I cleaned it a bit with some spirit based cleaner, and then covered the top, back and front flap with torn paper, using some old book pages and lots of golden gel.
When it was dry, I gave the whole of the outside of the box 2 coats of champagne acrylic paint, which I watered down over the torn paper backing so that the print remained visible. I added some rose transfers, and then some clear aging varnish and distressed some parts with DI in forest moss and Victorian velvet.
I finished it off with some pretty, cream coloured lace, and a hitch fastener on the front flap, which makes it easier to open the magnet flap. And last but not least, I added an old ear-ring with a pretty cameo. The inside of the box has been painted plain white, and I will fill it with some little presents and use it as a gift box.
I am linking to the anything goes challenge at Recycle, re purpose and re-invent challenge blog.
This beautiful postcard dropped into my mailbox yesterday. It has been sent by Linda, a very talented photographer and crafter living in California. Thanks a lot, Linda, it will be treasured!
Have a great day you all, take care, and thanks for dropping in today!
Well, I LOVE what you have done with the box, it certainly looks gorgeous now! Great idea! Hugs, Sarah
ReplyDeletelove it!
ReplyDeleteThe best of crafting is to find something to recycle and your box looks amazing after the make over
ReplyDeleteLove Chrissie xx
A great find, wonder what the person who threw this away would think of it now. Its gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYvonne x
What a cool find ! a fab transformation :)
ReplyDeleteVon ♥
Wow Valerie! You've made the box look absolutely gorgeous and love the shabby chic look with the roses.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments and I'm feeling much better today apart from an annoying cough so now have to try and catch up on everything.
Hugs, Fliss xx
Loving your box makeover - it will be an amazing gift box.
ReplyDeleteAd such lovely mail art too.
Hugs xx
wow Val, this turned out gorgeous; so fun to recycle ! xoxoox G
ReplyDeleteFabulous make over on your little box, Valerie!
ReplyDeleteIt's fantastic how you have transformed that box, just lovely!
ReplyDeleteThat's the best recycled use of an old box I've seen in ages! This is great and you've turned a grungy old thing into a really pretty gift box! The gift will have a hard time living up to the box! :)
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Just gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteLove how you altered the box. :) And a wonderful surprise in the mail again. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous transformation! Love the flowers and lace and who would ever know it was a throw away! Love postcard to find in your MB! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous treasure box, love how you recycled it. Pretty transfers and the earring looks perfect! Beautiful post card from your friend.
ReplyDeleteOne (wo)man's trash is another (wo)man's treasure! A beautiful transformation Valerie, enjoy your evening. xx
ReplyDeleteValerie, you are so dern good at what you do. I really love what you did with the box. Excellent recycling. Beautiful work. I think I'll check out that blog you speak off. Thanks for sharing dear lady and may you have a wonderful rest of the week. See you on Friday.
ReplyDeleteWow ! What a makeover just sensational Valerie , I hop your neighbors don't want it back. You are so good a giving new leases of life to things ! Any chance of a makeover for me I could do with a little of your magic ! All I need are about a ton of gesso and a couple of licks of gel medium !
ReplyDeleteMarie
Wow Valerie that box is stunning, what a gorgeous creation, love the beautiful believe butterfly too
ReplyDeletehugs June x
Wonderful 'happy mail' and I love how your box turned out :)
ReplyDeleteKarenx
Fantastic find. I love the way you have decorated your box it looks stunning. Thanks for joining us at Recycle Re-purpose and Recycle
ReplyDeletePaula DT:o)
Such a beautiful box, Valerie! :]
ReplyDeleteLovely talent... you have. ~xx
Such a beautiful transformation, I love it.
ReplyDeletexxx Hazel.
Wow what a difference you've made. Your box looks lovely. x
ReplyDeleteYour re-purposed box looks so pretty.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked your postcard. I had fun making it.
Hugs~
Amazing difference from start to finish - your box is gorgeous! No one would guess you saved it from the trash bin. So glad you linked up at Art With No Boundaries!
ReplyDeleteGreat recycling! Your box is lovely and will make a great gift box or a great gift for that matter. Very pretty. Thanks for joining us at Recycle, Re-purpose & Re-Invent.
ReplyDeleteFantastic recycling and great to hear how you made it, the cameo was a great touch! =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Recycle, Re-Purpose & Re-Invent! =)
Hugs, Elenor
What a fabulous find and you have turned it into a to a fantastic piece of creativity. Thank you for sharing this on Recycle, Re-Purpose & Re-Invent. I really enjoyed seeing this.
ReplyDelete:) Chris / CS Designs