Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Christmas Wish

I had an idea a couple days ago and needed to see if it would work...it did and today's tutorial is a result of the basic idea of making a die frame for a shadowbox.  Of course it morphed into more so I hope you are up for the ride. 
Let me show you how I did it...

I decide to use the lid portion of the small 5.75" x 5.75" Configurations box.  I flipped the lid over so the back of the lid will be my front (that will make more sense later).
 I cut strips of book paper to line the inside and outside of the lid.
Using Multi-medium made it very easy to quickly add each piece.
Once the paper is added, I went over the entire surface with Multi-medium to seal it.  Set lid aside to dry for at least 30 minutes.
 
To make the front of the shadowbox I chose Grungepaper, which will make the paper much more stable and long lasting.  Adhere Grungepaper to a piece of 6 x 6" Christmas paper from the Holidays Past paper stash with collage glue stick.
NOTE: Grungepaper is thinner than Grungeboard.  The sheets are 6 x 12", with 6 sheets per pack.
 Cut to the size of the front of the box.
I had two dies that I thought would work for the center cut, Baroque and Vintage Cabinet Card.  In the end I decided to go with the Cabinet Card shape.
The Grungepaper is 6" wide so it fits the die perfectly.  I taped into place so it could not move when I ran it through the Vagabond machine.
Nice clean cut.
 I only need the outside so I can save the inside piece for something else.
Next I cut a piece of Mirrored to fit the back of the lid.  Then, stamped right on the Mirrored with the pine cone stamp from Stampers Anonymous Winter Sketchbook (love that stamp).  I added sticky embossing powder, melted it with a Heat Tool then added platinum Stickles glitter.  Once dry, I had to go over the image with a stiff brush to remove the glitter from the fine details.
Remove the paper backing to reveal the sticky back.  Place Mirrored sheet into the back of the lid with the pine cone image on the upper left.  DO NOT press down yet...one more step before you do.
I decided to add a Mini Lantern to illuminate the box at night.  This was a new product that came out at CHA in July and I have not had a chance to use one, so today's the day!
To add the lantern, I needed to hang it from the top of the lid.  Use a pair of pliers to open the screw eye.
I screwed the open screw eye into the top of the lid (it's easy to do) and hung the mini lantern from the hook.  Once on the hook, I was able to close it up with my needle-nose piers.  The thin cord has to go behind the Mirrored sheet, so I just pushed it forward from the back and slipped the cord over the top. Now is the time to press the Mirrored down.
I cut a piece of 6 x 6" paper to fit the back of the box.  Notice the 1/2" wide hole for the cord to pull through?  I just inked around it like it was part of the design.
 Then added Wonder Tape to the edges.  Pull off the red plastic coating.
Then placed the square on the back.
You can see the power pack for the lantern.  It takes 2 AA batteries.  You just plug in the brown cord when you want the lantern lit.  It's just that easy.
Now back to the front of the shadowbox.  Lots of different pieces here...then assembly.

