Personalized Keepsake Box

It’s that time of year again when we start purging every room in the house and organizing! It’s so cliche, but January really sparks something in me to get things in order. I start big and than work on the little areas. Like the little piles of keepsakes I keep on the top shelf of my closet. I love keeping all the little things my kids give me but I don’t have a safe and special place for them. Up until this point I just keep them up high where the kids can’t reach them, but they need to be safe and organized!

This month’s Michaels Maker’s Challenge is all about creative organization. I took on the challenge to create a Personalized Keepsake Box for all of the wonderful and special goodies that my kids draw for me and make for me.

This box was meant to not only organize all my little gifts from the kids, but to be a special box that I would cherish forever. After personalizing the top with a fun printable I made (download it below) I addd a little special surprise inside and had my kids make handprints on the bottom of the box so I could have them forever.

What are you hoping to organize in 2017? Whether it’s planning the family schedule, cleaning out your pantry or getting the kiddos ready to head back to school, Michaels has everything you need to help you get organized this year.

If you also need a place to organize your special keepsakes, I’m going to give you a quick peek into how easy it was to make mine. I’m also sharing the printable for the cute Dr. Seuss quote in case you want to use it on your own project, or simply download it for a frame!

SUPPLIES

• American Crafts Unfinished Wood Box
• Heidi Swap Black and White Striped 2″ Washi Tape
• Matte Mod Podge
• Paint Brush
• Black Acrylic Paint
• Printer for Printable
• Scissors

Start by taking the top of the box off and wrapping the bottom in rows of washi tape. I LOVE how wide this tape is, but I still needed two rows of it. Jus take sure you line up the lines to make it a seamless look.

Paint the top of your box black. The great thing about acrylic paint is that is dries super fast. So your box top should ready to Mod Podge in just 30-60 minutes.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE

8X10 VERSION HERE

SMALLER VERSION FOR BOX HERE

Print off your printable, cut it to size and add a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of the paper. Place it face down on the box top and gently press down and work out any bubbles. Once it’s dry, add a layer of Mod Podge on top and let it dry. 

To give it a decorative look, add a few pieces of washi tap to the corners!

Now here is the fun part! Have your kids place their hand prints inside for an added special touch. I love having their little hands in here to remember the days when they made all of these special coloring pages and projects for me. 

It feels so good to have my first project tackled for the new year! I have a list of awesome projects planned for 2017 and I can’t wait to get start. Even though I took some time off over Christmas break, I have been busy planning for the upcoming months. I’m such a list maker and I’ve penciled in everything from big DIY projects to makeovers, easy recipes and more organization projects.

Are you ready to make a fresh start in the new year and plan for a great 2017! Michaels has a huge selection of planners as well as all of the accessories you need to personalize your own.

If you need help getting those project ideas going, visit Michaels’ blog, The Glue String, to see the rest of the Michaels Makers’ organization project ideas.