Thursday 20 February 2014

Craft Caddy Decorating

Hello friends

As promised I'm posting today some details/instructions as to how I
decorated my Charity Craft Caddy.

You will have received your greyboard pieces and in addition three sheets of
12 x 12 paper and three vintage metal handles.  
The very first step I chose to do was some painting - purely optional but I did not 
fancy cutting fiddly bits of paper to fit the inside tray.
I used some regular household paint.
It isn't perfect but I was looking for a distressed/aged look anyway! 
Best to leave to dry overnight and then you can start cutting paper.
To make the most of your paper, I have shown below how I calculated the cutting of two 
pieces of the 12 x 12 (by the time you reach the third piece it is a case of using what is left
and it all makes sense).  Use your caddy as a guide, lay it onto the pieces of paper and
mark where it should be cut, a paper trimmer is best unless you are brilliant at cutting
straight lines (I am not!)  
I have not allowed for you covering the base of the box as it is not visible.
Here you can see how the side section is going to be attached, 
you cover the sides in two pieces otherwise the lid will not open.
I've chosen to use Glue n' Seal, this enabled me to really seal the edges of the paper and
it doesn't matter if it oozes out as it dries clear. Cosmic Shimmer will also work and
I'm now stocking this is super large size bottles. You can see them here.

 Details of how I cut the second sheet.
Much like the sides of the caddy, the back section must be attached in two pieces.
Lower back - align the top of the paper with the crease that is the hinge
and repeat this for the upper back section.
Drawer Fronts: to achieve perfect sizing, position your drawer so you can mark on 
your paper where to cut.
Glue to front - much like with assembling the caddy, best to wait for the glue to dry 
before the following optional steps.
Using a sanding block/file/paper I've distressed the edges slightly,
this also discards any paper you may have slightly over-cut. 
 I then inked the edges with Walnut Stain Distress Ink - available here.
Attaching the knob handles:  there is 1 large and two small.
I thought it would be nice to have the lid knob slightly different.
Position the knob and grab a ruler. 
 Mark where the centre is and make a hole to fit the screw.
(note the very nice pokey tool I have, my Dad makes these, turns them on his lathe.
Each one is different - they are available to purchase, just let me know).
Once the hole is big enough push the screw through from the inside of the box, screw on the
knob and tighten - a pair of pliers works well.
 Here you can see the before and after of the drawer fronts.
Here is an image of a corner of the caddy covered but not yet distressed and inked.  
 You will be left with quite a few scraps. 
You can if you wish, use them to cover the inner drawer sections. 
And inside, I've used the same distress ink on the edges of the tray.
I found a piece of pretty paper in my scrap box that fitted and of 
course there is always the option of a wallpaper sample...
shhh you didn't hear that from me though! 
Your box is decorated but empty... we will address that in future kits :)
At Stitches the company that assisted me in creating the Craft Caddy
had their version on display, they had chosen to paint and decorate it.
I love how different it looks just by the application of paint and
different handles.   
 
Lovely idea inside the lid.
Wouldn't a line of these be useful on our crafty desks, or make up as a gift for someone.
Charity Kits are still available to purchase here.

I must mention Sue Yorkshire, I hope all went well yesterday
with the birth of your grandson - how lovely, newborns are always gorgeous
and need constant spoiling.  Teenagers...well that's a different matter!

Have a lovely Thursday, I'm back in London.
Take care friends.

18 comments:

Magzeeann said...

Morning Christine. Thank you for the tutorial on decorating the craft caddy~ it will be a tremendous help!
Sue,hope the birth of your grandson went smoothly and you've enjoyed the first of many cuddles!
Have a good day, love and hugs,
Maggie x

Magzeeann said...

P.S. Forgot to say how much I love the pokey tool your dad made. Hugs,
Maggie x

Carole Z said...

Well Christine, I already made mine as I had a 'window of opportunity' (lol) over a few days this week and just had to grab it! I'm pleased to say, I went about it the same way as you though! I love what the Company that made the pieces did and I did actually think about decorating the inside of my lid - couldn't decide on a stamp and then forgot. I still might do it though! Hugs, Carole Z XX

Janice said...

Morning Christine
A great set of instructions, looking forward to collecting mine next week! How different the show one looks too.
I love your Dad's pokey tool....have sent you an email already.
Have a good day.
Janice x

Lucycat said...

Hi Christine,
Thank you for the very clear instructions.,your box looks really great.
Thursday already,you are back doing your London job where do the days go?.
Take care. x.

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine. Thanks for the tut. Can´t wait to get to the UK to pick mine up. I have a space waiting on my desk for it.

Great pokey tool made by your dad, another talented member of the family!

Love Val in Spain x

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Christine, Thank You for this comprehensive tutorial on decorating our craft caddy. I will use your instructions with mine. What a difference with the other one, it just shows how 'personal' you can make it, and a fabulous idea of decorating the lid in that way.
Loving the pokey tool, your Dad is a genius !! I am in 'awe' watching people 'turn' legs etc with a lathe, I always wanted one of my own,, I'm envious haha.
Lots of love from Patricia xx








































EmmaT said...

Morning Christine, thank you for the step by step, I have made my up ready to decorate. Love the painted version too. I hope you have a good day in London. Best wishes Emma x

marg said...

Hello Christine
That was a clear tutorial!
I like the pokey tool too...near me in Leigh Woods in the Summer, there are a group of Bodgers who make things with the fallen trees, they make chair legs, but not with a lathe its all done with rope tied round branches..fascinating, watching your Dad must be too!
Take care Christine!
Love Marg

Jean Z said...

Hi Christine, love the completed draws. love Jean Z xx

Laura O said...

great tutorial ,well done and so clearly described .Laura O

Lacelady said...

Great tute Christine - I wish I had been able to afford one, but finances are tight this month

lydia jordan said...

Hi Christine,
Love the caddy, just wish I had room for one in my tiny craft area.
Clever Dad too, a very talented family.
Lydia
X

SusanP, Kent said...

A really useful caddy! Not something I would do, but I love the papers you've used on yours.
Sue

Maggie said...

Hello Christine. What amazingly clear instructions. Have a good day in London. xxMargaretxx

hazel young said...

Lovely tutorial, hoe you have a great day xx hazel

Mrs B said...

Hi Christine. Great tut, wish I could afford one, like Lacelady, money is tight at the moment : ( Love the pokey tool, Clever Dad : ) Hope all went well Sue and you have had lots of cuddles already. : ) Take care.

AnneRD said...

A great tutorial Christine. Lovely papers. Anne x

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