Carol Duvall claimed that she named this project "Grandma's Treasures" because of the treasure-chest-shaped box, but everyone knows that grandma's treasures are really her grandchildren. The results of Duvall's project may be a loving gift for any grandma, but the same techniques can be used to make any kind of special memory box adorned with wedding pictures, vacation pictures, graduation pictures, etc.
Materials:
1 wooden, hinged, lidded box
assortment of photographs
acrylic coating
scissors
tape
white glue
small brush
craft knife
Steps:
- Select the photographs to be applied to the box. If you're using pictures of children or grandchildren,you may want to use more than just current photos. Tape the photos to an 8"x11" or 11"x17" piece of paper or cardboard and have a color photocopy made at your local copy store or printer. Consider making another copy, this time with the pictures reduced in size, to add interest to your box.
- Brush one or two coats of acrylic coating on each sheet of color-copied photos. Any of the finishes like Royal Coat Decoupage Finish, Aleene's Acrylic Coating, etc. will do. This coating will protect the photograph copies and help prevent the color from rubbing off.
- Wait until the glue is completely dry, then cut out the photos. Duvall suggests using different methods, including: 1) using almost the entire photo and rounding off the corners, leaving a 1/8" border around the image; 2) leaving no background; and 3) cutting off the white border on school photos or leaving just a very narrow border.
- Arrange photos on box exactly as you want them placed on the final product. Use tape to secure them temporarily while you're placing pictures over the opening. Be sure that the area where the lid lifts does not lie in the middle of anyone's face on a photo.
- Remove tape, and glue photos to the box, one side at atime. To apply the pictures, Duvall brushed on a layer of white glue thinned with just enough water to make it spread easily. Use a small brush and apply the glue sparingly. Allow to dry.
- When the glue is completely dry, trim the pictures around the opening with a very sharp craft knife.
- Coat the box with one to three layers of decoupage medium.
Other Treasures for Grandma
- Kids love to get messy, so the next time a grandparent is having a birthday, try this craft with the kids: Buy some small pieces of canvas (you can get this at any art supply store). Pour a large amount of acrylic paint in a pie tin or a plastic paper plate. Then let your kids get creative. Using their hands, they can create a large birthday card, draw their favorite things, and even display their handprints. Let the paint dry and then show these spontaneous masterpieces in a frame.
- Let your kids choose their favorite beads at a bead or jewelry store. Then get some yarn and have your kids make a necklace for grandma. She'll love the idea of always having something nearby to remind her of her grandchildren, even if she doesn't wear it to her next formal affair.
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