Decorating Paper Mache Boxes

Paper mache boxes can be one of the best solutions for storage and packaging gift items. These are inexpensive and lightweight, making it easier to carry them. What's more, these boxes are in high demand and hence, you can find a huge variety in these. Such boxes are available easily and that too in various shapes and sizes. You can find the boxes in beautiful shapes that can make perfect gift packaging boxes. Moreover, you can personalize them in your way and turn the dull and plain piece into an attractive one with your art and craft skills. Decorating these boxes is a favorite pass time of many, and also a small business opportunity for those who decorate and sell these.

Painted Boxes

Here's the simplest way of decorating paper mache boxes. You will agree that painting these boxes is the best way to jazz them up in lesser time. All you require is a set of acrylic colors and a clear varnish. Start by painting the outer side of box and lid with a base coat of light color. You can use colors like rose pink, lavender or creme for the same. Now take darker shades and beautify the box with your artistic strokes. Paint abstract or floral designs or simply add multi-colored or single colored slanting stripes. You can also make a checker pattern, or opt for lovely polka dots. Using metallic acrylic colors is a great idea to give it an even more decorative and pricey look.

Decoupage Postal Stamp

There are numerous decoupage ideas which you can consider opting for, apart from the one mentioned here. For this simple project you need your collection of stamps. You can get a few more stamps from postal letters. Now cut each stamp perfectly following its border using a craft knife. This will give a nice finish to the stamp decoupage. Now apply a coat of PVA glue on the outer side of the lid of paper mache box. Take water in a bowl and a pair of tweezers as well. Lift a stamp using the tweezers, dip it in water and immediately place it on the glue coated lid. Smooth it in place with a brush. Now take the next stamp and follow the same procedure. Slightly overlap the stamps. Once the outer side of lid is done, work on the box in similar way. Once dried, apply a coat of clear varnish or PVA glue to give a finishing touch to this artwork. You can choose to paint the box plain and have a decorative decoupage lid.

Grace with Fancy Fabric

You can opt for this idea when you have to work on a number of pieces, as the procedure is much simple and helps you create extremely wonderful looking boxes. You can use fancy cotton, raw silk or cotton silk fabrics for this project. Take a nice decorative piece of fabric, either plain or printed. You can use one with polka dots or other all over prints. If you take a plain fabric, buy separate golden border or lace to further play up the box. Size of cloth will depend upon dimensions of box. Remember that you need to nicely wrap the fabric on the box and its lid. Sides, base and at least 1-2 inches from inside must be covered with the fabric. Best to cover the lid from outside as well as inside using fabric. You can use craft glue and staples to secure the fabric to the box. Attractive lace borders can beautify the lids. Tie a satin or metallic ribbon bow on the box lid to give it a perfect finishing touch.

You can find various types in unfinished boxes to make them ready to gift, or use for storing your items. Yes, these make extremely decorative boxes to place in lightweight items. These will also work as nice decor pieces on your side tables and shelves. You can use accessories like sequins, beads, crepe paper, laces, ribbons, glitter powder, to decorate these boxes. Dual-colored boxes made by using contrast colors for base and lid look extremely beautiful. Explore various decorative items and get started with your box decorating project.