Featuring 3-in-1 Glue!

Halloween Surprise
By Shelly Hickox at http://sizzixblog.blogspot.com/

I know it might seem early, but by late July, I am sick of summer and ready to start fall crafting! Add to that the fantastic Halloween and Christmas products that were released at CHA last week and you can see  why I was so excited to create this project.

This little Halloween piece was featured in the Sizzix booth. It all began as a lowly paper mache box from my local craft store. It makes an adorable decoration when closed, but reveals a fun surprise when opened. I hope you enjoy it!

Begin by covering the outside of a paper mache box with patterned paper (I used this fantastic vintage Halloween paper from Tim Holtz). Cover the inside too (not shown).

Die cut a length of black Sizzix Cut and Emboss Kraft Core paper using the Harlequin Strip Die. Sand lightly and adhere to the outside of the box.

Die cut a spider from Grungeboard using the new Mini Spider die. Paint it and a wooden candlestick black. When dry, sand lightly and ink with Distress ink.

Die cut seven circles from Halloween paper using the Sizzix Framelits Circles die and ink the edges with brown ink. Die cut four strips of Sizzix Cut and Emboss Kraft Core using the Mini Paper Rosettes Strip die and sand lightly. Die cut the center portion of the Rosette out of Halloween paper. Finally, die cut the letters BOO from Idea-ology Mirror using the Word Play die. Apply Adirondack Slate alcohol ink to give the letters an aged look.

Create the banners by assembling the parts as shown. Glue securely.

Color a length of Idea-ology Trimmings ribbon with Spiced Marmalade Distress ink. Sandwich the ribbon between the decorated circle and the plain circle. Adhere with Scotch Tape Glider. Cut a slit in the center of two of the Rosette centers that were cut from black Kraft Core. Insert the ribbon and adhere to the back. Do this for the top and bottom. That will be how we attach the banner to the inside of the box.

Now we're going to work on the top! Cover the box lid with Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint. When dry, ink with Brushed Corduroy Distress Stain. Trim edge with Idea-ology Tinsel Twine, using Beacon 3-in1 glue to adhere.

To create the little Halloween tree, dye an Idea-ology Woodlands tree with Spiced Marmalade Distress ink. Cut several bats from black Kraft Core using the Mini Bat die. Sand the edges lightly and adhere to tree using Beacon 3-in-1 glue.

To assemble the box, adhere the last of the Halloween paper circles to the center of the box lid. Add a black rosette and attach the decorated tree to the center. Cut a banner from kraft cardstock using the Tattered Banners Strip Die. Stamp sentiment using black ink and add to rosette as shown. Attach the spider to the painted candlestick and adhere candlestick to bottom of box using Beacon glue.

To attach the banner to the box, apply Beacon 3-in-1 glue to the Paper Rosette center and adhere to center of box. Repeat with the top of the ribbon, this time adhering it to the center of the lid. When the box is closed, the rosette circles will fall into place, accordion-style.

Here is the box opened. How fun is that?! This is a versatile project that could be adapted to any holiday. It would also make an adorable birthday gift - just change out the colors and dies to fit the theme.

If you're a scrapbooker, you could even turn this into a cute little mini book. That's what I love about Sizzix dies - your ability to create is truly unlimited!