Instructions for the Music Box Photo Holder
A music box photo holder is a fun and easy craft project for all ages. These boxes are perfect for creating thoughtful birthday, holiday, and other special occasion gifts. Customize your music box for the occasion with decorative papers. Paper printed with cupcakes and candles are appropriate for birthdays, while recycled wrapping paper with a Santa print is perfect for next year's Christmas gift. Add your favorite photo of the recipient for the finishing touch.
Things You'll Need
- Music box
- Mod Podge
- Paintbrush
- Decorative papers
- Wax paper
- Scissors
- Ruler (optional)
Instructions
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Making a Music Box Photo Holder
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1
Buy a music box to decorate. Bring a 4x6 or 5x7 photograph to the store to make sure the box is the correct size, placing the photo inside of the box as a test. Search for a box with a smooth, plain finish that will be easy to cover. Light colors are easier to cover than dark colors. Avoid boxes with stickers, glitter, and other raised embellishments. Wind the music boxes to listen to the songs. Choose a song the recipient will enjoy. Boxes that play "Happy Birthday" are perfect for birthday gifts.
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2
Cut a large piece of wax paper, at least one foot in length, and place the music box in the center. Gather decorative papers and cut into various shapes. Magazine clippings work for an all-purpose box, providing colorful images and bold-font words. Printed craft store papers traditionally used for scrapbooking are another option. Measure all sides of the box, and cut papers to size. Another option is to let the papers overlap, and decoupage the entire box. This is the easiest way to use Mod Podge, and a good option for young children.
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3
Dip the paintbrush into the Mod Podge and paint the area of the music box where you will apply the paper first. Continue by working in small spaces until the top and sides of the box are covered. Apply Mod Podge to the top and sides, coating all of the paper. Use fingers to smooth out wrinkles. Mod Podge is white when applied, but will dry clear.
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4
Wait until the top and sides are dry before covering the bottom of the box. Do not remove the box from the wax paper during this process. Mod Podge will not stick to the wax paper. Repeat the process if decorating the insides of the box. Wait until all glue on the outside is dry before working on the inside. When the inside is drying, leave the lid of the music box open to ensure it does not seal shut.
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5
Add the photo to the box last. Place the photo on the center of the lid once all of the Mod Podge is dry. Brush Mod Podge onto the back side of the photo and press it against the lid, using your fingers to smooth out any wrinkles. When the photo and frame are attached, brush one layer of Mod Podge over it. Wait until this layer dries, and add another for double protection.
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Tips & Warnings
Fabric is another option for this project instead of paper.
Wait until glue is dried to put anything in the music box.
Avoid getting Mod Podge in the music box twist dial.
References
- Photo Credit music box image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
