Did you arrive here from Vivian Keh's blog? If not, head on over and visit HERE


Welcome to the 
2nd Annual 
Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!!

Calling all crafters! We’ve gathered designers from some of our favorite manufacturers to show you ways to create something from the heart this holiday season. This 3 day Hop includes over 60 stops with inspiration brimming from every corner. Explore all of the thoughtful and frugal handmade gifts you could create for the holidays, all in one place, during our second annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!


Today I am sharing an altered paper mache box that holds an assortment of greeting cards. 


Everyone can use a good greeting card and a boxed set as unique as this is a gift that anyone would treasure! In fact, I have half a mind to keep it for myself! 


I dyed the bottlebrush trees with a combination of Stephanie Barnard Sprays by Clearsnap and Smooch Spritz, dousing them with water to destaturate the intense color. After the trees were dry, I glued them into spools of string, wrapping one of the spools with baker's twine from The Twinery to giveit more interest. Finally, I dusted the trees with Smooch Glitz for a little bit of glitter and ColorBox Crafter's ink in white for a snowy glow.


Around the house base I applied Clearsnap's Design Adhesives with a layer of Lime Burst Designer Foils.


The roof and trim were punched from scraps of kraft cardstock and Starbuck's drink sleeves using Fiskars punches. They were then applied to the house with the ultra stronmg Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Adhesive and then painted with a mixture of acrylic paint and Smooch Spritz. To add more depth, the entire house was rolled in several patterns of Clearsnap Rollagraph Stamp Wheels using various ink, from Pigment ink to Decades Antiquing Ink.


Finally, the doors and windows were painted on with acrylic paint and round tip paint brush. The shading was achieved by outlining the doors and windows with Smooch Accent Ink and blending it with my finger. The “snow” on the corrugated stars and trim is a generous layer of Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Adhesive topped with Stephanie Barnard's Sprinkles! Chunky Glitter for Clearsnap.

Here's what you'll need to create this project:
Supplies:
  • Rollagraph Stamp Wheels and Handle by Clearsnap
  • Design Adhesives and Designer Foils by Clearsnap
  • Smooch Spritz in Ginger Ale by Clearsnap
  • Smooch by Clearsnap
  • Stephanie Barnard Sprinkles! Chunky Glitter by Clearsnap
  • NEW ColorBox Crafter's Ink by Clearsnap
  • Smooch Glitz by Clearsnap
  • Color Catcher by Clearsnap
  • Stephanie Barnard Sprays by Clearsnap
  • ColorBox Stephanie Barnard Dye Inkpad in Spearmint
  • ColorBox Limited Edition Pigment Inkpad in Zen Garden
  • ColorBox Graphic 45 Decades Antiquing Dye Ink in Dark Cashmere exclusively via Hampton Art
  • Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue
  • Tombow Power Tabs
  • Bazzil Kraft Cardstock (scrap)
  • Punches, Scissors by Fiskars
  • Twine by The Twinery
  • Trim, Pins, Beads, Bottlebrush Trees by hydrangeahippo.etsy.com
  • Ribbon by Maya Road
  • Vintage Spool by Coats & Clark via Zinnia
  • Acrylic Paint by Delta and Americana
  • Starbuck's Drink Sleeve
  • Resin Flower by French General
  • Paper Mache Box by Darice
  • Foam Paint Brush
  • Small Round Tip Paint Brush
  • Hot Glue
  • Paper Towel
  • Water
  • Cards and Envelopes

This step by step video shares how to transform this plain paper box into a holiday house that can be filled with cards or even candies, lotions, or other small gifts. 


While you're watching, please SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel to enjoy more videos like this one. When you're finished, don't forget to come back here to leave a comment and enter to win some sweet crafty swag!

