Mixed-media Faux Metal Cigar Box and Booklets

During our previous Drama-free Friday show, I began creating a faux metal technique on an old cigar box. I couldn't wait to finish it, but I resisted until this week's LIVE show. Yay me for having patience! 

Before the show started I used exactly the same technique (detailed last week) on large sheets of Canson Mix-media paper. I LOVE that paper for so many things that I enjoy creating! The only variation was adding three different colors of metallic paint when I began – metallic grey, bright gold, and Worn Penny. Once the paint dried, I used exactly the same process as the cigar box. And by the way, did you know that you can use this technique on fabric, too? I show a cloth doll I made several years ago during the show. Actually, she still needs to be finished. 😉

The inside of the box is collaged with tissue paper I purchased at Wal Mart. It's a lovely tan color and filled with words. What more could a girl want?!

I added Browngold Inka Gold Metallic Rub around the edges of the box lid and buffed it with a soft cloth until it shined.

The box could be filled with treasures or buttons and whatnots, but I decided that booklets with covers created from the faux metal paper would be perfect.

After deciding the size, I cut 3 book covers from my created paper. The inside pages are inexpensive mixed-media paper from a local hobby store. I folded 6 sheets in half, created a card stock template with 3 holes for binding. It's easy to use the template to pierce holes through the pages and covers.

The covers and pages are stitched with a 3-hole Pamphlet Stitch and Waxed Linen Thread. After Drama-free Friday I used a metal ruler and rotary cutter to trim the pages.  

The final project turned out exactly the way I pictured it in my mind which made me very happy!

If you use this faux metal technique, I'd love to see your results. Feel free to tweet photos @BarbOwenDesigns. I love to see what you create and share with my followers, too.

I hope to see you next Drama-free Friday at 2pm Eastern.

Until next time ~

Remember to Get Creative today! It's Easy!

Barb