Paper Mache Heart-Shaped Box

These little paper mache boxes are available at craft stores in various sizes, most for less than $2.00. Paint them gold or any color you like and then apply clipart on waterslip decals (see Products>Waterslip Decals). You can get an antiqued look if you use clear decals. Just remember that anything white in your design will not print on the decal and will take on the color of the box. If you want a brighter design or are painting your box a color other than gold, you will probably want to use the white decals. We used clear decals and clipart of cherubs for a Valentine's Day theme. You can personalize the box even further by using photos on your waterslip decals instead of clipart!

MATERIALS NEEDED

Paper mache box

Waterslip decals(see Products>Waterslip Decals)

Decal Finishing/Inkjet Overcoat Spray(see Products>Waterslip Decals)

Gold paint (or color of your choice)

Clipart or digitized photo

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Paint the box top and bottom according the paint manufacturer's instructions. (We used gold spray paint). Apply two or three coats and allow to dry between coats.

2) Open a blank page in your graphics program in portrait orientation. Place the clipart or photos you will be using for your box on the page. Keep in mind the size of the box to which you will be applying the decals. Make sure your designs are not too big or too small.

3) Print out on plain paper and cut out the designs to make sure they will fit on the box. (Remember you can apply the decals to the side of the box as well!)

4) Once you are satisfied with the size of the designs, print them out on the decal paper. Let this dry for about 15 minutes before you apply the finishing spray.

5) Apply two to three coats of decal finishing spray and let dry for at least one hour between coats. Once the decals are thoroughly dry you can cut out your designs.

6) Soak the decals in room temperature water for about 15 - 20 seconds. Slide the edge of the decal off the backing paper and place the exposed decal edge on your box. Now slide the backing off the decal - not the other way around! This will help to prevent the decal from wrinkling or creasing as you are applying it.

NOTE: The waterslip decals adhere to paper mache rather quickly, so make sure you have your decal positioned where you want it. You won't have much time to move it around like you would if you were applying it to ceramic or plastic or a candle!

7) Pat GENTLY with a soft tissue and set aside to dry for a few hours.

You can go one step further by applying decals to the inside of the box as well, or by gluing some thin batting and a piece of fabric to the inside bottom of the box.

Paper Mache Heart-Shaped Box Instructions

For a print friendly version, click on this link.