“Le Jardin” Gift Box
By Vanessa Rogers

Materials: VersaColor Opera Pink, Bamboo, Boysenberry, Split Pea, Sage, Bisque, Misty Mauve, Khaki, Burgundy, Pacific Tsukineko Embossing Clear Powder Impress Black and Chocolate 8 1/2 x 11 white copy paper 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 a 1 Kraft paper gift box Large sheet of decorative scrapbook paper for inside box lining 8 1/2 x 11 piece of chipboard or lightweight cardstock to cut for box pieces 4- gold beads for feet on box jeweled earring piece for top of box small gold tassel frosted glass disk bead for tassel 18K gold leafing pen double-stick tape E6000 adhesive Stamps Used: Large botanical tulip (PSX), Large Botanical Hydrangea (PSX), Daffodil bulb (Hero Arts), Script writing (Acey Duecy), “Le Jardin” words (Tin Can Mail)

Instructions:   On 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of white copy paper, ink flower stamps with VersaColor pigment inks according to flower type, i.e., Boysenberry and Bamboo on Hydrangea; Opera Pink and Khaki on Tulips; Split Pea and Sage on Daffodil. Stamp flowers randomly on paper and emboss with clear embossing powder and heat gun. Using all VersaColors listed, use the direct-to-paper techniques and rub directly over embossed designs and in between to completely fill paper. Colors should be blended with a sponge or finger if still moist. Randomly stamp script writing with Impress Chocolate ink over flower designs. Stamp “Le Jardin” in black ink at different angles over floral designs and on decorative paper as well. Rub kraft box bottom on all sides with several colors of VersaColor ink and stamp script with Impress Chocolate randomly on all sides too.  Set box and sheet aside to dry for approximately 10-15 minutes. To make gift box pieces:  take 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” kraft gift box and discard lid. Measure and cut chipboard pieces for a bottom and top piece and spine in the following sizes:                                i.      Top and bottom should be 1/2” larger on each side than the kraft box= 4” x 4”                                ii.      Spine will be same height as box and same length as top and bottom pieces= 1” x 4”                                iii.      Handmade embossed paper should be 1” larger on each side when all pieces are laid flat= 6” x 8 1/2”                                iv.      Inside paper should be cut to fit leaving 1/4” showing edges of handmade approx.= 3 1/2” x 8”   Once all sheets are cut, lay chipboard pieces side by side with spine in middle leaving approximately 1/4” between top and bottom pieces and spine piece, 3/4” on each end and 1” on each side. Adhere chipboard pieces with double-stick tape. Miter corners of paper at an angle for ease of folding. Fold sides first and secure to chipboard with double-stick tape, fold mitered ends over and secure with double stick tape. Fold paper in between spine pieces so it will lift at top of box. Take lining paper and edge with gold leafing pen, using small dabs of E6000, glue over folded edges of handmade paper and smooth down. When dry, create folds in lining paper as well so box top will lift. Edge handmade paper and box bottom with gold leafing pen as well.   Glue box bottom approx. 1/4” from bottom chipboard piece and fold top over box while drying.   When box is dry, glue bead feet on bottom corners of box and jewel and tassel embellishments on top of box with E6000.