Treasure Box Archives - Kathy by Design

Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box for Mother May I at Frilly & Funkie

Hello, Friends! Today I have a Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box made for the latest challenge over on the Frilly and Funkie Challenge Blog. We’ll take a look at it in a moment, but first, let’s see what the sensational Suzz, our hostess, has to say about the challenge.

Challenge Theme: Mother May I?

May in the U.S. is when we celebrate Mother’s Day and honor our mothers. I am challenging you to create something that is vintage or shabby chic which is inspired by your Mother or any mother figure in your life. It can be a favorite memory, something based on her style, something she said/says to you, or anything that reminds you of your mother figure. Make sure to share with us how your mother inspired your art!

Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box: The Inspiration

Always an avid reader, my mother instilled her love for books, stories and poems deep within my heart. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve Mom reading aloud. She was a fluid and expressive reader, and got completely lost in a good book.

I can remember seeing her prop an open book on the windowsill above the kitchen sink so she could read while she was doing dishes. Or, she would have a book beside her on the ironing board while she pressed the family laundry.

I come from a family where money was scarcer than hen’s teeth…but by golly, we had books: hundreds of them. Mom had memorized thousands of lines from Shakespeare, The Bible, Robert Frost and Edgar A. Guest, one of her favorite poets. And as I shared a couple of weeks ago in THIS post, she had also memorized Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll. What joy it was to listen to those nonsensical syllables roll effortlessly off her tongue.

To honor Mom’s love for literature, I chose to create this Eileen Hull Treasure Box with Stamperia’s Alice collection.

Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box: Pretty in Pink

Mom’s favorite color was pink. She wore pink lipstick, loved pink flowers, and even had a pink pair of tennis shoes that she wore with her house dresses. Naturally, I had to top my Treasure Box with Pink Posies, in honor of Mom.

I also gained my taste for a nicely brewed cup of tea from Mom. She would have loved the little tea party that’s neatly laid out on the lid of my treasure box.

TIP: Add dimension and depth to paper flowers by dry brushing them with chalk paint. Place a small amount of liquid adhesive on a make up sponge, tap the petals lightly, then sprinkle with glitter for even more fun. Prills can be added in the same way.

TIP: Turn a flat piece of paper into a 3-D embellishment. Fussy cut this teacup from the paper collection, but leave an extra 1/4″ x 1/2″ on the bottom edge of the image. Use your scissors to cut little “v” slots along the bottom edge. Then fold these tabs back and adhere them to the base. Hot glue a flower behind the teacup to keep it upright.

Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box: The Cast of Characters

The tarts for this tea party are thoughtfully provided by the King of Hearts.

TIP: Create side panels by cutting a focal image to about 2 3/8″. Mat on waste chipboard and adhere to the sides. This is a fun way to make a large image fit a small space.

Entertainment brought to you by the Mad Hatter, one of Mom’s favorite characters. (“Oh, isn’t he a silly one, Kathy?”)

And if I had a dollar for every cup of tea I shared with Mom…well, I would be financially set for life!

TIP: Cut hinges from Kraft Tex paper. This product cuts like paper, but has the strength of fabric. I cut 4 hinges for this box. Then I doubled them up and adhered them to the back.

TIP: Chalk paint is a great finish for these Graphic 45 Antique Brass Claw Feet. Create little chippy areas by sanding the edges very lightly with a fine grit sandpaper. Easy does it!

Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box: What’s Inside?

Three little Eileen Hull Notebooks nest neatly inside the Treasure Box. Each one is finished with a unique page design, making for even more fun. (I’ll share all of that along with some great tips and tricks in the video tour below.)

Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box: Photo Tour with Tips and Tricks

Since I share so much information about these Notebooks in the video tour, I’ll just post the photos with a few random tips and tricks here.

The Alice Notebook is up first. Machine stitching, distressed edges and a burlap spine add lots of texture.

TIP: Mustard seeds from your spice cabinet add lots of fun texture to a project. Remember to look for embellishments in unexpected places.

TIP: Use Alcohol Inks to alter metals quickly and easily. This White Rabbit Charm has been altered with Tim Holtz Rose Gold Mixative.

TIP: Accordion fold a strip of the playing cards to make a fun pop up element. To adhere to the album base, fold the accordion shut. Place adhesive on the back side of the bottom card. Then place adhesive on the back side of the top card and close the book. Adjust the fold so that the album opens and closes with ease.

Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box: The White Rabbit

The second notebook is all about the White Rabbit.

This notebook features two accordion fold pages. The one on the left is tied into the notebook, while the one on the right is held shut with a belly band and can be removed completely.

Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box: Eat Me/Drink Me Notebook

The 3rd notebook is all about Tea Time!

I’ve built a box pocket and a little treat wallet inside this notebook. Can you guess what is inside?

Stamperia Alice Tea Party Treasure Box: Video Tour with Tips and Tricks

Mother, May I? Challenge: Now it’s YOUR Turn

You are cordially invited to join in on this fun challenge. To do so, simply create your own vintage or shabby chic project inspired by your mom. Then link up on the Frilly and Funkie Challenge Blog before 11:55PM EDT on Tuesday, June 4th. You can find all the rules and information HERE.

The winner will earn the chance of a Guest Designer spot at Frilly and Funkie, and everyone who enters and follows the rules will go into the draw for the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. In addition, the Design Team will select three further outstanding entries and those creators will receive a Top Pick badge to display on their blogs!

I can’t wait to see what you make!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy