Making Little Boxes

When I sell a piece of my jewelry on Etsy or elsewhere, I send it off in a cute little pouch-box.   People who have received one often say they like the box almost as much as the necklace! So I thought I'd show you how I make these little customized pouches.  Please click photos to see all the details more clearly.

You know how many Etsy sellers like to send along little "extras" and goodies to their customers?--well, my little handmade box is the little something "extra", since it consists of a little more of my artwork.  It also is an example of how I cannot throw anything away.  You see, I make these out of discarded cardboard, like old cereal boxes, shipping envelopes, tissue boxes, etc.  If I'm getting ready to toss out something that has a large, flat expanse of cardboard, instead it goes in my "I can use that someday" pile.   Here in Oregon, it seems we recycle everything anyway; I just take it another, personal, step further.

side note: I took a photo of my stack of flattened Cheerios and Kleenex boxes...but it was a little embarrassing, and hoarder-esque (it's' really not that big of a stack. Really.)  

ANYway, I've always liked these pouch-style boxes, even have a stack of new ones I bought at a paper store.  But I wanted to cover them with my own paper, and it was just easier to do that if they were completely flat, so I started making my own.  Here's how I do it:

Find a template pattern for the box: You can find this template and many others online for the shape.  My box ends up about 4" tall; if I need a bigger one, I just enlarge the template on my photocopier.  

Making my own decorative paper: For this project, I wanted custom-designed paper (but you can also use pretty scrapbook paper, printed digital designs you have made, or many other choices).  I made a simple black and white collage with clip-art images and my store logo.  I traced the box template onto this collage.  Then I just started doodling in the white spaces with a very fine Micron pen.  I worked quickly and was going for a loose, very random sketch-y style, adding little written notes, flowers, dots, etc.  I liked the whimsical doodles juxtaposed with the classic engraved images.  After the doodling was complete, I cut out the box shape along my traced outline---and this became my "master".

A collage of clip-art images, then doodles added, then cut into the box template shape.

Next, I put this cutout shape on my photocopier's glass, and ran off a bunch of copies onto brown butcher paper.  (I found a huge roll of butcher paper for next to nothing at Goodwill, and I cut up sheets from it to feed into my photocopier.  I'll be using that roll for years...)

Next, I rough-cut around my butcher paper image, sprayed the back with adhesive (I love Super 77; it's a workhorse in my studio for many projects), and mounted it to the printed side of my recycled cardboard, using a brayer to burnish the paper firmly to the cardboard:
   
By covering the printed side of the recycled cardboard, the back side is left nice and clean for your upcycled project.  I have found that a used FedEx envelope, or something similar, is the perfect weight cardboard for these tiny boxes, since it is lightweight and flexible enough to bend along the curved folds.  (For larger pouches, you can use a slightly heavier cardboard, like a cereal box).  (Also note: you can eliminate this adhering-to-cardboard step all together if you're using a cardstock that is heavy enough for a pouch.  I just like mine to be a little sturdier than cardstock).
Next, I cut out along the box outline:

Notice the top box in the photo above has the addition of white highlights.  I just made simple doodles here and there with a white gel pen, to jazz it up a little.  This is why I love working with brown paper: white shows up so nicely, and is such a quick and easy way to add so much extra life to a simple black-and-white print.  Yes, I add this individually to each box, but it literally only takes a minute or two, and is worth the extra bit of time.  Plus it is so much fun to do! And no two turn out the same.
Next, I scored along all the fold lines, using a stylus ( you could use a dried-out ballpoint pen or similar):

 Then, I used double sided tape to adhere the side flap (it's important to go all the way to the top and bottom edges of the flap.  You could also use glue and clamp it together, but that takes longer):

And the box is done!  The white doodles on the left pouch, above,  were added with a white Prismacolor pencil.  I actually prefer using the pencil rather than the white gel pen (seen on the right, above)--it goes faster and I often have issues with gel pens not flowing and skipping, but I do like the fine line I can get with the pen.  Here's the back side:

So, there you have it.  A peek inside my crazy world where I make my own boxes out of trash!  It may seem like it takes an excessive amount of time to make each of these individually, but really it only takes a few minutes, especially if I am making a bunch at once.  It took me waaaaay longer just to write this 'great American novel' of a post!!

                                               Linking up with Debra at Common Ground:

How Lucky am I? I Won this Lace Journal...

