Make a unique decoupaged gift or storage box

Decoupage is a great way create unique pieces and use vintage papers and ephemera in crafting. And it's simple to do too! If you use old boxes and book pages, as I've done in this tutorial, it's also a thrifty way to make special gift boxes or storage boxes for your home.

Obviously, the final use of the box depends on the size you choose to decoupage. Here I use a small box that was originally a gift box for a purse. It's a nice one to use as it's plain apart from the original logo on the front so I've just covered the lid. If you wanted to create a very fancy piece you could cover the whole thing!

You will need:

• A cardboard box (whatever size you need or have)
• PVA glue
• a brush to glue with
• scissors
• water
• a book to cut up or a pack of vintage paper embellishments

Step 1

If you're using an old book, cut out the pictures you want to use to decorate your box. If you're using a bought pack of embellishments, choose the pictures you'd like to use.

Take the lid off the box. Without gluing them - place the pictures over the box lid to see how many you'll need and the best way to arrange them.

Step 2

When you're happy with where the pictures will go you can start to glue them down. Spread PVA glue over the back of the picture and press it in place where you'd like it to go on the lid. Don't worry about using too much glue as it's important they're stuck down well. If glue splurges from under the picture you can either cover it with another picture or brush it out as you'll be sealing the box later.

Let some of the pieces hang over the edges of the lid. These can be trimmed later. Fill in small gaps with smaller pictures or leave some of the original box lid showing through.

Keep going until you're happy that the box is completely covered.

Step 3

Turn the lid over and use your scissors to trim away any overhanging papers.

Step 4

Now you'll need to seal the pictures. To do this mix some PVA glue with a little water (I use a mix of about 5 parts glue to 1 part water, but it's not an exact science!). Take a brush and spread this mixture over the lid of your box. Make the layer thick enough to create a glaze but thin enough to not soak the box.

Leave the box to dry. I like to then give it a second coat with the glue and water mixture. Leave this to dry completely before using your box.

And there you have your unique decoupaged box. Try them in different sizes and with different papers to use in a variety of ways.

Let Me Introduce You To...

There are a number of reasons I was drawn to the shop I'm going to share with you this week. Firstly it was the use of vintage paper and old books; then I noticed a splash of pink across the top; then I realised it was a fellow flamingo!

This post is in no way sponsored or influenced. All opinions are my own and any quotes are taken directly from the people I'm writing about.

This week I'd like to introduce you to...



Frances Flamingo is a collection of upcycled and vintage treasure all of which are unique. It's the work of Beckie who at first 'only sold vintage items' but felt she 'was missing out on beautiful items' because they were damaged and not what she wanted to offer her customers. One day however she saw 'someone using old comics to découpage furniture' and a new idea was born.

Beckie decided to use the decoupaging technique not only to rescue old papers, but also to bring a new lease of life to the vintage furniture and other items that she would previously passed on because of the damage. One of her favourite items to do this with is old suitcases which 'are scratched but the integrity of the case is still intact' and turn them into unique objects to be loved again. What's great about this method is you can make pieces that mean something special for the recipient too; for her friends' wedding Beckie 'used an old book called Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl to line the inside of the case' as they love to travel.

As well as using original old papers, Beckie likes using 'new vintage looking paper and other modern prints' to create stylish pieces of decor. Her framed prints and wall art have a unique vintage appeal to them but are made more available because of this and would mix well with any vintage pieces of furniture they are in the same room with. Although there is something special about old paper too; Beckie likes to 'feel like I've given something that was loved enough to last until now a new lease of life!'

Beckie also has some great advice about having a go at this technique yourself:

"Go on and give it try, rather that throwing out your children's furniture and the books they have drawn in, make something that they will cherish!"

Find Beckie's shop on Etsy

Ideas for Decoupage

Decoupage is a lovely way to create unique pieces of homewares, stationery, gifts and many more things (anything you can stick paper to really!). It's a great way to use pretty papers you have and want to display and also to reuse objects that are looking past their best by recovering them.

The French word découper means 'to cut out' and is where decoupage gets its name. And basically it's as simple as that; cut out papers and use them to decorate.

