Thursday 30 October 2008

Birthday boxes / Memory boxes

Whenever there's a birthday amongst the children whom I teach, I normally 'alter' a box, personalise it, fill it with crafty bits and put it with a scrapbook and hey presto ,the gift is always well accepted because it is OOAK!!


Altered art is not a recent thing .I can remember when I was very young, my mum doing a similar thing for my friends' birthday presents. She would take a round or hexagonal box (in those days things such as underwear came in lovely boxes such as these) and she would decorate it beautifully with fabric and lace, partly attach the lid and then fill the box with hankies. Word got around and all my friends wanted these hankie boxes!! They were beautiful.

17 comments:

  1. What a lovely idea Sal Your mum was obviously talented - so that is where you get your artistic ability from is it?

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  2. What a super idea, they look great no wonder they are popular!

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  3. They are loverly Sal.
    I was looking at a perfume gift box last night funnily enough and thinking it was too nice to throw away and should make something nice with it.
    Looking back I see you have been very busy, the cards are beautiful, and you put me to shame.
    One good thing is you have inspired me to just get on - instead of thinking about it.
    Carol xx

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  4. They look lovely! I remember my mum making us little chest of drawers & dressing tables for our little dolls from match boxes covered in pretty paper & with buttons for drawer handles.

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  5. Can I come down the stairs now?
    I really should be at work
    By the way,have you seen my other knitting needle?

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  6. Great gift idea and what a sweet thing you do for them.

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  7. They are a terrific idea and look fab.

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  8. I remember my great nan, many years ago, used chocolate boxes to store her recipes and her lovely poetry in. I wonder what happened to them? Your keepsake, memory boxes are lovely Sal, and themed ones would be great for keeping occasion cards in. x

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  9. These are really beatiful Sal, what a good idea. Maybe I could pinch it!! My mum always made us things from cardboard boxes - they're so useful. I'm working the next 2 saturdays if you want to pop in to look at the paint.
    Oh by the way I don't think I'll be still smiling on Christmas eve!! x

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  10. You have very lucky students! I would love to have seen one of your Mum's hankie boxes. Maybe she could make one at one of your craft Tuesdays.

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  11. Incase you are still wondering whether you are artistic, I think you just proved that you are indeed!
    Really lovely colours Sal!
    Clare

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  12. They are great, you are so creative.
    Twiggy x

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  13. thats great, what a brilliant idea!
    Josie x

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  14. Those are stunning - what a simple, yet effective idea. And no wonder your mum's were such a success.

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  15. They're just lovely Sal, what a great idea
    Kimx

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  16. I love the picures on your boxes - there is nothing like a gift in a lovely box... your children are very lucky
    love H

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Thank you for taking the time to comment! ;-)