Christmas Stitching Box: The Completed Project

Ready for this?

TA-DA!

The wooden snowflake embellishments are from Michael's. I didn't like the top part of the embellishments, so I popped it off and replaced it with mini buttons from my collection.

If you make one of these, here are a few things to consider about finishing your box:
*Embellish the top? (I considered stitching something, finishing it flat, and mounting it to the top of the box. I also considered putting a ribbon pull on the lid, secured with a button. I ended up deciding to leave the top of the box completely flat so that it would be stackable and easier to store.)
*Finish the edges, or leave them as they are?
*If finishing, use paper or ribbon or fabric or scrapbook tape or paint? Two tips: 1) if you decide to paint the boxes, do so before covering/lining them with paper for a neater result; 2) if finishing the edges of the inside boxes with something else, remember that the boxes fit very snugly so if you intend to finish the edges of each individual box, you may want to use either paper or tape as ribbon or fabric would be too thick.
*Glue down the inside boxes, or leave them so they can be re-arranged?

Or, you could arrange the boxes the way you want them and then finish all the edges together, which is what I have chosen to do. I didn't glue the boxes down, but since all the edges are finished together with ribbon, they're secure.

Here are a few tips for neatly finishing edges and corners. My favorite glue for just about any craft project, and the one I use for my needlework finishing, is Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue. It's very thick and bonds quickly. To glue the ribbon to the edges of my box, I measured a length of ribbon for one side at a time and marked the end that would "turn the corner" with a pin (this is to avoid spreading glue too far along the ribbon and making a mess). I then used a foam-tipped make-up applicator to smear a thin, even coat of glue on to the ribbon, up to the pin. I don't know how well this would work with other brands of glue with a less tacky consistency; I suspect they might saturate the ribbon too much, but this method worked perfectly. If you're unsure, test your glue on a small piece of ribbon first. You don't want the glue to saturate the ribbon and change its color and texture.

Hold one end, pull the ribbon taught, and place the other end where you want it. With your fingers, smooth the ribbon down the edge and over the sides until the glue bonds. It may take a minute or two. You can see how using plaid ribbon is an advantage to getting it applied straight! Pinch the corner.

When you get a couple of sides done, your corners will probably look like this. Easily fixed.

Using a toothpick, put tiny spots of glue under the corners that are sticking out...

...and clamp with a clothespin for a few minutes.

And you'll have neat, beautiful corners like this!

So, we're done! When I came up with this idea, I had a very specific goal for the look and feel I wanted to achieve: nostalgic, whimsical, joyful--all while still being useful. I couldn't be more happy with how it turned out. Sometimes, as I walk by my box, I just pause to lift the lid. It's like opening a Christmas present. As I said at the beginning of the week, it's a pretty involved project, but I hope that doesn't stop you if you want to make one for yourself.

*******

I have had this recipe for ages. I don't remember where it came from, but it's wonderful.

Peanut Butter Fudge

2 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1 1/3 c. peanut butter (I use creamy JIF)
1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme

Boil sugar and milk for 3 minutes. Add peanut butter and marshmallow creme and mix quickly (it sets up fast, so be ready to go!). Pour into greased 8" x 8" pan and chill until set.

*******

Well, we've finished up another Christmas Open House. I hope you've enjoyed this visit to my sewing room and my kitchen. Thank you for coming, and thank you for the kind comments you've left.

From our home to yours... MERRY CHRISTMAS!