The first thing I can remember decoupaging when I was little was a small set of drawers made from cardboard which help little items of stationery - paper clips, rubber bands, drawing pins etc. They'd gotten a little tatty so I covered them with used postage stamps I'd collected and I had myself a unique little decoration.

The basics of decoupage

Decoupage is very simple in its basic form (which is really all I do!). You simply cut out some pretty papers and glue them to the object you want to cover. Then you need to coat them to stop them getting tatty or marked. For this I simply mix some PVA glue with a little water to thin it out and use a paint brush to to spread it thinly over the papers (you don't want to get them too wet or the paper will bubble). Depending on the type of paper I've used I might do this a couple of times.

To get started you'll need:

• various papers
• scissors
• PVA glue
• a paint brush
• water
• objects to cover

If you're trying decoupage for the first time and want to practise before you unleash your creativeness on an object, try decoupaging a small cardboard packet/box or a blank piece of thick card first until you feel confident (or as I usually do, get stuck in and make a mess!)

Things I've decoupaged

This is a clip board I've had for more years than I can remember! It had sticky marks on it, tatty corners and a faded checked pattern. I used strips of vintage dictionary pages and music sheets which I inked the edges of and then slightly layered over each other and stuck them to the board. Then I cut out some bird pictures from an old bird book and stuck these on top. Finally I coated the whole thing with the PVA and water mixture to seal it ready to use.

I made this tissue box cover to match my new wallpaper when I decorated it. I bought a blank wooden cover from a craft shop and glued strips of paper to it, slightly overlapping each strip. I didn't realise it at the time, but the Laura Ashley wallpaper I'd used was also also available in the same pattern as scrapbook paper - and I had some in my paper collection! I cut out the birds and flowers and added them to the box to match the wallpaper.

I love to keep boxes to store bits and pieces in and often cover them with decoupage to make them look prettier. This started out as a chocolate box which I've simply covered with cut out pieces of paper. 

Papers you could use

Craft shops sell 'decoupage' papers which are usually thin tissue paper type sheets but basically any thin, flexible paper will work. You could try using:

• maps
• postage stamps
• wallpaper
• book pages
• newspaper
• magazine pages
• old envelopes
• pictures cut from books
• old tickets

Find this post in my gallery at http://bebetsy.com

Let Me Introduce You To...

Earlier this week I saw this on Facebook and I think I'm coming down with a case of it...

In particular I'm suffering symptom 2 (although how can window shopping on the internet be 'suffering'?). I can't help when I see something beautiful and vintage to investigate a little further. And that's how I found this wonderful shop full of vintage French items.

This post is in no way sponsored or influenced. All opinions are my own and any quotes are taken directly from the people I'm writing about.

This week I'd like to introduce you to...


Ma Maison Francaise is a large collection of vintage fabrics, homewares, kitchenalia and other treasures found in France. They date from a range of ages and many have 'never been used, just stored away for decades' meaning they are still in great condition and very useful. There are lots of lovely quintessential French pieces and looking through the shop is like being transported through time to a rustic French town.

The shop is the work of Joan who is an 'avid collector of antique and vintage linens'. Since moving to France a few years ago this collection has grown and the list of items has expanded so they are now available to buy too as Joan believes 'these beautiful things should be used as they are just too lovely to be hidden away' and I couldn't agree more! I think a beautiful piece should be seen and be admired, even if just as decoration if it's intended use isn't practical to you. 

As it says in the diagnosis of 'Vintageitis' above, there's something very exciting about things that are newly discovered. This sounds very odd when talking about vintage as by their very definition there's nothing new about them. However, to a modern eye in a different country the newness is finding different patterns, colours and products that although are 'old' to others are 'new' and full of wonder to some. (Which reminds me of going into an 'antique' shop with my mum the other day, to me it was lots of undiscovered treasures, to her it was a reminder of her childhood! She wasn't too impressed they were called antiques...)

This discovery is something I think Ma Maison Francaise offers you. It's finding a different time and place and with it being a themed collection rather than lots of various vintage finds (which I also love) you do feel like you're discovering a hidden world rather than just a few items.

