A while ago I had gotten these crystals and decided my plan with them would be no plan, but a simple idea like this one to use them for embellishment still fulfills my need to just stare at them while making something else even prettier, so why not! If not for storing random things, they’d otherwise make great gifts that can also double as gift boxes, and in light of the upcoming holiday, they’re definitely Mother’s Day worthy, don’t you think?
Materials:
-wood boxes
–white acrylic paint
–foam brush
–gloss varnish
-crystals
–E6000 glue
At first I thought I’d be going with rectangular boxes, but then I found these circular ones at Michaels and thought they were cute enough to change the plan.
Now here’s one thing I need to mention. If I were to do this project again, I’d for sure just use a glossy white spray paint because it combines the steps I took, plus I imagine it will give a more even and streak-free finish. I went with acrylic paint and gloss varnish though because it was what I had on hand at the time, but if you’re going to try this DIY, definitely definitely use spray paint. Several light coats and that’s it. If you’re like me and insist on acrylic paint, I roughly applied about 3 coats with drying in between before applying 2 coats of gloss varnish.
After everything dried, I glued on the crystals to the top of each box with E6000. I got these crystals at a local craft store and don’t know of an online source for them, but I believe they’re typically available at most craft stores.
Pretty darn easy I say. I considered painting the inside of the box as well but loved how modern the raw wood looked with the white. It gives a softer contrast than a colored paint would, but that option would still be fun, especially if it were pastel, which I imagine looking very cute for this. What do you think- would you paint the insides?
Amy, these are gorgeous! I love raw wood, so it’s a toss up!
Thanks, Gwen! Raw wood is so easy too ;)
I love these!! I seriously want to make them RIGHT now! I will have to go check out the Michael’s near me and hope they have those rocks. When you spray paint, how would you do it to get the same finish and make it even? I am wondering how to get the edges and inside to look clean and nice…
Thank you, Katherine! I would put the box on top of a drop cloth and start by spray the sides from top to bottom while walking around it, then spray across the top of the lid, doing this at least 3 times or until it’s opaque with drying between each layer. For that inner edge I painted, I’d just do that part by hand with acrylic paint- good thing to clarify. That would be a paint to try and spray paint! Let me know if you still have questions.
OMG I need to make these asap! They’re so darling Amy!
Aw thanks so much, Rachel <3 Please make them and show me!
wow these are so so pretty!! LOVING those giant gems, i would put something VERY awesome in those ;)
Like a bag of your cookies?? Those would be more than awesome ;) Thanks Sara!!
I need to get my hands on some of those little boxes! These are the cutest, and I love the raw wood inside. And of course I’m swooning over those gorgeous crystals!
Thanks, Bre! I’d figure you’d like the raw wood :)
This is such a great idea! The crystals look so cute sitting on top of those boxes. It really makes them stand out.
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Thank you! Happy to hear that you dig the crystals <3
Oh these are awesome! Love everything about them, including the raw wood inside. Perfect!
Thanks Alexis! Raw wood it shall stay <3.
OMGosh, I loved collecting those pretty crystals when I was a kid…I wonder if I still have them hiding somewhere, so I can make these fun & beautiful boxes :)
I collected them as a kid, too! No idea where the went though… and it was a HUGE collection.
Those are tooooo cute! I like the raw wood, personally, but it would also look really good with the insides painted a pastel that matched the crystal on the top. I’m going to have to try this one day!
Thank you! That’s what I had been considering too, but agree that the raw wood works well as it is. Let me know how it goes when you try it!
Absolutely love this DIY!! I was seriously considering splurging on a similar looking jewelry box from One Kings Lane, but now I’ve got to try this with the crystals I picked up at my local flea market a few weeks ago! Such a great post!
Always a good thing to save on a potential splurge! So happy you found this helpful, Margaret. Thank you!
I love this DIY! Too bad we don’t have Michaels in the UK :( But luckily almost everything is on Amazon these days :) Where do you get most of your materials from? For my hapinesswherever.wordpress.com DIYs, I like to mix recycled materials with bead shop hauls :)
I’m definitely going to include this when I do my best jewellery box DIY round-up! :) Thanks for it!
WOW, I love this, I could not find the wooden boxes so I got the cardboard ones. Wish me luck
I’m making these for Christmas presents (and for me 😉) but can’t find the crystals at my local craft stores. Any idea where to find them?
These are perfect for presents! Are you located in LA? Otherwise, I don’t know where exactly to get them. You might want to try Etsy but I don’t have a specific shop I can recommend or vouch for. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful!
I love these boxes!
They inspired me to make my own, and I wrote a post on them including photos: http://www.fox-and-eagle.com/diy-crystal-copper-boxes/
Thank you for the inspiration!
Have a wonderful weekend :)