Saturday, November 17, 2012

2nd Annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop

For the Graphic 45/Petaloo Blog Hop, click HERE.
For the Hampton Art Stamps/Scor-Pal Feature Week, click HERE.
For the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop, click HERE.

 
Welcome to the 2nd Annual
Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!!!


Calling all crafters! We’ve gathered designers from some of our favorite manufacturers to show you ways to create something from the heart this holiday season. This 3-day Hop includes over 60 stops with inspiration brimming from every corner. Explore all of the thoughtful and frugal handmade gifts you could create for the holidays, all in one place, during our second annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!

Here are your stops for today. For a full list, see the end of the post.
 
Diana Gonzalez – Clearsnap
Monika Wright – The Twinery
Gretchen McElveen - Hampton Art Stamps
Megan Aaron – Clearsnap
Tania Willis – Fiskateers
Gloria Stengel – Graphic 45 - YOU ARE HERE!
Suzanne Austin – Clearsnap
Shellye McDaniel – Authentique Paper
Natasha Naranjo Aguirre – Donna Salazar Designs
Jen Carter – The Twinery
Laura Denison – Graphic 45
Candy Spiegel – Globecraft Memories
 
Cheers to creating gifts from the heart this holiday season!

Happy Hopping!

Here is my handmade project. I altered one of the Graphic 45 Matchbook Boxes. This is the 8x8 box, perfect for giving cookies or other treats for neighbors, or the perfect size for small gifts such as music CD's, books, and more.


I used the Graphic 45 Nutcracker Sweet paper collection, pulling out the holiday reds and greens. I lined the box with the Clara's Dream since it has "foody" words on it and I wanted this box to hold baked treats.


A frosted panel keeps the gift a secret! I used a sheet of frosted plastic to cover the opening. I used Scor-Tape to adhere the plastic to the inside of the box.


Before attaching my paper, I painted the entire box with white gesso. That way all the edges that show will be white.

 
I painted all of my Graphic 45 metal staples with white paint and allowed them to dry before attaching them. I used one of the Antique Metal Door Pulls for the front of my box. This makes it easy to pull the "drawer" out.


Once I had all of my surfaces of the box covered with paper, I began to glue flowers and other embellishments to the front of the box.

 
I found many of the tiny embellishments in the Christmas ornament aisle of the craft store. I also found some great things in the floral department. The fantastic flowers are from Petaloo.


I love the little silver bells! Another trick that I use is buying floral picks and small wreaths when they go on sale, then I cut them apart and use the bits for my projects. I glue everything into place with a strong white glue. Currently I am in love with Heidi Swapp Scrappy Glue!


I hope you enjoyed my project! Keep hopping! Make sure to leave me a comment!

To sweeten the Hop, we’re offering a gift for you! For every comment you leave on the blogs in the Hop, you’ll be entered to win a prize pack from one of the participating manufacturer sponsors! Use the Rafflecopter widget on the Clearsnap Blog to gain extra entries each day.

Here is the huge prize pack that Graphic 45 will be giving away for this incredible Handmade Holiday Hop! To enter to win this fantastic prize pack be sure to leave comments on the Graphic 45 blog today along with today's featured blogs.


Visit the list of blogs below and leave a comment on each by Nov 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST. Each day we will be sharing a brand new list of blogs with brand new projects for you to explore, be inspired by, and create from!

Full Hop List:

Nov 16
Donna Salazar Designs – http://donnasalazar.typepad.com/
Eileen Hull for Sizzix http://eileenhull.blogspot.com/
Kristin Wilson – Graphic 45 - http://www.kristinwilsonhandmade.com/
Jennie Garcia - Tombow - earthyscrap.blogspot.com
Gini Williams Cagle - Hampton Art - http://ginicagle.blogspot.com/
Sabrina Alery – Clearsnap – http://Sabrinaalery.blogspot.com
DeeDee Catron - Globecraft Memories - http://umwowstudio.blogspot.com/
Michelle Grant – Donna Salazar Designs - http://michellejbg.blogspot.com
Emily Lanham – Authentique Paper -http://www.createserendipity.net
Emma Jeffery – Fiskateers - http://hellobeautifulblog.blogspot.com
Natalie Clause – The Twinery - http://www.southernbellescharm.com/
Alberto L Juarez – Graphic 45 http://vintageodyssey.blogspot.com/
Vivian Keh - Hampton Art - http://contadinak.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Priest – Clearsnap – http://hydrangeahippo.blogspot.com
Heather Conklin – Authentique Paper - http://goldiecar.blogspot.com/
 
