Pillow Box Shower Favors

Happy Friday, everyone! I finally got around to writing up the tutorial for these sweet pillow box favors that I created for my daughter's bridal shower earlier this month. Since it was in Los Angeles, I tried to come up with something that was portable and would travel well without getting crushed. These were perfect. My favorite part is the gold leafing - I think it adds such a rich look!

My new gold leaf obsession started out with a Better Homes & Gardens email about the latest trends. Apparently, gold/gilding is very hot right now! Drawing on my vast experience in the 90s (I used to gold leaf anything that didn't move) I decided to gild some thrift store vases to use in my daughter's reception table arrangements. She loved my test versions and we ended up doing them for all the tables. So easy!

You can see just a little glimpse of the bottom of one in this photo. Her flowers were absolutely beautiful. Almost all the containers were thrift store finds - pink Depression glass, milk glass, vintage pressed glass, and a variety of cute planters. I found all the silver trays at thrift stores too. It was fun to have an eclectic mix of shapes and sizes.

When I sat down to work on the favors, I spotted the leftover gold leaf and knew I had to incorporate it somewhere. The little touch of gold on the frames gives them an elegant look and is something unexpected.  These pretty pillow boxes go together really quickly and would be appropriate for any feminine occasion.

Begin by cutting desired cardstock using Tim Holtz' Pillow Box die from Sizzix. I didn't find I needed a crease pad, but if your score lines are cutting through, trying using one.

Assemble the box and emboss using one of the Book Covers Texture Fades, centering the flat circle portion in the middle of the box. The score lines will still be visible after embossing.

Next, cut a frame from chipboard using Tim's Tag and Bookplates die. Cover with adhesive size. This glue is made specifically for adhering gold leaf and can be found at any large craft store. Mine came from Michaels. Let dry until tacky.

When the adhesive has dried to a tacky consistency (this usually takes 30 minutes, but was much quicker on the chipboard) apply the gold leaf, burnishing to remove the excess.

Thread a 16" length of baker's twine through the frame and attach to the center of the box using glue dots.

Cut woman's silhouette from black cardstock using Tim Holtz' Mini Silhouettes die. Apply foam square to back and adhere to center of frame.

Fill box with treats, fold in ends and tie as shown. The baker's twine was a Target Dollar Spot find. I picked it up knowing it would come in handy at some point, and I'm so glad I did - I think the gold thread ties everything together (ha!) perfectly.

Most of the supplies I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. When you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you'll save 10%!

Sizzix Pillow Box Sizzix Mini Silhouettes Sizzix Tag & Bookplates Die Sizzix Book Covers Neenah Epic Black Cardstock Foam Sticky Squares Dot 'n Go Glue Dots Vagabond

InLinkz.com

Finally, here's a photo of my beautiful daughter, Olivia, and her new husband, Rickie. They make the most adorable couple! My son, Luke, was a groomsmen and looked so cute in his tux and cream bow tie.

Ok, just one more pic! Even though it's blurry, I just love this photo taken during their exit. I can't wait until I have the professional pictures to share!

Thanks so much for stopping by - have a wonderful weekend!