1. Fence piece:  I used Grungeboard covered in book text for the fence.
 2.  Christmas Tree: I sprayed a Woodlands Tree in Barn Red.  Adding Barn Red Re-inker to a mini mister + water = red tree.  I also glittered the tree stand... because I could.
 Now my favorite part of the whole day...the ornaments...
I added random cheap pearl beads to a plastic bag and squirted in some Butterscotch Alcohol Ink.  Close the bag and roll them around to coat.
 Dump out on a paper towel so they don't run away.  Discard the plastic bag.
Using a felt pad, ink portions of the gold beads with Mushroom AI.  Oh my, how I love this...the Mushroom instantly ages the the gold and makes them look like old mercury glass beads...love, love, love.  Can I say, I love Mushroom AI?
 I did make one large bead into a tree topper using a pin from one of my tomato pin cushions...I inked the silver pin with Mushroom AL too, even though I will be the only one to ever see it.
 I added each bead to the red tree with Glossy accents.
 3.  Mini star:  I painted a chipboard star (from my stash) silver.  I cut a flat back quilters pin with my trusty Tonic scissors so that it would fit the start back. (the cork will be explained later)
 A little silver AI takes care of the yellow color on the back.
 4.  Ribbon: need red ribbon?  Crinkle ribbon + Festive Berries + Gathered Twigs = fabulous red ribbon.
Putting it all together:
My thoughts when picking words for the Corked Vials really relate to the devastating events in Connecticut this past week.  I decided my "Christmas Wish" was a little peace, love, and hope.  Chichat words, vial labels, a large corsage pin dipped in glitter and some vintage string complete the set.
 I added the word "Christmas" from the Seasonal Chitchat stickers.
 I started gathering all the things I made to the box and gluing them down one at a time.
 I added Wonder tape to the front die cut panel.
 And pressed it down onto the front.  It fit like a glove.
I cut 4 pieces of Memory foil tape to fit each side of the box.  There was a bit of Alcohol Ink left on the felt tool so I dabbed the foil to make it appear aged then cut it with pinking sheers for a sawtooth edge.
 Peel the backing and add to the box to cover the seams.  I  really like the way this came out.  I don't think I have ever Alcohol Inked Memory Tape...I may never go back now.
 I added Foundations metal feet (of course I used Alcohol Ink on each one in Slate and Gold).
To top it off, I added a crystal curio knob to the top with the fabulous red ribbon I made earlier.  Remember, to make a bow like this, cut a piece of ribbon about 18"long.  Wrap the ribbon around 4 fingers until you run out (usually 3 times around).  Take a second piece of ribbon then same length and tie at center of the large loop leaving 2 long pieces.  Wrap the long ribbon around the knob a couple times then tie into a bow.
NOTE: the one change I would make to this piece is that I would have punched the hole for the curio knob before I put the box together.  It would have been easier and I could have made a much cleaner hole (not that you can see it now).
I do like the way it turned out...
I like how the glittered pine cone image glistens behind the mini lantern and how the Vintage Cabinet Card cutout frames the items in the box.  My little fence kinda disappeared behind the bottles so maybe I will need to go back and lift it up an inch...an easy fix.  But for now, I am going to move it to a place of prominence in my family room and plug it in as soon as it gets dark enough.


Tomorrow I am off on a little trip for work.  Okay, maybe a little shopping too...
Cheers for a great rest of the week!
paula


153 comments:

  1. Oh WOW! Stunning box! Love the little, the altered tree and those bottle are fabulous! Thank you for sharing your talent.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Incredibly creative! I love how it lights up, too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh I love it! ... absolutely love it! What a brilliant use for the lantern! Thanks for sharing another amazing project!

    ReplyDelete
  4. G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. love all of your little details...so inspired, I want to make one!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a stunning creation you have made. So full of inspiration too. Wonderful.
    Julia

    ReplyDelete
  6. omg, this is just soooo amazing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful! I love little shadow boxes like this- have one on the go ATM!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. That´s GENIUS Paula!

    very merry christmas to you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, how I love it when you begin a post with the words, "I had an idea". I know it is going to be something wonderful....and this little shadowbox just sparkles with Christmas magic. The use of the lantern is absolutely inspired. All the little details...it's like a window into Santa's workshop. Loverly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks Kathy...the lantern took a few tries to get it just how I wanted it. Mostly due to the fact that I wanted it so high in the box over the glitter. I tried a jump ring first and ended up just opening the Screw eye which was way more simple.
      paula

      Delete
  10. This is a very creative shadow box. Thanks for sharing how to color the beads, love it. Have used the mushroom paint on a lot of projects and I'm always surprised at the vintage effect it gives. Something about the name mushroom and the look of it in the bottle you don't expect the results you get. Haven't tried it in AI yet, didn't really know it came in mushroom color. The search is on! Thanks, Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Peggy...really just experimenting with colors most of the time. But this time the first choices worked! They really are nice and look very old.

      Delete
  11. You are one brilliant woman, Paula! This is gorgeous, and the addition of the mushroom AI is so inspired!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks Shelly! The beads are even better in person...the look is total vintage.

