Pretty Packaging Shopping Our Stash

Hi everyone I'm thrilled to be doing my first inspiration piece as guest designer for the month of December over at Shopping Our Stash. It has been a few years since I've embellished a plain box or gift bag. Much less created them to embellish. This was getting out of my comfort zone but I'm pleased at the way it turned out. I hope you will like my inspiration piece and perhaps join in the challenge. After all this time of year if you are not into wrapping things you will need a pretty gift bag or box. Without further ado here is my project.

Can you believe this started out as a plain white box I cut out using a file which had been free from Silhouette a few years back. After cutting the box out I used a dark green Spectrum Noir marker and my airbrush to color the white card. Then just on the front I stenciled using  a foam brush and Iridescent medium.  Before it had a chance to thoroughly dry I brushed the medium again over it and wiped some of the medium off with a paper towel. Creating shimmer and a subtle pattern.

The gem trim I bought in the clearance bin at Michaels. Figuring for a dollar I could find some use for it.😉

On my desk was a scrap of fused plastic leftover from laminating pennants for a banner. It was the perfect size for a circle die to fit on. I brushed glue on the plastic and then tore pieces of lime green tissue paper which were then embedded into the glue. In some places I built up layers and in other places less layers. To make sure the paper was down tight I used more glue on a brush and used a pouncing motion so that I wouldn't wrinkle the paper. When it was dry I cut it out using my circle die.

I don't remember if the bell with the bird was a free sample from Dover or whether I got it somewhere else. It was in my die cut binder where I place die cuts that are extras. In this case my sister didn't want it when I went to visit her for a winter cardathon a few years back. It was the perfect size for the box.

Thank you for stopping by and do come back Saturday when I'll have an inspiration piece for Hiding In My Craft Room.

Wishing you Happy Frugal Crafting till we meet again!