Altered box and more happy mail

Last week I found an old box with magnet closure in the paper recycling bin next to our house. This bin is my main supply of old magazines, boxes, cardboard etc, as the people in our house seem to be good at throwing away.... Somebody had evidently wrapped a lot of brown packing tape round it, which left some nasty marks when removed.

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!