Magnolia Cigar Box Swap

We just finished up the Magnolia Cigar Box Swap.  Dalia took over as hostess this round as Jessica had a few personal things taking up her time.  We all understand when that happens, don't we!!???  Our "task" was to use a cigar box or similar box and design it around a Magnolia image; at least I just used one.  Some of the ladies did 2 or 3, overachievers, what can I say. 

I got a cigar box from Liquor Barn.  My partner, Joysee, liked pink and brown as one of her fav color combinations.  Used my DCWV papers, TH chipboard swirl, Graphic45 metal embellishments and TH inks, modpodge, files, sandpaper, and distressed the heck out of it.  The box started out something like this: 

I spray painted it several coats of dark brown, sanded, cut paper to fit the outside and inside, took out a lot of stress (guess that's why they call it distressing, huh?) sanding (some more), filing, and inking. 

The box was then coated with several layers of modpodge and sanded a bit more.  I cut a fan and embossed with a Cuttlebug folder for the corner, added a doily (both inked with TH distress ink). 

I painted a TH chipboard swirl, inked, and used some gold rub n buff on it; used Magnolia Tilda with Rose, G45 metal flowers, TH knob, MM embellie, and a little handmade lace flower.  Finished it with some goodies that were on her wish list.  Hope Joyce enjoys her box.  It sure was a lot of fun making this and I learned a lot of what not to do's next time....

(I actually added another embellie in the upper right hand corner, but didn't get a final pic.) 

Thx for popping in,

til next time,

Gayle

Chunky Charm Project

Hoping to get two projects with this one swap....one of the swaps on the original Cricut message board is to create a chunky charm with a summer theme.  They've has several others, but I'm late coming to the party (as usual).  Actually I haven't participated in anything in a while and am just now getting back into them; just have to make sure to keep it slow so I don't start feeling overwhelmed by joining too many at the same time. 
 
The chunky charm swap is hosted by Rocking Robin1.  This is my first swap with her so I need to get to know her better.  She's certainly has wonderful participation and results. 

Here's one of the charms I've done and I'm including this one in my Box Swap Sister, Gina Piazzo. We needed to include homemade items) but it's similar to what I'm doing for the charm swap. 

"Box" Swap Project

This is a Cricut Circle swap, hosted by Rockin' Renee, a terrific hostess.  It's a secret swap and the partner we have is not the partner who's crafting our project.  Don't know how she keeps up with us/it!!  We are to alter a box and stuff it with scrappy stuff.

Almost had a stroke when I got the name of my secret "sister," Gina Piazza. GinaBalloons  I told Renee she had obviously made a serious mistake cause my partner is a freakin' craft genius!!  I'll post a link to her blog after she gets her box. 

The "box" is approximately 7" x 7" x 4" purchased from Provo Craft for $1.   The one good thing about it is my ss likes the same products as me (Graphic 45, Tim Holtz, etc.) and themes (nautical, beach, underwater). 

The products I wanted to use weren't available at the local stores so had to be ordered online; naturally, they still aren't here.  I found one little, lonely page of stickers (G45 Tropical Travelogue)  at the local scrapbook store, Lasting Legacy, which has a great selection.  No time to wait, actually used my stash, primarily G45 Boardwalk and a couple of the stickers! LOL

The stamp is LaLa Mermaid, saying is (I think) Stampendous.  The shells are actually from the beach in Mexico Beach, FL, my favorite place to unwind.  All of the paper decoupaged inside the box are G45 Boardwalk.  Used Modpodge to adhere paper and Goop for the heavier shells. 

Box Lid

Inside of Box

Underside of Lid

Whole Box

Set of cards

sentiment inside same as the one on the lid

Hope Gina enjoys it!! I sure had fun making it.

Update:  Gina seems to think something's in the water in Kentucky (besides bourbon).  Two of our Cricut mb sisters are from Louisville and they do terrific work.  Nadia and Sandi (Nadia H. McConnell's, With Glittering Eyes and Sandie Oxley's Chic Green Dragonfly) Please check them out!