      Delete
  12. THANK YOU PAULA!!! Once again, you have come through for my holiday gifts to special family members! Remember last year's angel wings display? Yup! Several folks received that as a gift last year. :-) Now I hope the supplies that I ordered last week come through by Friday! If not, I will be "winging it" a bit - but that is not a bad thing. It's good to put a little pressure on the creativity gene ;-)
    Thanks again for sharing this lovely little holiday vignette!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. well, then the project rally must have been inspired. Hope all goes well and that you get them done in time for Christmas. It really is a fun project!
      paula

      Delete
  13. This piece is amazing. I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have no words that haven't already been said...this is simply amazing!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Stunning piece! thank you, Paula.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is an amazing project love it all but especially the message, Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  17. thanks for a fabulous walk through how you completed such an amazing piece. It is truely delightful. My favourite bit is your addition of peace, love and hope and your reasons for this. Thinking of those families at this most terrible time xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just stunning. Thank you for the description and the photos.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love! The little bottled wishes are fab xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Paula, this is absolutely beautiful. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh my, that is just lovely. I especially like how the lantern lights up everything from inside. Nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I couldn't love this any more if I tried. Now you will have me dying pearls, as well as ribbon. This is truly fabulous. Happy holiday and all the best creating in 2013!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Just amazing!! It took a lot of work and love to make this box! Thanks for sharing!

    Hugs,

    Carmen L

    ReplyDelete
  24. That is Awesome!!!! I loved the ride.

    ReplyDelete
  25. How much fun this must have been to make! It was nice to see Tim's new light in detail and I like that you can detach the battery pack (a nice feature). I am still confused about sticky embossing powder but now I see that it must be like heat-activated powdered glue. I may just have to get some to see for myself. Thanks again for this lovely and inspiring demo.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Spectacular project! Thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I Love this. So Cute, what a talent you have.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your shadow box is absolutely breathtaking! I love all the detail!

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is FAB-U-LOUS!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work!

    ReplyDelete
  30. So many great ideas put together in a beautiful combination. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Absolutely magnificent, Paula! Every detail is absolute perfection. Thanks for the great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sweet, sweet, sweet! Can you tell I love it? LOL

    ReplyDelete
  33. My heart went THUMP-this is magnificent!

    ReplyDelete
  34. All of these is incredibly gorgeous!!!! I love every but! The double AI ink pearl is brilliant...never have even thought about that! Love the cabinet card opening!!!! RAND JOB!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wonderful box and some fun techniques - thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  36. its wonderful! ty for the tut!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Absolutely beautiful, what a fabulous Christmas centrepiece. Happy Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Absolutely stunning project, fabulous tutorial, thanks for sharing.
    Lots of love from Patricia xx

    ReplyDelete
  39. Inspired design! Love it! My fave AI is the butterscotch, but I love the reaction you got with the mushroom AI. That was a nice surprise

    ReplyDelete
  40. Stunning! What a wonderful project - thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is amazing, and very well thought out and done! I can see me making these for next Christmas :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Absolutely wonderful! Some great tips along the way, pearl beads coloured with alcohol ink - brilliant idea. Love the use of the mini lantern. A treasure to keep.
    Carole

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is gorgeous! What a beautiful heartfelt piece. Thanks for sharing all the details. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  44. AMAZING, STUNNING, EXQUISITE!!! If only I had all the pieces to create this -- one day I shall! LOVE it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. wowzers! You are very creative and inspiring! I would love to have this..now to find the goodies to try and make it!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Paula, if I get nothing else from this...the dying of the pearl trick will be utilized...I spent WAY too much time trying to find ornaments that looked like these little gems. Thank you Ma'am!

    ReplyDelete
  47. OMGosh... I love this. SO creative--I'm in total awe! I am so intimidated by all this creativity, but NOW, you've helped me to think "I can do something like this!" Thank you so much for sharing. Have a Blessed Holiday Season, and a bright New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing your creation!
    Karen M.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Wonderful fantastic awesome project just brilliant

    ReplyDelete
  50. This is a beautiful project Paula! The peace, hope and love sentiments are so fitting right now. I can't wait to make one of these for myself.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Paula, your tutorial and project are amazing! You are one very talented woman. Thanks for sharing and may your holiday season be as warm and bright as your shadow box :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. you SHOULD be happy with it, it's amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  53. This little project is wonderful - love it, Paula. Thanks for thinking of us here in CT!

