Monday Mini Challenge 01

Framed Mini by Teri Hanson

MONDAY MINI CHALLENGE BONUS . . . Here’s the deal . . . if you do one of these bonus projects, from my Blog, you will earn 10 extra points!!!

Going thru all the misc items in my craft room, while attempting to straighten it up, I ran across this pretty small frame I picked up ages ago and decided it would make a great mini project.  Hope it inspires you to create your own version!

Materials . . .

• Small frame (3″ by 3″ opening)
• Medium weight chipboard scraps
• 1/4″ score tape
• mini wallpaper or printed paper for wallpaper
• some type of flooring material

NOTE:  be sure to measure your own frame for box dimensions in case it differs from mine!

Cut from chipboard . . .

• 3-1/4″ square (should fit in the back of your frame just like a photo would
• (4) strips: 1-1/2″ by 3-1/4″  (may need to trim these as we go along)

Remove the backing from the frame.  If the part with the stand is connected to the frame, you will need to cut it off.

Glue one strip to the left side of the 1-1/4″ square with the strip on top of the square. The top and bottom of the strip should be flush with the edges of the square.

Test fit another strip to fit on the inside edges of the left strip and the square, leaving enough room for another strip to be placed on the right side of the square.  Repeat for the bottom strip.

Now glue the right side strip into place.

Test fit your box to the back of the frame and make sure it fits properly.  Make any adjustments if needed.

Cover the backside of the box with paint or paper.

Cover the inside of the box with paper:  cut a square of paper that is 6-1/8″ square.  On the back of the paper, draw lines 1-1/2″ inside each edge of the paper as seen below.

Cut away the bottom section as well as the top two corner squares.

Score and fold the paper on the remaining lines and slip it inside the box for a test fit.  When the fit is correct, use glue or score tape to attach the paper.  Cut paper for the bottom or flooring area and apply with glue or score tape. Paint all the top edges so none of the raw chipboard will show.

Now you can create your mini scene inside the box.  Once you are done, replace the glass in the frame and glue the box onto the back of the frame.

If you want, add an LED light in the top of the box, mounting the battery unit on the back.  I’ve used one that runs on two AAA batteries with an on and off switch.  See my “Supplies” list of links in the sidebar for where to buy these lights.

Once the battery was fixed, I wrapped a wide ribbon around the outside of the box to cover where the wires come out at the top.

TIP:  Add a thin coat of brush on clear gloss varnish to the paper doll.  This will make her stiffer and richer looking.

And here’s my finished project . . .

• Corner cupboard:  kit from Petite Properties
• Plant:  wood bead and plastic leaves off a purchased plant
• Lady: paper doll printed and cut out
• Window:  printed paper scene, glue stick made frame, chipboard for shutters, beads for handles
• Bed: plastic bed purchased from eBay covered with fabric and trim. The little round pillow is actually a round wood bead

Went back and added a few more things to it . . . here’s a look before putting the frame back on.

So grab a little frame and get busy making your own Framed Mini!!

 

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