Saturday, November 02, 2013

easy altered jewelry box ornament tutorial

If you've stopped by here before, you probably already know I have a
thing about candy--like it.  A lot.  No big surprise, then, that this elfy candy
label got me going on a little Christmas crafty:
collage image from Altered Pages



Made a little candy box from a small cardboard jewelry box to hang on the tree,
oh yes, gonna fill it full of goodies!  It was so easy, I couldn't make just one . . .

It was super easy, simple enough to make with children.  I got the idea from some
gorgeous ornaments a friend made years ago, but hers were way more fancy fine--
here is how I made mine:

Stuff you need:  small jewelry box, patterned paper, collage image, glue stick,
hole punch, ribbon.  I also added some ink, a bead and some glitter, all totally
optional.  You may want to add even more embellishments.

First and Second:  Cut out a collage image that will fit on the front of the box, and
cut a piece of patterned paper that will fit all the way around the box.
DON'T glue the collage image on!!!

Third, or somewhere along the line:
Punch a small hole in the box, in a spot on the box half (NOT the lid) that isn't
covered by the lid when the lid is on the box.  Does that make sense at all?

Thread a piece doubled piece of ribbon through the hole:
AND TIE a knot in it, so it won't come through the hole.  If you want,
thread a bead or two onto the top (outside the box) ribbon:
totally optional bead
Fourth:  Wrap the patterned paper around the box, creasing it at each edge,
leaving plenty of overlap to glue the paper together.
DO NOT GLUE THE PAPER TO THE BOX!  But DO make the paper
tight enough that you must physically slide it off (like a matchbox), not so loose
that it just slips off of its own accord.  That way you can still open the box, see?

Simple, right?  Big enough to hold something fun, but small enough to
be an ornament.  Easy to add extra embellishments, too--I added some
Glitz pen glitter, but wouldn't these be cute with some German scrap,
or using wire and glass beads instead of ribbon.

PS--Playing along with Inspire Me Monday!
and Lunagirl Moonbeams Hidden Things challenge



20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely idea and fun at the same time and a beautiful way to present a gift.
Wishes
Lynne

just a scrap of paper said...

This is a great idea for the grandbabies! Looks fun!

Becky Voth said...

This is so simple! What a great little gift idea for kids to give to teachers & friends too! And it would make a great little gift wrap accessory too! LOVE it!

Krisha said...

Clever idea, and cute ornament. Must try this.

Brenda Brown said...

Love the idea that this is a gift and decoration all in one. Such a great make Trisha and beautifully designed.
hugs {brenda} x0x

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I wondered how you kept the box lid on but now I see you wrapped the lid and the bottom all in one sleeve piece so you can still get inside. Very clever!

Barbara Rankin said...

This is such a cute idea for a tree ornament. Love the elves collage sheet, too. TFS

Terry said...

What a beautiful and useful ornament! This really is such a great idea! Love it and thank you for sharing!

Shelly Schmidt said...

Oh this is awesome- and I am going to try one of these!!! Thrilled to hear from Katie- she received some happy mail from you yesterday (our last night)! XieXie!!!( sounds like Shee Shee-Thanks) from Jinan China!!!

trisha too said...

Yay!!! I'm so glad she got it. You know, after I send them off on their merry way, I kind of forget to check and see if they ever made it to their destinations. Most have, I believe, but there are a few that I haven't heard back from--thank you for letting me know, Shelly!

:)

Vicki said...

Love your vintage altered box!

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Fab alteration!!!!

Daniella said...

That is a brilliant idea!! Small enough to really tuck in the tree and big enough to fill with candy! Win~win I say!!
You are awesome!
xxDaniella

Create With Joy said...

This is adorable Trisha! So glad you could join us for Inspire Me Monday this week!

Create With Joy
http://create-with-joy.com

Dianne said...

Brilliant and so creative, I'm always looking for things to make for ornaments, this is a wonderful idea, might give it a go, try is the optimal word here, well if I don't have to make the box I' a okay LOL, thanks for sharing and hope you have a wonderful week..

ddazzled71 said...

Fabulous project Trisha and I just love your choice of cute Christmas Image. TFS. xx

Kim Dellow said...

Wonderful! Thanks for the share! Kim

Michele said...

oh my goodness Trisha this is GENIUS!!!! and so sweet. wow i am totally going to do this. so glad you included this in the lunagirl moonbeams challenge, glad to have you playing along! xo

Annie Claxton said...

Clever idea - easy and fun, that's the best kind! Thanks for the inspiration :o)

Mary said...

I love boxes and this gift box is so special. What a wonderful idea. Thanks for the inspiration! Happy WOYWW...