Saturday, March 31, 2012

Growing Green

The weather here is finally nice.  And when I say, 'nice' I mean 70's.  I'm not a big fan of 100 degree weather, and yes, it can be too hot.  But, for now, the weather is wonderful and you can actually go outside and do stuff.
Marcy, over @ Our Creative Corner, wants us to create a paper craft item showing 'Spring in its full spender, using GREEN as your main color!'  Ok, I have to admit, the first thing I thought of was a bunch of stuff that looked like St. Patricks day left overs.  (Not that I have anything against St. Patricks Day.)  But just look at the inspiration board Marcy gave us!

So for some inspiration, I went on over to Seams A Little Sketchy, for help with my layout.  Here is their sketch for us to play with:

 For some reason, tax time was incredibly stressful for me, so I didn't want to make just a card.  I'm not sure I could make, 'just a card'.  Anyways, I altered a blank box.  And, I didn't use ANY seam binding.  I know, scary!

Here is the top of my box:


Here is an angled view of my box:


Ok, this box was really fun to make.  Second, it has a lot of my favorite products on it; just a wonderful collection of this and that.  The great thing, is I only needed one sheet of 12" x 12" pattern paper.  How cool is that?  I used a new paper from Kaiser Crafts, that had a vintage feel to it.  This paper is actually a green pattern paper.  So, all I really needed to do was find/create green embellishments.  
I stamped the framed sentiment and the front sentiment in black classic ink, directly onto the pattern paper.  To give the frame a worn look, I painted it with white picket fence crackle paint, and then swiped my silver stamp pad over it.  I inked all the edges of the white box with burlap distress ink and then randomly with my silver ink pad.  I added buttons, half faux pearls, and rhinestones here and there.  To showcase the architecture corner, I distressed the top paper and curled the edge inwards.  The extra large half faux pearl surrounded by rhinestones, is actually a Melissa Frances broach.  I have a pair of super duty scissors in my craft room, and I just cut off the clasp.  
Thank you for looking.  I hope your weekend is fabulous and you get a chance to enjoy the outdoors!
You know, its kind of funny, but now that I look at my box, I'm thinking the two yellow paper blossoms should be replaced with white paper blossoms.  Let me know what you think, as I will be posting this box for sale in my Etsy shop.
Thank you, to those who have left me some of the most flattering and gracious comments!  They really do make my day!

7 comments:

Scrumplescrunch said...

Hello Sharon
I think you have made a beautiful job decorating this Box, what a wonderful keepsake. I can see how you have placed your favourite things on top the elements are delightful.
Smiles:)

MarcyK924 said...

WOW, Sharon! You outdid yourself with this box! How FABULOUS!! What inspiration! I am now saving all kinds of containers to alter! You have to leave the yellow roses, they are my wedding flowers and it's MY challenge, LOL!! Hugs, Marcy :)

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

WOW WOW WOW!!! This is a prize winner!!! It's absolutely gorgeous! I love the ruffled ribbon, the lace, the flowers, the pearls....is that a drawer as well? Just outstanding Sharon! I hope your tax burdens ease up soon, but they are so good for your mojo!!!

Tui Nathan said...

Oh my goodness .... I totally love this Sharon ... the gorgeous paper, the beautiful flora arrangements, the pearls and lace ... stunning in every way... awesome work!!!

Anne Marie Hile said...

Sharon, I really like the yellow flowers. I think they give a subtle pop of color and perfectly compliment all of the gorgeous detail on your altered box. You really added a ton of detail and TLC to this one...WOW! I'm sorry that tax time has been stressful for you. Hopefully it calms down this month. Do you slow down after April 15th? Which reminds me...I really need to file our taxes. Ugh! I hope you had some time to relax this weekend. Big hugs sent your way! :)

AllisonG said...

What a beautiful box! I'm amazed that you used a sketch as inspiration but it totally works. I may have to try that the next time I alter something!

Thanks for playing along at Seems A Little Sketchy - hope to see you back again soon!

Kristin said...

This is SO amazing! I love all the details of the flowers and the pearls and ribbon trim. I hope you can stay sane these next two weeks... Good luck!