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It's a Memory Box File Box {Part 2}

So, did you get a file box?  Did you start altering it?  These are so fun to do, and really nice to use when they are all "prettied up."  Today, I want to show you how to finish your box.  So, let's get started!

First, I adhered the paper piece I cut out in Part 1 of this tutorial. To do that, I standed the top of the box.  It will leave little scratches in the plastic but that is what you want so that it adheres well.  I then covered the plastic in a thin layer of Mod Podge.  I also covered the back of the paper piece in Mod Podge.  Then I placed the paper piece on top and used my brayer to make it all stick well.  I let it dry for about 30 minutes or so before moving on to the next step.

Next, I attached all of the "non-lumpy" embellishments (letter stickers and rub-ons).  Once I had all of the non-lumpy items on my box as I wanted them, I put two coats of Mod Podge over all of the paper and embellishments as a sealant.  I let each coat dry for 15 minutes before adding another coat. I also attached the two photo corners to the upper part of my box.  I used Scor-Tap, and it holds very well.  Do not Mod Podge over these, however.  I tried it, and my ink smeared.  I had to repaint and re-stamp one of the photo corners.
 

Once my sealant layer of Mod Podge dried, I attached all of my lumpy embellishments (chipboard, buttons, Memory Box jewels and pearls, etc.)  I also added ribbons to the handle and covered the Sterlite logo with my name instead.  Here is my completed box: 
 
 
 
 
Papers:  Memory Box Sugardrop
Stamps:  Memory Box script block E453
Stamp Ink:  Colorbox Fluid Chalk chestnut roan, Palette burnt umber
Embellishments: hemp from Hobby Lobby, Basic Grey Bittersweet buttons, Deluxe Designs chipboard, Pink Paislee captivating rub-ons, Pink Paislee holly doodle alpha stickers, Making Memories manila paint, Shimmerz butter cream, misc. ribbon, Memory Box baby pink pearls, Memory Box pistachio green jewels

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.  Remember, this can be used for many purposes.  I hope you will share a link to your altered file box!  Thanks for stopping by, and see you again soon!

It's a Memory Box File Box {Part 1}

Okay, everyone!  Grab a file box and your Memory Box stamps, papers, jewels, and pearls because we are going to alter a file box!  I altered one of these a year or so ago, and I use it to keep my paper scraps in.  It works GREAT, and it still looks brand new and hasn't fallen apart in any way.  Well, I need one now for Bible study. I have so many files, that I couldn't keep up.  So, one day last week, I went to the office supply store to get another file box, and they had one in PINK!  My favorite color of all time!  So, I grabbed it, and I knew this would be my new Bible study file box!  You can certainly alter yours for paper scraps, home files, or anything else you can think of!  Let's get started.

First, let me mention that I will only be altering the lid of the file box.  Second, the corners of this particular file box are recessed, so I will not be covering them in paper but you will see in a bit what I choose to do with the corners instead.

To begin, I grabbed a scrap piece of paper to make a small template of part of the file box.  I basically used my fingernail to "trace" the edges of the paper and then cut it out.  It worked great to do it that way.  And when I turn the template over, it fit the opposite side perfectly.  So, this one template works for both sides.
 

Now because the Memory Box Sugardrop papers are 6x6, I had to create a "patchwork" top since none of the pieces are large enough to cover the entire top.  However, I truly wanted to use several different papers from the paper pack, so this worked perfectly.  Here you can see the right hand side of the box with pieces cut out.  Also, the Memory Box Sugardrop papers are no longer available (unless you happen to find a store that still has some in stock).  I had to use Sugardrop though because they are just the right pink and green colors that I wanted for my box!
 

Next you can see all of my pieces cut out, adhered together, and the edges inked.  I have NOT adhered it to the box yet though.  I will show you how I did that in Part 2 of this tutorial.

Next I chose a bunch of chipboard shapes and placed them on the box.  I tried many different combinations to see what I liked best.  These are the pieces I decided to use.  And you can see how I will use two photo corners in the recessed corners of the box.

To dress up my chipboard pieces, I first painted all of them in Making Memories manila paint.  After the pieces dried, I then painted them in Shimmerz butter cream paint to add a bit of shimmer.  Once all of the paint dried, I used my Memory Box Script Block stamp {E453} to stamp over some of the pieces for a fun look.  I really like how they turned out.  And notice how the flower chipboard piece will be covered in more Sugardrop paper.

So, this is the beginning of my file box.  I will share how I finished my box in Part 2 later this week.  I hope you will join me, and start your file box.  See you again soon with Part 2!!