Altered Sunflower Box

Today I have an altered box to show you, that uses the sunflower image from the new Art-Kure 'Britain in Bloom' collection. These floral images are so crisp and realistic, they are a joy to color. Speaking of which, my image was colored with the affordable Spectrum Noir alcohol ink markers, which have become my go-to coloring tool.Here's the front view:

I started my project with an empty jewelry box from Coldwater Creek.  It was serendipity that the top and bottom were this marvelous tan/kraft color - so no painting on covering needed! I stamped the sunflower image on white, colored it, and sponged the edges with Tim Holtz distress ink in Vintage Photo. This was matted on dark brown card stock, and then adhered to the box lid.

Next I went to my ribbon stash and found this leopard print ribbon.  It was wide and pulled in the brown tones, so I went with it. I think it gives it a fun and funky, slightly unexpected look. A second narrower ribbon in golden yellow was placed on top.

The final step was embellishment.  The sunflowers just cried out for these micro seed beads, which I glued on with crystal lacquer. I was careful not to cover the entire circle with seeds. The final touch was punching three leaves and putting a mini sunflower in the upper right corner. 

Notice how the leaves are textured.  I hold scrap card stock under the water tap, crumple it into a ball when wet, and then smooth it onto the counter to dry.  You get marvelous creases and texture with that easy method.  Sometimes I'll confess I might iron the result, if it is a little too bumpy.

Enjoy your Sunday, and go look for old boxes that you can cover! I think I'll use mine to keep address labels in on my desk.