    ReplyDelete
  54. love it.... it seems so old and reminds me of things I would find at my grandma's house.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  55. Came here via Tim's blog and am I glad I did. What a wonderful project. Probably not this year, but definitely next this will be my first project for the season. Thanks soooo much for the inspiration. Have a wonderful CHRISTmas.

    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  56. love it.... it seems so old and reminds me of things I would find at my grandma's house.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wonderful project. Something to keep forever!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Paula, this is my first visit to your blog and certainly won't be the last! Came here via Tim and I am drooling over this amazing project! Honestly, this is the best altered Christmas project that I have seen and one of the best tutorials - ever! Love this! Merry Christmas and the best of 2013!

    ReplyDelete
  59. My favorite part is the colored pearls! The banner pin in the cork is cute too.

    ReplyDelete
  60. This is just beautiful. I love all of the beautiful elements. I love the story behind your project and really want to make one of these for my house!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh My, this is so beautiful. It is absolutely stunning. Your creativity is awesome.
    Happy Holidays

    ReplyDelete
  62. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  63. What a great project for Christmas. I am going to start gathering the things I will need to make this for next year! Thanks for the inspiration!!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Absolutely love your "Christmas Wish". You did a fantastic job, and great step by step instructions. I appreciate your 'tips' also. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  65. This is so wonderful! I just happen to have a brand new configurations set....hmm...and two little lanterns...maybe I will make a winter scene to decorate an area the rest of this winter!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Amazing job. Love the tutorial. thank You very much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. You continue to blow me away with your lovely projects! Such genius! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Do I love this.....oh, yeah....you have inspired me!!!

    ReplyDelete
  69. I'm on your bandwagon!
    Could not be more perfect! I love it. Thank you for sharing. I've purchased 2 little lights thinking of putting them in a cigar box......I'm rethinking that. This is soooo beautiful and sweet. It really touches memories and the 3 wishes are exactly what we all are feeling about Newtown.

    ReplyDelete
  70. This is absolutely stunning. I love how you decorated that tree, adorable. Those little lanterns are wonderful. This diffinately deserves to be place in a special place in your home, or maybe in mine (LOL).

    ReplyDelete
  71. Tim sent me here. I can see why. Lovely shadow box. I particularly love the bottles with Love, Hope, and Peace in them. Lovely message.

    ReplyDelete
  72. WOW! You are defintely on a creative roll...keep going! This is fantastic...just beautiful.
    Thank you so much for sharing your ideas with us. You're a Christmas present to us.
    Barb in Palm City

    ReplyDelete
  73. Wow just love it!! thanks again for sharing..

    ReplyDelete
  74. This is just so beautiful Paula!! And the meaning makes it even more special!! Thank you so much for all the hard work and thoughtfulness and for sharing it with all of us!!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I not only love this but am inspired! a new follower, I am....
    check out my blog..
    www.lilbitofmyworld.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Fabulous project. Thanks for sharing all the details! It's beautiful and cleverly created!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  77. This is just a FABULOUS project! I can see myself doing something similar (especially since you give step-by-step directions).... but not until next Christmas! No time this year and I don't have all the stuff! Thanks for sharing how you put it all together... I need these kind of simple instructions!
    Merry CHRISTmas!

    Kris in Alaska
    funamom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. lovely creation. Have a great day

    ReplyDelete
  79. This is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love every detail!!! Thanks for explaining things very well!!!

    ReplyDelete
  80. So beautiful. Thanks for sharing the "how to" of your amazing project. The details are amazing. Have a blessed holiday.

    ReplyDelete
  81. This is just an amazing creation Paula - I love it and admire all your creative projects! Thanks for sharing this!!! Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  82. I only wish I had your imagination ... this is three steps above awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Dear Santa, for Christmas can I please have just a smidge of Paula's creativity! Where do yo get these ideas from?!! This is just amazingly beautiful, love it!!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Very beautiful. Great idea. Thanks for sharing, Johanne L.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Really sweeeet! Now I know what to do with those supplies. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I sure can see why Tim SHOUTED THIS OUT! Fabulous project!!!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Wonderful project! I love the glitter stamping on the mirrored piece, great background for the items in the front!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Just gorgeous. I have most of the "ingredients" except for the cabinet die. It's one I keep looking at but could never see a use for it, but now......... Guess what I've just added to my wish list. Thanks for sharing your talent and your thoughts. Merry Christmas to you as well

    ReplyDelete
  89. Paula - this is fabulous - I really love those little bottles! I'm still very saddened by what happened last Friday.... Your message is a beautiful one!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Really beautiful. Love that mirrored background and your sweet bottles of hope.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Oh I love lighted projects and your idea is really very pretty. Would have never thought to emboss the mirrored background but it's a great idea on this project and it looks so cool!

