Mom's Memory Box

Mom's Memory Box

Make Mother's Day -- or any day -- special when you give this gift that's made of love and happy memories.

Materials:

• Newspaper
• Shoe or hat box
• Acrylic paint
• Color copies of family photos and keepsake objects
• Mod Podge (can be purchased at any local craft store)
• Paintbrush
• Sponge
• Flat-edged dull knife
• Pieces of fabric, buttons, and other decorative objects
• Magazine clippings or wrapping paper scraps
• Baby or other family photo
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Lay newspapers over your work area in case of spills.
2. Paint the box and let it dry. Paint any designs on the box that you want to appear as a background (trees, clouds, sun, stars...).
3. Tear the edges of your family and keepsake photographic images to give them a frayed, antique look.
4. Experiment with the layout of the photographic images, magazine clippings, and/or wrapping paper scraps you'll glue to the box. When you've decided on a design, paste the images on the box using the Mod Podge and paintbrush.
5. Keep layering the images. Be sure to eliminate all the air bubbles as the paste dries, using the flat edge of the dull knife.
6. Wipe up any excess Mod Podge around the images with the sponge.
7. Using clear glue, attach any buttons, fabric scraps, or other decorative items you'd like to the box.
8. Give the entire box a final coat of Mod Podge. Let it dry completely.

Now Mom, Grandma, or someone special will treasure this "keepsake keeper" for years to come!