HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

Well as you can see I have created a brand new banner and background for my blog and there will be some changes made to my blogging style also.

I have decided to share more about the way I create my collages, tins, jars and cigar boxes as well as what my life is like here in Coos Bay. I feel it is time to step it up a bit and be a little more interesting.

As you all must know by now since I have mentioned it enough times, I have opened a new Etsy Shop. I wasn't having much luck selling my collages so I decided to put them on tins, jars, cigar boxes and see if that made a difference. IT DID! I sold 7 tins in the first two weeks it was open . It might have been a fluke with the holiday shoppers and all but it sure felt good !!

My dear sweet husband just happened to have some cigar boxes in various sizes in his shop so he presented them to me when he found out I was going to altered them and put them in my Etsy Shop.

The first one I did was inspired by Steam Punk. Hubby contributed the rusty washers and antique nails that frame the collage.

So our Etsy Team Challenge for Jan is to create something we are passionate about, so I thought I would take one of the smaller boxes and alter it to be used for ATC's since that is one of the things I am passionate about. I took the box and applied glue to all sides as I went adding onion skin paper. This paper is real easy to work with....except when it gets jammed in your printer !

I covered over the onion paper with glue and then printed out the image I wanted to use and wrapped it over the seam where the lid opens just to give it added support.

Clamps work well to hold things in place while the glue is drying

Next I selected a emphemera paper to use as a liner on the inside of the box. Covered the area with glue and added my paper to the inside lid.

Followed that same procedure for the inside of the box.
This is the point where I seal the entire box. I use Mod Podge to seal my work.

It seemed a bit boring so I added satin ribbon to accent. For this I used fabric glue.

Okay, still boring so I added this metal butterfly. Fabric glue works best for me when adding embellishments. It dries faster.

I did the same thing on the outside of the lid when adding this metal heart.

Finally the finishing touch was to add antique lace trim all the way around the box. It not only accents it but it helps cover any imperfections along the seams of your paper.

This is the finished product. I have to say I am proud of the way it turned out.

I also added a gold button and some more of the satin ribbon creating a little latch to keep the box closed.



This box can be used to store your ATC cards or whatever you want to use it for. The possibilities are endless. Photos, jewelry, trinkets, money, keepsakes, cards, etc., etc.


You not only have a beautiful box but you have a nice piece of art to add to your home decor.
The bonus is that this box comes with an ATC kit inside. Includes everything you need to create at least 4 ATC cards. This box and ATC Kit are for sale in my Etsy Shop.