    ReplyDelete
  92. What a joyous creation,beautiful,amazing,Fun, and a great gift idea. I love the mirrored paper and the lantern is just perfect. This is what Christmas is about Love,Inspiration,Sharing,Giving,creativity,and being joyous to one another. I Love all my fellow scrapbooking and altering gals.We all love to share and create together.
    God Bless all of you and Thank you for sharing a wonderful inspiration you created.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Followed Tim's link and I'm really glad I did! Love this project - thank you so much for sharing your creativity.

    ReplyDelete
  94. This is simply wonderful. Truly at a loss for words. And that takes a lot!!!

    Have a blessed Christmas,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  95. I NEED some of those lanterns..... This is such an awesome project! TONS of inspiration! I NEED some of those lanterns.... just sayin!!!

    ReplyDelete
  96. VERY pretty! Thanks for the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Amazing, beautiful project and thank you for taking the time to give us this tutorial, especially at this very busy time of the year!

    Blessings,
    Melitta

    ReplyDelete
  98. I just don't know how you come up with all these wonderful ideas. You are so generous to share them with us. I love this project and will try it myself...next year!

    ReplyDelete
  99. AWESOMENESS!!! Love that little lantern and the mirrored w/the tree. You've enticed me to play w/that lantern!Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity. :)

    ReplyDelete
  100. Wonderful Light Shadow box! (cute lantern) It really gives the feeling of Christmas. The mirror gives more depth to your piece. Great ideas with the alcohol inks too. Thank you for the FUN tutorial LOVE IT! Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Great loved it and my favorite part is the metal tape as it just looks so vintage with that!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Absolutely Fabulous. Just love it

    ReplyDelete
  103. Totally amazing!!!
    Makes me want to get my inks out and have a play :)

    ReplyDelete
  104. OOOO! I just love what you did with the box. The scene reminds me of may days with mniiatures.

    ReplyDelete
  105. WOW this is Amazing Just LOVE it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  106. Beautiful! Merry Christmas!!!!!! Hope you can share your shopping treasures soon!

    ReplyDelete
  107. Totally gorgeous, I love how you've decorated tree. Merry Christmas to you.

    ReplyDelete
  108. I know I am repeating what others have said, but stunning is the only word that comes to mind! I have read through your tutorial several times because I am so impressed. Thanks so much for sharing this, and thanks for the lovely words of hope, peace and love, we can all us them right now.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Picking my jaw up off the floor... this is so amazing, so beautiful, so creative, fantastic tutorial!
    Inspiring message of hope, peace and love... Bless your Heart !

    ReplyDelete
  110. I absolutely love your shadow box. It's total brilliance! Thanks for sharing your talent with us, and for your message of peace, love, and hope. I'm glad I stumbled on to your blog via Tim Holtz, and I will definitely be back again. Have a wonderful Christmas!!

    ReplyDelete
  111. What a beautiful shadow box! I remember my grandmother's shadow on the hanging on the wall, but it was nothing as creative as this! Just so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Very cool! I love making shadow boxes. I have one to make in the next 48 hours and you have definitely inspired me! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  113. This is so beautiful! I absolutely love it. merry Christmas!!

    ReplyDelete
  114. love love love this.... so many fun details.... wonderful inspiration as always. Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  115. I LOVE THIS!....At this point...I think Christmas Wishes' are something we all join in you in wishing...Thanks, again, for sharing...Inspiring as usual...
    Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  116. I absolutely love this! Thank you for sharing your amazing creativity! The attention to detail is where it is at.

    ReplyDelete
  117. Paula, I'v "starred" this project and I find myself coming back often just to look at it and drink all the details in. Absolutely lovely. Won't you hate to put it away, but then think of how fun it will be to pull it out again next year!

    ReplyDelete