To sweeten the Hop, we’re offering a gift for you! For every comment you leave on the blogs in the Hop, you’ll be entered to win a prize pack from one of the participating manufacturer sponsors! Use the Rafflecopter widget on the Clearsnap blog to gain extra entries each day: http://cleasnap.blogspot.com. PLUS, there is a giveaway going on here on the Hydrangea Hippo blog — the widget to enter will appear at the bottom of this post :)

Here's the Clearsnap prize pack—that's over $100 worth of swag!!!


Visit the list of blogs below and leave a comment on each by Nov 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST. Each day we will be sharing a brand new list of blogs with brand new projects for you to explore, be inspired by, and create from!

Nov 16
Clearsnap – http://clearsnap.blogspot.com START HERE IF JOINING THIS HOP :)
Fiskateers – www.fiskateers.com/blog
Donna Salazar Designs – http://donnasalazar.typepad.com/
Eileen Hull for Sizzix http://eileenhull.blogspot.com/
Kristin Wilson – Graphic 45 –  http://www.kristinwilsonhandmade.com/
Jennie Garcia – Tombow –  earthyscrap.blogspot.com
Gini Williams Cagle – Hampton Art – http://ginicagle.blogspot.com/
Sabrina Alery – Clearsnap – http://Sabrinaalery.blogspot.com
DeeDee Catron – Globecraft Memories – http://umwowstudio.blogspot.com/
Michelle Grant – Donna Salazar Designs –  http://michellejbg.blogspot.com
Emily Lanham – Authentique Paper –http://www.createserendipity.net
Emma Jeffery – Fiskateers – http://hellobeautifulblog.blogspot.com
Natalie Clause – The Twinery –  http://www.southernbellescharm.com/
Alberto L Juarez – Graphic 45 http://vintageodyssey.blogspot.com/
Vivian Keh – Hampton Art – http://contadinak.wordpress.com/tag/vivian-keh/ DID YOU COME FROM HERE? VISIT HER BLOG NOW IF YOU MISSED IT :)
Jennifer Priest – Clearsnap – http://hydrangeahippo.blogspot.com YOU ARE HERE
Heather Conklin – Authentique Paper – http://goldiecar.blogspot.com/ GO HERE NEXT

Cheers to creating gifts from the heart this holiday season!
Happy Hopping!

P.S. We have a little secret!! Want to see our new line of fall product including the reveal of our new CHOX by Donna Salazar Designs? RSVP here



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author: Jennifer Priest

It started with jewelry, beading, sewing, home decor, painting, basket weaving, pottery, and cross-stitch. Marry that to an entrepreneurial spirit & at 9 years old a girl is selling her wares at craft fairs as far as her parents and grandparents would drive her. These days, Jennifer enjoys crafts of all genres from sewing to scrapbooking to jewelry with a little dabbling in the mixed media world. Her style is approachable and she wants everyone who sees her work to feel that they too can embrace creativity and make their home and life beautiful.

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120 thoughts on “Handmade Holidays Blog Hop 2012!!!

  1. Whata fab house – I think it would also make a nice centre piece for the table at christmas and you could fill it with after dinner mints or something else that is small and a nice surprise.

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 9:47 am
  2. This is so pretty, love how you decorated it! I have piles of cards around the house….I could use a whole village!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 10:29 am
  3. What a great project!! This is fabulous!!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 11:47 am
  4. Oh my Gosh! This is so adorable!! And so detailed! I would love to see you work on a gingerbread house! lol! Great work!! Thanks for sharing!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 12:28 pm
  5. awesome idea!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 12:53 pm
  6. WOW! This is an adorable project! Thank you for sharing.

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 1:07 pm
  7. great off the page project to house cards!!! thanks for sharing
    ava g

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 1:25 pm
  8. Love the little altered house. Great project.

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 2:34 pm
  9. Thanks for the opportunity!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 2:56 pm
  10. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 2:56 pm
  11. Love your little house! So many details and those bottle brush trees are beautiful! Great little hiding place for note cards! Thanks!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 3:02 pm
  12. I think your paper mache house is one of my favorite projects from the hop. I am sure any one who would receive it would love it whether it was filled with cards or goodies. I was thinking it just might be perfect for Christmas recipes.

