An exclusive project for Studio 5 viewers. Enjoy!

An exclusive project for Studio 5 viewers. Enjoy!

Christmas Configurations Keepsakes House

The main product you will need to make this or similar project is Tim Holtz Ideology Configuration Boxes Configuration boxes are dimensional shadow boxes made from 1/8 wrapped paper board. NOT paper mache or chipboard! They are study and ready to paint, ink, collage and embellish. These boxes will light your creative fire with their endless configurations. The Ideology brand has complimenting products to make your keepsake very special. You can watch Tim Holtz explain his products on Youtube.

If you ordered a kit for this project, you will receive everything shown here. Additionally, you will need adhesive, trimmer, scissors, sanding block, 1 round punch, distress ink & glitter.

If you re collecting your own supplies, here is a list. {or collect from your own stash!} Configuration boxes Small 5 ½ x 5 ½ Medium 6 ¾ x 8 ¾ Ideology Products Metal Box feet Box Corners Mini Lantern Ornate Plates Mini Woodland tree Graphic 45 Products Twas the night before Christmas 8 x 8 paper pad Twas the night before Christmas Chipboard Printables Alphabet Sentiments Misc. Ribbon Crochet trim Gold, silver and natural twine/thread Gem trim Pine tree (cut from garland) Glitter (fine and course) Fake snow Glitter poinsettias (Michaels) Paper roses (Michaels) Glitter ornaments and Christmas lights (Hobby Lobby) Red & Green Cardstock ¾ wooden block Cotton Ball 2 red buttons (Medium & large) Green glitter berry pick 1 scalloped round punch (Martha Stewart) Glitter Leaf (cut from garland) Mini Elf Hat (Hobby Lobby)

This project can seem a bit difficult to create, so I broke it down into 5 easy steps. These steps apply to any configuration or design. 1. Collect your elements 2. Figure your configurations 3. Cover 4. Adhere 5. Fill & embellish

1. Collect your elements Either use the elements in the kit, or from my list, Or find your own treasures, including photos, ornaments, trinkets, etc Carry around the different sized boxes for an easy will it fit reference.

2. Figure your configurations Just a few examples, there are so many ways to arrange your boxes.

3. Cover There is plenty of surface to cover on a configuration box. If you have lots of time, you can cover it all but if you want a quick project, like me, cover the essential; the rooftops, sides of finished shape and anything else that is noticeable. Cut rooftops from box cover. Carefully cut with sawing motion. Sand edges to smooth.

Use a pencil to trace measurements and trim.

Rooftop

Miter your corners. After paper is adhered, sand lightly to finish edges. Apply ink from pad and soften with sponge.

Smaller rooftops for sides of house.

Repeat same process; Adhere, sand & distress.

Option: Ink edges of boxes directly with ink pad. Smooth out with sponge.

Trace & trim sentiments to fit larger than the opening of metal frames.

Adhere sentiments to back of frame and attach brads.

Hot glue gun frame to top center of red rooftop.

Small Configuration Box I covered the smaller (5 ½ x 5 ½ ) box completely before adhering to the rest. Cover & distress outside of box. Cover inside of box. Use Hot Glue gun to adhere lace to top edge of box.

Drill hole in top left hand corner of box Thread lantern wire through and tape in back. Do this before you adhere roof to box, it s much easier (speaking from experience). You ll be able to tuck battery pack in back of one of the boxes.

Back of small box with lantern wire and battery pack.

Finish, but adhering Metal corners to bottom front corners of box.

Snow & Ornament box: Place generous amounts of hot glue in bottom of box. Sprinkle fake snow and tap gently to get it to stick. Use hot glue to hang ornament from top of box.

You can cover the inside of boxes after the whole is put together, but sometimes it s easier to do it before hand.

4. Adhere Hot glue all your boxes together, then proceed to fill & embellish.

Hot glue Box Feet to each bottom corner of project.

5. Fill & embellish Punch out name with 1 circle punch. Adhere to banners with foam squares.

Start threading banners and lights in the center and work your way out on both sides. Attach banner to house with a dot of hot glue.

Turn some boxes over to the flat side for added dimension & interest.

A collection of picks and flowers can create a pretty focal point.

Use chipboard tags to link boxes together by adhering over top of boxes.

It s fun to have a few boxes loose in the project. This larger box is a perfect place to hide some photos or a treat.

An interesting way to add printed pieces or photos to boxes is to cut them just a bit (1/8 on both sides) longer. This way the picture will curve and give a more dimentional look.

Create a snowy affect on rooftops by placing hot glue along gables and ends of roof, then while still hot, sprinkling both course and fine glitter. Repeat if necessary.

Another project using Configuration Boxes, using similar techniques. This one is more photo focused.

I hope you enjoyed this project! If you have any questions, please email me at EyeQDesign@mindspring.com Please visit my blog www.sueneal.blogspot.com for more classes, kits, tutorials, videos, free downloads, projects, recipes and more! Sue