Little Matchbox Ladies for Christmas

 

 

I'm an idea junkie.  And there are so many many great craft ideas out there.  I was flitting between a couple possibilities when Arlene at http://butterflykisseswithlove.blogspot.com/ did a quick tutorial using a Graphic 45 small matchbox and G45 papers.  I knew it was just the thing for Mom and Sis for Christmas.  I ordered the matchboxes and G45 Staples drawer pulls from eBay.  Then the stuff just sat on my work table, making me feel guilty.  

 I watched Arlene's YouTube tutorial a number of times to get myself schooled on the basics so I wouldn't mess us.  Finally, I pulled out my acrylic paints and Lindy Stamp Gang sprays and got the boxes prepped.  Then I measured, cut, measured and cut again, inked and glued down the background papers...all G45, of course.  This measuring task was not easy for me; I don't think I got a single element cut to fit the first time; after getting all pieces for the first matchbox cut to size, I used them as a template for the 2nd box; just in case I make another one, I made a template of all the pieces so I never need to measure again! 

 I chose the Cabinet of Curiosities with a raven focal point for Sis.  I thought she would identify with that tired lady with a key in her back, like a wind up doll.  Many the day I feel like that, with unending chores (to all you Mom's out there...I DO NOT KNOW HOW YOU DO IT!).  For Mom I went with the  Boardwalk  collection.  We moved to a beach community in CA when I was 5 years old; we spent lots of days at the beach. 

On both boxes I added a clip-on earring that came from my Gramma's tangle of costume jewelry.  I think Mom and Sis will appreciate that.  Merry Christmas.