Introduction: How to Put Your Own Spin on a Treasure Box

About: Human who loves learning from others and sharing what she knows

I am a very low tech crafter. I like post things that can be done by pretty much anyone no matter your age. Everyone needs a treasure box to put their trinkets in. Here is a simple way to make it your own. I will tell you of two different themes. Steampunk and buttons.

Step 1: What Will You Need for This Project???

Simple things many of which can be found around your house.

  • Boxes, of course
  • Paint (I used cheap acrylic craft paint in metallic on the steampunk box, on the button box, nail polish.)
  • A paint brush for the acrylic paint
  • E6000 glue
  • Embellishments of your choice (in this instance gears and buttons)

Step 2: Picking Your Box...

It really depends on the size box you want. I chose a small one. It measures 2 1/4 " length, 3 1/2 " wide and 2 1/4" high. I chose the small size to see what it would be like to use this in an art class, bible school class, summer camp or with elderly people who want to do something that doesn't take a great deal of precision work. I wanted to see how hard it would be to apply objects for younger and older folks.

Step 3: Choose Your Paint...

I wanted to try two different paints to see how they reacted first to the wood, secondly what it would smell like if you used nail enamel in a confined space. The result was the acrylic dried faster. It adhered better. The enamel has a very strong smell and it took two coats to cover the entire surface of the box.

Step 4: Allow the Paint to Dry...

Little hands like to grab hold of things. If you do this project with smaller children, the acrylic paint dries faster. In just a few minutes to be precise. Very quick drying time. And clean up is much easier. The enamel took longer and you had to wait twice because of there being two coats of paint.

Step 5: Adding Embellishments...

After the paint has dried, it is time to play with the glue. Decide where you want the gear, buttons, seashells, whatever you would like and start gluing. Once again with young ones, this may be a good time for adult interaction. Allow them to tell them where they want the placed on the box and then mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, teacher, counselor, someone in an adult body apply the glue. This is purely for safety. This is very powerful glue so be smart.

Step 6: And You're Done...

Allow the glue to dry and enjoy your finished project. As you can see, the steampunk box has different gears in different metals giving it that true steampunk feel. The button box, well heck, it has a bright color that just makes you smile.

Until next time,

Keep Smiling!!!

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Before and After Contest 2017