I visited many new-to-me blogs

 during Vicki's blog party, and in the process, 

was entered into several giveaways.  

And I won a couple!!!  

That absolutely shocked me, because I never, ever win anything!

Yesterday, this beautiful hand-made lace journal arrived--
Do click to enlarge to see all the details:

It was lovingly made by Socrates, 

who has the blog Altered Meditations.   

A multi-layered collage of laces, fabrics, 

photo transfers, charms, fibers and more adorns the front cover.  

More lace, fabric and buttons make up the back cover:

Neat little pockets 

are found on both front and back inside covers:

 

Many of the blank inside pages 

are textured with paint and subtle stamping:

I'm not sure what I'll use this journal for....

I always have a couple going, for little sketches and ideas, 

as well as a diary of sorts.  

I'd like to use this one for something special, 

just not sure what yet.

I also plan to keep the cool tissue paper it was wrapped in 

( I can't throw anything away!!)

--those medallions would look so great 

layered into my angel paintings 

and the tissue + mod podge would make them transparent.  

Very cool:

 Thank you, wholeheartedly, to Socrates for this wonderful book.  

Go visit her blog and see her other luscious journals,
beading, and paintings!

Making Lace Charms

This is what the charms look like after being trimmed to fit the glass, and then wrapped in copper tape.  I wanted to make a nice variety, so there is a range of colors, lace types, and charm sizes to choose from.

And here are the finished charms (click to view larger):

I've written to the winner, Laurie, and wanted to post the picture here, in case it would be clearer for her to view on the blog.

I wonder which one she'll choose??

And the WINNER(s) of the Giveaway.......

Oh boy, this blog party was quite an event!  So many blogs to visit, so many visitors that came here!  I owe a big thank you to Vicki for organizing an event that brought so many of us together---what a very generous undertaking on her part!!!

This morning I put all 94 of your names in the hopper and randomly selected........

LAURIE at Indulge Your Shelf  as the winner of my main giveaway!!  Congrats, Laurie!

Since I was making a bunch of the lace charms, I decided to have a second drawing for a MINI-PRIZE, and the winner of that is TANYA from Bead and Needle!! After Laurie chooses her charm from the 5 I'm making, Tanya can choose her favorite from the remaining four.  I'll pop the rest of them into my Etsy shop.

I apologize to those of you who left wonderful, thoughtful comments to which I haven't yet responded---I still hope to connect back to you.  It got a little overwhelming!  I am THRILLED to have made new friendships and equally happy to have many of you as new followers. THANK YOU to everyone that stopped by! The door is always open---I hope you visit often!!

LACE CHARMS in Progress!

Go HERE for My Grow Your Blog post and giveaway.
 

A snippet of lace auditioning to become a soldered charm

I wondered if I might be able to grow my blog a wee bit through Vicki's party, and was happy to join in, though a little uncertain about what the results might be.  I mean, I really didn't want to put myself out there with my expectations too high, only to become disappointed if nobody 'came to my party'.  I've got to say, I've been tickled to death to (virtually) meet so many dear, wonderful, creative people, and that part has been so delightful.  Really, really awesome, in fact.

A charming divided box made out of yardsticks, found at a rummage sale, holds pairs of glass

I can't wait to pull a name from the hat on Friday, to choose a winner of my giveaway. I've been looking forward to that part of this whole event more than anything--wondering if I'll be shipping a little package to Great Britain or Australia or the Netherlands--or if I'll be popping something in the mail to someone down the road here in Oregon.

Gorgeous ecru lace --Can you see the glass on top, deciding where to cut?

I've started working on the lace charm that's part of my giveaway.  Actually, I'm putting together several while I'm at it--the extras will be ready for a little Spring Boutique my friend is having next month.  These simple, lacy charms are always popular--I think because they end up being kind of 'neutral', go-with-anything little baubles.

Another option: white Chantilly Lace

These little sample cards were found taped into an extremely old, yellowed notebook filled with the crafter's notes on her bobbin lace-making efforts.  I unearthed them from a heap at the Goodwill Bins (Kathy, are you reading this??) and probably squealed pretty loud when I found them!  I'm in awe that someone had all those spools going at once and made these by hand!

These, below, are the five snippets that made the cut (no pun intended).  I will probably let the winner choose which one she wants.

Next, I'll trim the lace further to fit the glass, then wrap each in copper tape before soldering.  Looks like I have my work cut out for me....pun intended this time :-)

Growing My Blog...and a GIVE-AWAY!