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 3:33 pm
    1. Thank you so much Pam! Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:10 pm
  13. Love the house ! Great idea to fill it with cards as a gift.

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 3:41 pm
  14. oh my gosh-so cute, and right up my alley!!! Love it!! Thank you for the inspiration- wonderful project :)

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 3:59 pm
  15. what a gorgeous project!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 4:30 pm
    1. Thanks Megan!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:10 pm
  16. Love your project!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 4:49 pm
    1. Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:10 pm
  17. Your projects are so gorgeous Jennifer! I love your adorable little house!!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 5:50 pm
  18. what a great shape for a card box. so unique on a desktop or shelf.

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 6:05 pm
  19. What an adorable little house!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 6:10 pm
    1. Thank you so much :)

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:10 pm
  20. How creative.

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 6:20 pm
  21. The house itself is cool, but the fact that it holds gift cards makes it amazing. :)

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 6:53 pm
    1. Thank you Jessica! Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:10 pm
  22. Adorable!!!!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 7:01 pm
  23. Very nice!!!!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 7:05 pm
  24. lovely idea

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 7:25 pm
  25. sooo adorable…

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 7:31 pm
  26. That house is gorgeous!! And is a box!! that is genius!! LOVE it!!
    I can’t pick a favorite, your house is awesome!! I also liked the altered canvas, the sewing pajamas are super cool!! Can’t pick just one :)
    TFS!! Take Care!!
    Jennie @ http://earthyscrap.blogspot.com/

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 7:36 pm
    1. Thank you so much Jennie :) I love the pajamas too!! Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:11 pm
  27. Beautiful!! Love your creative use of the ornament punch! Clever girl :)

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 7:50 pm
    1. Thanks Sabrina!!!!!!!!!!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:11 pm
  28. Oh my gosh that box is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 9:50 pm
    1. Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:11 pm
  29. What a great idea for a gift. This looks fabulous.

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 10:05 pm
  30. This is fabulous!!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 10:21 pm
  31. Cuuute card holder!! LOVE the tree in the spool!!

    Posted on November 16, 2012 at 10:27 pm
  32. I absolutley Love this little house! i have a box similar to this and i just might try my hand at making one similar to this tonite!!! the colors are awesome and i love the use of starbucks sleeves for the stars…i’m so going to start saving those now! LOL! thanks Jen for the inspiration, i am already a fan on fb and ur blog! :)

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 1:01 am
    1. Thanks Katie!! I would love to see your house when you’re done :) If you ask Starbuck’s, they’ll give you extra sleeves to craft with too :) Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:11 pm
  33. I would like one of these to hold my Christmas cards I receive for the holidays. Great gift, thanks for sharing.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 1:06 am
  34. Wow! What a fantastic project. Thanks for sharing.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 1:13 am
  35. Oh my goodness! I love that little house!!
    Thanks for the inspiration and the video!
    Love the HOP!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 1:18 am
    1. Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:12 pm
  36. That’s one cute little house cum box. Thanks for the tutorial.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 2:25 am
  37. Love the way you altered the box, kinda reminds me of those little glitter houses my grandparents had when I was a kid. Thanks for the tut.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 2:33 am
    1. Thank you Lisa :) Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:12 pm
  38. I like the idea of having a card holder. hmmm. very pretty.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 2:38 am
  39. I would be completely tickled to receive a gift as thoughful as this, and agree with you – it would be tough to create and give away.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 2:41 am
  40. LOVE THIS! The chimney stuffed with goodies really caught my eye and I also love how you used the ornament punch…amazing!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 3:29 am
    1. Thanks so much Shellye!!!!!!!! Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:12 pm
  41. I love the container for housing the cards. great idea, love the layering on the house. thank you for sharing and the chance to win.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 3:50 am
  42. I would have to say my favorites are the newest entries of paper mache houses. they are adorable. thank you =)

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 3:52 am
  43. cute way to store cards. I love the muted colors.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 4:06 am
  44. I like the wonder baby book on your blog.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 4:23 am
  45. I love the corrugated drink cover accents! So clever.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 4:33 am
    1. Nice white christmas cottage house.