My favourite part of this world has to be the kitchen:

Find out more...

Shop at Ma Maison Francaise 

My Favourite UK Crafter of the Week - beautiful embroideries, cushions and other treats by Mirry Mirry

Just a warning first. It's impossible not to fall in love with this shop - once you take a peek you'll want to see everything in there! And all the profits are donated to the charity Invest in ME who fundraise for research into the cause and cure of ME. Another great reason to take a look around (and maybe start planning that Christmas list...)

As usual, this post is in no way sponsored or influenced. The crafter featured is genuinely a favourite of mine; all quotes are the crafter's own and the opinions are mine. So, with this in mind this week's UK Crafter of the Week is...

Mirry Mirry

Mirry Mirry is the crafty creation of Mirry as a place to sell her work. She's not always made embroidered and sewn items but started it as a hobby when she became ill in her early 30s and had to give up a career she loved in the travel industry. Mirry wanted a hobby as been at home meant you need to 'find new ways to help you pass the hours in the day' and first took up cross stitching but 'didn't like being told what to do' so turned her skills to free hand embroidery instead! This allows her to create works are art which are her own designs and ideas and make them one of a kind - like this fun Halloween picture which combines printed fabric and 'blood burgundy' embroidery.

Halloween Embroidery Picture £14.53 by Mirry Mirry

As well as embroidery Mirry also enjoys sewing and spends 'hours and hours ... scouring for new fabrics' to create her projects with. This adorable cushion uses a printed fabric cut and stitched to maximum effect to create a cute character. Mirry finds a 'great joy in crafting' which clearly comes across with the bright colours such as these that she chooses for many of her pieces as well as the delicate details in others.

Japanese Doll Pillow £15.17 by Mirry Mirry

Mirry loves the fact that she's able to sell on Etsy as it gives her an opportunity to keep on crafting as she 'couldn't bare to see a cupboard full of crafts without a home'. Everything she makes would make a beautiful gift for someone and I think this is great as reading about Mirry and her work it's clear that she enjoys crafting and sharing her work so giving it as a gift carries on this idea. She loves 'all beautiful materials' and will 'only ever work with premium quality supplies' which means you can rely on buying something special for your loved ones. These little lavender pillows would make a lovely present for lots of occasions.

Set of 3 Embroidered Lavender Pillows £11.06 by Mirry Mirry

It's wonderful to look around Mirry Mirry and read the stories and inspirations behind pieces as well - something that makes buying handmade and direct from the creator even more special. This picture is based on a watercolour Mirry created and turned into an embroidery, the yellow background fabric 'represents the sunny day'. Being able to get these details makes the pieces come to life and shows the thought and care it takes to make something. And Mirry says herself she loves 'observing the works come to life' as she makes them.

Embroidered Picture - Been Swimming £24.64 by Mirry Mirry

So if you're looking for some little gifts and treats and like the ideas of supporting research into ME at the same time, take a look at Mirry Mirry.



To see more of Mirry's work take a look here:

Mirry Mirry's shop on Etsy

October Birthday Ideas

With September drawing to a close and October just beginning I've taken the opportunity to do some virtual shopping and party planning for anyone with a birthday soon. Nearly everyone I know has a birthday in the first half of the year so I love this excuse to keep thinking birthdays!

I think it's great when you can make a birthday extra special with a few little personal touches that mean something to the birthday boy or girl. And with this in mind I've created these mini guides for the month.

