Here’s a great idea for the nature lover, beach lover, Seashell person, as wedding centerpieces, hostess gift or an unexpected present for someone special. It’s really fun to make!
I am sending shells to my niece, she lives near lakes and the ocean is a rare treat for her. She is a twelve year old “Tween”. She loves nature of any kind, all her pets, including her snake. The “other side” of this age is taken care of with a Karaoke machine, lots of loud music and friend sleep overs.
The shells are special in themselves but how to package them? I decided on a presentation box that she could use for other things. I used the largest paper mache cake box and sprayed it inside and out with ordinary turquoise spray paint. SO easy! Let dry. Then, the really fun part starts.
I gathered all things with a hint of Nautical; images of Fish, Shells, and Textiles like Fishnet, Java Abaca Netting, and Abaca Pulp Netting. I dug through paper scraps for colors that would bridge the images and tie everything together. This is a great way to use up scraps that you couldn’t throw away. I played with shapes and color
s for a while, making sure that some images ran over the edge and down the sides. And to be sure nothing “bled”, I sprayed all the paper pieces with a Krylon matt finish because I knew I’d be layering all kinds of things. Using a brayer can help adhere images, but I just used my fingers. Damp paper towels nearby to wipe off glue.
There were a few rubber stamps I could use and some “scrapbooking” supplies. I confess that I am compelled to put the receiver’s initials somewhere, in some form.
My imagination was kicked into gear once I spray painted the cake box…metallic paint, spray glitter, spray stone finish, rust kits, gilding, Sprayed black, it would fabulous covered with some Metallic Abaca with silver threads. I could see it sprayed with a pale color and all things “baby” covering the outside with a gift inside for a shower.
The wonderful thing is that the Box can be ANY themed presentation; personal, age appropriate, modern, classic, deco, natural, botanical, seasonal. It is special AND useful, a double gift! You can, of course, gift yourself.
