Decorate a Photo Box - Mixed Media Style

Hello there, it's Renee from @thediyday for my first post as a StencilGirl Creative Team member, here to share how I add some fun to my photo boxes.  Although I don't print and store photos as often as I once did, I found other uses for them.  They make for excellent storage for other items including markers, greeting cards, phone chargers, tea light candles, etc.

They come in all sorts of colors and patterns and they are budget-friendly too!  I prefer the plain white boxes as it gives me a chance to be creative and decorate them with my own designs, it makes for an excellent canvas.

For this photo box I used an assortment of supplies:  StencilGirl® Stencils, acrylic paints, water mister, plastic wrap, pages from an old book, matte medium, gesso, 3D matte gel, and an ink pad.

To start, I added gesso to the top of the photo box lid.  Not only does gesso provide a slight texture, it also helps paint stick and not chip off.  Once dried, I applied a few torn pieces of book paper to the top and used matte medium as an adhesive.

Then I applied 3 colors of blue acrylic starting with the lightest color.  With each layer, I lightly misted water right on top to help spread and thin the paint.

Next, I used the Mini Triangles Stencil (S061) and applied the design with a make-up sponge and pink waterproof ink.  Then I splotched the box with pink acrylic and plastic wrap.  Plastic wrap makes for a fun unique design (it adds a bit of texture too).

Mini Triangles 6 Stencil by Andrew Borloz

The next stencil I used was the Fade Horizontal Stencil (L027).  With my stencil brush, I randomly added circles to the box.  

Fade Horizontal Stencil by Michelle Ward

Last, I used several parts from the Mathman Stencil (L641) to complete this project.  To give some of the design on the box a bit of a raised look, I mixed 3D matte gel with green acrylic and applied a thin layer right on top of the stencil.  

Math Man Stencil by Cat Kerr 

Now for the hard part.  I patiently waited 3 hours before running my hand on top of the box.  I'm a texture person so the touch and feel is my favorite part!  

Thank you so much for following along today.  If you give this project a try, be sure to tag @stencilgirl_products and @thediyday so we can see your amazing work.     

Renee Day