It might seem like my sister and I have forgotten about our Inspiration Station challenges, but that’s definitely not the case. It’s only that March got a bit lighter on the crafty side (because life!) and I just couldn’t work on any challenges. Not to fret, we’ve both managed to finish our respective artistic projects now. Here’s the inspiration that my sister chose –

I’ve wanted to make a trinket box for my mom for a while, and I decided to do that for this Inspiration Station. My original idea was to use polymer clay and make a round, hinged box, the idea then turned into a square box, then became a gel-print based box, and finally, in its completed form, it’s a cardboard box with polymer clay embellishments. Talk about twists and turns! π
This project was split over many, many days – even put back into a drawer since I wasn’t working on it – and I’m glad it came together well in the end. Due to so many changes to the project’s design, I eventually just used the colors from the inspiration, though I’d picked more elements earlier.
I started this project with thick cardboard from packaging material, making a box and a lid from it. On the inside of both, I glued some floral gel prints that I pulled using texture plates on a gel plate – I never thought texture plates would work so well with monoprinting! I had to dilute the paint a lot, though – it almost looks like a watercolor.
From our acrylics stash, I picked blue, green and a bit of black, and painted the outside of the lid and the box.
For the embellishments, I picked various molds whose designs would work for the rococo / ornamental theme I had in mind, and used scrap polymer clay to make a number of pieces. I used 3D matte gel to stick these pieces on the walls of the box and of the lid, and to the top of the lid. For some added interest, I adhered sand over some of the still-blank areas using soft matte gel. I applied more blue / green / black paint over these for added depth.
I brushed metallic coral acrylics and then applied brass / vintage gold wax onto the relief. I intended to finish the piece(s) by applying soft gloss gel, but the gel remained tacky upon drying. So I applied clear gesso over it – it seemed to fare better than soft matte gel – and though I gained a better surface to the touch, I lost all the sheen. π I brushed more wax on the pieces, but let’s face it, it’s never the same. However, I don’t have any regrets about any of the choices I made, and that’s saying something. π
My mom loves her new jewelry / trinket box, and so does my sister. Now that’s what I call a satisfying ending to a project!
Speaking of my sister, you’ll want to check out the oh-so-colorful underwater scene in her card. I just love, love, love the fishies, and the background is absolutely fantastic! She nailed the theme.
Your jewelry box turned out so pretty. I know your Mom will cherish it always and find special things to put inside.
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Thank you, Ginny! Seeing her reaction to being given the box, I’m sure she’ll cherish it. π
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Love the colors, the gel print and those flourish details. Looks absolutely awesome!!! Fantastic work, sis!!
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Thank you so much, Sis! I think I’m glad the original idea changed so much. π
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Oh my. That is one enchanted box. I know your Mom truly treasures it. Wonderful use of the colors.
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Thank you, E.C.! My mom does love it, but it looks like I’ll need to get some minor fixes in to make it usable without a hassle. Still happy with my gift, though. π
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your jewelry box design is just gorgeous! This is something that you can cherish it for life time.
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Thank you, Ellie! I love that the project’s design ended up turning into this one – this is definitely more cherish-worthy than my original concept. π
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Dear Anita, your jewelry box is so beautiful and the polymer clay decorations are amazing! I also love the floral gel prints inside the box. Not only did you make a very beautiful jewelry box, but you also made someone happy (your mother) – that’s such a wonderful thing!
Have a beautiful and creative day!
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Thank you, Mihaela! Happy Mom is what made it worth all the time and effort. π
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These jewelry boxes are superb! Good job Anita.
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Thank you very much! π
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