Birdhouse Box

Following on from my beach hut boxes, I created a similar template to make these cute little birdhouse boxes, perfect for party favours, Mother's Day, Easter and new home gifts.

I added a small ribbon bow to these boxes, which neatly finishes them off.

Of course, if used as a gift box, these birdhouses would reveal a sneaky peek at their contents straight away, spoiling any chance of surprise. But with the addition of some carefully placed nest material (tissue paper) the surprise is kept hidden!

Beach Hut Boxes

With the arrival of long, hot summer days (and spending far too much time on the beach) I soon had a new gift box design in mind - in the shape of a cute little beach hut!

I started with a simple box design, then developed an idea for the roof so that it would open whilst staying attached.

Upcycled Shelves

Following on from my DIY display shelves tutorial, I have put another old box file to good use.

I rescued this one from a bin, and as I only had one I decided to do something a little different with it.

The lid was already broken off, so I neatened the edges and removed the fittings with a flat screwdriver as before. I then taped over the holes that remained.

I cut the lid to make three separate long pieces - two to create the middle section, and one to strengthen the left side where the lid had been. These were then glued together and taped into place. The pieces had to be measured carefully so that they sit flush when fitted in.

To create further shelves, I used pieces from another box file lid that I had left over from the last project, and cut them to fit. I cut out eight pieces, doubled them up for strength and taped them firmly into position. I measured the spaces between them carefully so that each 'square' space was the same size.

I covered the back and sides with one piece of white wood-effect sticky-back plastic, then used smaller pieces to cover the shelves and the inside. The whole structure was now strong, solid and secure.

I could have kept it looking like this, but I decided to add some colour with a square of patterned paper inside each space. These can easily be removed or covered over if I ever want a different look. 

Hopefully you have been inspired to create something similar yourself...

Teacup Template

To complement my Teapot Treats gift boxes, my matching teacup and saucer template is now available as a PDF download.

The template is designed to fit on A4 (but can be re-sized) which will make a teacup approximately 4.7 x 8 x 11cm. It has clear instructions (in English) and can be purchased through my Etsy shop.

To make one of your own, you will need:

• PDF template
• Patterened or coloured cardstock (200-250gsm recommended)
• Craft knife / scissors
• Scoring tool
• Ruler
• Craft glue / PVA
• Embellishments (optional)

To add detail to these teacups, I also added a light touch of gold to the edges of the cup, handle and saucer.

For those of you who will soon be hard at work, crafting your own little tea sets, I would love to display some of your wonderful creations here!

Happy crafting!

Minion Teapot Box

I was recently asked if I could make one of my teapot boxes in the style of a minion. It was for a friend's birthday party (based on favourite film characters) so how could I refuse?

An image of the finished teapot came instantly to mind, and so I set to work straight away, sketching how it would look.

The obvious starting point was the colour for the actual teapot. I chose a deep yellow cardstock, and using my template the main structure was soon created.

I added black ribbon to the base of the lid, making sure the raw edges were at the front (to be hidden later under the eye), and glued a few thin strands of black card (hair) to the top.

For the dungarees, I printed out a blue denim image and cut it to fit around the teapot base. I added two denim straps over the arms (handle and spout) and a pocket for the front. I drew on the buttons and the pocket logo and added some orange stitching for detail.

Now for the eye... What to use? At first I considered creating one totally out of card. But why bother, I thought, when a plastic bottle top would do!

After finding one the right size, I sprayed it silver and glued a printed (minion) eye to the inside. I then cut out a circle of silver card to cover the front, and glued a small circle of acetate to the inside. I then glued the finished eye to the front of the lid, making sure that the ribbon ran through the centre.

A little drawn on smile, and my minion teapot was complete!

It made me think that I could now create almost any kind of novelty teapot using my template - film characters included! My favourite so far though still has to be my Dr Who TARDIS teapot.

I wonder what I'll be creating next... maybe a two-eyed minion?

If you have been inspired to make your own little teapot boxes - for whatever occasion, and in any style - please visit my Etsy shop where you will find my template. I would love to see what you create using it!

Butterfly Altered Tin

This is my latest altered tin design, and I absolutely love it!

I chose to make the butterfly in the centre a vivid shade of blue to enhance the blue spots on the tin. The two butterflies on either side are slightly faded so that they don't distract from the one in the centre.

 I inked the edges of the spotty paper slightly to give it an aged, vinatge look...

and I continued with the same spotty paper inside the tin (no ink this time).

The little silver feet on the base of the tin are small beads, which complement the silver bottle cap on the lid.

Altered Tin Designs

Continuing with the paper flower theme, here are two more of my altered tin designs. I have really enjoyed creating these, especially reusing materials from other items.

And here are the three tins together:

Altered Tin Design

Over the last few months, I've been making a collection of small (throat pastille) tins - not wanting to throw them away, but not really knowing what to do with them. 

After spending some time on Pinterest recently, I found myself suddenly immersed into the world of altered tin designs, and I knew what I had to do!

I couldn't wait to get started! This is my first one, combining steampunk and vintage design.

I used a textured paper to cover the outside of the tin, and after inking the edges, I applied a little antique gold Rub n Buff to enhance the detail.

All of the other materials I used are repurposed, having been taken off of something else.

I am thrilled with the result, particularly the little silver (bead) feet on the base.

I can't wait to start making more of these - the design possiblities are endless!

Steampunk Box

Believe it or not, this beautiful little steampunk box started life as a Pringles tube.

I absolutely love it! It reminds me of a mini top hat box, with it's surprising purple lining!

I am definitely making more of these! Perfect for jewellery storage.

Steampunk Tea Set

I really enjoy working with steampunk designs, and here is my latest steampunk teapot and teacup. 

Similar to my previous design, this set has the keyhole in the teacup, and I've added what looks like a belt around the teapot lid.

The teacup and saucer also have smaller belts added on to give detail.

Candy Wrapper Bracelets

As it's nearing Easter, no doubt I shall soon be creating more of these fantastic candy wrapper bracelets. Last Christmas I was given a stash of chocolate wrappers, (honestly, I didn't eat them all myself!) and have finally managed to use them up.

Here is what I created...