Personalized Keepsake Memory Boxes
Unique keepsake memory boxes are a great craft idea that makes a great gift for all ages and occasions. Memory boxes are fun to make and can be as easy or complex as you want them to be. A memory box can make an exciting present for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, the arrival of a baby, communions, birthdays, or any thing else you can think of. The possibilities are endless, so it is easy to make keepsake memory boxes that are unique, personal, and special.
Getting Started
It is always best to be organized and know what you are doing before you start the project. Depending on what you are making the box for, you may want to work alone but we know from experience that groups are a lot of fun. Be sure to have an idea of what you want your box to look like before you start. You should be able to find whatever supplies you need at a local craft store.Supplies Needed For Keepsake Memory Boxes
Keepsake memory boxes can be made in many different ways. We suggest thinking of a basic idea about how you want your box to look and then going to the craft store to see what they have to offer. We used a medium sized wooden box, paint, and paintbrushes. Other boxes can also be used depending on your personal preference. In addition, we bought stickers to spell out the name of the person . Feel free to make the stickers personal to the occasion and person you are making it for. For example, we made a bar/bat-mitzvah memory box so we bought stickers that had to do with the person's theme and stickers that had to do with friendship.Making The Box
If you are working in a group, make sure to schedule a time where everyone in the group can meet. It is also helpful to take a few people from your group to the craft store with you so that you can get other peoples opinions on what to buy. If you purchased a wood box, it may need to be sanded. Even wood boxes from the craft stores can give you a splinter. If you are planning to paint your box, be sure to wear a smock or old clothing because it can get messy. There are several ways to paint the box. First, you can paint the box a solid color. Be sure to spread the paint evenly and put on one coat and then let it dry before you put on another coat of paint if you need one. Secondly, you can splatter paint the box. To splatter paint, first paint a solid coat just like method number one. After the first coat dries, put a large amount of paint on your paintbrush so it is almost dripping or dripping a little. Make sure the color you are splatter painting with is different than the color that the box is painted with or it will not show up. Using the paintbrush, flick/splatter some paint n to the box in several different places. Flick with the wrist for the best results. Repeat until you are satisfied. This may be done with several colors. Third, you can sponge paint your box. To sponge paint, put a solid coat of paint on the box as in methods one and two. Cut up a sponge into smaller pieces. Dip a small piece of sponge in paint. The color must be different than the color of your solid coat. Press the sponge firmly against the box to create a unique, sponge-like design. Repeat several times until you like how the box looks. You can sponge paint with as many or as few colors as you want. Always wait for the box to dry before decorating it. Stickers worked well for us, but other supplies work well too. Don't be afraid to get creative with your box.
Pictures of a completed
memory box using the splatter painting method along with stickers that
relate to friendship and the person's theme.
What To Put in the Memory
Box
Many
people have trouble deciding what to put inside the memory box. It
usually depends on the reason you are giving the box and who you are
giving the box to. We put in pictures and things that reminded us of
the person we were giving it to. In addition, we used the extra paint
to make hand-prints on construction paper. Each person made their
hand-prints and decorated them. Remember, you also have the option to
leave the box empty to allow the person who is receiving it the option
of what to put in it.Keepsake memory boxes are enjoyable to make and
even more enjoyable to receive. Good luck and have fun!
