Directions for making shaker boxes (or how I do it!) About This Page:

[graygables]

For those who don't know what these are (I thought they were beautiful, handmade wooden oval boxes for the longest time...), they are dimensional boxes with a "window" and have glitter or beads and such inside.

I use the Sizzix slide/frame/coin holder die cut to make mine. First, I decide what color I want the frame to be and buy matching(or contrasting) craft foam sheets. I cut one frame/coin holder from the paper and 2 from the foam sheets. I then cut a 2" x 2" square of paper (for the back, either matching or contrasting) and a sqare of transparency paper (or some people use the heavy clear plastic from sticker backing) that is about 1 5/8" x 1 5/8". Use tacky glue (or other clear, heavy craft glue) and adhere the 2 foam pieces together, lining it up carefully, BE CAREFUL to use just a little bit of glue, you might even want to apply it with a small brush. Add the clear plastic next, then finish with the paper frame on top. Turn the whole thing over and let dry.

Decide on what embellishments and "sprinkles" you want to use. It can be beads, sand, glitter, anything that "shakes". You can also add buttons, charms, etc inside. If you want, you can put a sticker on the backing square, or glue down a larger piece (like a button or charm, if you don't want it to move).

After the frame part is dry, add your "sprinkles" to the box. It's easy to go overboard, just remember, less is more! Carefully apply more glue to the back of the foam frame and add the backing square, making sure that any stickers or glued items are right side up! (BTDT! ) After the box dries, you might like to "nip" the corners of the back if they stick out too far from the foam, then add any embellishments to the front. Again, buttons, charms, stickers are all fun things to use.

BTW, when I say "buttons", I've been using a line called Dress It Up that I get at Hobby Lobby and Archivers has them, too. They are buttons, but have the shank cut off the back so they lie flat.

Here are some examples, in case the directions are clear as mud. Let me know if you have any questions!



Minnie Mouse (2 large sequins, bow and flower stickers from CM princess pack, and clear seed beads)



Flounder and Sebastian (seahore buttons glued down, sand & clear seed beads, stickers)



By the Seashore (sand dollar button, loose with sand, button accents)

[Jennifer2003]

Cute!

Jennifer

[joyful1nh]

Thank You so much for giving directions on these! They are so cute! I've bought a couple at various LSS -- but a lot of times I can't find just what I am looking for.

[LilMarcieMouse]

<font color="blue">Thanks Dawn Now I can give it a go. </font>

[lauren-roxy]

Very cute Dawn!!

[Cheriemek]

They look wonderful. I have made 3 very simple scrapbooks - but people like you give me hope that one day I can make one like yours.