The best gift is one that comes straight from the heart. It should bring a big smile and be meaningful to the person and your relationship. It does not matter if your relationship is friendship, romantic or family, just that it is reflected well within the gift. One of the best gifts that I have ever created was a photo collage wooden box. The black and white layering creates a marbled appearance from far away, but when you get close the details of faces and places that are meaningful to the recipient shine through. It is an object that is picked up and admired. This highly personalized gift will invoke positive memories for years to come. It is simple to create for a crafter of any skill level.
To create this box, you will need:
Wooden Box, or any unfinished wood object
Photographs meaningful to your relationship
Access to a photocopy machine or black and white printer
Scissors
Sponge Brush
Small bowl
White glue
Water
Time needed for project: 30 minutes
Cost: $3.00 – $12.00
Step one: Gather a wide variety of photographs that are meaningful to your relationship. At least 15-20 pictures are ideal for a medium sized box.
Step two: Photocopy each photograph in black and white or print out black and white versions of the photos from your computer using regular printer paper. It is a good idea to make more than one version of some of the photos, especially ones that have special meaning.
Step three: Cut out parts of the photographs you would like to use. Leave some as squares or with background, but some can be cut around faces and scenery.
Step four: Place some glue into the bowl. Add just enough water to make it runny.
Step five: Gently dip the cut out photograph in the watery glue. Push off any excess glue. Apply the photograph using the sponge brush to smooth to the surface of the wooden box. Gently layer the photographs until all the surfaces are covered completely.
Step six: Using the sponge brush apply one more layer of the watery glue to seal.
Step seven: Allow to dry completely.
This box can be given as is or filled with something special for the recipient. Some filling ideas include:
Homemade chocolates or candy (Or his or her favorite store-bought!)
Prints of some of the photographs on the box
Bath salts
Favorite cologne or perfume
A gift certificate for a romantic dinner
Tickets to a movie, concert or performance