Romantic Hide-A-Ways AMNW Show Craft
by Shirley Rufener, CPD
on Feb. 2, 2006

This February, think romantic roses, dancing by the sea and the
beauty of the Victorian era. Then, create these stylish storage
containers to "hide-away" your special treasures.
Hinged wood box purses and stickers are the two main
ingredients besides a few of your favorite paint
colors you probably already have!

Materials

~*Wood Purses complete with beaded handles (Judy's Stone House Designs)
~**Victorian style stickers (Violette Collectible Stickers)
~Various colors of acrylic paint (demo box uses white, blue,
green and brown mustard color)
~Large flat and 1/4" wide flat paintbrushes (Loew-Cornell)
~Fine sandpaper and tack cloth
~Wood sealer
~Xacto blade craft knife
~Optional embellishments (ribbon, metal charms, no-hole glass beads)

*Judy's Decorative Wood Purses range from $9-$13 and can be
purchased online through their website below. You can
also call the compnay at 970-622-9717,
or fax 970-622-9863 or e-mail Judy@JudysStoneHouseDesigns.com

Judy's Stone House Designs

**All of the stickers featured on the box purses and the "Stickers
in a Tin" shown today are from Violette Stickers, and can be
purchased online through their website at:

Violette Collectible Stickers

Also look for them in craft, stationary, scrapbook
and rubber stamp stores in your area.

Basic Instructions

1. Sand any rough areas on purse and wipe with tack cloth.
2. Apply a coat of wood sealer and allow to dry.
3. Pick up 2-3 colors of paint on your large flat brush and
apply in long strokes in one direction to wood box.
4. For a "wash" or "stained" look, add a little water to paint before
applying to wood. (Animal Box) I also apply a wash to the
inside of the purse if I will not be lining it with felt or flocking.
5. Unscrew metal ends on handle, and slide beads off-keeping them
in order! Paint the wood beads with 1/4" brush to
match the box and allow to dry. Thread beads back onto wire.
6. Optional: You may wish to use a Versatool or wood burning tool
to add details to background at this point. Follow safety
directions on the tool's package.


7. When completely dry, press on stickers as desired. If a sticker must
overlap a box seam, simple press in place, then run a
sharp craft blade between to slice stick as needed.
8. Attach the handle ends into the holes in box and secure end
screws so handle stands up.


That's it! You may wish to embellish your boxes with metal charms,
no-hole glass beads, text, etc. Or, if you have used alot of
stickers it is good to spray with a clear gloss or satin coat.
Be sure to tape off the metal hinges before spraying!

Other Styles & Ideas

You can store any goodies or household items that will fit your
box, or use it as a conversation starter purse!


Here's just a few storage ideas:
*Valentine's or Special Love Notes or Letters
*TV Controllers
*Animal Treats
*Jewelery or Beads
*Playing Cards
*Nail Polish
*Decorative Soaps
*Craft Supplies
*Small Toys or Collectables