      Posted on November 17, 2012 at 6:04 am
  46. Great idea. Can make a new one every year and have a village and you can store that years cards received in the box.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 4:45 am
  47. This is the best prize ever. Please please please, can I get the Clearsnap goodies. I am loving the Rollagraph… anyway, Jennifer I don’t blame you one bit for wanting to keep this sweet house. Love the lid, it looks amazing.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 5:54 am
    1. Thanks Beatrice!!!! We use a widget to choose the winners so I have no hand in it :) Good luck!!!! You can keep entering for another week :) Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:13 pm
  48. Your altered box is wonderful and a great way to incorporate a little storage (I’m thinking Christmas cards that have been received) into home decor. Thanks for sharing the tutorial and this project with us.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 6:01 am
  49. This is really a super idea. Love your project.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 6:06 am
  50. What a fabulous and clever gift box whether it’s for cards or cookies. Love it. I think this is my favorite so far – Great tutorial and dirctions. Great job!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 6:17 am
    1. Thanks Crafty Aunt Dee!!!! I love the idea of putting cookies inside… Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:13 pm
  51. Very pretty! Thanks for great ideas :)

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 6:17 am
  52. Beautiful–Decorative–Functional–who could ask for anything more!! I Love little houses!! Head spinning with more inspiration–Thank You and Merry Christmas!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 6:53 am
    1. Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:13 pm
  53. What a very cute idea. The tutorial was great. This is going to take forever to Blog Hop and adding to Pintrest. Thanks, Lanna

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 7:03 am
  54. Love this little house that doubles as a card box!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 7:32 am
  55. What an adorable card box!!!
    This would be treasured by the recipient long after the cards have all been used :)

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 11:52 am
  56. Very clever. Love the muted colors. Thanks for a chance to win a great giveaway.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 12:26 pm
  57. your house is beautiful! Love the colors!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 2:33 pm
  58. Какой милый домик !!!
    Я ещё ни разу не сталкивалась с продукцией этого производителя :)
    Россия большая страна , но так мало возможностей :)
    Чаще приходится самой все делать с самого начала …
    Приятно конечно , когда можно только украсить уже готовый домик ! А они великолепны !!!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 4:51 pm
    1. Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:14 pm
  59. What a fabulous house. I would be tickled pink to receive a gift like this. Whoever you give this to is very lucky.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 4:57 pm
    1. I actually have it up for sale in my shop at Crafted at the Port of LA :) Thanks for stopping by and hopping with us!

      Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:14 pm
  60. Thanks for sharing!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 6:10 pm
  61. ,,, an alteration always grabs my attention,… this is wonderful..
    great project…

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 7:15 pm
  62. Posted on November 17, 2012 at 7:55 pm
  63. super cute project!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 8:00 pm
  64. I really like the house. this is the 1st time I’ve seen your blog. Like what I see Thanks for sharing.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 9:51 pm
  65. So Pretty – thanks for sharing~

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 10:31 pm
  66. That is one beautiful house. Great way to recycle those drink sleeves.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 10:51 pm
  67. Amazing artistry! Very creative and great ideas!!

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 11:13 pm
  68. Wonderful card box so pretty. Thanks for sharing.

    Posted on November 17, 2012 at 11:31 pm
  69. Wow, what a gorgeous card box!! I love all the embellishments you used!! This is fabulous!! Thanks so much for the inspiration :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid’s Crafts

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 12:33 am
  70. I just adore wee houses. Great job!

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 12:37 am
  71. Very cute project! By the way, Vivian Keh is not on the original list for Nov 16. When I clicked on your link, it takes me to a Phishing site warning. Maybe check the link.

