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Trinket Chest Tutorial & Ornament Swap!

Filed under Caroline Ouzts-Hay, Christmas, Cigar Box Sweeties Kit, Jeanne Draachreider, Lora Mahaffey, Swaps, Teri Calia

What a colorful, artwork-packed newsletter in store today! I’m going to hand this off to Design Team Coordinator Miz Bella (Kim Ayers), to introduce two lovely projects using the November kit, then I’ll take back the reins to announce our Annual Christmas Ornament Swap (yay!) including some artwork by Miz Bella herself!

To get you ready for the swap, all the Christmas Collage Sheets and Christmas Rubber Stamps are On Sale!


Design Team Members Lora Mahaffey and Jeanne Draachreider have two fabulous projects for you today from the November 2014 – Cigar Box Sweeties Kit.

Lora’s 3 lovely, Cigar Box Beauties Plaques are inspired by the gorgeous women who graced old-time cigar boxes. Lora used some scrap wood cut into ATC-sized blocks. They’re about 1/2 an inch thick, but you could also use a couple of the Masonite ATCs glued together with the ribbon sandwiched between them, or use an ATB Wood Block and make them stand alone pieces.

Don’t you think that the trim from the Gold Ric Rac Dresden Border Trim Set looks like it could have come off of a real cigar box or cigar band? Lora used White Adhesive Foam on Roll on the back of the beauties to make them stand out a bit, glued ribbon on the sides of the plaques and added some pretty Paper Roses to dress up the ends of the ribbon and add some extra ornament. I think that they’d look fabulous hanging off of a Christmas tree (yes! I said the C word and not “holiday”), off of a door handle for just an extra special decor touch, or even off of a drawer knob.

Check out Lora’s Supply List!


Jeanne has created a mahhvelous Trinket Chest with a full, step-by-step tutorial so that you can make your very own. Love, love, love how Jeanne used the Tiny Cigar Boxes as “drawers” and set them off center from one another. Jeanne said:

“Let’s get a little non-traditional with this trinket chest, shall we? As many of you know Laura Carson already makes the most beautiful Matchbox Chest and Writing Desk tutorials, and who can follow that act? I knew I wanted to build a chest, but how could I make it different than the traditional stacked drawers?

Well, what if I made it a-symmetrical? Offset the boxes with and drawers in a non-traditional stack. AND… what if I then stair-stepped to recede back as they went up? Well, that’s what I did. It really wasn’t any more challenging than the traditional stacking boxes or drawers… well, almost. I sketched it out on graph paper first to be sure it could be done so now you have the benefit of a visual guide to go help you with your own build.”

Take a look at Jeanne’s components.


We're hosting a Home for the Holidays Swap! It’s time for our annual Christmas ornaments swap!

The Home for the Holidays Swap requires that you create 3 festive houses using our Die-Cut Chipboard Houses with Windows and at least one image from any Alpha Stamps Collage Sheet or Rubber Stamp.

AND all the Christmas Collage Sheets and Christmas Rubber Stamps are On Sale!

This swap will be 3 for 3: create 3 houses and receive 3 in return, each from a different artist! Please do not send in more than ONE set (aka: maximum of three houses).

Artwork should be postmarked no later than December 10th.


Eye Candy!

Merry House, at right, is by our swap hostess Caroline Ouzts-Hay (and more info about everything Caroline used to create her colorful sample is on the Die-Cut Chipboard Houses with Windows page). And the samples below (in that long, horizontal row) are by Miz Bella.

And a bit more about the new chipboard: though not exactly desireable in a swap (because they might get damaged in transit) but fabulous as tiny shadowboxes or 3D ornaments: the new chipboard is designed to fit two of the small paper mache boxes we already carry: Small Paper Mache House and Tiny Paper Mache Boxes (and both the box and the lid can be used, so you could get 2 shadowbox ornaments from one box).

And look at that wonderful Christmas Cat Ornament by Teri Calia at left! Teri makes good use of (just!) the lid of a Tiny Paper Mache Box to make an ornament with a bit of depth. See a list of Teri’s Supplies then scoot over to her blog for more photos!
 


 

  
Posted by Leslie, November 9th, 2014

135 responses to “Trinket Chest Tutorial & Ornament Swap!”

  1. Lou Anne Colodny says:

    ho! ho! ho! and away we go….

  2. Emily N. says:

    Love all the Christmas stuff!