Here are my October inspirations:

• the birthstone for the month is opal which is linked with hope and innocence
• the flower for the month is the marigold. Also in season are calla lilies, freesia and lily of the valley
• October is named after the number 8 in Latin
• autumn is in full swing with beautiful gold, orange and red colours
• spooky celebrations are creeping in ready for Halloween at the end of the month
• seasonal foods - figs, celeriac, mushrooms, apples, beetroot, globe artichokes, pheasant, lamb, oysters

 

Birthday Gift Ideas

1. Marigold Necklace £18 at Etsy.com by Because of Annie A real flower set in resin

2. Orange Opal Earrings £6 at Folksy.com by Beadish Delight

3. Set of 8 1920s Dessert Plates £51.28 at Etsy.com by Yonks

4. Autumn Leaves Cushion £44 at WowThankYou.co.uk Free Spirit Designs

5. Fig Scented Candle £10 at Folksy.com by Simply Pretty Beautiful

6. Apple Tree and Bird Birthday Card Set £6 at Etsy.com by Pink Flamingo Handcrafting

Autumn Party Decorations

If you're decorating a party or dinner table for an October birthday the beautiful colours of autumn make a great palette to work with.

A beautiful autumnal table at French Country Cottage

Food Inspirations

For me autumnal food really comes into its own in October with lots of comforting and delicious food. In season this month (based on UK seasons) are figs, kale, cabbages, beetroot, celeriac, grey mullet, oysters, apples. lamb and mushrooms amongst others. 

For my virtual October birthday dinner I'd make a creamy mushroom soup as a starter, grilled lamb with celeriac mash and cabbage for the main course and finish with a delicious apple crumble. (I might make this anyway - why wait until a birthday for an excuse?) My recipe for plum crumble can be found here and it's easy to adapt it to make an apple crumble. Just cut the apples into cubes and put them in a saucepan with sugar to taste and a spoonful of water. Cook for a few minutes until soft then use this as the base instead of the plums. 

So, there are some ideas to make an October birthday celebration even more thoughtful and special; after all they do say it's the thought that counts!

My Favourite UK Crafter of the Week - Shabby Chic by Found in the Loft

I found this shop a while ago and love the shabby chic creations in it. I also contacted the owner to ask if I could share her work but didn't hear back for a little while, but with very good reason - a (very) new baby! I'd got in touch practically at the point of arrival (great timing!) so things were a little hectic over there, but it's back to business now. So as well as sharing this lovely work, I'd also like to share a 'Congratulations!'

As usual, this post is in no way sponsored or influenced. The crafter featured is genuinely a favourite of mine; all quotes are the crafter's own and the opinions are mine. So, with this in mind this week's UK Crafter of the Week is...

Found In The Loft 

I love this name. 'Found in the Loft' conjures up images of vintage treasures left forgotten for years to be rediscovered and loved again; it also suggests something connected to your family, something familiar and comforting. And that's the feeling I get looking through this lovely work. The shop is the work of Misia who got the name for it as 'the first ever items sewn by myself were made using old fabrics, cottons and buttons found in my husband's grandmother's loft.' Although Misia now uses a mix of new and upcycled fabrics, the overall tone still has this wonderful vintage feel to it. This cosmetic purse could quite easily be made out of an old family piece re-loved to become a new useful item (you could even invent your own history for it if you don't have a loft to rummage through!).

Shabby Chic Cosmetic Pouch £8.50 Found in the Loft

As well as creating her own pieces, Misia also revamps furniture giving it a shabby chic makeover. She not only offers it for sale, but also likes to make items for her own home too saying 'there's always something that needs updating in my house'. Making and repurposing your own decor gives you a feel for what's needed by others in their homes and helps the designer try different techniques to share with their customers like this beautiful coffee table painted and distressed by Misia.

French Cottage Shabby Chic Table £70.00 Found in the Loft

Found in the Loft was started in 2011 when Misia realised that her 'personalised gifts appeared to be very popular especially amongst new parents' after making them for friends and family. Looking at these adorable elephant dolls it's easy to see why! As well as making the nursery decorations, Misia makes their little outfits too and is happy to work with her customers to create them in different colours and even personalise the dolls. (Now I'm thinking of baby and elephant having matching outfits!)

Elephant Doll £18.00 Found in the Loft

Misia believes 'that handmade and personalised presents are more valuable' and I have to agree. How much more would you appreciate a gift made just for you than (even though they might be lovely) a mass produced item? Someone taking the time to find something just for you is a great gift in itself - the old saying 'it's the thought that counts' becomes truer every time I see a customised gift. I would much rather have one beautiful and thoughtful present than lots of nice things that I'm not sure where to put (although my inner child would probably disagree - shouts of 'I want lots of presents to unwrap' can still be heard on Christmas morning! But this is soon quelled when the gifts are opened). This canvas print can be made with any meaningful words you'd like and hung on the wall is a great reminder of what's important to you.

