Recently I have been creating these awesome House Keepsake Boxes. One of which was featured in my previous Blog Post which you can find here--->
https://www.pixietalecreations.com/home/holiday-bazaar-success
The best part of creating these House Keepsake boxes is that you can do pretty much whatever style you want! In this tutorial I created a house keepsake box with a chimney. The theme that I chose for this house is Graphic 45's Halloween In Wonderland collection.
Now, I know and fully understand that it is no longer Halloween. However, I absolutely LOVE anything having to do with Halloween, Macabre, Burtonesque, and Spooky in general, and I wasn't able to get around to creating anything with this beautiful collection so I decided..why not use it for the house tutorial?!
You can use whatever theme that you would like to use when creating your very own Keepsake Box. For instance, I will soon be creating another House Keepsake Box with a Christmas Theme! The possibilities are endless.
Also, you can add onto you House Keepsake making it as big as you would like, or you can take the measurements and make them smaller for a cute little mini House Keepsake Box. Again, the possibilities are endless.
*** Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Graphic 45, though I would love to be because I adore their collections, nor any of the other companies that are mentioned in the materials list. There will be links available for you to purchase materials. I do not make any commission from any of the companies mentioned.
Enjoy and have so much fun!
Materials needed for creating this wonderful Keepsake Box are as follows:
Medium Weight Chipboard (I prefer using black or white as these colors are more versatile than kraft. If you get kraft color it will need to be wrapped). I use Graffix :https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CRH7FG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Heavyweight Black Card Stock. I purchase mine from my local Hobby Lobby (the paper studio), however, if you do not have a local craft store near you can purchase this from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Licorice-Cardstock-Paper-Heavyweight/dp/B01LDM0Q48/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1542312933&sr=8-5&keywords=heavyweight+black+cardstock
Fabritac or another sturdy, clear, quick drying glue. I purchase mine from WalMart or Hobby Lobby.
Ruler
Scissors
Cutting Mat and/or Paper trimmer
A sturdy scrapbook paper in your choice of theme. I love using Graphic 45. THeir paper is sturdy, double-sided for more options, and beautifully made with unique themes: www.g45papers.com
Decorative punches (optional)
Tutorial:
1. Cut out all of your chipboard pieces.
You will need:
For the sides: Two pieces of chipboard measuring 5 1/2 inches x 7 1/2 inches
For the front and back: Two pieces of chipboard measuring 8 inches x 4 1/2 inches
For the Roof: Two pieces of chipboard measuring 8 inches x 4 1/2 inches
For the Bottom: Two pieces of chipboard measuring 8 3/4 inches x 9 1/4 inches, Two pieces of chipboard measuring 9 3/4 inches x 2 inches, and Two pieces of chipboard measuring 9 1/4 inches x 2 inches.
For the hinges to attache the pieces: Cut numerous pieces of heavyweight card stock measuring 1 inch x 10 inches if you are using standard size, or 1 inch x 12 inches if you are using 12 inch x 12 inch size. Score these pieces down the center at 1/2 inch.
For the chimney tophat: Four pieces of chipboard measuring 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches (this is optional)
After cutting the chipboard pieces I find it easier to measure and cut the scrapbook paper that will be adhered to the exterior and interior of the house. I typically do this by laying the chipboard pieces on top of the scrapbook paper and tracing then cutting them out. This saves time and patience, as it can be difficult to measure the inside correctly once the house is assembled.
Once your chipboard pieces and card stock pieces are cut you can begin assembling your House Keepsake Box!
Place a hinge at each of the shorter sides ( the 5 1/2 inch sides) of the chipboard and assemble as shown:
Once the hinges are attached, your pieces should fold together to form your house.
