Trash to Treasure

Last week I sent Ali a box of goodies and I've been getting emails over how to create such a box. It's really easy - so I thought I'd share with you.

1 - Get a box, any box. I would suggest a smallish box, especially a recycled one. Donna talks about making trash into treasure, and I took that to heart, and I think this is a great way to reuse a box you might otherwise throw out or recycle.

2 - You will need Mod Podge or any kind of glue/sealant. I also used foam brushes to brush the glue on.

3 - Papers. I used a large square punch to punch out all the patterned papers; to save time, I punched three sheets at once.

4 - Start by brushing on the Mod Podge onto your box. Start with an edge - always easier. Start sticking down your squares. Let them dry a little before brushing over the squares with more Mod Podge to seal them. Cover the entire box.  I chose to cover the insides of the box and then paint the outside. I also did a whitewash over the interior of Ali's boxes - mixed 3 parts water to 1 part white paint, and lightly painted over the interior, wiping up with a cloth right after, leaving a bit of whitewash residue - to tone down the papers and give it a bit of a shabby feel. You won't need very much, probably 6 tbsp water and a couple drops of paint.

5 - Paint the outside of the box. I painted the boxes green, let dry, and then painted the edges with a white / cream. I wanted it to look rustic - and it was so easy.

6 - Cover the outside painted areas with a light coat of Mod Podge to seal.

It really is easy. I wouldn't want to cover a huge box with it, but I find smaller boxes are just right - quick to do and very gratifying. In fact, I created two similiar boxes last night while sitting through a movie at home. Used up some recycled boxes too. :)

So here's the exciting part!!

So many of you had oohhed and ahhhed over Ali's box that I thought I'd give away the two additional boxes I made - ANNNNNND - fill it up with some FontWerks goodies as well! See all the stamps in the box? That's what will be in each of the 2 boxes.

I'll pick 2 names out of our monthly newsletter subscriber base on Thursday (Dec 7) at 12noon PST. So, make sure you're subscribed, and not only will you get our next newsletter Dec 12, but you'll get a chance to win one of these altered boxes and the selection of goodies to come with them too! Sign up HERE. If you're already subscribed, you're automatically eligible.

Treasure's up for grabs! :)

Comments

[anam_kihaku]

fab! loved the box and it amkes it so special too.

[June Link]

Wow, what a generous give away. Love your blog by the way :D

[Alyson Dudek]

What a great idea. I have been looking for the RAK I won from you recently and I am secretly hoping in comes in a great box..lol have a great night
Alyson

[elizabeth holder]

what an awesome idea, i love your products, hope I chosen, plz keep on coming up with some incredible stamps, you are great

[jill s]

WOW!! you are so very generous!! i don't know how i didn't now there was a newsletter till now...SO excited!

love your idea too!

have a beautiful day!

peace.
jill

[krisfred]

YOU are such a sweetie!!!

[Tina MacGougan]

Love the box idea Kah-Mei! I hope you don't mind if I use the idea for some "special" gifts for Christmas. Thanks for sharing.

Also, loved the peek inside Ali's box of goodies. The give away for two extra boxes is exciting.

[Lynne]

HOW. VERY. COOL. !!!!!!!!!!!!

[jamie]

sign me up! thanks...jamie
forthebabe@yahoo.com

[Rosy]

Wow!! That is one terrific give-away!

Thanks for sharing about the box too...that would make a fun Christmas gift wrapping idea.

[Liz]

Wow!!! What a generous goodie box... I look forward to getting the newsletters, and this one will be even better!

[corinne]

wow this looks great and so creative. I btw got the rak you send me and I just adore the stamps, thank you sooooooooooo much!

corinnexxx

[Flo]

you are one awesome, sweet person!!!!

[Michelle Infantino]

cool!

[Jennifer McNeely]

after seeing ali's box, i am going to be wrapping my smallish gifts this way - good way to get rid of some scraps. hope i get one of the goodie boxes - love your stuff:)

[Ana Maria Magloire]

Wowza!!! That is what I call a Christmas present. Good luck everyone! And, Kah-Mei, thank you soooooo much for doing this. I'm really exited. YOU ROCK!
Anilu.

[Katy]

how fun and how easy. I love the boxes. These are a great idea!

[Jane Hasty]

Wow-what an awesome oppurtunity! Thanks for a chance at winning! Jane

[candi]

fun!!!!!!!! :) i want your stamps in the woodmounted!! Where can i find those?

[Vee]

this us fun and box is totally cute!! so glad I am a subscruber from way back!! hehehe..

[StudioD]

Hello;

What a thoughtful thing to do, I saw Ali's blg and her joy as well when she got your box. That really shows what it is like to go beyond the expected. You continue to inspire me.
Dagmar

http://fromdagmarsdesk.blogspot.com/

[Lauren Elliott]

So very generous of you!! Fingers are crossed!

[Nicol]

Very cool!

[Amanda]

Wow! Thanks for posting the directions to the box ~I saw it in Ali's blog and loved it and will try my hand at it now! As always the products are awesome, crossing my fingers, I've never won anything!
Love, Love, Love it all!!
~Amanda

[Lisa]

Wow, awesome goody box. Gorgeous Stamps!