Miniature Trunks and Cases Tutorial

Hello Mini Friends!! Today I am sharing a quick mini build that has been so much fun!  I actually made two yesterday without taking many pics at all. So, this morning I decided to make two more and pic the process just for you, my sweeties!!

I saw a different technique on Pinterest of using crumpled up and painted wax paper to give something a leather, weathered look.  I really like it too and will be using it in the future.  

First, I did just that.  I crumpled up some wax paper and flattened it back out.  Then, I painted it using two different colors for each piece.  One regular color and one shiny color.  I did this step first so the paint could dry while I cut out my trunks.

Next, I chose to use my favorite chipboard and cut out two sides and the bottom from it.  For the sides I used a granola bar box because I knew I needed to curve the piece and this would work best.  I used a button for my arch on the smaller one and a paint bottle for the wider one.

I did have to hold the arched pieces down until the glue adhered.

Then it was on to covering them with the painted wax paper.  I used school glue and smeared it onto the board the pressed the wax paper down.  After I trimmed the top piece, I glued on the sides.

I used more cardboard from the granola bar box and cut thin strips.  Then, I painted them.  

These will be the straps.

I also used a scrap piece of chipboard as my guide for the opening.  I used an ink pen to gently press the lines, so they look like they could open.

I did have to slightly curve the strap pieces and glued them down.

And here I am... taking old jewelry apart again, lol!

I used my brown ink pad to go around the edges and also used an old brush with a little ink to create depth down the sides of the straps.

This pic shows one strap without the ink and one with.  I think it makes a big difference.

I did go over and lightly blotch the color of the straps all over and then 

I gave them both a finishing coat of matte Mod Podge and they're done! 

Are they perfect?? NO!  And I wouldn't want them to be!  It's more fun to just roll with the process and wait to see what the finished product looks like.

Thanks for stopping by today! 

I hope you try one of these and if you do, please let me know!  I'd love to see it!

XOXO ~Laurie

Miniature Greenhouse Ornament

 Y'all!!!  First off, thank you for being here!  Thank you for watching this year-long journey of filling my Bird Themed Christmas Tree with only handmade ornaments!  Now that I said that... I will probably add real feathers to my tree.  Just sayin.  

This little greenhouse...  I LOVE!  It was tedious and really fun to make.  I pondered on how to do this one for about a month until I finally just made myself sit down and start.  I used wooden "skinny sticks", painted and crackled, for the frame and clear plastic packaging from my Swiffer floor wipes container for the glass.  But the inside decor... wow was it fun and soooo tiny.  Way smaller than what I am used to.  Let's get to it shall we??

I really don't know where to start.  I just measured and cut as I went.  The dimensions of the finished greenhouse are 5 1/2 inches tall by 4 inches long by 2 1/2 inches wide.  The greenhouse itself is actually 5 inches tall but at the end I had to add a gable (don't know if that's the right word or not) to the top in order to add the hanger.

I used a base coat, then school glue and then white paint on top to get the weathered look.

The tops of Swiffer floor wipes containers are the best.  Not flimsy like other packaging.  

They are my favorite to use for windows.

Here is where I began making garden benches and shelving for the inside.  I used skinny sticks and matches for the leg.

I wound up not using these wooden pots as they are too big.

So, I found a template for pots online and used some of them. 

The potting soil bags are my favorite!  I found a picture of a bag online and placed two side by side and printed them out.  I used the same method as my Feed Sacks found HERE.  I filled it with glue and decorative sand then added coffee to the top as my dirt.  I also made a couple that look unopened.

I wanted a brick walkway out front and down the middle.  I used egg carton bricks, painted and clear coated them, then used joint compound to fill in the gaps.

The garden hose is just painted, curled up wire with a cardstock tip.

The trowel is cardstock, wire and the tip from a fancy toothpick.

The watering can is made from cardstock and for the spout I used a straw from my WD-40 can.

I have a watering can tutorial that you can find HERE.  Although this one is much smaller.

I found a book cover just like a gardening book that I used to have.  I printed it and added some premade, aged pages.

When making these houses, everything has to be put inside before you can finish the outside.  

It's all fun!

I found and printed some seed packets and as you can see in the pic below, there is a basket with chicken eggs inside!  Which makes it A-Ok to be on my bird tree lol!

And apparently, I got so excited to finish putting it together that I didn't take pictures.  (eyeroll)

I took it to Easter at my sisters house to show them.  So this is me and you can tell the size of the greenhouse too.

I made so many tiny things for this project!  

What would you like to see next??  Any ideas for me?

Thanks for stopping by and going on the journey with me!  

XOXO ~Laurie