    Fiskateer Jean#8889 AKA giveawayjean

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 2:51 am
  72. Gorgeous house!

    Jen

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 3:42 am
  73. I just found your blog with this hop so I must say your clever altered card box is my fav!! Love the way you made the shingles and I love the spool you used for the tree holder!

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 3:52 am
  74. I love the various shades of green combined with the corrugated stars and trim-this is gorgeous and unique.Definitely going to subscribe to your YOuTube channel so I can learn more.

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 5:44 am
  75. What a beautiful and decorative card box!Thanks for the video and tutorial!

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 6:32 am
  76. What a wonderful box, this is super!

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 6:47 am
  77. This is such a cute idea. I really like the way you did the shingles.

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 7:17 am
  78. beautiful house thanks for the chance to win!

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 3:38 pm
  79. I love the 2-in-1 idea. The house is so cute!!!!

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 5:56 pm
  80. This is beautiful! I love the colors, and all of the stars on the chimney are my favorite part!

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 6:38 pm
  81. Cute! This is such a fantastic idea and so very elegant looking :)

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 7:03 pm
  82. Classic colors, it would work well with any decor–beautiful!

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 9:51 pm
  83. Too lovely for words!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:45 pm
  84. What an amazing little house! A very cute gift idea! TFS!

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 12:19 am
  85. What a super project!! Tons of work but what a showpiece!! Thanks for sharing your fabulous ideas!

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 12:59 am
  86. i adore your project and all the texturzzzzz – such imaginative use of that punch! i was really really really lucky to be next to you in the blog list. thanks so much for going to so much trouble so that I didn’t get skipped over. i just had a chance today to go through the first day of blogs and am so impressed by all the talent. will make my way through all of them in the next few days.

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 1:29 am
  87. Beautiful project! Thanks for the inspiring ideas!

    Carol B
    ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 2:13 am
  88. Beautiful house

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:07 am
  89. Such a cute little house. Thank you for sharing.

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 5:10 am
  90. Love the house, such a great idea.

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 6:56 am
  91. The details in your little house are absolutely unbelievable! Can’t say enough about how pretty it is… and such a bonus that it opens up! I’m already a You Tube subscriber :) Happy Holidays to you!

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:24 pm
  92. What a sweet little house box Jennifer! I love the “architectural details” :) That ornament stamp you used for your shingles is making its way to the top of my wish list – I have seen it used in so many ways during this hop! Thanks for the fun inspiration!

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 7:21 pm
  93. This would make such a great gift for my dear Aaunt who is in a nursing home. This would fit on her bedside table and after she gives the cards enclosed in the box her friends and fellow nursing home buddies it could be used to hold the cards she receives. Thank you for sharing this great project.
    Jackie Tuttle

    Posted on November 19, 2012 at 9:26 pm
  94. Great idea to keep cards in. TFS

    Posted on November 20, 2012 at 4:36 am
  95. I spent so much time looking at your house and watching the video. I love this house.

    Posted on November 20, 2012 at 6:51 am
  96. Lovely house, well done! Hugs, Susie.

    Posted on November 21, 2012 at 6:38 am
  97. This is very pretty. Thank you for sharing the video and pictures.

    Posted on November 21, 2012 at 8:36 pm
  98. Wooooow ~ so many little details! I love the punch use for the shingles and the stars from the drink wrapper! The spool is the perfect planter for the tree! Love all the unique techniques too! What a wonderful project!

    Posted on November 22, 2012 at 1:30 pm
  99. what a nice idea to keep cards

    Posted on November 22, 2012 at 5:18 pm
  100. this is amazing love the details you are so methodical makes a fantastic gift thanks for the video loved it,loved the ornaments for the shingles on the roof
    upnurse at aol dot com

    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 2:22 am
  101. What an ideal place to store Christmas cards! It’s just adorable!

    Posted on November 25, 2012 at 3:06 am
  102. This house is absolutely amazing!!!!

    Posted on November 26, 2012 at 7:30 pm