Another Day, Another $hower...

This past Saturday was filled with our usual crafty event planning.  Our very good friends Isobel and Mel are expecting their first baby boy! Naturally, they came to us to fashion one of a kind centerpieces for her baby shower.  And so....the brainstorming commenced.  We came up with these fun, stackable baby blocks that can be reused after the party to store anything from booties to bibs. 

They're functional, whimsical and so simple to make!

Here's what you'll need:

Plain boxes in varying sizes (Small, Medium, Large)
Spray paint in complementary colors
Graphics printed onto medium weight cardstock
Scissors
Glue Dots, double sided tape and/or glue sticks
Balloons and a small helium tank
Paint brushes/foam brushes
Plain wooden birdhouses
Acrylic Paint

Let's Begin!

1. Source your images to complement the party theme and print onto a medium weight cardstock.  In this case, we went to the Etsy shop, StockBerryStudio (http://www.etsy.com/shop/stockberrystudio) and purchased the animal images. We selected (2) different images per box and manipulated them using Photoshop. 

2. Print images, cut to size and set aside. Be sure to measure the bottom area of the box where the lid will not cover the image.

3. Lay boxes on a tarp or in our case...garbage bags. =-)

4. In a well ventilated area go ahead and spray boxes, making sure you spray at least 6-12 inches from the surface, to prevent any drips. If you'd like you can use a high gloss paint to get a polished result. Let the paint dry, and repeat the process (if needed) until you cover the entire box in one even color.

We used Rustoleum & Krylon Spray Paints in a satin finish.
Colors used: Summer Squash, Celery and Periwinkle.

Don't forget to wear gloves and smile!

Here are the medium sized boxes after they've dried. We decided to keep the lids white. But you can add a decorative ribbon to the lids or embellish the boxes with rhinestones, or stickers, etc.

5. After cutting your card stock printed images to size, use glue dots, double sided tape or glue sticks to adhere your graphics to the box.

6. Once all images are adhered, set boxes aside.

7. Now, you will move onto your centerpiece topper.  We found these inexpensive wooden lighthouses at our local craft store and transformed them with acrylic paint!

Quick tip: For the colors to really pop, paint them white first, then add a second coat of color.

Lookout Pantone!

                  

8. Lastly, stack your nesting boxes and tie your balloons around the topper and voila! A gorgeous centerpiece.

Here we are before the set up. Looking like crazy crafters.

And after, ready to party! We clean up pretty well, huh?