Monday, November 28, 2011

Upcycling: little box ornaments

I’ve been saving little boxes with the idea to make some ornaments for the holidays.


Here are a few that I saved. The box on the left was perfect for an ornament. It came with the ribbon on top and the die cut circle. Originally it was the packaging for some type of crafting supply. I don’t recall what the clear plastic box was originally used for but I knew it had potential.


The plastic box became a snowy winter scene. Here’s how I made this ornament.
  • Seal the bottom of the box with clear packaging tape. This tape is very transparent and perfect to use with clear plastic.
  • Add some course or kosher salt to make the snow on the ground.
  • Add some twigs and arrange them to look like barren winter trees.
  • Lightly spray the inside of the box with canned snow {the type used for flocking trees}. You can see where I got a little heavy handed with the snow spray and it looks more like a blizzard than a light snow.
  • Seal the top of the box with clear packaging tape.
  • Hot glue a piece of ribbon or string to create a hanger.
Enjoy your snowy winter scene ornament.
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I decided to Mod Podge the chipboard box and add a little bird scene to the window.

To make this type of ornament box, here’s the step-by-step.
  • Carefully remove the plastic window from the die cut area  {if your box has one} and set aside.
  • Cover your box with Mod Podge and the paper of your choice. I used a decorative napkin that I cut into strips. You can find more detailed instructions here.
  • Let your box dry. At this point you can seal the box with more Mod Podge. I chose to use glitter paint {Plaid Folkart Extreme Glitter – color: Champagne}

  • Once your box is completely dry tape or glue the window back on and create your scene.
  • I added the bird embellishment which was a dimensional craft sticker.
  • I then added the twigs to create the effect that the nest was in a tree. I taped the twigs to the inside of the box below the window so the tape wouldn’t show.
  • Carefully add the course or Kosher salt and close your box.

The little snowy bird scene glistening in the sun.


 
This was a fun way to combine upcycled boxes, natural materials and supplies that I had on hand. Two new ornaments ready to hang on the tree.

This project is linked at the parties listed here and 

The DIY Club

UndertheTableandDreaming   Tip Junkie handmade projects Photobucket     

14 comments :

  1. I love these ornaments, they are a beautiful way to upcycle old packaging!

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  2. you are so imaginative! I don't know why I'm still amazed. These are adorable and I so love the little birdhouse :) sweet as can be! diane

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  3. Oh my... I absolutely LOVE this ornament idea!

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  4. I am so amazed at how you can look at a simple box and have the vision to transform it into art. These are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing with us!

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  5. Oh my these are both beautiful.

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  6. Love these! Snow shaker...great idea.

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  7. Very cute. Shows an ingenious crafter/upcycler at work.

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  8. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these!!! What a great upcycle!! Pinning it!

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  9. Cute! I actually have something similar that I made that needs to get posted soon! Great job! Visiting from TT&J :D

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  10. These are absolutely LOVELY!I am hosting my first ever blog hop this weekend and I would LOVE if you stopped by to link some stuff up!

    Kim @ Too Much Time

    http://kim-toomuchtimeonmyhands.blogspot.com/search/label/get%20schooled%20saturday

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  11. Just wanted to let you know I featured this as part of my BFF Open House Wrap Up! Please feel free to grab a featured button if you like and thanks so much for being a regular part of my little party!

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  12. Carolyn, these ornaments are so lovely -- like little whimsical winter wonderland vignettes!

    I'm featuring your post on my Facebook page today.

    Jenn

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  13. Wow!! These are so beautiful! So much imagination and creativity!

    Lily

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  14. Sweet and wonderful...your own winter wonderland!

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