Natural History Inspired Storage Project
Who doesn’t love beautiful and functional storage ideas? Personally, I love jewelry boxes — I love the teeny-tiny drawers, little doorknobs, and the unique colored surfaces of different containers like polished wood, painted porcelain, and oxidized metal. This nature-themed found object multi-box container is made out of paper mache and can be painted any color, so it’s very easy to personalize. It’s an elegant and feminine way to store jewelry, small crafting essentials, and unique found items. Things like shells, rocks, crystals, and even pieces of sea-glass can be artfully stored in these little boxes. This charming set of six boxes will make a lovely décor piece for your dressing room, bathroom, living room, or anywhere else you want to put them.
Natural History Inspired Storage Project Materials:
White Paint
Green Paint
Paint Brushes
Paper Mache Mini Box Set
7gypsies Rubbing Stickers
Natural History Inspired Storage Project Instructions
Step 1 – Start by painting the outside of the box’s frame with a light coat of white acrylic paint. Paint sparingly; you want some of the warm kraft color to be visible. It will give the box a distressed look.
Step 2 – Repeat the same process on the small boxes and lids, but this time use green acrylic paint. To achieve the green hue that is featured in this project, mix a little bit of white paint into the green paint. Set all the pieces aside and let them dry thoroughly.
Step 3 – We used a variety of 7gypsies rubbings to add words and images directly onto the front of our boxes. However, feel free to use stamps and ink if you want a more personalized message.
Step 4 – Finally fill the boxes with natural-colored excelsior and add your favorite found objects.
Not only is this a great project to make for yourself, especially if you’re a fan of delicate miniature storage containers, but this also makes a great gift for a friend or family member. Paint the boxes and frame with their favorite colors, add personalized messages, and fill them with thoughtful findings.
What would you store in these darling boxes? We want to know!
The Bella Grace Blog Hop
This week’s unlocked link comes from the talented Mindy Lacefield, who shares with us her thoughts on Bella Grace, a heartfelt poem, and a stunning mixed-media painting. Visit her blog post for a dose of inspiration and a chance to win this beautiful new publication.
Click here to follow the Bella Grace Blog Hop
Posted: Thursday, September 4th, 2014 @ 3:10 pm
Categories: How-To Project Tutorials.
Tags: creative, How-To, paper mache, storage, tutorial.
Subscribe to the comments feed if you like.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
I think these little boxes would be wonderful for storing little bits and baubles that I pick up whenever my husband and I take a trip.
Oh, I would want to hide seeds, feathers and other special finds from nature~ I love the color-thank you for sharing!
This would be a lovely gift for a bridal shower in a shade of timeworn blue!
Hi Ella, the bridal shower idea is wonderful! Each box could have a special treat.
Thanks so much for sharing.
these are beautiful- a great Christmas gift idea for a close friend-thanks for sharing
I think the boxes are beautiful. Love the nature theme. I want to make some. I like your choice of blue. Light soft green would be pretty, too.