Personalized Shadow Box Bank

Never “break the bank” (haha) again -- with this personalized shadow box bank, just remove the back of the frame to retrieve your money!

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All you'll need:

• unfinished wooden shadow box frame ($4-$5 at craft stores)
• paintbrushes
• scissors (or paper cutter, or utility knife)
• scrapbooking paper
• stickers, markers, or anything else you’ll want to decorate your box
• your trusty Mod Podge
• sandpaper (optional)

Step 1:

Create a slot in the top of your box for the coins.  My handy fiancé helped me do this with a drill press, but I’m sure there are any number of ways to do it.

Step 2:

Measure the sides of your box, cut your paper into the correct dimensions, and attach with Mod Podge and a paintbrush.  (Optional: once it's completely dry, sand the edges for a neater look).

Step 3:

Seal the paper onto the box and add some shine with more Mod Podge and a large paintbrush.

Step 4:

While the box is drying, create the personalized background.  I used a piece of scrapbook paper adorned with a large glitter “M,” and then hand-wrote the rest of my niece’s name with a Sharpie (after sketching it out with a pencil).  

Step 5:

Reassemble the box, and voila! You’re done!

Dry-Erase "I Love You Because..." Frame

This is a sweet Valentine’s Day gift for a loved one! Use dry-erase markers to take turns completing the statement “I love you because…”

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All you'll need:

• unfinished wooden picture frame ($1 - $2 at craft stores)
• paintbrush
• pencil
• scissors (or paper cutter, or utility knife)
• scrapbook paper
• stickers
• your trusty Mod Podge
• sandpaper (optional) 

Step 1:

Remove the glass from the frame.  Lay the frame face down on the BACK of the scrapbook paper.  Then use the pencil to trace its outline onto the paper.  

Step 2:

Carefully cut out the paper shape you’ve drawn.  I used a small paper trimmer, but scissors or a utility knife against a hard edge will work too.

Step 3:

Use the paintbrush to Mod Podge the paper onto the frame.  Work out any large air bubbles with your fingers.

Step 4 (optional):

If you have rough edges (I did!), sand the inner and outer edges of the frame.  Only do this after the Mod Podge is completely dry! 

Step 5:

Again use the paintbrush and the Mod Podge to seal the paper onto the wood and give the project some shine!

Step 6:

I printed my “I Love You Because…” insert from the computer, but you could always write it by hand on another cute piece of scrapbooking paper.  Once Step 5 has dried completely, put your print-out behind the frame’s clean glass, add your stickers/embellishments, and you’re done!

 

 

Kusudama Paper Flowers

Kusudama flowers can be made in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns.  Make just one, or make a whole bouquet!

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All you'll need:

• paper: 2”, 3”, or 4” squares (I buy 12” x 12” scrapbook paper and cut it myself)
• a ruler or other hard edge for making creases, especially if the paper is thick
• a small paintbrush
• your trusty Mod Podge
• buttons, beads, or anything else you’d like to use in the center of the flowers

  

Step 1:

Fold your square in half diagonally.  The “front” or main color/pattern (if there is one) should be on the outside. 

Step 2:

Fold each of the lower corners up towards the center.

Step 3:

Fold each of these triangles in half, back towards the outside.

Step 4:

Unfold each side and create two “squash folds.”  This is a common origami technique.

Step 5:

Fold down the two “points,” so that the edges are flush.

Step 6:

Fold each side in half along the already existing crease.

 

Step 7:

Your first petal is almost done!  Now you will gently curve your paper into the petal shape.  See where the paintbrush is pointing in the second photo?  Using your brush, apply the Mod Podge to that surface, curve the paper into a petal, and hold it for about 30 seconds (longer for thicker or textured paper) until it is dry.

Step 8:

Repeat steps 1-7 until you have 5-6 petals.  Then use a small amount of Mod Podge to glue all of the petals together into a flower – and voila!  You’re done!  A button or bead can add some pizzazz to the center of the flower. :)

Vintage-Style Postage Stamp Mirror

This vintage-style mirror project is a great way to make use of an old stamp collection.

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All you'll need:

• mirror in an unfinished wooden frame ($1 - $2 at craft stores)
• small paintbrush
• large paintbrush
• scissors
• a variety of cancelled stamps
• your trusty Mod Podge

Step 1:

Start by roughly laying out your stamps on the frame of the mirror.  This serves two purposes: first, you can ensure that you have the correct number of stamps; second, you can get an idea of what the finished product will look like, and make any changes you see fit.

 

Step 2:

Take the mirror out of the frame and set it aside. Using Mod Podge and a paintbrush, simply start adhering the stamps to the frame.  I let all of mine overlap at different angles, but you could go for a “neater” rows/columns look if your stamps are roughly the same size.

Step 3:

After the Mod Podge has dried completely, apply a top coat of Mod Podge to seal everything together and give it some shine.  Note: I also chose to lightly sand the inner and outer edges of the frame before I applied the topcoat, but you don’t have to do that.

Once everything is completely dry, clean the mirror and put it back in the frame. And there you have it -- you're done!