Vintage Embellishment Chest

I first saw Eileen Hull's amazing Candy Drawer die at the Winter CHA show. She had created a little chest with it and I couldn't wait to try one myself. The style of my chest was inspired by a photo of an abandoned storage unit I first saw on Pinterest. I hope you're inspired to make one yourself!

Begin by die cutting 12 pieces of chipboard using the Candy Drawer die. Paint one edge of each of the drawer surround pieces (front and back) with a Pitch Black Dabber. Fold and assemble using a Tape Runner.

Next, ink the inside (the side that doesn't have score lines) of the box piece with Gathered Twigs Distress ink. Assemble 8 of the boxes and paint 3 sides with the Pitch Black Dabber.

Stamp the remaining 4 boxes using Pitch Black Dabber. When dry, ink over the images using Gathered Twig Distress ink. Assemble boxes using Tape Runner.

Sand the edges of the painted boxes and ink with Gathered Twigs Distress ink.

To give the drawers a finished look and add stability, we will add a chipboard surround. You will need 2 pieces that measure 6 1/2" x 2 1/2" and two pieces that measure 8" x 2 1/2". Paint all pieces on one side and sand lightly when dry.

Now we can start building our chest! Begin by covering the unpainted side of one of the 8" chipboard pieces with 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue. Align the first drawer with the left side. Note: I prefer using a wet glue like 3-in-1 so that I have 'open' time to adjust my pieces and get it just right. Adhere the next two boxes, making sure to glue the sides to each other. Continue building your chest in the same manner.

When all your drawers are adhered, glue on the side and top pieces, trimming to fit if necessary.

To finish the back (and keep your drawers from falling out!) cut a piece of chipboard 8" x 6 1/2" and glue to the back.

With the chest assembly complete, you can have fun decorating the drawers! I used a combination of unfinished wood knobs, Idea-ology Drawer Pulls, and little handles made from Grungeboard and the Sizzix Vintage Valise die. This is a great time to let your imagination run wild.

Once you've decorated your drawers, you can start filling them with embellishments. I love the versatility of Eileen Hull's Candy Drawer die - it can go from cute to grungy and everywhere in between. How amazing would this be for an Advent calendar? Or a sewing chest? So many possibilities!

See you next month,

Shelly

Eileen Hull Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die - Box, Candy Drawer Tim Holtz Sizzix Movers & Shapers L Die - Vintage Valise Tim Holtz Sizzix Bigz Die: Tiny Tabs and Tags Tim Holtz Sizzix Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die Set 11PK - Cargo Stencil Number Set

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Paper: Chipboard, Kraft Cardstock

Stamps: Stampers Anonymous- Steampunk, Wallpaper & Wood, Mini Halloween 3, Stuff to Say; Artistic Outpost - London Underground

Ink: Tim Holtz Distress ink- Gathered Twigs

Paint: Ranger Adirondack Dabber Paint- Pitch Black

Embellishments: Tim Holtz Idea-ology Label Pulls, Long Fasteners, Stripes

Tools: Tim Holtz Idea-ology Sanding Grip; 3/4" Circle Punch

Adhesive: Beacon 3-in-1 Glue; Scotch Tape Glider

Other: unfinished wood knobs