Personalised Family Canvas Print £35.99 Found in the Loft

All of Found in the Loft's work is beautiful with a vintage yet modern feel. As well as reminding me of past heirlooms, I'm sure Misia's work will become ones for the future too!

To see more of Misia's delightful work take a look here:

Shop on Etsy
Facebook
Found in the Loft Blog

Creating Unique Home Decor

One my favourite things about having a stall at a craft fair is being able to talk to my customers. It's nice to hear what they like (and don't like) about my products and they inspire me with their suggestions about what they would like to see and how they will use the items they buy.

At a recent fair my upcycled luggage label gift tags proved popular. I make the tags using a luggage label with string and decorating it with old maps, dictionaries, stamps and adverts all relating to a certain place.  I love the idea of using them on a special gift for someone who has memories and associations with the area as it can then be kept as a little souvenir of the place and the occasion the gift was for. And a lot the visitors to my stall loved this too.

Some of my upcycled luggage tags.  From left to right: a French map, stamps and adverts; Yorkshire tourism adverts from old envelopes; Yorkshire adverts and UK stamps. 

However, some of my customers had other ideas! I was intrigued to listen to people talking to their friends about what they could be used for - and then join in the conversation. When you make something it's very easy to get 'stuck' in the idea of what you think they are, thinking that they have a particular purpose. And so these interesting customers and their wonderful ideas got me thinking... what alternative uses are there for these tags?

The following pictures and ideas are a mix of what I've heard at craft fairs and some my own inspirations.

Luggage tag pictures

The tags look nice displayed as art in picture frames.  Here I've just added one but they also look good in groups or in a photo frames with separate sections for each picture.  Again, they can create a personal memory of a special place or even be added to a set of photos of the places on the tags.

Luggage tag bookmarks

Another use for the tags is as a bookmark.  They're an ideal size for marking a page and the string makes it easy to find your place as it stops the tag slipping down.  One person who bought them was going to use them like this to send to penfriends with local images on them as a unique and personal gift (and they're easy to post!).

Luggage tag bunting

Either as a decoration for a party or a permanent part of your decor, the tags look pretty used as bunting.  In this picture I've used a mix of tags from the UK and France which would be a good memory of holidays and home! I've simply used small wooden pegs to fix the tags onto a length of ribbon. They could also be tied to a long piece of ribbon or string with the strings already attached to each tag. If they are pegged in place as bunting they can still be used as tags too!

Or, of course, they could just be used as gift tags!

I love the idea of my work having other uses as it ties in with the idea of upcycling and reusing - not throwing away items just because they've served their first purpose. And gift tags which have been attached to a present from a loved one make great keepsakes too. So thanks to my customers for opening my eyes to my own designs!

My Favourite UK Crafter of the Week - Unique Home Decor from Nikki McWilliams

Time for the second in my series of posts featuring my favourite UK crafters that I've found whilst browsing the internet - or 'researching' (that sounds better). There are so many gorgeous crafts out there and talented people who make so many unique and interesting products that I'm spoilt for choice. But this shop has biscuits, so it got my attention quite quickly!

This post is in no way sponsored or influenced.  Each post will feature shops I've found myself and genuinely admire.  The opinions are my own, the quotes are from the crafter. Here's this week's favourite...

Nikki McWilliams

I found Nikki's shop on Etsy while looking at cushions (I have a thing about cushions, and own more than is necessary).  There's one main reason that these cushions stood out - they look like custard creams.

The cushions that first got my attention Custard Cream Cushions £29.50 Etsy

I couldn't help looking at the shop where they came from, and that's where I discovered a whole array of other treats which were inspired by 'a lifelong love of having a nice cup of tea and a biscuit.'

