Monday, May 13, 2013

Mixed Media Art Boxes



 As for gifts, nothing pleases me more than to receive a box of old stamps, newspapers, bottle caps, rusty metal pieces, vintage photos, ... 

Well, you get the idea - I love mixed media art boxes.

Crammed with all the goodies for an artist, a scrapbooker, or a vintage collector.








I selected two boxes from my diminishing craft stash (YAY!)

One a slatted box and the other a cigar box.

Yes, I know there is only one in the photo.

I forgot to take a pic of the other.












 I used a mixture of gesso and black craft paint.  It only took one coat.

A nice blue-gray color.















All of the images used in this project were selected from Karen at The Graphics Fairy.

One box has three Eiffel towers and the other a label for a condition powder for livestock.

Of course Mod Podge was involved here.

I did not put a top coat of MP.








 I dry brushed with a linen craft paint. Next I applied two coats of satin varnish.

In the photo you can see the difference distressing ink makes on both the images and the painted surface.

The distressing ink went all over the outside of both boxes.












 I chose five French images for the Eiffel Tower box and five farm animal images for the horse powder box.

Printed them out on antique ivory  cardstock nine to a page and cut them into tags.

Three tags of each image.












I rummaged through Horror Monster, my craft stash, to gather up loose bits and pieces which would fit the two themes.














Carefully so no box felt the least bit slighted, I divided the loot between the two.

Small items were tied with ribbons.

Corsage pins were used to hold pieces together.












Small bundles of lace were added.

The tags were placed in glassine bags and tied with ribbon.
















I lined each box with pink tissue paper so the contents would not be jostled.














I tied the boxes with twine with a tag with ART BOX printed on it.

I did write the theme on the back of the tag:  French Theme and Farm Theme.

Just in case someone missed the hints.









So now you know if you have to come up with a present for me, it is the easiest thing in the world.  Look in your junk drawers for some rusty things, some casters, some newspaper, or some old illustrations.  I have been known to be ecstatic over a bunch of keys, buttons, or torn vintage fabric.  

Just throw it in a box.

See y'all!






Follow Me on Pinterest


The Graphics FairySweet Anne Designs - Sweet Sharing MondayMy Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaPJH DesignsThe DIY DreamerVintage On A DimePhotobucketHomespun Happeningsvif187

18 comments:

  1. These boxes are just fabulous Donna! Because Paris is my favourite city I absolutely love the Eiffel Tower box. Your mixed media project always amaze me!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. These boxes are amazing. Talk about turning trash to treasure . . . you are a pro. :)
    Absolutely beautiful. You have inspired me to look for some boxes to turn into person gifts for special loved ones :)
    Thank so much.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Between you and Danni ( Silo Hill Farm ) you make me look at my trash in a completely different light ( I actually feel guilty throwing garbage out now because of you too LOL )
    These turned out beautiful Donna!
    XOX

    ReplyDelete
  4. Treasure chests!!!! How FUN! And I adore the boxes. Hope to find some in WI this summer!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I got it! But of course I have had the thrill and joy of shopping with you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Had to pop over! I love the decoupage you did. I attempted it twice this week on a table top and ripped it off both times. I can't seem to figure it out...bubbles, wrinkles, torn paper. :( I'll leave it to you as your work is awesome!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Who wouldn't love a craft box like the ones you've made and I loved seeing how you put them together. I would give one to myself too. ":o)
    Blessings!
    Geneva

    ReplyDelete
  8. Is it in bad form to say I love the horror monster and hate to see it's power diminished? It holds so many treasures in its powerful hands. I love the touch of the dry brushed linen and then the little sweet paper items you tucked inside surrounded by tissue paper, especially having the vintage photo in the mix. The twine just pulls it all together with a final flair. People must be flocking to your booth all the time to see what new delights you have stocked the store with. You are so creative!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a fun little box of treasures! I'd be equally as happy as you with such a box! My family laughed at me last Thanksgiving when one of my sisters-in-law brough me a big bag of broken jewelry to use in craft projects....they called this bag "Crack for Catherine"!! Ha ha, I guess they're right! Love the way you put this box together and made it oh-so-pretty! Catherine @ OrnateSplendor

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great gift! I would be over the moon to receive something like this. Sally

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your craft boxes are fabulous Donna! What a creative idea. I bet they sell fast! You always feature such unique pieces....I love your creativity! Thanks for sharing them...:)


    Blessings, Vicky
    Life On Willie Mae Lane

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love how you created your junk/treasure boxes. So creative. I love what the distressing ink does. I should check our craft store to see if they have it.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

    ReplyDelete
  13. It turned out lovely, Donna! I like to do mixed media every now and then, but have a lack of creativity in that area ;-)

    Linda
    With A Blast

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love this idea! They look great! Thank you for sharing at Rustic Restorations Weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  15. You are so good and antiquing things Donna! LOVE IT!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer... From Dream To Reality! I can't wait to see what you link up tomorrow evening!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hey I my friends I tell you something can you give me answer please Moving boxes are generally the same weight and quality as ordinary shipping boxes, unless you purchase some made from thicker cardboard that allows for heavier packing. So, the question most people have is, should I purchase moving boxes or find some slightly-used from grocery stores or friends who've just recently moved.
    Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

    ReplyDelete
  17. So does mixing craft paint and gesso make it like chalk paint? I have never tried this, but if it works in one coat...I'm all for it! Your boxes look awesome!

    ReplyDelete

I enjoy reading all of your comments and will always answer with email. I will try to track you down if you show up as a "no reply" commenter to let you know. Friends are like that!