Chalkboard Gift Boxes...

I love all the different scrapbook papers BUT I'm not into scrap-booking...

I have finally found a new use for the paper AND my trusty chalkboard  spray paint~

The chalkboard part actually came to me in a dream.

 I found this pumpkin scrap-booking paper.

(Tim Coffey "Fall Pumpkins" Code: 30-159815)

 Love it...

Here's how to make them:

Find the perfect gift box-These are a wood composite.

But you can use inexpensive

Paper Mache boxes too.

(I already applied the chalkboard paint to the one above.)

Spray chalkboard paint to the top of the box-I applied 3 coats letting it dry in between each coat.

I made a template of the box (top and bottom) using parchment paper.

Using the parchment paper template cut out the design. 

(Sorry this picture is fuzzy-I had to take it myself while holding the Xacto knife in one had and the camera in the other.)

Mod Podge is the key... Don't use a glue stick or tacky glue. Just use a foam brush and Mod podge the box then put the paper on. This makes it to where you can slide the paper around easily on the box to adjust it perfect. Plus it keeps all the air bubbles at bay.  After applying the paper with Mod Podge put another coat on top of the paper to seal it.

Here are some more that I made:

 So many different Christmas papers!
(BoBunny "Noel Postcards" Item # 12NP785)

 Accessorize the top and write what you want on it.
As you can tell I wrote mine free hand-You could use a stencil.
I used a damp Q-tip to clean up the chalk edges.

 A great box for a special baby gift.
(Top: be inspired "Brooke Argyle" Item # 27080
Bottom: Simply Fabulous "Brooke Paisley" Item # 27181)

Don't forget to add some chalk to the top so they can re-use this gift box. 

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I had so much fun making these~I already decided to make up some really big Paper Mache boxes for under the Christmas tree. I will add chalkboard paint to the top of some and to the sides of others.

Remember, many stores have 40-50%off coupons~You can get some really great deals on Paper Mache boxes that way!