  3. Roxanne says:

    How adorable! I love the lil’ cigar box creations! Yes yes…please enter me in this next wonderful drawing! Such wonderful goodies and ideas. thank you

  4. Gina Goodling says:

    Forget the visions of Sugar Plums dancing in your head, I’m dreaming of all the sweetness in the Christmas Swap Giveaway!
    Goodbye Halloween, Hello Christmas!

  5. Diana Kitsmiller says:

    It is “the most wonderful time of the year”!

  6. Lori says:

    Oh, this one would be a joy to win!

  7. Liane Ceglar says:

    WOW….generous and beautiful GIVEAWAY…INSPIRATION for the Holidays

  8. Barbara says:

    Christmas … here we come! Love the give away!

  9. marge says:

    This would get me into the holiday mood- hope, hope, hope!

  10. Sokat says:

    Childhood memories and family time around the corner. Love the nostalgia of it all

  11. KIM says:

    OH NO!…The cat ornament,too cute.
    If I don’t win .I’ll have to buy the materials. I can’t resist.
    There goes my Christmas budget.
    Thanks Alpha Stamps.

  12. Noreen says:

    What a wonderful chest! I love that all the drawers are tiny cigar boxes! And the little house ornament is delightful!

  13. barbara macaskill says:

    Hooooooooooooooooleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee cow! I am in lust with the Cigar Box Plaques and the Chest is absolutely breath taking!! I am going to have to sell my soul to the devil so that I can get my hands on the goodies to make both of these!!! WOW! WOW! WOW !WOW! WOW! I am in total awe and would be ecstatic if I was to win this giveaway! Please let this be my lucky day!

  14. crystal says:

    This would be for my friend so she could make pretty crafts with her daughter 🙂

  15. HawaiianLibrarian says:

    Fabulous little boxes project and giveaway.

  16. Stefanie says:

    Oh my! Those plaques are gorgeous :o). And as for that trinket chest – I just love it!!

  17. Kim says:

    This is one of your best newsletters! Everything is sooo cool! I so hope I win this giveaway!

  18. Love this one. Everything is so beautiful.

  19. Regina Salvador says:

    And so it begins – how many days until Halloween?

  20. Darlene says:

    luv the trinket chest !!! may have to give it a go.

  21. Amanda Miller says:

    The trinket chest project is amazing!

  22. Barb S says:

    This assortment of goodies would be fun to create with.

  23. Cathy smith says:

    I want!

  24. Jo says:

    love the Chirstmas Cat ornament! So cute!

  25. Patti Flasch says:

    I love the house ornaments; they would be fun to personalize for my friends and family. And that trinket chest is absolutely amazing.

  26. Phoebe Diamond says:

    Fun, fun, fun!

  27. Sharon says:

    What a wonderful collection of projects!!

  28. Deb Neerman says:

    So cool! Thanks for the chance to win!!

  29. Marty P says:

    The Trinket Chest is wonderful, and love the Christmas Cat ornament, too! Such a delightful assortment of goodies in the giveaway!

  30. Eve says:

    How do you manage to just keep getting better and better all the time? You keep me constantly inspired, and I can’t wait to get started with all these new materials!

  31. Holly Day says:

    As much as I hate winter, I do love decorating the house for Christmas!

  32. Luanne Shoup says:

    More new stuff! love it1

  33. Kristie says:

    Love this project! I am going to start collecting the supply list today!

  34. Juniper says:

    It’s beginning to look a lot like……

  35. Barbara A Johnston says:

    Love, love, love these little houses. Would love to win the giveaway.

  36. Nancy S says:

    The Trinket chest is wonderful,love this project!

  37. Alice Eads says:

    What a fun give away to start off the Christmas season!

  38. Kathy Robinson says:

    This is a perfect package to introduce my niece to this style of art. Even if I don’t win, I’m going to make a custom set to give her at Christmas. Thank you for the opportunity!

  39. Marilyn H says:

    Gorgeous projects. I’m always amazed with what your team creates. They are wonderful!

  40. Sandy says:

    What a generous package. Merry Christmas

  41. Pam Weiler says:

    I love the trinket box! I would love it even more if I won this giveaway:)

  42. Karen says:

    Beautiful Trinket box and I would love to make one.

  43. Dianne Cancel says:

    Love this Trinket box, hope I win.

  44. julie m says:

    red and gold and stamps and paper… these are a few of my favorite things. so cheery. the trinket chest is so cool.

  45. Janet Turner says:

    What a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

  46. Paula Miller says:

    ’tis the season!

  47. Lorna E. says:

    Jeanne’s trinket chest is stunning!

