Valentine Inspired Treasure Box

As a child I loved keeping things in special little treasure boxes. Mine were filled with various childhood treasures... seashells, colored rocks, stickers or special costume jewelry rings. Anything I held dear was tucked away in a special place like a treasure box.

None were very large, some would only hold a few coins or a dried flower, but they protected something special to me.

For Valentine's Day this year I decided to create a special little treasure box for my 5-year old daughter so she could keep something special, too.

I started out with an inexpensive wooden box from the craft store. It was around a dollar, but I loved the little window on top.

I wanted to paint it, so I covered up the glass window, I couldn't remove it, with painters tape and used a white spray paint that worked as primer as well as top coat.

After my box was white, I used a Mod Podge washable stencil  to create a pattern on top and the front.

Inside the window I wanted to put some loose "treasures" so I used these little heart jewel embellishments.

I put them in upside-down and left he backing on the stickers so they will move freely inside.

Then I cut out a piece of heart scrapbook paper to fit and put that over, then closed it back up.

The last touch was a little clear, high-gloss finish over the paint.

Now it is all ready for my daughter to fill with something special to her. She was overjoyed at her special little box.

What would you keep in a little treasure box? Did you have them as a child?

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Crafting with Kids: Salt Painting

Looking for a quick kid-friendly craft idea or art project? Give salt painting a try. My kids had a blast painting and then waiting to discover how the salt would transform their watercolor art.

You Will Need:

• Watercolor paper
• Watercolors
• Salt - I used Kosher salt, Margarita salt and rock salt also create fun effects. Unfortunately, table salt is too fine to create effects like this.

The larger the salt crystals, the larger and more dramatic the effect will be. It is fun for the kids to experiment and try the effect, but you never know exactly how it will turn out.

Paint the image with enough water to keep the design wet, but not to make the paper soggy. Sprinkle salt over areas of the painting before they dry. The salt will help to dry the painting faster so you won't have to wait long to see the finished masterpiece.

My kids had a blast painting underwater scenes and flowers. The big reveal after they dried (it took about 10 minutes for the salt to brush off easily) was very exciting and fun.

I used Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Cardstock in 4 1/2" by 5 1/2" because I want to turn ours into thank you cards for back-to-school. I love hand written notes and to attach a unique piece of the children's art seems like a great combination.

Think of all the salt painting possibilities! 

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Creating Wooden Peg Dolls (pt. 2)

I broke this craft post up into two parts so I could add more photos and really show off the craft. Be sure to check out Wooden Peg Dolls Part 1. In total this doll took me, on and off, two days of sketching, painting, detailing, sealing and drying in between. If I was making more than one at a time, I would have been able to crank out several of them. Good thing, too, my kids already have a long list of dolls they want me to start on next.

Some people have asked me where to find the peg dolls. I found mine in the wood working section of my local Michael's. You can also purchase them on Etsy or online craft supply stores. Look for wooden game peices or wooden figurines.

After the last post, where I sketched out the doll and did the face, I then I started on the base color of blue for the dress. Working in thin coats of paint, I let it dry completely before adding the second coat and then sketching the details on the top. The arms, bow, etc. were all sketched on afterwards.

Then I got out a fine tip brush and a toothpick to add the details. I think a paint pen would also be a great choice.

I made simple dots for daisies on her dress, then added an outline on the bow and white dots around the neckline. The last thing I did was outline and paint the arms.

If you mess up, no problem! Let the paint dry and then sand off paint from the mistake and paint over.

The final step is to apply a glossy varnish. If you intend to give these away as children's toys, be sure to look for a non-toxic option.

The varnish goes on white. I applied a thin coat, and then another once it was dry. Yes, it does dry clear. It gives the dolls a nice finished look and helps to protect the paint underneath.

See how easy that was? Paint, wait and paint some more. But, before you know it, you will have a cute, unique little wooden peg doll.

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