How to Make a Keepsake Box for Baby

Keepsake boxes are a great way to house your precious memories. They can be small enough for just a pair of baby's first shoes, or trunk-size to collect toys, clothing, photos, and many firsts and favorites. They make a wonderful gift for expecting parents, or for your own children. And what's best is that you don't have to be a carpenter to make these boxes. It just takes a trip to the craft store and a little creativity.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wooden box in size of your choice Attractive Latex paint Paint brushes Paint sponge brushes Rubbing alcohol Rubber cement Decoupage medium Acrylic sealer spray

1. The wooden box you choose should have hinges, a cover and a latch. These can be purchased at most craft stores and range from tiny ring-box sizes to massive trunks. These craft boxes are plain, sanded and ready for crafting. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue that may have accumulated on the store shelf.

2. Clean any metal hinges or latches with alcohol. Paint a coating of rubber cement on them with a thin brush and allow it to dry. Try not to get any on the wood. This will protect the metal trim from getting paint stained.

3. Paint the box a base color with latex paint of your choice. You may need to give it several coats because the paint will soak into the wood. If you like, you can paint the inside the same or a coordinating color. Allow the box to dry thoroughly.

4. Look for attractive images that work together. You might prefer a cute theme with cartoon-like characters, or something more vintage featuring old-fashioned toys and baby carriages, or if the baby is already born you can use photographs of the baby. Also look for paper embellishments, such as die-cuts in pretty shapes from a scrapbook store. You can also print out a few words in pretty fonts on your computer, such as, "precious," "baby" and "memories," and cut these to a size you like.

5. Empty your decoupage medium into a plastic container. Use your sponge brush to brush the medium onto the images and paste them down in a decorative layout. Brush on the medium until the edges of each image are sticking to the box. Cover the top, as well as the sides, and even the inside. Allow the decoupage medium to dry.

6. Take the box outside to a well-ventilated area. Spray on the acrylic sealer. Allow the first coat to dry and spray on another coat. When it's thoroughly dry, your box is ready to give or to begin storing your baby's memories.