Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Stitched Heart Box - Template & Tutorial



The Template: This used to be a wee cookie holder (another great SU template). Now, it's also a box that measures almost 6 inches across its widest part & 5 inches tall. It is WAY cute for 3x3 cards & envelopes (or just really BIG cookies, lol.) If you'd like the original template for the wee box it's available with the downloads too. Don't you just love technology?

The cardstock: Love that Pink Pirouette. It's so soft, but what I'm really stoked about is the white cardstock I used for this. It's got such sophisticated texture (see those sweet striped ripples?) I looooooove paper, heehee. So what's it called? Elegant Laid from Paper Temptress! Sweet, huh? And it costs less than I pay for regular SU paper (even at cost as a hobby demo!) Crazy, huh?

Download Heart Box
Template PDFs linked here
(or click these photos for the JPGs)




The Original (PDFs linked here)


Buildin' the Heart Box:



Step 1) Make the beaded heart box & a stitched mat to embellish it:

1) Print, cut & score heart shaped box
2) Add beads to the box (paper pierce around the heart, & stitch them on)
3) Make a layered mat for the box (cut hearts, adhere them, & stitch them)

Add the handles by...



Step 2) Measuring taffeta ribbon against the stitched mat & knotting it



Step 3) Adhering the ribbon handle to the back of the stitched mat



Step 4) Make vellum flowers & outline them with silver (I used a Zig Painty pen. For how to make vellum flowers, please see Godlieve's fantastic tutorial. )



Step 5) Glue beads in the vellum flower centers (I used Crystal Lacquer)



Step 6) Adhere the vellum flower to the stitched heart mat



Step 7) Adhere the stitched heart mat to the box



Step 8) Add the 2nd handle:

1)
Measure the 2nd handle against the 1st one
2) Knot the ends of it
3) Adjust as needed until they're even & adhere. Cover the ends with punched or cut shapes of matching cardstock. :O)

And then you have a heart-shaped box!...



*heart* You Gals n Guys whole Lots!
:O)




P.S. If you're not sure how to make a box but think you might like to give it a go, here are three tutorials for the basic ways that I like to do it. (Different ways for different types of templates):
  1. Tracing method
  2. Layering method
  3. Direct Printing method
(#3 is my very fave when the template allows. All the templates I upload now have an option with no scorelines for this kinda box building. I used to be so intimidated by boxes; now, I'm just twitterpated by 'em!)

19 comments:

Margaret McDonald said...

lurvley!
what are you doing posting at 4am?
auntie

Anonymous said...

This is so gorgeous! I love all the stitch work on it and those vellum flowers trimmed in silver are the perfect embellishment for this.

Mel, are we ever going to get pics of your new scraproom? I'd love to see where you create!

Elena said...

Mel!!! I am so glad that you are back to crafting!!! You really make my day with your creativity!!!
Thank you for the great tutorial!!!
Love all your stitching work!!!

StampinCathy said...

Mel,
This is just breath taking. It so soft and stunning. Thanks for the awesome tutorial and template.

Nancy at EmbroideryIt.com said...

Ohhhh that is absolutely beautiful!
Nancy
www.basketmasterweavings.blogspot.com

Bella Rose Creations said...

You come up with the MOST incredible projects! I hope your head is feeling a bit better...mold is the WORST.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I will have to try this one. :-) Thanks for stopping by my blog too! I definitely don't mind if you link me up. :-)

retiredheather said...

Wow! Wonderful project.. so creative.
Hugs
Heather

Anonymous said...

Beautiful box, beautiful job! TFS!

Swedie

Janine said...

Mel this is just beautiful!! Love all the work you do !!!

Peggy said...

Simply gorgeous! Thank you for the tutorial & template . . . I'll have to definitely make one . . . it's just too cute! The love the needlework you did!

Darlene Gabriel said...

Mel, this is so gorgeous - thanks for the tutorial. I'm looking forward to trying this very soon.
I've recently found your blog and love the work you do. Thanks for your inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Your wonderful creations and tutorials really do "make my day". So good to have you back Mel.

Thanks for everything Mel.

Marion, UK

Shazza said...

Hi Mel,
Love your blog, I have just added myself as your 200th! follower :)
I was looking for some templates on tabs and was directed here. Come visit me sometime when you are free!
Cheers
Shazza

Unknown said...

Oh, I love this heart!!! I like all the steps to it too:))) Gorgeous creation Mel:)

Annapurna said...

Can you move next door to me, please....

I love everything you make and go to make it, and make a mess. LOL!

This is just simply gorgeous. Love the flowers and all the stitching.

Please consider my request... It is a tad bit warmer here :-)

Unknown said...

this is just awesome!

Carrie Gaskin said...

How awesome are you? Pretty awesome! This is beautiful. Great job.

Rita Célia e Ângelo said...

Thanks from Brasil.
I love this.
Hugs