It's been a while since I've showed a step-by-step project here, so I decided it was time. And with what else?--a cigar box! I never get tired of making these. Here's the finished box first--
I like the look of mosaics, but have never actually tried making a mosaic piece, so I go with the paper to mimic the look of mosaics, which is how I went with this box. But let me back up and show you the before picture--
Just a plain old cigar box from my local tobacco store (actually this one was a little fancier) but it's all wood which is what I look for.
Next was deciding on my color palette , and pretty much all of the time when I make a box it's with collaged papers, and usually my own painted ones. So here's the palette I decided on--
...some newly painted, and some scraps (which I have a ton of!)--
Next was figuring out my design, and since I was going the mosaic route--here's the result of the first step--
This is where a paper punch comes in handy. I used a 1 inch paper punch for all of my 'mosaic tiles', and once they were on the box I edged the top and bottom with washi tape. I always use a matte gel medium for this step and also seal everything with it too, before I go on to the next step, plus on the top I added tape measure--I love using vintage cloth tape measure!
Next I had to do my black 'grouting'--
For the 'grout' look I use Faber Castell pitt pens--I like these because they blend well, but end up being permanent once dry since they are an India ink. I also like to finish off all the edges too with these pens.
Next is giving the box a little more of a design--
..by adding wood feet that I painted (you can find these at any craft store), and also giving thought to the top of the box
Now the final details--
It's these little details that lets the box shine...
And again here's the finished result--
A couple of notes. I always seal my boxes with gloss varnish--the varnish really makes the colors pop. And also, I didn't take a photo of the inside, but I always finish it off by painting it usually the color of the feet.
I hope I've inspired you to create and if you do, I would love to see it--you can share it on my Facebook page or on my Instagram