Steampunk Gift Box

Continuing with the steampunk theme, here is my latest gift box. Perfect for small items of jewellery!

Steampunk Teapot

This is my first attempt at a steampunk teapot, and I am more than pleased with how it's turned out! 

After a little more research into steampunk design, I came up with this simple idea:

A bit of Rub 'n' Buff later and I am thrilled with the result:

A mini pressure guage on the lid replaces the flower on my usual teapot boxes...

and I cut the keyhole out of the front so that it is an actual hole. This would look great with a light inside it!

TARDIS Teapot Box

So excited about this one! As an avid Doctor Who fan, it was only a matter of time before I designed and created my own Doctor Who themed teapot gift box. And of course, what better to use as my inspiration than the TARDIS itself?!

I found the perfect colour cardstock, and using my PDF template, I decided to create a medium-sized teapot box. I made six individual side panels and printed the graphics to fit. I was definitely inspired by this image from a recent episode:

I am thrilled with the result!

Although the actual TARDIS is four-sided, the hexagonal form of this teapot fits in perfectly with the interior of the TARDIS and the central console ... I wonder if I could create a mini console to fit inside?

Beautiful Teapot Boxes

My latest creations - two more examples of my larger teapot gift boxes. These already have a home to go to, but you can create your own using my easy to follow template available from my Etsy shop.

Snakes in Baskets

Loom band snakes are starting to take over my house! These cute little creations are so quick and easy to make (following this tutorial), and since we have so many of them, we decided to think of something creative to do with them.

First, we gave them all names and created individual characteristics for them. We then used this information to make some ID tags. We then thought about a place to keep them, and a basket seemed an obvious choice.

As an avid recycler, I already had a collection of empty yoghurt pots that were perfect for the job!

I started by cutting the lip off to make the top completely circular. I then covered it with brown wool, ribbon and ric-rac, secured into place with strong glue. A length of wool tied around it holds the ID tag in place.

Snakes in baskets have without a doubt been my most popular makes this year. The quirkier the better, I say!

Cute Gift Baskets

Following on from my post last November I have just created some more mini gift baskets.

These differ slightly from my previous makes as the handles do not move. They are glued into place, and have an extra layer of cardstock over the top to give more strength.

Candy Wrapper Bag

Finally, I've managed to use up my stash of sweet papers and crisp packets, and I am so pleased with the end result!

So, what's next? Well, I'm just going to have to start collecting more wrappers ... Ah, the pleasures of upcycling!

More Teapot Treats!

Over the last few weeks I have been experimenting with my Teapot Treats PDF template.

After previously creating this miniature version, which I absolutely adore, I have just finished making a larger version, and I don't mind saying, I have fallen totally in love with it!

I have had lots of enquiries recently, asking me how much one of my teapot boxes will hold. Well, I designed the original size teapot to hold 10 round teabags, as shown on this video:

Now, using my template, almost any size seems possible!

Of course, when creating the different sizes, the weight of cardstock needs to be adjusted - heavier for larger teapot boxes, and lighter for the smaller ones.

This latest one was created using 260gsm cardstock, and as you can see, there is plenty of room inside for these (larger) teabag packets.

DIY Display Shelf

I'd been looking to buy a small display shelf for some time; something to display my teapot boxes on, but I couldn't find anything suitable. In my mind's eye, I knew exactly what I wanted - something similar to a mini bookcase - so what did I do?

Of course, I made one!

And the best thing about this make, is that it cost me nothing, as I was able to reuse items and materials that I already had around the house.

So here's how I made it...

The entire structure of the display shelf was made using two box files.

I cut the front panels off with a sharp knife, then, using a screwdriver and a hammer, I carefully removed all of the fixings. I then glued and taped the two box files together. (Any holes that were left after removing the fixings I covered with a layer of tape.)

Next, I measured and cut out four shelves (two pairs) from the front panels using a sharp knife. I made sure that these would sit flush to the two sides. I stuck each pair of shelves together to make double the thickness then covered them with white wood-effect sticky-back plastic.

To add detail to the top, I also cut out a wavy line piece from the front panel, and covered it with the plastic. It sits flush and will be glued into place later.

I then covered the boxes with the white wood-effect sticky-back plastic. This can prove a little tricky, particularly in the corners, but it was worth the effort as it looks and feels stunning! (If you don't fancy the challenge of using sticky-back plastic, then spray painting it is an option, although the finish on the raw edges may not look so good.)

To keep the shelves in place, I cut out four small strips from one of the front panels, and covered these with the sticky-back plastic.

I stuck them in place on the two sides making sure they were straight and evenly spaced. I then rested the shelves on top of them (without glue) which then allows me to remove them if i wish to display something taller or to add a patterned backing paper.

 

So here it is finished. I really love how it looks, and it displays my teapot boxes perfectly.

And yes, not satisfied with making just one, I went ahead and made another one! Although this one has now been taken over by my son's collection of loom band bracelets!

Golden Teapot Gift Box

OK, so I couldn't resist. I saw this gold glitter cardstock and knew exactly what to do with it!

The card was a little tricky to work with at first, but it was well worth the effort. It has a gorgeous texture to it, and the teapot sparkles beautifully in the sunlight.

I tried something a little different with the decoration on the lid, and am really pleased with the effect. The rose came out slightly smaller than usual, so I created thin spirals to bulk it out a bit.

What do you think? I hope you like it as much as I do!

Teapot Template!

Coming to a screen near you...

I am so pleased to be able to say that my Teapot Treats template is now available!

The PDF templates come as two A4 pages (but can be resized) and will make a teapot box measuring approximately 16cm (W) x 10.2cm (H) x 7.8cm (D)  /  6.3" (W) x 4" (H) x 3.1" (D). It has clear instructions (in English) and is available through my Etsy shop.

To make one of your own, you will need:

• PDF template
• Coloured or patterened cardstock (200-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
• Craft knife / scissors
• Scoring tool
• Ruler
• Craft glue / double-sided tape
• Embellishments (optional)

For those of you who will soon be hard at work, crafting your own little teapot boxes, I  would love to show some of your wonderful creations here.

This first one was sent to me by Lynda, from London. I love the roses on the lids, Lynda. So pretty.

These next two photos are from Mexico, showing that these teapot boxes can easily be adjusted to suit any colour scheme or design. Such pretty handles, and they look amazing with the matching teacups too!

I can't wait to see more!

Happy crafting!