Nov 17
Donna Salazar Designs – http://donnasalazar.typepad.com/
Eileen Hull for Sizzix http://eileenhull.blogspot.com/
Diana Gonzalez – Clearsnap – http:// www.arteypoemas.com
Monika Wright – The Twinery - http://www.iloveitallwithmonikawright.com/
Gretchen McElveen - Hampton Art - http://gretchenmac.blogspot.com/
Megan Aaron – Clearsnap- http://thoughtsoftraveling.blogspot.com/
Gloria Stengel – Graphic 45 - YOU ARE HERE
Suzanne Austin – Clearsnap - http://whatsinalousyananut.blogspot.com/
Shellye McDaniel – Authentique Paper - http://paperedcottage.blogspot.com/
Natasha Naranjo Aguirre – Donna Salazar Designs - http://www.moments-of-tranquility.com
Jen Carter – The Twinery - http://jensinkspot.blogspot.com/
Laura Denison – Graphic 45 - www.lauradenisondesigns.com
Candy Spiegel – Globecraft Memories - http://candyspiegel.wordpress.com/
Nov 18
Donna Salazar Designs – http://donnasalazar.typepad.com/
Eileen Hull for Sizzix http://eileenhull.blogspot.com/
Dana Warren - Hampton Art - http://kraftpaperstamps.blogspot.com/
Steph Ackerman – Globecraft Memories - www.stephaniescraps.blogspot.com
Arlene Cuevas – Graphic 45 - http://butterflykisseswithlove.blogspot.com/
Susan Lui – Graphic 45 - http://luv2scrap-pages.blogspot.com/
Ashley Bores – The Twinery - http://www.heartmadelife.com/
Mistra Hoolahan – Donna Salazar Designs - http://mistrabutterfly.blogspot.com
Nina Yang - Hampton Art - http://waffleflower.com/
Angie Blom – Authentique Paper - http://angieblomdesigns.blogspot.com/
Denise Hahn – Clearsnap – http://inmyblueroom.blogspot.com
Stephenie Hamen – Fiskateers - www.mycraftyadventures.com
Guiseppa Gubler – Authentique Paper - http://guiseppagubler.blogspot.com/
Jessica Fick – The Twinery - http://iembellish.blogspot.com/
 
Graphic 45 papers:
Nutcracker Sweet: Land of Sweets, Clara's Dream, Endearing Sentiments
Place in Time: December Cut-Aparts
Christmas Past: Letters to Santa
Christmas Emporium: Special Delivery
 
Graphic 45 Staples:
8x8 Matchbook Box
Key
Keyhole
Antique Door Pull
 
Paint: Liquitex White Gesso; Martha Stewart Wedding Cake Acrylic Paint
Flowers: Petaloo
Pins: Petaloo
Mini brads: unknown
Christmas embellishments: craft store
Ink: Clearsnap Colorbox Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink
Frosted plastic: unknown
Adhesive: Heidi Swapp Scrappy Glue; Liquitex Gel Medium; Scotch 3M tape

128 comments:

  1. I love this matchbox project. It is really gorgeous! And thanks for the tutorial so I can look like I'm almost as creative as you when I try my hand at it!

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  2. Gorgeous project and I love the flowers you have used. I think this could also be used for a picture frame too. Thanks for sharing the tutorial.

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  3. remarkable project!very beautifully and stylish and very useful thing!

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  4. BEAUTIFUL gift box - it will be treasured even when the box is empty!!!

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  5. Love your altered box, Gloria! I would love to receive a box like that filled with baked goodies. :)

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  6. Such beautiful work, Gloria! I so appreciate the way you artfully cluster embellishments...it's your "signature" and you do it so well.

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  7. Wonderful project. Thanks for the extra details.

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  8. This is gorgeous! What a lovely gift this would make!!

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  9. What a beautiful box!

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  10. As always a beautiful creation. Love the details such as the embellishments you chose.

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  11. What a glorious altered box... stunning embellishing on the perfect papers!
    Alison x

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  12. Gorgeous project! I would love to make one for my neighbors!! How creative!! Thanks for sharing!

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  13. Your gift box is absolutely gorgeous. I think anyone who receives this will be pleased. Thanks for sharing how you made it.

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  14. Beautiful creation and this will make THE perfect gift!!

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  15. So So gorgeous! I love the mix of patterns!

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  16. Wow! What a gorgeous gift box! I would absolutely LOVE to get a gift in something like this - just as special as the gift itself!

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  17. Красиво и вдохновенно !!!
    Практично :)
    Мне понравилась идея коробочки и много маленьких милых украшений !!!Спасибо !

