by Roni Johnson

Preserving memories is a fun and rewarding past time but if you’re like me I like to keep little mementos as well. After every trip we take I end up with a little pile of goodies collected during our travels. I thought it would be fun to create a memory box to house all of these little treasures. Upcycling an old worn out box is just the ticket.

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 3 hours + dry time

Directions

Step 1

Find a suitable box for your needs. Garage sales, thrift stores or flea markets are an excellent place to start your search.

Step 2

Remove the insert from the lid (if applicable). Paint the lid insert with a layer of gesso.

Step 3

Make a skin from Copper Metallic Creative Medium. See our Make section for more details.

Step 4

Spritz the skin with Cottage Ivy Fireworks Spray and let dry.

Step 5

Apply a layer of Creative Medium to the lid insert and adhere the skin to the panel. Let the Creative Medium dry.

Step 6

Pounce VersaMark ink around the edges of the skin using a stipple brush.

Step 7

Sprinkle gold Mboss embossing powder over the ink.

Step 8

Shake off excess powder and return it to the bag for later use.

Step 9

Use a heat tool to melt the embossing powder. Set the insert aside for now.

Step 10

Remove the insert from the lid, lightly sand the box to roughen up the surface a bit.

Step 11

Apply a layer of gesso to the entire box, inside and out. I am using DecoArt Chalk Gesso in light green for this example.

Step 12

Stamp desired text and images on the body of the box using VersaFine Clair Inks.

Step 13

After the ink has dried, use a palette knife to spread Antique Creative Medium over the stamped area. Apply more medium in some areas, less in others, by doing so this will create depth and add interest to the finished piece. Let the Creative Medium dry. Use a Fantastix and your ink brand of choice to color the ruler yellow.

Step 14

Stamp and apply Creative Medium to the lid of the box just as you did in step 5. Use a stipple brush and pounce VersaMark ink on the edges of the lid.

Step 15

Sprinkle Gold Mboss embossing powder over the ink; shake off excess and return it to the bag. Use a heat tool to melt the powders. Repeat until all edges have been embossed.

Step 16

Emboss various elements which will be used to embellish the box lid. Here I choose butterflies and an ornate flower.

Step 17

Replace insert into the box lid. Use hot glue to affix the various elements to the box lid. Fill the box with all of the treasures you have found along your journey.

Supplies

Imagine

• VersaFine Clair Inkpad – Fallen Leaves, Tulip Red, Blue Belle, Pinecone, Nocturne, Golden Meadow
• VersaMark Inkpad
• Mboss Embossing Powder – Gold, Hologram, Birthday Party, Princess Party
• Fantastix
• Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray – Ivy Cottage
• Creative Medium
• Palette Knife
• Stipple Brush

Other

• Box with a lid
• Sandpaper
• Just For Fun Stamps – Postcards, Postage, Keys, Keyholes
• Lost Coast Designs – Ruler Border Stamp
• Stamperia – Molds
• Spellbinders – Embossing Folder
• Misc embellishments
• Hot Glue Gun
• Heat Tool