STEP 4
After the Modge Podge has dried for about 24 hours, spray with a decoupage sealer. You can find this in all kinds of finishes including super glossy and matte. This stuff is toxic! Be sure to go outside or, at least, in the garage to use it.
You'll have to do several sessions of spraying because you'll want to make sure all the decoupage is covered. Spray thin layers versus a single thick, globby, runny layer. Allow each coat to dry for at least 2 hours and the finished product to dry for about 24 hours.
This step is absolutely necessary because without it, the Modge Podge will get tacky anytime it's humid as it's water-based.
STEP 5
Put the hardware back on the box. I've found that the screws actually fit better and more firmly if you put a little bit of tackly glue on them before screwing them back in.
Cut pieces of felt that will fit perfectly in the bottom of the box. Glue these piece with basic tacky glue. Consider using a piece of contrast-colored felt for a special surprise inside of the box. I've also used crafting foam for the inside and that's really great, too. The foam is actually easier to work with than felt, but it's a bit more expensive.
STEP 6
TA-DA! You're finished. There are lots of fun extras you can add on the box at this stage including small letters to spell names or special dates, rhinestones, glitter, or sequins.
Remember to leave a comment to be included in the drawing for this fun jewelry box on December 12. Grazie!
sweet idea..lots of scraps around here to use too
Posted by: Sandy | December 02, 2008 at 18:47
That's gorgeous! I <3 the orange color... XD
Posted by: Michelle | December 02, 2008 at 18:59
OMG! That really is gorgemundus! I lOvE the fabric.
Posted by: Amy Jo | December 02, 2008 at 19:22
Nice! I have been wanting to try out decoupage but wasn't sure how. I will have to try it now.
Posted by: Jenn S. | December 02, 2008 at 19:40
I love just these kinds of projects! Thanks!
Posted by: Sandra - Illinois | December 02, 2008 at 21:02
Wonderful weekend project.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Fantastic giveaway! Please sign me up for your contest.
Posted by: David Bertolo | December 03, 2008 at 00:01
OH BOY
Posted by: Claudia Vitello | December 03, 2008 at 02:27
I saw this on Craftster & I just love it! My daughter is 6 & always sees those boxes at Michael's & we're never really sure what to do with them but I do now :)
Posted by: Tara | December 03, 2008 at 10:06
I saw this on Craftster & I just love it! My daughter is 6 & always sees those boxes at Michael's & we're never really sure what to do with them but I do now :)
Posted by: Tara | December 03, 2008 at 10:07
That box is so cool! I love the fabric you chose.
Thank you for the tutorial :)
Posted by: Heidi aka DigitalMisfit | December 03, 2008 at 23:22
Wow, I am not crafty but this is so great (and easy?)
It really looks beautiful!
Thanks for the post!
Posted by: Andrea | December 05, 2008 at 11:50
OMG..even I could DO this!! LOL!!
Thanks for a great giveaway.
Posted by: Shelley K | December 07, 2008 at 08:50
It looks lovely!
Posted by: Diana Dang | December 07, 2008 at 12:16
That was really interesting and I just love it! Thank you!
Posted by: judy brittle | December 07, 2008 at 14:22
This is a neat idea. I am sure my jewelery would love it! Thanks!
Posted by: jenna | December 07, 2008 at 15:59
This is a neat idea. I am sure my jewelery would love it! Thanks!
Posted by: jenna | December 07, 2008 at 15:59
This is a neat idea. I am sure my jewelery would love it! Thanks!
Posted by: jenna | December 07, 2008 at 15:59
I love it!
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Posted by: Janet F | December 08, 2008 at 01:00
I would love this!
Very pretty!
Posted by: Shannon | December 08, 2008 at 06:48
How fun! I'd love to win!
Posted by: Katherine | December 08, 2008 at 11:24
Thank you for the great tip on the Sealing Spray. I have a huge jar of ModPodge and was unsure if that is all i had to use:)
Posted by: crystal | December 08, 2008 at 17:08
Brilliant idea, wonderful step by step instructions. I adore the box.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Posted by: Jennifer | December 08, 2008 at 21:49
You're not kidding about the toxicity of the sealing spray! I had to borrow my friend's garage because our tiny apartment couldn't support the fumes!
Posted by: Marigold | December 10, 2008 at 14:24
What a great project...I can always use another jewelry box. I was just thinking it was time for a reorganization. As for making one, I'm inspired and will keep this project in mind when I run across an abandoned box at a yard sale. Thanks!
Posted by: Kelli Robinson | December 11, 2008 at 06:58
Beautiful Jewelry Box. It looks pretty simple to make too. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: Ilissa H. | December 11, 2008 at 11:27