Craftberry Bush

The little blue box…a Valentine’s gift

tutorial

Hello everyone, I hope you had a great Monday.  This morning when the alarm went off, I made the executive decision to stay in bed and not wake the rest of the house.  Have you ever had one of those ‘irresponsible parent’ moments, when you keep the kiddies home from school, just because?

I have always wanted to home school our kids and I have dreams of traveling the world with them, teaching our kids life lessons through experiencing the world and all its diversity….

My husband and I have a common goal in raising our kids and that’s to provide them with not only quality time but, quantity time and fortunately we have been able to do both.  So today we walked around in our pj’s all day long, we ‘clayed’ a little, read a little and then I took them out to a restaurant where kids eat free on Mondays.  Don’t you love those? Unfortunately hubby had to stay home with his Dad but it’ll be his turn next time.

In preparation for Valentine’s day, Isabella and I have started working on cute little gifts for her friends.


To make the beads, simply follow the instructions pictured above.  Allow clay to air dry (approximately 24hrs) and pierce with a toothpick or thread with a needle.

note: this method of piercing after the clay is dry only works with this type of ‘puffy’ clay as it dries to resemble foam.  If you are using a hard curing clay such as porcelain or polymer, pierce the holes prior to it drying.

I used a molding clay AMACO had graciously provided called Cloud Clay and I can honestly say it is probably the best ‘puffy’ clay I have ever used (I am not being compensated to write this, it’s just my honest opinion).


I painted my version of a Tiffany box – from a wooden box bought at the DS – using 10 parts of Oyster Pearl to 1 part of Sea Breeze by DecoArt.  The Oyster pearl has a beautiful shimmery finish. 

Isabella wanted me to photograph her working on her school project.  I am bias to her artistic talent but believe she is an incredible sculptor for a (just turned) 8 year old.
Tip: The clay can be tinted by simply marking it with regular markers and kneading the colour into the clay or it can be tinted with paint.
Who wouldn’t want to receive a little blue box like this? 



If you visit my FB page then you might have seen a little peek at what I have been working on. Do you prefer the sneak peeks or to be surprised?  Either way, I hope to see you again very soon. Thank you so much for all you do for me…:)


much love,
Lucy 

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Comments

  1. Wow, she is really an artist, just like Mama!

    I’m a homeschooler and I say go for it! There is so much to be learned in everyday life that kids in school can miss.

    Reply

  2. I second Jenny, we home school our daughter, this is our 4 year and we love it. And we do travel. And we learn and it’s the best decision we ever made. And, you can always re-enroll them back in school if it’s not for your family! Go check out a home school conference if you are nervous. There is so much curriculum, I know you would find one that will work for your family.

    Reply

  3. Shh. I keep Moose home often…just because. I want to homeschool as well, but my husband and I revisit the possibility each school year. I don’t want their education to be thought of as just in school. What we learn from home is far more important. But he’s only 4, and in school a mere 2.5 hours a day, so I’m okay with the setup. For now.

    I wish my oldest would craft. But it is not his way. He throws the crayon. But the 2 year old is covered in paint all day now. It’s good that I am not a particular housekeeper.

    How wonderful your Isabella loves to work in clay. She’s quite talented…

    Reply

  4. Hello
    I love the post and I especially love your daughters creation. She is very talented and the way the turtle is shaped looks very professional!She is obviously blessed with her mother’s genes, mind you your husband’s calligraphy on the pillow was very creative! Take care and know we continue to pray for you all
    Sue

    Reply

  5. Lu this is just precious!!!!! And your Isabella is ABSOLUTELY an artist…wow, wow, wow! Sorry I have not commented in awhile…or returned emails. Took a long break! 🙂 I have missed you my friend.

    Reply

  7. Ahhh..yes…I was one of THOSE Moms…would keep my kids home for the day so we could go off on some adventure. It was sooo much fun and, in hindsight, I should have done it more often!

    Love your little blue box. It is just perfect for the little bead necklace.

    Your daughter is going to be as talented as you are! She is already doing a beautiful job of sculpting!! 8 years old? Wow!

    I hope you have a wonderful week….did you get dressed TODAY?;>) xo Diana

    Reply

  10. This is so sweet! Love the Tiffany blue too. I’m in my 17th year of homeschooling, (I have 6 kiddos, 3 are grown now). I wouldn’t trade the time spent with them for anything. Lots of work, but so many benefits!!
    Blessings,
    Marcia

    Reply

  11. I like the surprise! Love the Tiffany-blue box. The smaller the box, the better the gift (in Tiffany’s case anyway). Love it that you made your own baubles!!!!

    Reply

  17. Would love to get “The little blue box”. Better than the other nameless blue box starts with a “T” cause it’s made with love…….priceless!

    Reply

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