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  18. Love it! I just love how many wonderful things everybody is doing with G45 paper. This would make a great gift or just decoration piece at a holiday party (while people enjoy the treats inside). Thank you for sharing!!!

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  19. Wonderful project. Love it.

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  20. I want to make this as a gift, and I also want to make this for me, too! I LOVE it!!

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  21. love your gift box, great idea!

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  22. The gift box turned out nice. I really like the flowers on the top.

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  23. Love your box! What a great idea, to pick up old wreaths, etc. and tearing them apart!

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  24. So festive and beautiful!

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  25. Wow, that box looks beautiful!

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  26. This is so pretty--love all the embellishments.

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  27. The box is adorable.

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  28. Wow! Love it! Love it! Gloria! So beautiful!

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  29. Thank you for all the detail shots. This is beautiful.

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  30. That is one stunning box.

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  31. Very nice. Great idea for a gift box that the recipient can re-use.

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  32. I would love to get this--and a great idea for giving!! Merry Christmas!!

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  33. Anonymous10:01 AM

    Fantastic project, Gloria! Great craftsmanship! I had to laugh when I saw the "click here" notes for all the hops! Way to go, teammie!

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  34. What an awesome prize package!!!

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  35. This box is gorgeous - you know if you are on the receiving end of this box, that it is going to be filled with yummyness!
    Julie

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  36. This is gorgeous Gloria! I would love to receive a gift in a box like this! We love to give home-made candy and cookies and I am always looking for pretty ways to gift it :) So glad you provided a mini tutorial because this is definitely going on my project list!

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  37. This is beautiful! A gift that keeps on giving after the yummy treats are gone. I love it! Ella Conner

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  38. Stunning!!! Would so use this!

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  39. Lovely, lovely, lovely!

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  40. very pretty! love the festive feel to it :) tfs :)

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  41. I love the box and all your supplies tips. Thanks for sharing!

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  42. ...nutcracker papers are a perfect match for this project.. thanks for all the details.... superb ! !!

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  43. Great Project! Thanks for sharing!

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  44. Wow! You did a fantastic job on the matchbox! I love it! Thanks for the great tutorial!

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  45. Oh my goodness ~ you always amaze me with your wonderful projects! I love this box, that is itself would be a wonderful gift to receive. Thanks so much for sharing your works as I always look forward to see what you are working on. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

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  46. The box is Gorgeous! Love all the embellishments.

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  47. I have decorations left over from wreaths. I'll now consider those as fair game to pair with my scrap materials!

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  48. This is such a beautifully detailed project, and you really showcased the Graphic 45 paper. Thanks so much for sharing this project with us and for inspiring me to make some of my own.

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  49. I love all the projects so far, really do - but this one just really impressed me a lot. The details, the color choices, the paper, the embellishments - all if it is just, well it really draws you in!

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  50. Absolutely amazing project! You show off these gorgeous papers just beautifully!

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  51. It's gorgeous, Gloria! That would be gift enough all by itself!...Nancy :o)

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  52. Wow that is so cool!!! Thank you for sharing.

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  53. Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your talents :)

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  54. Anonymous4:05 PM

    Very pretty altered box. Thanks for sharing.

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  55. Such fun... any treat would look great in that box!! Oh, who needs the calories?... feed the treats to everyone else and hang on to that box!!!

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  56. thank you once again for your generous photos to share your project. It would be a treasured gift to someone special.

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  57. Thanks for sharing this. The patterns are wonderful!

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  58. This is so beautiful!! I love the gorgeous embellishments you used!! Thanks so much for the inspiration :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  59. Wow, beautiful job!! Thanks for the ideas and christmas cheer!

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  60. What a pretty box.

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  61. Beautiful box....that is the best thing about perks....you really get a surprise when you see the whole picture....way to go.

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  62. Three dimensional projects are my favourite, and I love Nutcracker Sweet but didn't know what to do with it (all boys in my family). I'm sure no one will mind receiving peanut brittle or almond bark in this!

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  63. Love the frosted paper you used here, nice way to keep the prize a surprise!

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  64. beautiful project, would love to receive cookies, or anything, in this box. wonderful layering with the embellishments and the drawer pull is a great addition. thank you for the inspiration.

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  65. It's such a lovely box :)
    postalcorey(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  66. I love the projects with all the little collectables and doo-dads on the top. This box could be used for many things during the holidays, and the multi purpose items I like the best. thanks for sharing.

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  67. How cute is that box? Love it!!!

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  68. Love this matchbox. Great details.

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  69. Absolutely gorgeous box!

    Jen

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  70. Gloria, your work is always so beautiful! This is certainly no exception. Great box!

