Tuesday, December 01, 2015

Joyeux Noel Configurations Boxes

Happy December everyone! As promised, here is my last project from the retreat. Sadly, the atrocities that took place in Paris happened while I was there, and I wanted to make something that was a sort of remembrance for me from when I went to France two years ago. There were too many gorgeous sights to count, and Paris was so inspiring, especially with all the goodies in the shops and flea markets. So I took a few of those ideas and lots of Tim Holtz Idea-ology and made these two Configurations Boxes. I pray the people of Paris heal quickly, and thrive in peace.
There are lots of photos, so please grab a snack to sustain you...sorry!
 
 
I misted some Yuletide Paper Stash sheets with either Victorian Velvet Distress Spray Stain (for the pink box) or Tumbled Glass (for the blue box). I love that the paper was completely changed from what it was, but the design was still perfect. I trimmed the papers down to size for the box, and then inked the edges with Brushed Corduroy. I adhered all the paper in place in the box.
I even used the label sheets page for the outside of the insert box. It totally looks like the inlay design on cabinets. LOVE that.
Then I began the inside. I painted the Letterpress pieces with Distress Paint, stamped on them with Ranger Wendy Vecchi Archival Inks, and then covered them with Glossy Accents. I also used Tim's new Vintage Platinum Glitter Dust on the 'O'. I LOVE the color and the ease of using it. I didn't get all glittered up like I usually do with a fine textured glitter.
I had these old Christmas Cameos from Webster's Pages in my stash for a zillion years, so I inked them, and added them to the inside of a Foundry Frame that I also altered with Mushroom Alcohol Ink. I also altered the Salvaged Doll with Alcohol Ink as well. I glued her into the Corked Dome, added a tree glittered with Stickles, filled it with Distress Glitter, and closed it up. I secured the bottom with vintage ribbon purchased in Paris. I made the ringer bell with a thin strip of the misted paper, and just glued it over the hole in the top of the bell. It might be my favorite part!
I added Glossy Accents all over the antler portion of the Trophy Antlers, and dipped them into the Glitter Dust jar. These are so cool. I stole the idea from Tim...he rocks! I coated the deer heads with Multi Medium first, let that dry, and then colored them with Alcohol Ink. I've heard that if you don't seal these first with Multi Medium, the Alcohol Ink turns a different color than what you want, so I just went with that, and it all worked perfectly. I also altered the Trophy with Mushroom, and then filled it with Petaloo Flowers and Berry Clusters. I cut pieces off the Boxwood Twine, and wrapped them around a paintbrush to coil them a little, and added them to the flower arrangement, along with some colored Crinkle Ribbon.
I die cut the other word, and added Platinum Stickles to the edges and also to the mini wreaths I made with the Boxwood Twine around the Trophy Antlers.
I worked a little backwards for this part, but I went ahead and painted the outside of the box with Antique Linen Distress Paint, let it dry, and then added Rock Candy Distress Crackle. I die cut the snowflake border from Sizzix, and painted and crackled it too. Once dry, I inked it all, and adhered the snowflake border up top dotted with Stickles, added more vintage ribbon,  and then adhered the Trophy Antlers. They are so stinking fun and really dress things up, those Antlers do!!!
I lightly coated the Foundations with Gesso, dried that, and then pounced on Alcohol Ink over the raised portions. They have a great shabby chic look.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you so much for looking at all of the projects I made at the retreat over the weeks, and especially for all the comments and Pins! You all are amazing! Peace and Joy to all of you, and I hope your holiday crafting is smooth!!! Stay safe!

Supplies:

I hope your hands get creatively dirty soon!

23 comments:

  1. Anita, your boxes are absolutely beautiful; and so decorative in your home.
    I am sure at your place it already looks a lot like Christmas! Love all your projects.
    Happy Holidays.

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  2. Oh these are stunning and so cleverly put together!! Love both colour ways, and what you did with those reindeer looks amazing!

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  3. What an absolute joy to be able to spend time gazing on the details of these delicious altered boxes Anita. I love how you altered the colour of the papers to coordinate everything and got the greenery working perfectly. Thank you so much for sharing these. Jenny x

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  4. Wow, holy gorgeous Anita! So many wonderful details and I love the two different colour themes! My favourite bit is the glittery antlers on the deer, how wonderfully festive! hugs :)

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  5. THAT was a beautiful tribute to Paris. I remember drooling over all your photographs from your trip and what you said was so sweet and thoughtful. Your shadow boxes are just sensational and ALL the fabulous little things you compiled to make a gorgeous holiday statement. Thank you so much for all the wonderful process pictures. It's the next best thing to crafting WITH you.
    Big hugs,
    Lisa x

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  6. It's always a treat popping in to see what you've whipped up. I love these!

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  7. These are beautiful. What a lovely tribute.

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  8. Beautiful configurations boxes, Anita. Love both of the pink and blue ones with the different elements you've put in both. Very creative and festive for the Christmas season! As always, your work is beautiful.

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  9. Oh you are so putting me into the mood of getting back into my craft room! Anita, these configurations are just beautiful! It was so sad what happened in Paris and it had to be scary for you as well being there! Hugs!

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  10. Both boxes are fabulous Anita and full of wondrous elements and details. They are perfect tributes to Paris and your happy memories of being there. Yes I too hope for peace in the world and the people of Paris that they can remain strong. xxx

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  11. So happy to discover your blog! What beautiful projects....love all those sweet details

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  12. Your configurations boxes look amazing Anita. Love them both x fantastic details and layout........paris was such a tragedy and like you I wish for Peace throughout the world

    Merry Christmas
    Annie x x

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  13. These are stunning! I love all the fascinating details you incorporated into your designs. Blessings, my friend!

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  14. What a beautiful tribute for Paris Anita, such amazing creations and I adore all those little details and decorations you've included in each little box. Hugs, Chris

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  15. What vintage beauties Anita! They pay a very lovely tribute to Paris and it's 'flea market' vibe. Incredibly detailed and so obviously made with heart and love. Bet the sparkle in real life is gorgeous. Wonderful creations! Nicola x

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  16. Hello, Beautiful Soul! These are just.....perfection! The colors, the shabby aged embellies, the stamped backgrounds...I can almost hear "la Vie en Rose" playing in the background! How clever to use the trophy cup as an urn! Wow, wow, wow! Such a beautiful tribute to Paris.

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  17. How fantastic, Anita! They are so fabulously shabby chic - I just adore the lettering, both the printer's blocks and the diecut ones, and all the amazing Idea-ology goodies look completely amazing. Just stunning!
    Alison xx

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  18. Fabulous shadow boxes. I just love all the gorgeous details. You really did a great job on these.
    Thank you so much for sharing.
    Hugs from Monica... Spain

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  19. i thought i loved the pink shabby chic but then saw the next one!! holy wow!! beautiful boxes my friend!

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