Malted Milk wooden brooch £6 Nikki McWilliams

Nikki graduated with a degree in fine art and in 2009 set up her own business to make textiles for people to use in their everyday life. She makes a range of biscuity products including brooches, pocket mirrors, gift wrap and is 'proud to print every one of my cushions by hand'. I love the modern, quirky patterns that are unique coupled with the simple, traditional shapes of the objects which I think makes them fit into a variety of settings. Nikki herself sees her work as 'bright & playful with an attention to detail and quality that’s made to last.'

 Biscuits Sticky Tape - Yellow £6 Nikki Mcwilliams

The thing I like most about Nikki's range is there is a great selection of different biscuits. Everyone has their favourite so it's easy to pick a present (for someone else or yourself!) that feels personal and fun, and as Nikki says, 'it's so important to be surrounded by objects in your home that make you smile'.  

One of my favourite biscuits - Tunnock Teacake Screen Printed Cushion £29.50 Etsy

I also love the way that Nikki's work represents British culture. Britain seems to be synonymous with tea and biscuits and these products are a great way to celebrate that. And although I don't like tea (a fact that nearly made my brother's American girlfriend fall off her chair when I revealed it), there's always room for a lovely biscuit with whatever I'm drinking!

To see more of Nikki's gorgeous work, visit her shops:

www.nikkimcwilliams.com/

www.nikkimcwilliams.etsy.com

My Favourite UK Crafter of the Week - Children's Home Decor from Button Owl

One of my favourite things about being an online crafter is the crafting community.  Wherever I look, whoever I contact, whatever I want to find there are always loads of great products, advice and ideas from such friendly people. So I thought I’d put all that research (or being nosey) to good use by featuring one of my favourite UK crafters every week.  (That’s not to say I don’t like, or won’t feature crafters from other places!).

This post is in no way sponsored or influenced.  Each post will feature shops I've found myself and genuinely admire.  The opinions are my own, the quotes are from the crafter. Here's my first favourite...

Button Owl

I first came across Button Owl one day on Facebook.  There was an adorable picture from a craft stall with the cutest animal cushions. I made a comment that this was the type of stall I’d spend my money on before I’d made any when I do craft fairs (which often happens) and followed the links to the online shops.  And I fell in love with the cute creatures! 

The cute cushions that first caught my attention.  Jungle Friends set of 3 cushions £50 Button Owl

I contacted Roz McKenzie, the talented crafter behind Button Owl, about looking for a present (no more details though, just in case the recipient is reading!) and she quickly replied with details and a friendly message.  She also told me some more about herself and how she got started by being inspired by her mother’s dress making which Roz was involved with. This experience led her to studying at the Royal School of Needlework and learning ‘traditional embroidery techniques such as the Coronation gold embroidery which is placed on the Coronation robes when a King or Queen is Coronated’ and teaching embroidery too.

I can't resist a dinosaur! Applique T Shirt £12 Button Owl

After Roz ‘diverted for a while’ working in London, she decided to start making and creating again.  This was spurred on when she had her two daughters as she ‘couldn't ever find really unique items to place in their rooms’ so decided to make them herself – and this is when Button Owl was born. 

An adorable woodland garland with fairy lights. £26 Etsy

Roz’s online shops stock a variety of adorable, handmade and colourful characters in the form of cushions, wall hangings and appliqued t shirts as well as other clothes, hair accessories and soft furnishings for children. She loves working with felts as ‘they can be moulded to different shapes and are lovely and soft in beautiful varied colours’ which I think makes her animals all the more appealing. 

 How could any little boy or girl resist? Personalised London Bus Cushion £18 Etsy

I’ve featured some of my favourites here which I think make lovely presents for children (and adults – I’m not above having an animal cushion or two around the house!) but do have a look for yourself using the links below as there are too many to feature here and I’m sure you’ll find favourites of your own. 

I’ll leave the last word to Roz, which I think will resonate with many crafters out there, ‘I absolutely love the thought of people having and loving something so unique and personal which I've handmade.’

You can visit and shop with Button Owl here:

www.buttonowl.com

www.buttonowlboutique.etsy.com

www.facebook.com/buttonowlr