December Series :: Merry Makings

Second in line this month to our upcoming "A Very Crate Christmas" event, is a brand new series of holiday-themed "mini tutorials" or "Merry Makings" from Crate's Design Team! "Why mini", you might ask? Well, we're perfectly aware of just how busy you are this time of year with shopping, cooking, creating, organizing, running and so forth. To keep pace with that, the optimal choice for project making are those that are easy, small, and totally doable! Our team has put together some really great ideas that fall within a few short steps and that are still great for bringing a little bit of holiday charm to the world. There's one exception though, we can't guarentee that you won't still love what we've to share! And to get us started, Suzanne's put together the cutest stack of mini baskets with it's very own stocking topper! Let's take a look, shall we?

Hi, Everyone! Suzanne here today with a fun, and simple holiday decor item for the holidays! One of my favorite home decor items to create are paper cakes, utilizing small plain boxes. The options are limitless, and they look adorable on top of a mini cake stand. I used the Peppermint collection to alter the boxes, and to to create the adorable Christmas scene on top.

Here's what you'll need to get started:

Favorite Crate Peppermint Paper
Crate's Peppermint Standouts
Crate's Peppermint Chipboard Elements
Crate's Peppermint Trims
Acrylic Paint
Glitter
Lollipop Sticks
Eyelet Setter
Plain Round Boxes
Snow

Here's a closer look at the boxes. They're a great size, and so easy to alter with paper. Usually, I tend to cover both tiers in different paper. However, this time, I decided to use the Mini patterned paper for both tiers. The top tier uses a 2" x 12" strip of paper, and the bottom tier is 2.5" in height. I had to piece together two strips of paper that were long enough to cover the box all the way around.

My first step is to cover the outside of both boxes, and then begin to work on the outside rims.

So, for the outside rims, I used white acrylic paint to cover them. I painted one coat around both of them, and allowed for dry time. With the last coat, I used the paint as an adhesive, which I'll soon explain.

Now my favorite part begins, adding the glitter for some additional Christmas sparkle!

With my daughter's help, here is a photo of the glittering process. Immediately after painting the second coat, I apply glitter right on top of it! The acrylic paint acts as an adhesive, which helps to achieve that wonderful glittered look!

My preference is using a coarse glitter. I love it's chunky feel, and it's adds instant sparkle to any project! Finally, set aside the rims to dry, and when ready, cover the inside of the tops!

I use a circle cutter that cuts out perfect circles for the tops, every time! I then use a strong liquid adhesive to adhere them to the tops.

Once my "top" papers are into position, it's time to insert the lollipop sticks for the embellishing of the small, top tier. I turn the top over, and with a pencil, make marks of where I want the holes to be. I then insert the lollipop sticks through these holes. I use my trusty eyelet setter to punch my holes...

Now, one my lollipop sticks are in position, the best part begins! Adding fun details to each of the tiers to make it holiday perfect! Here, I added Peppermint's beautiful "pom pom" trim to cover the outside rim of the bottom tier. I also used some chipboard elements, and standouts to create a beautiful floral center for the middle.

Here's a detail of the Christmas scenery I created with Peppermint's chipboard accents. I used the lollipop sticks to hang the stockings on top. I added a bit of white ribbon to the sticks to add another texture to the mix. Of course, what is Christmas without SNOW? I sprinkled snow glitter on the tops of both tiers to finish the scene.

Thank-you for stopping by today, and I hope you enjoyed this holiday tutorial! Paper cakes are so easy to create, and they're adorable for centerpieces, on a mantle, or simply on a kitchen counter! They'll definitely add the Christmas magic this time of year!