Our November challenge over at
Creative Carte Blanche has been themed: "You Have Me In Stitches" and today I'm wrapping it up with this sweet little holiday vignette box house. My early days of crafting began with quilting, sewing and cross-stitching. Nowadays I don't find much time for these beloved projects, but instead I incorporate stitching into my paper crafting projects. It adds a nice textural touch and it's quick and easy. Let me show you how I made this fun piece.
Cut pattern paper into 1" squares. Adhere to a rectangle of plain cardstock measuring 4" x 4 1/2". (The dimensions of the inside of the vignette box house.) Adhere the squares to the cardstock. You'll end up with 1/2" row at the bottom. That's okay. You'll be covering most of that later.
With tan thread in your sewing machine, and a denim needle, sew a small zig-zag stitch along all the seams. This only takes a few minutes. And it adds such great texture.
For those who don't want to drag out the sewing machine, there are wonderful alternatives like this stamp set from Technique Tuesday. (appropriately named "In Stitches")
Adhere the stitched unit into the box. Add coordinating pattern paper to the inside walls and the top rectangle of the "attic."
To dress up the framing, add some shimmer tape. I rub some Elmer's Extreme glue stick on the framing before placing the tape to ensure a good, long-lasting hold.
Add a banner with foam tape. I used Graphic 45's St. Nicholas banner die-cuts as well as a small pennant punch from Stampin' Up to create my banner.
Die-cut a 4" doily (or use a real doily) and trim to fit the floor of your house.
After placing text or paper behind an ornate plate, adhere it to the wall with strong metal glue, like e6000. Then color an Idea-ology Wreath with alcohol markers and adhere with metal glue to the top of your house. I also hot-glued some greenery in the "attic."
Here's a closer look at the metal wreath with color added.
Lightly shade an Idea-ology Decorative Deer with an alcohol marker. See the difference between the plain, uncolored deer on the left and the colored one on the right? Subtle. You can always shade or add accents later like I did.
While you have your alcohol markers out, create a little present by making red stripes on a 3/4" wood block, then glue a flower on top. Simple!
Now you can embellish your house. I've dipped some metal bells and a pinecone charm into Mushroom alcohol ink before adhering in place.
A little Christmas tree in the corner, the present, bells...and yes, two deer IN my house. Why not?
Add a sparkly star to the top of your tree. This star was silver, so I dipped it into Butterscotch alcohol ink before adhering it with hot-glue to my tree's top.
For further embellishment, I added red tinsel around the outside of my house, then some antique brass keys and brad heads with metal glue. (Graphic 45)
I had this tiny cardinal in my holiday stash, so I glued him in there. You can fill in with berries, a flower, and a pretty bow.
I adhered these pretty, antique metal photo corners to the bottom corners of my house.
I left the outside of the house untouched because I like the wood exterior and gave just a light brushing of glue and a sprinkle of "snow" as a finishing touch.
These vignette box houses are so fun to adorn. You can add lights and more goodies, or even create a village with several different ones!
By the way, this is a great craft project with friends and family. We have a Thanksgiving tradition with the women in my family to create together after dinner. Guys do the dishes and watch football and we get to PLAY!
For my American friends, I hope your Thanksgiving was lovely and filled with joy, family, friends, and good food. Thanks for stopping in today.
BUT WAIT! Would you like to WIN a free kit of this project? Simply leave a comment here today and you'll be entered in a random drawing. One lucky winner will be announced Monday, November 28th here on my blog. Good luck!
