Birthday Wishes

Allo Allo! Happy Friday Crafty Cronies... and Cronnette! That's you, Melissa, precious 14 year old crafter from London, Ontario - thank you for your sweet email. Hope everybody is enjoying the summer... it's positively gorgeous here in Lisbon, now that the winds are back. Helps with the heat, I tell ya! Life on the farm has been hectic: we've had a couple of veterinary situations. More on that later.

First, let me show you the product of my latest obsession - a box! I spent hours taking apart a favour box we received at a wedding last month, only to discover (yesterday!) that the very talented Dawn Griffith has a tutorial on the very same. Save yourselves the hassle and hop on over to Dawn's place for some crafty education. My version is slightly different but the basic concept is the same. I did away with the belly band because I usually tear them or lose them. 

The colours for my box are from The Play Date Café #141 and the birthday inspiration is from Verve Stamps July Diva Dare. You'll also find my box sitting pretty at 4 Crafty Chicks #99 "Make a Box" and Alota Rubber Stamps #87 "Box It Up". I'm also linking it up with MIM #99 "Anything Goes"

So here is "le box" (bad french, I know!). The sentiment on the tag is from WMS Fancy Phrases, stamped with Memento Bamboo Leaves. I tied it to the ribbon with some white and yellow twine. 

The patterned paper is form My Mind's Eye "Pretty Please" layered on some pale pinkish lilac (AKA Tulip!) CS. There's enough coral and pink hues on the paper so I'm not adding more. I want to keep this soft and delicate.

The ribbon is embroidered in yellow which is very pretty, BUT, next time I'll use a double sided ribbon and not worry about the wrong-side showing.

No lid! You simply pull the sides apart! Isn't it cool! 









And it opens all the way down. The box is a cube measuring 2.5" and it can hold a generous quantity of sweet-thangs!

I used thick CS because I wanted a sturdy box. The downside is the folds take up 1/16th here and there and clam-shell mechanism (for want of a better term) leaves a small gap when not tied. Instead of a belly band I've opted for the ribbon & bow look for my gift box.  Following my dentist's advise that all gaps must be filled I've added ribbon strips for that purpose. If you use layering weight CS or double sided patterned paper, there shouldn't be any gaps but you will need something to hold the clam-shells together.

There you have it - a birthday box ready for giving away. Try it out. It's quite a clever little thing and a lot a fun!

On to our veterinary adventures - Rosie, our 10 year old mutt has a boil in her ear causing her considerable discomfort which had to be seen to. And while she was anaesthetised the vet gave her teeth a thorough scaling. Finally - we can breathe again in her company.  Also Andy, our 11 year old mix German-Welsh Shepherd developed some sort of rash on his tail, requiring his beautiful caudal plumage to be completely shaved off. He's not a happy puppy! Grand ol' Dame Xiara is plodding about the house (in her diapers!) making sure everybody knows she's still in charge. Nothing like a peaceful home where us bipeds know our station in life!

On that note, my friends, I bid y'all a splendid weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

Beijinhos!


p.s.

I won! I won! I won!

And another....oh my!

July Diva Dare

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Gin & Tonic (I've earned it!) and