  48. Jennie says:

    I love the trinket chest. BEAUTIFULLY DONE!

  49. DebR says:

    Beautiful trinket chest Jeanne and wow, what a wonderful giveaway! Thanks Alpha Stamps.

  50. Brenda Lubrant says:

    I am loving all of the grogeous Christmas colleges and embellishment. I am ready to start my Christmas projects.

  51. JPN says:

    What a grand holiday giveaway!! Count me in please!!

  52. Gail Gill says:

    What a fun looking project. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  53. Patricia League says:

    My favorite holiday! Love it all! Would love to win!
    Thanks for beautiful things!!!!

  54. Oh my goodness, in the words of a child, this is one of the “bestest” wins ever!

  55. Rae Jean Wycoff says:

    This kit puts me in the holiday mood!!

  56. Jennifer Rose, says:

    Oh,oh oh Christmas is my favorite holiday and the Devine designs here are just begging to be used. Love it all especially that trinket box tfs
    Jen rose

  57. Laura says:

    What wonderful holiday inspirations!

  58. Sandy says:

    Love Christmas anything!

  59. Cocoa says:

    Take me away to Christmas! Love this time of year and love this giveaway!

  60. Barbara Leonard says:

    Love the cigar box beauties and trinket box. Thanks for the opportunity to win this great Christmas assortment. I just love Christmas!

  61. beth jones says:

    It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

  62. Lana says:

    OH OH OH…this giveaway is PACKED with goodies!!!! Hope they will be headed my way!

  63. Kathy Bumb says:

    Love Christmas, and this is a great giveaway with all the holiday goodies.

  64. Lorna Dufrane says:

    Lots of lovely goodies

  65. Nan says:

    What a great assortment of goodies! ‘Tis the season for such fun stuff!

  66. Jen R says:

    Wonderful tutorials. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

  67. Debra Gibson says:

    Love working with cigar boxes or even matchboxes they make great decorative gift’s ! This won would be right up my alley !!

  68. Me Pugh says:

    Yea, I knew Christmas time would get here. Can’t wait to get started on the holiday crafting projects.

  69. melody says:

    Something about that ‘Christmas Cat (house) Ornament appeals to my sense of whimsy- I must make one!

  70. Malinda Ringo says:

    What fun! Love that gnome on rabbit!

  71. LoriSw says:

    Love the Christmas cheer!

  72. Maura says:

    Love the ornaments and trinket box. The give-away looks wonderful for Christmas cards and ornaments, etc.

  73. Carmen says:

    Alpha Stamps, has been so good to me. This year’s giveaways have been so awesome as well as inspiring. The team members’ art projects are over the top. I just placed my order for the Home for the Holidays Ornament Swap and can’t wait to receive my goodies!

  74. Roberta S says:

    I love, love, love these houses and would really like to win this giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win!

  75. Nelda Johnson says:

    Wow! Another great giveaway and inspiration to go along with it too. Thank you!

  76. Karen Mallory says:

    Christmas is my favorite crafting time of the year! Great giveaway!

  77. Jackie Barth says:

    A great giveaway – would love to win it!

  78. Birgit says:

    This certainly puts me in the right mood for Christmas! 🙂

  79. Rabbit says:

    Definitely a goodie wonderland!

  80. Gerri herbst says:

    Loved the little chest of drawers!

  81. MaggieM says:

    I love Jeane’s trinket chest! And, adorable ornaments! We’re suppose to get snow here in Central Oregon on Thursday-just think, if I won your fabulous giveaway, I could stay in my pajamas and make Christmas projects all day!

  82. Sandy A says:

    I would love, love , love to win!!

  83. Gilda says:

    Love these projects. Thanks for the give away.

  84. DianeD says:

    Oh how I love Christmas!
    Beautiful giveaway.
    Thanks for the opportunity.
    DianeD

  85. Teresa Currie says:

    Love your Christmas Swap Giveaway, especially the Die-Cut Chipboard Houses with Windows and the Paper Mache House!!

  86. Carolyn Bowlby says:

    I want.

  87. Christine V says:

    Loving the houses + chocolate ribbon & OLD KING COLE…I see it all coming together!

  88. Carol Slowik says:

    Love Christmas! Love Giveaway’s! Love, Love, Love Alpha Stamps!!!

  89. susan higgins says:

    thanks for the chance to win this wonderful giveaway

  90. Helen Potter says:

    This Christmas giveaway is beautiful, and I would love to win!

  91. orianna says:

    Love all of the lovely Christmas images.

