Adding Simple Elegance to your Projects with DCWV and Xyron

Okay, so I have been known to "over-do" a project or two in my day. Honestly I have paper craft projects that have $100 or more of supplies in them. But then again, that was at a different time when I created "competitively" LOL! Today I have progressed in my crafting, or rather digressed. I am in a keep it simple mode. Simple doesn't have to be boring or plain. Simple can be elegant. That is the overall theme that I kept in mind as I created this Photo Keepsake box using Die Cuts with a View Hey Sailor Stack and my favorite Xyron adhesives. This stack can be purchased just about anywhere form Michaels to Joanns and online. I love it's cream and Navy colors with just a touch of gold. So classic. Now I could have gotten all crazy and added--- oh seashells, burlap, coral, gold stars, pearls, netting, and the kitchen sink! Believe me these were all things I considered at one point, but taking my favorite elements and, in the famous Tim Gunns words, "used them thoughtfully" I came up with a beautiful, simple and elegant project. Here are some ideas for creating yours:

{I used Graphic 45s Book Box as my base, then sprayed it with Heidi Swapps Color Shine Spray in Gold}

{I kept it simple on the cover using a Jolees Boutique sticker and three small dried Starfish}

{I used some of DCWV corrugated Cardstock to back up my focal piece}

{I created the accordion using Canson cardstock and the Xyron Mega Runner. I cut 3 panel 1/2 inch wider than the size I wanted, and one at the size- scored the bigger pieces and just adhered the folded tabs to each piece}

{The outside cover and inside were all pre cut and run through the Xyron 5 Inch Create A Sticker}

{I used some burlap and this cool little mermaid I found in my stash. A good way to keep it elegant is to limit the colors you use. I used neutral tan and creams, with navy and gold. Thats it!}

{My favorite part ended up this gold striped interior! I make each strip a little longer than it needs to be. Then I fit it in and press it into the corners using a bone folder- take it out, flatten and run through my Xyron 2.5 Inch Create A Sticker. No gaps in the corners!}

{I just loved this gold and cream paper so wanted to make sure you got a good look at it!}

The DCWV Hey Sailor Stack has these already sized up and ready! I just cut out the 6 panels form the sheet, used one for the cover, and the rest for the accordion fold- I cut the accordion slightly bigger. The black spots will be for this summers beach pics}

{A few other tricks- to attach my twine, I hot glue it onto a strip of glue then hid it with a fatback pearl}

{To close off the box, I glued on a seashell, then used my Gold Twine from The Twinery to close it- and that great vintage pearl drop was just icing on the cake!}

I hope you will make yourself a keepsake photo box for this summer too- would love to see them! Email me at inmyblueroomdesigns@gmail.com with your projects pics so I can show them off on my blog!

http://dcwvinc.blogspot.com/2014/02/we-love-hey-sailor.html

-Denise