Altered Keepsake Box

It is surprising how a cardboard box can turn into an amazing beautiful keepsake. I just love the different embellishments that complement each other to create a one of a kind masterpiece. I would like to say Thank You to Sue Carrington for allowing us to share this amazing altered box with you today. Sue has more wonderful projects on her blog Stamping Sue Style – make sure to check it out!

Find a box that will be the right size for you. Be sure to take off all the labels, and then slightly sand it so the paint will adhere better.

Use some masking tape to cover part of the base, this will allow the lid to slide on easily. Paint both parts with a pale blue chalk acrylic paint

Sue used the Mini Diamonds stencil and Wendy Vecchi’s white Embossing Paste. When it is dry give the lid another coat of paint.

You can use your color scheme to center around your flowers. Start building up your layers of paint and take a baby wipe to wipe it back, paint it on and then wiping it back again.

You can see how the paint stays in the lower areas of the embossing and catches the color.

Continue with the above step until you reach the color combination you are happy with.

On the base do not use the embossing paste, stencil it with more paint, mixing in the colors to match the lid.

You can see now where to place your gorgeous flowers. The square buttons are wood and painted then stamped using the Wendy Vecchi Vintage Tapestry background stamp with Cornflower Archival ink. The bingo piece has had paint wiped over the top to change its color.

Some of the extra touches are a piece of burlap beneath the flower, three pearl stick pins and painted metal leaves.

The wooden cage is by Maya Road and was painted using the same baby wipe method that was used for the box. The little metal flower has been painted and the paper flower has been made using the Tim Holtz Tattered Flower strip die. Paint the card before die cutting the flowers. Layer the flowers and add a little pearl to the center. Add your sentiment.

Use four bingo pieces to make some feet, paint them and rub some metallic wax around them. Rub some metallic wax around the edges of the box as well. You can see how it gives it a rustic look. (see above)

Hope you enjoy this altered project. Be sure and give it a try; you will love the end result.