Matchboxes make cool basics

[wiseheart]

I gave the miniature chest of drawers - based on medium-sized matchboxes (that is 5cm x 7cm ones) a second try. They are meant for desks to keep paper clips and other small items sorted and this one will go to our school secretary, a lovely and helpful lady.

This was the first one I tried, a couple of months ago. Very retro and the colours are a bit garish, but the recipient was happy enough with it.



And now the new one, from two different angles. I'm actually happier with this one, although I'm a bit unsure whether the roundhead paper fasteners will work as drawer knobs. But at least I didn't have to suffer through the sewing on of big plastic beads.



As you can see, I used cut-up parts of a chocolate box to decorate the top (and the back, but that can't be seen). The little clouds on either side bear the words: Kakao and Tee (cocoa and tea in German), just for the fun of it. And this time I almost got the colours right!

I also started the new Christmas box - following the idea of dear lindahoyland about one with the Christmas story and the manger in the middle. Well, not exactly. It will have a manger in the middle, and four angels on the outer panels, but I've found a sheet of designer paper that will make the inside almost byzantine, and it will have a very decorative, double eitht-pointed star on the lid, something like this:



If it turns out as expected, I don't think I'll have the heart to give it away. Not in this year anyway.

Comments

[artemis10002000]

Aaaah they are adorable!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I still haven't figured out how to make them feet, though. Well, ceramic or wooden beads, obviously, but I haven't the faintest how to fasten them securely so far.

[artemis10002000]

Hmm yeah, that's gonna be tricky since they're so tiny and glue probably wouldn't hold well.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I was thinking along the line of putting small squares of puffy double-sized tape on the corners and somehow fasten the beads to them, but I haven't quite figured out how to do it just yet.

[artemis10002000]

Any chance of acquiring half beads? Like this https://img.etsystatic.com/il/646f8d/1361690655/il_570xN.1361690655_6d12.jpg

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, too bad I haven't thought of that. I was today in the only craft shop that actually might have them. Well, there'll be another time.

[artemis10002000]

There will! It's a good excuse to go back sooner :D

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

Wow, I can see why. that paper is gorgeous.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I've already used up that particular sheet, so I'll have to take a different one, but the shape of lid and star is going to be the same.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

It is too cool a design. I'd go batty trying to cut it out.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Oh, it isn't as complicated as it seems. You can create an eight-pointed star by cutting out two identical squares and turn them around their middle point until you get the required shape. Then you glue the 2 pieces together and use them to draw the star on the actual paper and cut it out in one peace.

Rinse and repeat with a smaller size and then put the two stars together with double-sided puffy tape for some depth - and that is it, basically. You just have to make sure that you've measured the pieces rightly, which is always the greatest challenge for me. I can neither cut nor glue on things in a straight line. *sigh*

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

For me, it's the cutting. Scissors and I have a tenuous relationship.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I know the feeling. Cutting straight with anything is light years beyond my humble talents.

[adafrog.livejournal.com]

What are the matchboxes in?

Cool flower.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I glued the matchboxes together with double-sided tape and then covered them with card stock.

[akane42me.livejournal.com]

I love the tiny chests of drawers. And the Christmas project, yes, that's got to be a keeper!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I'm keeping that one, and that's a fact! Unless somebody I really like looks at me with begging eyes...

[akane42me.livejournal.com]

Caution: avoid all eye contact when showing that box to your friends:)

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I'll only show them the pictures. My photos are rubbish, so they'll be able to resist. ;)

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

So pleased you are trying the box idea I suggested.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Of course! It is a fantastic idea, after all!

[sammydragoncat]

So cute

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :)

[gevr.livejournal.com]

I love the chests of drawers made out of match boxes ! They are so adorable :-)