Matchbox Shrines These little boxes are just so much fun to make! They also make a neat alternative to a card – you can even put in a tiny letter or a small pressie which reflects the theme of your shrine… First, wrap the outer box in paper – you can use anything! I like using scrapbooking papers which have been aged by sanding them lightly, but also vintage or newspaper, all of which can be further enhanced by stamping. Glue paper round box, don’t forget to overlap on the edge, and trim. Add small collage elements – anything that takes your fancy: pictures, epoxy resin stickers, buttons, nibs, mini ring pulls for drinks cans, postage stamps, coins, pieces of junk jewellery – just stick somewhat to the theme of your box – although of course there’s always that happy discordant that makes you sit up and take notice, that makes your piece interesting rather than bland! For the inside of the box, either use ‘ready’ materials, like copies of vintage photos etc – experiment with curving the image by cutting it longer than the size of the box, or tilt the image to one side, or top to bottom. I also like stamping on newspaper and just gluing it flat into the box, although of course you can use the other methods above too, but you’ll then need to strengthen the newspaper by gluing it onto card. Embellish the inside image if you wish – I quite like small torch lightbulbs or halogen ones. Go for it! Personally, I like a lot of detail on these boxes – and the more kitsch, the better! How about giving your box wings – fairy, butterfly or angel – or noses! – or ears! This is a great opportunity to use all those weird and wonderful little bits you’ve collected over the years – and then you’ll have room for new stuff! © Charlotte Kemsley/ Hippety Hoppety Designs(Unlimited)2004 www.picturetrail.com/hippetyhoppety |
make some of these cool little shrines and add them to this page email art at art-e-zine.co.uk |