  92. Kay (Texfolkart) says:

    Love the trinket box! What a great giveaway…hope it’s my turn!

  93. Lorrie Koenig says:

    Christmas and kitties…adorable…congrats to the winner and thanks for a chance at more goodies.

  94. Kathy Sorensen says:

    What fun to make for a present!
    Thanks for this whole concept!

  95. Beverly S says:

    So much goodness in one prize! (Also love the cigar box dresser!)

  96. I adore the trinket box. Great idea for presents. Happy Thanksgiving to all at Alpha Stamps.

  97. Jennifer J says:

    aaacckkk I always want it all! Thanks for so much inspiration.

  98. Yvette LeBlanc says:

    lovely

  99. Traci says:

    I want the meowy collage sheet and house so I can make a cat house like Teri’s it is so cute! Love cats!!

  100. Jen says:

    This is amazingly generous 🙂 Win or lose I can’t wait to get shopping!

  101. Tanya says:

    Fantastic giveaway! As always

  102. Elizabeth Williams says:

    The trinket chest is fantastic-and you could make endless variations of it. I really want to give it a try. I am ready to get in the Christmas spirit and this give away is the perfect way to start.

  103. Gigi Jordan says:

    Such wonderful goodies in the give-away. You always provide great inspiration!

  104. Kay W says:

    I love Christmas!

  105. Starqueen says:

    Oh yes…it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! I’m feeling merry & bright and would love to create with your beautiful kit. Thanks for sharing!

  106. marybeth i says:

    I love xmas crafts! These items are so unique and inspiring

  107. ratgirl says:

    I’m super excited about this sale and giveaway! Everything is so festive! 🙂

  108. grnfrogday says:

    I ordered my trinket box stuff today!!!!

  109. Nancy S says:

    I’m in love with the trinket house. It’s delightful….

  110. Barbara in Fla says:

    I’m officially in the Holiday spirit! Thanks for the inspiration, sale and chance to win! I’m now off to think about my plans for the ornament swap. Happy Holidays 🎄

  111. Fran Perri says:

    I love Christmas

  112. Lanette keyes says:

    laying here with a torn rotator torn tendons looking at all the beautiful things I will have to miss out on NOT FUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS! But there beautiful!

  113. June Sample-Josefiak says:

    Unique,inspiring,festive,fun and whimsical

  114. Dawn Furie says:

    Another Great GiveAway!!

  115. Lu L. says:

    I really enjoyed these two cigar box projects!
    I received my very first Alpha Stamps package on Saturday and I’m ready to sit down and create!

  116. Verna Stapleton says:

    I love christmas and winter craft themes. This is wonderful.

  117. Carrie Jacquin says:

    Christmas is just around the corner!

  118. Nora Jensen says:

    Today is my Birthday and Christmas Crafting is my favorite thing to do. Come on Random.org pick me,pick me! It would make my day!
    Thanks for the great info and the giveaway opp!

  119. Pat Sayre McCoy says:

    I love all the house trims and such–they’re so cute as little ornaments. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,

  120. Marcia says:

    Another inspired newsletter. We are so lucky to have Alpha Stamps in our lives. Twice a week we’re inspired, twice a week a couple of lucky folk win a great package, and once a month a great kit shows up in the mail. How lucky are we,again?

    Very.

  121. Sheila Rodriguez says:

    It’s making me feel very fa-la-la!!!

  122. angelic says:

    What a festive collection! Thanks for a great giveaway.

  123. Leah Fein says:

    ooooh! I love this set. What good taste you have. I hope I win this one. Thanks for the opportunity!

  124. coco says:

    Wow, fabulous Christmas Giveaway, all look so lovely, thanks for the chance to win!!!

  125. Mary Jochems says:

    Love it

  126. Linda Ellis says:

    Great new ideas for Xmas ornaments this year!

  127. Diana says:

    LOVE the trinket chest!!!! Would be awesome to win these goodies!

  128. Sylvia L. says:

    Lots of beautiful goodies in this giveaway; thanks for the oportunity to win.

  129. Okay I see my name on this !! no really I do ! I would just be just beside my self. I wished I lived rite next door to you !!! You all are GREEEAAAAAAT !

  130. Love it, Love it ! I think I should win this—don’t you ? I cannot wait to get my order !! yay !!!!

  131. Lori D. says:

    I adore the trinket chest. Great giveaway, as always. Thank you for the opportunity to win. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

  132. Tammy says:

    Love it !!

  133. Dena Cottrell says:

    More holiday baubles! Would love to win.