I can spend 2 hours wandering the aisles of Michael’s Craft Store – easily! It’s nothing for me to spend an entire afternoon traipsing around the store, with no real project in mind. On more than one occasion, I’ve had an employee approach me and say “You’re still here?” I am still not sure of the best response to that question, since I’m pretty sure the implied statement is “Seriously, you don’t have anything better to do than hang out at Michael’s?”
While I am sure I could probably perform a minor surgery in those 2 hours I spend in Michael’s – it’s what makes me happy, so why not?!
So, the answer is “Yes, Mr. Michael’s-Employee-Man…Yes, I am STILL HERE – and I’m having a wonderful day! (now please move out of the way – you’re blocking the Mod Podge).”
Usually, right around the 45-minute mark of my Michael’s adventure, I have a cart full of randomness and a vague semblance of a project brewing in my head. Typically, I’ve gathered a stash of about thirty sheets of cardstock, some stickers, beads from the jewelry department and sometimes I’m in an ambitious mood, so I throw in a huge painter’s canvas – because I am convinced that someday I’m going to channel my inner Van Gogh (about 10 minutes later, that canvas is right back on the shelf where it belongs – and I’m happily on my way without the slightest concern for my fleeting Van Gogh dreams).
Once the clock strikes 90 minutes, I have reached full planning mode. I’ve found some inspiration and I’m on a rampage to gather the necessary materials.
It was around minute 90 that the following project was born.
I came across this plain, rather boring pencil box. It was begging for some Damask Love.
About three aisles and as many minutes later, I happened upon this:
Have you seen these before?! They are called Beadables and they are exactly that…common, everyday items that you can customize with your own beads! I don’t know about you, but this is right up my alley!
With the box and the letter opener in hand, I knew exactly the project I wanted to do!
First I customized the letter opener with these beads. You’ve got to be sure that the hole opening is big enough to fit on your Beadable item.
All that’s left to do is place the beads and screw the two pieces of the letter opener together.
Next, I moved onto the more challenging job of customizing that sad little box. Of course, there was Mod Podge involved because, well – that’s my favorite! Check out this post, where I outline my recipe for decoupaging.
**Beware: this project is messy and you’ll probably be peeling dried Mod Podge off your fingers for a few hours afterwards. I covered my work surface with kraft paper, so excuse the unsightliness in the pictures below**
I selected some pretty paper to cover my box and went to town.
First, I covered the top portion of the box.
The notches on the corners help with wrapping the top (Think: Wrapping a Christmas gift).
Then I wrapped the sides of the box.
The last step was covering the bottom.
Once the entire box was fully Mod Podged, I let it dry overnight.
The next day, my hands were fully de-glued and I was ready to complete the project.
I used my Crop-a-Dile to punch holes in the top and front of the box, then pulled some ribbon through.
I added a simple monogram stamp the the top of the box for a bit more personalization.
And we’re done….nah! What about the inside?!
Well, I filled it up with all sorts of goodies.
Using chipboard, I sectioned out compartments for the box and filled each section with items that I always need handy when sending cards… A few classically monogrammed notecards, a couple notepads, address labels, monogrammed envelope seals and of course, that sparkly letter opener.
The envelope seals were very simple to make: Just a sheet of adhesive paper stamped with my initial, then punched out with a 1″ circle punch.
Now of course, you can do a much simpler version of this project – but hopefully you’ve found a little inspiration to go out and get crafty!
Thanks for stopping by!
Supplies (all Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: Simply Stationery, Fresh Alphabet, Martha Stewart Monograms stamp set
Paper: Vintage Cream, Sweet Blush, My Mind’s Eye patterned paper
Ink: Archiver’s Black
Other: Chipboard Box, Beadables Letter Opener, Uptown bracelet beads, Clear Inkjet address labels, Spring Moss stitched ribbon
What a gorgeous stationery set – love everything about it! Nicole
What a cute set. That bedazzled letter opener is such sparkly and fun treat! Tell that Mr. Michaels-store-man to get out of your way…you’ve got blog readers that you need to inspire! 🙂
Amber this is BEAUTIFUL! What a WONDERFUL set!!
Have a GREAT day!
Beautiful ensemble. Love what you did with the letter opener.
Wow! I am so saving this idea for a future gift! Beautiful!
beautiful set…love the box!
This is SO awesome. You did a wonderful job on this box.
You are just so creative!! I love that jeweled letter opener and the box looks fantastic!
Great Job. Just shows how you can take a little and make a lot when you give it your all.
Janet