Thursday, September 11, 2014

Steamed Up

We all need a way to vent our frustration right? This little Steampunk inspired box tells my story about being irritated, mad, frustrated or upset. I write down what is bothering me and at the end of the month I burn all the little papers, therapeutic huh? Yep. Sometimes there is only 1 paper, thank goodness!


I started with a box that I purchased at the thrift store and of course the little hat. I painted the box with teal acrylic metallic paint after I applied gesso. It took about 3-4 coats. While that was drying I was working on finishing my hat. I had started the hat awhile ago but wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. I based the box around the hat. 


I used paper from SOE/SOD that had a flourish design on it and cut 5 panels to cover the outer sides. I also used paper on the inside of the box to cover the inner 5 sides as well. 

I used a wooden corset on one side that I painted with the same teal paint. I added a lace trim and a pleated skirt (it didn't photograph well) to the corset. On the other side I used a TH die to make paper roses. I also painted these with the teal paint, and added black ink to the edges of the flower and clear Stickles to give it some sparkle. 



The front of the box has a black clock on it that was embossed with black glitter embossing powder and a peacock feather with black tulle behind it to tie the box and hat together. The metal corner TH pieces were added last. 

This little box is probably my favorite project done so far. I wish you all could see it in real life. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments, it brightens my day! Carpe Diem!



This little story box will be shared with the following:

SanDee & Amelie's Steampunk-Steampunk Stories (HERE)

Craft Hoarders Anonymous-All the Pretty Flowers (HERE)

Anything but a Card #39-Steampunktember (HERE)

Through the Craftroom Door Sept 9th-15th (HERE)






30 comments:

  1. What a great way to deal with sorrows and all the stuff that's bothering you! Might want to give this a try too ;)

    The box looks awesome! Love the hat on top!

    Thank you for playing along with us at SASPC!

    Claudia xx

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  2. Claudia, give it a go. As soon as the papers become ash you feel like a weight has been lifted. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs!

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  3. What a cool idea! Better than notes in the freezer. I hope that most times there is not too much to burn in there! Thank yo for joining us at Anything But A Card this challenge.

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  4. Julie-notes in the freezer? Never thought of that. Awesome idea! And yes, sometimes there is only 1 paper in my box, thank goodness! :)

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  5. What a clever idea! Love the color palette you chose to work with, and the peacock feathers add just the right touch of glam! Thanks for sharing with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. Thanks Kathy. I wanted this piece to be Elegant Steampunk with a twist.

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  6. Your creation is a beauty! I love the bolor and the top hat is just a very special touch! thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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  7. Very cool steampunk box and I love the altered flowers! Thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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  8. I just got the die cut for the flowers and so this was my first go at trying to make em. Thankfully it turned out well. Thanks for noticing!

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  9. Very nice box. Love the flowers. Thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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  10. Thanks Donna! Now I know why so many people have this flower die cut, you can make so many different types of flowers with it.

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  11. Beautiful box, colors are perfect !
    thank you for your participation at Sandee & Amelie steampunk challenges
    Coutureuse

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    1. Brigitte, who doesn't love Steampunk right? I sure do. So many different ways to achieve the Steampunk look. :)

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  12. The top hat made me smile. Wonderful project. Thanks for sharing with us at Craft Hoarders Anon :)

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    1. Christy-I smiled when I bought the hats. Adorable no? Thanks for stopping by.

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  13. What a clever way to journal. That is just brilliant! I love the steampunk! Super job! Thanks for playing along with us at Craft Hoarders!

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  14. Thanks Gloria! It sure is a good stress reliever. And less expensive than buying Mixed Martial Arts classes. Hehe!

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  15. Wow that is a gorgeously decorated box, fantastic embellishments beautiful color, caught my eye right off on the steam punk stories, thanks for sharing, this brilliant idea..

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  16. Dianne-so happy that you like it and thrilled that you were so sweet to leave a comment. Thanks for stopping by!

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  17. Replies
    1. Thank you. The acrylic metallic paint is just amazing to work with and looks awesome.

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  18. What an amazing project. I really love the colours! :)

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  19. You are too sweet. I didn't upcycle on this one so I couldn't enter it in your challenge. Next time though!

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  20. Great box!!!! Love the colour and that little hat is just perfect. Karen.x

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  21. Thanks Karen! Next will be purple and black.

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  22. Awesome box

    Thanks for playing along at ABAC

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  23. Fabulous steampunk box, thanks for joining us at ABAC!

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