DIY Doily Keepsake Box

Wedding season is almost upon us and that means bridal shower season is in full affect. While traditional registries provide a very specific list of a couple’s needs, a thoughtful, more meaningful gift can be more appropriate in some instances. This DIY Doily Keepsake Box is the perfect combination of something new, something old, something borrowed, and something blue. With just a few keepsakes bequeathed to me from my grandmother, I turned the Walnut Hollow Keepsake Box into a treasured memory keeper that can be passed down throughout the years. This doily keepsake box would make a lovely bridal gift for cousins who share the same grandmother. Once filled with pictures, mementos, and grandma’s treasures, a hidden message from grandma herself will surprise and delight the recipient.

What you’ll need for this DIY Doily Keepsake Box:

• Walnut Hollow Keepsake Box (something new)
• Doily or Handkerchief (something old)
• 2 sheets of 12×12 scrapbook paper or fabric (something blue)
  • 2 strips 10 1/8 inch by 6 1/16 inches
  • 2 strips 10 1/8 inch by 1 1/2 inches
  • 2 strips 10 1/8 inch by 6 1/12 inches
  • 2 strips 10 1/8 inch by 5/8 inches
  • 2 strips 6 1/2 inch by 5/8 inches
• Something with a written message from grandma or loved one (something borrowed)
• Creative Versa Tool Woodburning Tool
• Mini flow point
• Wood stain (I used American Walnut)
• Multi surface Spray adhesive
• Bone folder
• Slide paper trimmer
• Tracing paper
• scissor
• ball point pen or stylus

Begin by prepping the keepsake box, if necessary. Sand off any splinters (mine didn’t need this step) and use a tack cloth to remove any dust and/or splinters. Apply stain to entire box including the inside edges. Allow to dry completely.

When the box is completely dry, use spray adhesive to attach the strips of scrapbook paper to the inside of the box. Adhere all strips except the large bottom paper. We’re going to add a little wood burned surprise before continuing.

Cut out the sentiment to be burned. Here, I used a birthday card my grandmother signed.

Place the tracing paper on the bottom of the keepsake box with the blue side down. Place the signature on top, right-side up. Use the ball point pen or stylus to trace the signature onto the bottom of the box.

Using the mini flow point burn the signature. Wipe away any leftover blue tracing powder.

Finish the inside of the keepsake box by cutting a little peep hole in the last bottom piece of scrapbook paper and adhere to the inside bottom. If desired, ink the area over the signature for a little pop of color.

Now to add one last embellishment to the outside of the keepsake box. I used a delicate doily from my grandmother’s collection. Spray generously with multi surface adhesive and press on to the box being sure to pay close attention to the small details and edges of the doily.

Fill with pictures, mementos, handed-down treasures. Include a note explaining the significance of  the doily or handkerchief and the contents. Watch as the recipient is surprised with your loved one’s sweet sentiment at the bottom. This DIY Doily Keepsake Box will fast become a treasure itself.

Find the supplies for this project and so much more at walnuthollow.com. Buy 2 boxes and get the 3rd for free when you use promo code 3RDBOXFREE at checkout.

I’d love to hear what you sentiment and from whom you would add to a Walnut Hollow keepsake box. You can share in the comments below.

 

DIY’er Gina is still trying, desperately, to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. On the list of life goals achieved: crafter and baker extraordinaire, cat mom, fiancé, friend, and blogger. You can read about her adventure at her blog Desperately Seeking Gina.