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  71. Incredible-this box is present enough all by itself-a true work of art.

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  72. This turned out great. Wonderful gift idea.

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  73. Anonymous7:42 PM

    Love how you mixed scrapbook embellishments with those from your local craft store. That tree is sooo cute! -Kline Torres

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  74. Lovely & festive!

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  75. Oh Gloria, I LOVE this box you made!
    BEAUTIFULLY STUNNING!

    TY for sharing!

    LoriM :")

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  76. great box. It is so pretty...

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  77. LOVE LOVE LOVE this box !!! It's a gift all by itself !

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  78. very cute. love all the embellishments.

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  79. What amazes me about your projects is the attention to detail - painting the box with gesso, painting the staples white, you think about everything!!

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  80. Your decorated box is gorgeous! TFS!

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  81. this is such a precious little box...love all the intricate little Christms decorations and papers.

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  82. Oh wow, this is just fantastic!

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  83. Anonymous9:58 PM

    very christmassy

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  84. Very cool box. Great way to give homemade goodies!

    Fiskateer Jean#8889 AKA giveawayjean

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  85. Another fabulous project! Just love this.

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  86. A most beautiful matchbox project. Perfect for Christmas in every way. I love the idea of using the words paper to share the idea of (yum) goodies in the box. The decorations are awesome - put together so well. Thanks for the tutorial and thank you for sharing your ideas with us.

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  87. What a beautiful gift to give! much better than storebought!

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  88. Great instruction on how to build this lovely box.

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  89. I love your box, all your projects are so inspiring, Sarah

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  90. You are the second architect turned scrapbooker I have followed and the creative work is wonderful! Your technique is so detailed and the finished product is always spectacular! Thanks for great ideas!

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  91. Oops. Gloria! Read too many blogs before getting back to make comments. Your designs are still spectacular! Graphic 45 designs are the most impressive in the industry ... thank you for sharing your talent!

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  92. This box is wonderful. Thanks for sharing

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  93. This is absolutely GORGEOUS! One of my favorite projects from this entire blog hop!

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  94. i love the arrangement of the embellishments... <3

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  95. that's adorable! might have to start gathering some supplies and do these next year!

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  96. Hello!

    This is so beautiful - a wonderful holiday gift for some luck person! Lovely! Wishing you a sunshine day!

    Hugs,

    Barbara Diane

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  97. I love your treat box! Very creative.

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  98. Red is my favorite color--love how you used it!

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  99. Too lovely for words!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

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  100. What a wonderful box my daughter is going to be giving baked goods to all the older(has everything they will ever want or need already) members of her family. I will pass this blog along to her. Thank you so much for including a tutorial.
    Debbie

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  101. Just awesome! And another great gift idea I need to work on! TFS!

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  102. this matchbox project is wonderful love it thanks for sharing your wonderful talent
    upnurse at aol dot com

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  103. Beautiful project! Thanks for the inspiring ideas!

    Carol B
    ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com

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  104. Wow, the box is beautiful. Great job!

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  105. Gorgeous, gorgeous project. Love the matchbox and I love the frosted window so you can't see in.

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  106. Love your box it's stunning :)

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  107. Everything has been so beautiful!!

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  108. Love this project! Going to order some of those boxes for my cookie exchange and decorate them.

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  109. This is so darn cute. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  110. cute box, makes a great giftbox for christmas

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  111. SUPER pretty!! Thanks for the tutorial! I love those flowers .. yum yum yummy!

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  112. Just lovely! I really have to try and alter one of these boxes! Thanks for sharing! Beautiful

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  113. Gorgeous box! Love all the snow accents you added!

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  114. what a great project!

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  115. love it what a great project.. hugs

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  116. Gloria, you always do such outstanding work and this project is no exception :) Thanks for the inspiration!

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  117. I love how you collage all the elements together. Just hoppin" by for some inspiration, thank you.

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  118. Wow I love your project and it is giving me lots of inspiration. Hugs, Susie.

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  119. The mini pine tree is so cute. I like how it goes so well with the bundles of flowers.

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  120. Such a beautiful festive gift box! Loved the tutorial too!

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  121. gorgeous,gorgeous,gorgeous

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  122. This box is absolutely stunning Gloria.I have a question though.I made an 8x8 matchbox using A Ladies Diary and covered it first with a thin coat of a soft aqua colour acrylic craft paint. My problem though was that once the paint and paper was on the box would not open and close easily. I ended up cutting the top, gluing and using G45 hinges to open and close.
    I have gesso but it doesn't appear to be any thinner. I'll have to try another using gesso - any hints?

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