Jewelry Box

"Just because something didn't work out according to the way you 

planned it doesn't mean it didn't work out for the best.

Blessings are often disguised as pain first." 

Recently, a friend sent me a jewelry box project that was featured in Country Living (see below). I liked the idea, so I attempted to give it a try as a gift to her.

I started with a basic, unfinished wooden box from AC Moore, some string, felt, and some paint. I did great with the felt inserts and painting, but writing the name of my friend (which only requires 3 letters) in string was unusually challenging for me. It was as if all my crafting knowledge and motor skills in my hands just flew out the window. I tried to fix it over and over but it went from bad to worse so I completely abandoned the idea altogether. Once I freed myself of that job, I set out to decorate the box in a completely different way. I'm happy to report, it turned out great. I love the girliness of it. I'm secretly hoping she'll really hate it. I have a spot in my bathroom all ready just in case. :-)

Not one extra penny was spent in the making of this project! Yay!

Everything came from "shopping" my closet.

I love these pink flowers but changed out the plastic centers

and replaced them with pearls. The gold corners were freebies 

sent from my friends at Stay True to God. 

The ribbon roses were found at Goodwill. 

There were TONS in a bag for .99 cents!

The laces were also found at Goodwill for mere pennies.

Inside of the box. Pink and white felt accordion folded

to hold all her precious baubles. 

I have several small Scripture stamps and used one for 

the inside of the top. 

Not exactly what I planned, but the end result is lovely. Like so many things in life, Amen?

Blessings!

Millie

Birthday Card in a Box

"This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." 

Psalm 118:24

Tomorrow is my younger son's birthday. His addition to our family nine years ago was a timely one. He has brought much joy and laughter to our home. Indeed, November 14th is a day to celebrate and be glad.

Justin announced very early in his life that he IS a marine biologist so it was pretty easy to come up with a theme for his birthday card. 

I saw this "card in a box" recently on Graphic 45's Facebook page and just knew I had to try and make one. You can find the tutorial here. 

For this project, I used Tim Coffey's, Travel Collection. I used images from the chipboard stickers and paper from the 4" x 6" mat stack. 

When folded, the card measures 5" x 6" and will fit easily in 

an envelope. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUSTIN!!! 

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Blessings,

Millie

"Be Thankful" Shadowbox Tag

"...in everything give thanks;..."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

There's ALWAYS something to be thankful for! 

For this project, I used Graphic 45's Place in Time collection.

I used elements from the September, October, and November pages, 

the phrase, "Be Thankful" from the Sentiments page, 

and the red flower from Chipboard Sheet #2.

Sideview. The base of the tag was sprayed LIBERALLY with 

Adirondak Color Washes in shades of red, yellow, and plum

The sunflowers came from a paper by K & Company.

I layered them to add more dimension to the tag.

The pretty beads are from an old autumn garland 

I've had for years. 

The chipboard laser cuts on the top and bottom are from 

the fine folks at Stay True to God. 

I painted them with copper and gold metallic paints 

for some sparkle.

The frame of the tag was created with a 

metallic printed paper from Sei.

I embossed it with clear and gold embossing 

powder for added texture. LOVE that little doggie rolling in the grass!

Fun project, but it took forever and I'm THANKFUL I'm done! Now on to Christmas!!!!

Blessings,

Millie