Welcome to those of you visiting from the "Grow Your Blog" party hosted by Vicki at 2 Bags Full!!  What a nice idea she had to connect us like-minded bloggers, and so generous of her to organize this party. There's a GIVE-AWAY,open to anyone reading, at the end of this post...so follow along and then throw your name into the hat to win a prize!

Let me tell you a little about myself and my blog.  My name is Maggie, from beautiful Portland, Oregon.  I've been a professional illustrator and designer, mostly in the textile and home-sewing industry, for many (TOO many to admit...) years.  I consider that my "day job".  But I am also an avid crafter and painter, selling my soldered jewelry creations plus my angel paintings and prints through boutique sales as well from my Etsy shop. I spend wa-a-a-y too much time at thrift shops and garage sales, hunting for treasure, so you'll see some of that here, too.  Many of the posts in my archives chronicle the fun jewelry-making and collage workshops I often teach in my home studio.  Here are some photos from past posts to give you an idea of my typical ramblings:

 

On my messy desk, a fashion illustration in progress
 for Simplicity Pattern Co.

 

The (poorly photographed) finished illustration,
 ready for the pattern catalog

An angel painting in progress...

 ...and the finished piece.  The original sold but I still
 sell mounted prints of this image.

Jewelry making in progress...

...and a finished shadowbox pendant, ready for the Etsy shop.

A collage and jewelry workshop in my studio...so messy, so much fun!
Click on the link for a mini-tour.

Some student work....beautiful, isn't it?

Lots of collage work...

...paper crafting,...

...and just about any crafty project
 that strikes me as "I've GOTTA try that!" 
(shown here, cast concrete leaves)

Well, that gives you a little glimpse of what I chat about on my blog.  I'd love for you to sign up to become a follower  (in the sidebar to the right), and get updates on what's happening in my corner of the world.  I'd love to hear from you and make some lasting connections with new pals out there in cyber-space!  This year I vow to post more regularly (it's one of my resolutions!), and I have a lot of things waiting to share with you.


And now, for the GIVE-AWAY! To enter, please become a follower (optional), and LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW on this post (make sure there's a way to contact you if your name is chosen).  I've gathered together a little sampling of my creations for you to use and enjoy.  Included in the prize: an altered journal, a small altered notepad, a set of gift tags, and two handmade cards featuring prints of my angel paintings (can you tell I like things with wings?),and one vintage lace soldered charm. Anyone can enter, whether you have a blog or not, and entries must be posted by midnight Jan 31, 2013, when I will randomly select a lucky winner :-).  Good luck and THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

Leave a comment below for a chance to win!

Out of my Gourd

I'm sitting here on November 2nd, listening to the dreaded "mainstream media",  anxious for the election to be over!  I can barely stand to go on Facebook lately, with all the intense political commentary and, frankly, propaganda (both sides).  Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, of course, and even entitled to try and sway others to their side, but when it gets so ugly and relentless, it drives me nuts.  So, as a little diversion, a collage challenge was in order:

Out of My Gourd

It's been nice to escape to my little world of cutting-and-pasting, participating in Mary Green's collage challenge for November.  She generously gathered this trio of autumnal images for us to work with:

and I did a little stack-em-up interpretation, and also figured out how to do a color gradation in Photoshop (waaay easier than I thought!).  I've been trying to used these monthly exercises to go a few baby steps further with my very minimal knowledge of Photoshop--that way I don't feel so guilty about spending time on this unnecessary stuff instead of the necessary stuff I should be doing.

The stuff I should be doing is getting projects finished for our fourth annual Holiday Boutique, which is in two weeks.  Gulp.  Our humble little sale, at my friend Chris's house, has grown each year and we are looking forward to a pretty huge turnout this year.  It's always a lot of stress, but the fun outweighs it by a ton, and it is great to see old friends who stop by.  By the way, I did NOT get accepted into the big Portland craft show ("Crafty Wonderland") that I wrote about a few posts ago.  It was both disappointing (boohoo: rejection) and also a giant relief (we have a dang holiday boutique to put together!)--a real mixed bag of emotion.  But throngs of vendors applied (Portland is very crafty!), and they ended up with a glut of jewelry people (my primary offering was my soldered shadowbox pendants), and I was put on a waiting list.  Like I always say (too often, it seems), it keeps me humble.

Go Obama!