Adding the hinges on the inside is important because doing this offers more support for structure of the house. I then take my bone folder and go down the center with it to ensure that my hinges are secure and the pieces can bend as they need, as shown:
Attach the roof to a hinge on the inside and the outside and score down the center again as shown:
For the bottom construction: Attach the 8 3/4 inch x 2 inch pieces to the corresponding sides with hinges both on the inside and the outside. Next, Attach the 9 1/4 inch x 2 inch sides with hinges both inside and outside. Then, Create hinges measuring 1 inch x 1 3/4 inch for the inside and outside corners. As shown:
Cut a 1 1/4 inch x 5 inch square out of the center of one of the 8 3/4 inch side as shown: It's easier to do this before constructing the bottom box..I just forgot to do it..lol
Don't worry if your cut out portion looks like mine...jaggedy. We'll fix that bu using another hinge piece and placing it over this part to make it look smooth.
Cut two pieces of chipboard measuring 9 1/4 inches x 2 inches. There will be your drawer inserts and will be inserted inside of the box using hinges as shown: Hinges will be added to all four corners
After your hinges are attached to all four corners of your insert pieces, add these inserts to your drawer/box by applying a strong clear drying glue to your hinges and attaching to the inside, as shown:
Once you have your inserts attached, cover with the other piece of 8 3/4 inches x 9 1/4 inches and attach hinges to the three open corners. Your bottom portion should now look like this:
As you can see in the bottom picture, I measured out a hinge and applied it to the part that was jagged, creating a smoother appearance.
Side Note: Don't worry if you are a messy gluer like me. You will not be able to see the messy parts once the box is covered with paper.
Once your box is constructed add the scrapbook paper of your choosing.
After your bottom box/drawer is covered, add your house on top in the center and attache with hinges on the inside and the outside to ensure that your house is set and not going to go anywhere. As shown:
After your inside and outside hinges are attached you can then attach the house to the top of your drawer/box by applying your strong clear drying glue to hinges and pressing firmly, but too firmly, and going over the attached hinges with a bone folder (or other useful tool) to ensure that the hinges are nice and glued down.
After attaching your house to the drawer/box you can add your scrapbook paper and begin embellishing. Because I chose to go with the Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland Collection I fussy cut out images to apply on the exterior of my house.
The pages from the collection that I have used are: At Last!, You're Late!, Square Hare, and Hallowe'en in Wonderland, This is my house so far:
To create the drawer: Measure 9 7/16 inches x 4 3/4 inches of chipboard and attach hinges to the smaller ends front and back.
Add your strong clear drying glue and slide into and attach to the inside. Press down using your bone folder or other useful tool to ensure that your hinges are attached with a strong hold. Your drawer should now look like this:
To construct the pull out portion of the drawer: Measure one piece at 9 7/16 inches x 4 3/4 inches of chipboard and add hinges to all four sides. Next measure one piece of chipboard at 5 1/4 inches x 1 1/2 inches and attach to the front hinge; one piece of chipboard at 4 5/8inches x 1 1/8 inches and attach to the back hinge; and two pieces of chipboard at 7 inches x 1 1/8 inches. Make sure to add hinges to the inside as well. As shown:
Add hinges in the corners both inside and outside. As shown:
Decorate with your choice of scrapbook paper and add a handle to the front. I am using a antique brass handle from Graphic 45. You can also use a drawer knob or other creative embellishment that can used as a handle. If you do not have an actual knob or handle you can create one using scrapbook paper and cardstock. Measure --- of scrapbook and cardstock and adhere together. Score an 1 1/4 inch inside on both sides, as shown, then adhere to your drawer in the center using a strong clear drying glue.
Here is my completed House! If you would like to purchase this Graphic 45 Hallwe'en in Wonderland Keepsake House Box with Drawer it is currently available in my Etsy shop. Just click on the picture provided to be taken there!
Continue to embellish and decorate to your hearts content! Because the roof comes off be sure to decorate the inside of the house as well. Your beautiful House Keepsake Box is now complete! Use it for yourself or gift it to a friend or family member! These houses are extremely cute and can be created using any theme!
*** READ!!: If you are planning on creating these houses for selling purposes please remember craft etiquette. While copying someones work can be considered the best form of flattery it best to create using OWN design and theme! All designs are copy-written and should not be copied. Use your own imagination and creativity to craft a one of a kind keepsake house!***
Much love and creative inspiration to you all! Don't forget to subscribe! xoxo
