Mementoes In Time

I know many people keep the handmade cards they receive but often they are packed away in a box after the birthday or other event and not really looked at again.

For this reason, much as I love making cards, I also like to make things that the recipient can keep and this is the inspiration for all the 3D projects on the site. This is especially the case with this windowbox made with my own wonderful mother in mind and using the Window Box Chipboard Template or Window Box Kit.

Unfortunately, as she lives in a different country from me, I am unable to send her this little window but it has been made with love from me to her and hopefully she will see the project on the blog too!

I normally paint my 3D projects with acrylic paints but I wanted to use scrapbook papers instead this time as an experiment and in fact it turned really well and was much quicker and less messy too!

 The window box was cut out and constructed in the normal way but this time the window itself was cut from white pasteboard instead of chipboard, so that it did not need to be covered. You could cover it with paper but I would suggest that it shouldn't be attempted unless you are an experienced 'paper coverer' with a bit of patience. I have chosen to stamp around the window with my Tapestry Aster Wreath set in co-ordinating colours to give the effect of a climbing plant.

The box was folded and creased and then both the box and base were covered with spotty paper before gluing them together, allowing a margin all around so that the paper could be folded around the edges and glued. This gives neat edges with no chipboard showing.

Once the window box was constructed following the instructions, a piece of flower arranging oasis was cut to size and placed in the box to push all the imitation flowers into. You don't need to be an expert flower arranger for this (and I am clearly not) but I guess if you are, then that is a bonus. I just keep in mind what my mother told me, that I need to make sure that there is an odd number of each flower. I think the result was pretty good for an amateur!

The awning itself was cut from a template you can get on the Members' Pages and covered in stripey paper, folded over and glued behind the window. The template has a scallop edge both sides so that when you fold it down behind the window it can be used as a pelmet.

My message has been stamped onto a piece of white card, chalked to give it a softer look and mounted onto a piece of co-ordinating cardstock. The stamp is a very old Anita's stamp and I think it was the first stamp I ever bought, all those years ago. A lovely organza ribbon bow completes the front of the box and a couple of stick on gems have been used for window handles.

I have added some curtains cut from a sheer fabric,  but you could use paper instead or leave it without. You can get the template for these on the Members' pages too.  I hope you have enjoyed reading about this project. Please leave any comments or questions below.