crafting aliens invade blogger’s body.
okay, so the first thing you should know is that i’m not really a crafter. i kinda used to be, but never at the level that so many take it to these days — i mean, they’re bloody professional crafters, and i’m like a junior apprentice sorta lazy crafter. but when we were at method, they had a little crafting session with diy green guru danny seo, and we did a little decoupage bird house project, and i realized i liked it. i really liked it. crafting is pretty relaxing, and feeds my creativity, and then there’s that silly sense of pride i get, even if my project isn’t all that. so, since it was raining all weekend, i decided to get my craft on. and here’s what i made, and how i made it. if i can do it, you totally can too. if you wanna.
i needed a little bedside box to stash my night time accoutrement. i wear earplugs to sleep, and they are a little unsightly, right? big neon things i stick in my ears, so i need to keep ‘em outta sight. i also on occasion wear an eye mask, and since mine says ‘f*&k off’ i kind of need to stash that, too (not everybody gets it). and a few other bits and bobs go in the box, too. so i got this little wood box, some mod podge glue, and a foam brush at the local hardware store. cheap, easy.
Step 1: I gathered up some scraps of images, and magazine tearsheets with pretty patterns and some washi tape.
Step 2: the washi tape included some florescent pink i to cut into triangles to add to my design.
Step 3: I begin by placing the large image on the top of the box, and then tearing strips of the paper i’m decoupaging to the box. i like to tear them versus cut with scissors because i like the natural imperfection of it. you can do it anyway you like.
i lightly brush the backside of the paper with mod podge and adhere to the box; then apply more mod podge to to coat the paper to the box. i’m a total slob, so i do this on a large art board. the glue is everywhere. i use my fingers to seal it to the crooks and crevices, like the corners of the box. the glue is all over me, too.
STEP 4: once, i’ve covered the box with my images, i give the box another seal of mod podge to really seal the paper to the box and smooth any rough spots with my fingers. i prop the box open to dry, using an exacto knife — it ‘stabs’ the wood and holds the box open nicely, but you can use anything that props the box open. let it dry for a few hours so it’s not tacky to the touch at all.
STEP 5: i then used washi tape to seal the inside edges of the box (and to hide my many flaws!) and voilá — your craft is complete! fill your decoupage box with all your secret stuff and place in desired spot!
• DISCLAIMER: i in no way think this is perfect, or a work of great art. but it sure was fun and i like it, so there’s that.
I think this looks great! If only the world would get invaded by crafting aliens. Could you imagine how pretty it would all be? Washi tape on dumpsters!
I love this! Crafting can give you such a sense of accomplishment, I really should do it more.
Oooh, I like that! I have such a hard time with Mod Podge since it always (does it’s job and) bunches up my work. This is a fun way to spruce up a little box.
Kacie
http://acollectionofpassions.com/
I think it’s fantastically creative. And the act of creating does truly provide such a therapeutic presence.
it was very therapeutic!
this is box is so freakin’ pretty, victoria. i loves it. you really do get your craft on for a lazy crafter! ;)
thanks katrina! it was super fun and in no way perfect, but i loved making it. :)
LOVE it. perfect use for washi tape. also, your title made me laugh:)
happy monday! xo
my crafts are always guaranteed to make you laugh. :)
Love it! I did something similar, which is super cute for kids. ;)
http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/12/wood-boxes-little-gift-idea.html
super cute! i love the zigzag pattern!
I lurve it – so cute for hidden gems :)
Axx
I received a decoupaged box like this as a bridesmaid’s gift. It was personalized with images of us and inside jokes. It was the perfect, whimsical gift! Mod Podge is the ultimate craft accessory!
http://thewalkup.wordpress.com/
So cute! I need to get back to making stuff.
it had been a long time, and it’s kinda rough around the edges, but it was super fun!
I *love* to decoupage! It’s so relaxing! Your box is super fun… you should totally do it more often!
lol, this is fabulous! you’re more crafty than you think!!
Yes girl! Those aliens did you right.
Do the eye shades say, “F@#K OFF”? If so, I want them!!
yep! :) you can find them on jennicakes:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Jennicakes?ref=seller_info
if she doesn’t have them listed, she will usually make them for you.
I LOVE IT!! I feel like I could and would do this, and I’m a crafting idiot.
Isn’t Mod Podge GREAT??
Looks great! So, this is was part of your whole domestic/hippy alien/cooking day on Sunday! Love it;)
I think it’s a work of art! I like your eye mask! ha ha.. I like the box best when it was in stage 1 with the bottom of the box exposed. I think your paper would also look great on the inside- on the sides! ..There is a smoke shop in Piedmont on Piedmont Ave. called the tobacconist. He sells cigar boxes of all sizes. I always buy them to put gifts in.. They start at 3 dollars..
Love your sense of humour! I have ear plugs and a blindfold stashed by the bed as well, so I know where you’re coming from. I reckon your box turned out great!
Ronnie xo
Love the box, even if it isn’t perfect! But that’s the thing with crafting – it often isn’t and that makes the result all the more charming!!