Mini Cardboard Box hot glue makeover

In addition to craft projects, I do LOVE a good makeover. And makeovers don’t have to be huge projects! They come in all shapes and sizes. Like this mini cardboard box for instance. Pretty plain right? Not for long! Hot glue and some moulds to the rescue! This is fun project that can be completely adjusted to your taste! There are so many moulds to choose from – you’re bound to find one you like.

Here’s what I used:

what I used for my makeover

A simple small cardboard box – I got this one from The Range
Mineral Fusion Seaside chalk paint (this is the tester pot size) I still had this left over but you can use your own favourite acrylic paint too.
Hot glue
Moulds from Re-designed with Prima. I used this one for the flower and this one for the sides.
Warm gold gilding wax. I used this one, but check out Amazon for alternatives
Cardstock of your choice – I used an old paper pad (Vintage by Sara Davies signature collection). I can no longer see it on line, but how gorgeous is this one?
Mod Podge

how to decorate your cardboard box

I made this project on a Facebook Live and so I have taken some screen shots of the project. Just to give you an idea of the different steps. You can find the whole video right here if you want to craft along.

I had already painted the inside of the top of the box and the sides of the inside of the box.

Next, I cut a strip of cardstock to size. I used Mod Podge on one side, secured the paper into place and folded the remainder of the strip around the box, following the same process (use Mod Podge, press paper into place). It needed a small piece of cardstock to fill in one of the sides as the strip was not quite long enough. Try to get the size as close as possible to avoid any gaps.

Once I had covered the box with paper, I dried it with the hairdryer and gave it another coat of Mod Podge over the top of the paper. Set aside to dry (or use the hair dryer to give a helping hand)

working on the lid

I went back to the lid and covered the whole of the lid with the paint (sides and top). Dry this (either leave to dry, or use a hairdryer to set the paint).

While it was drying off I took the mould with the strips and filled the design I was going to use with hot glue.

When it comes to using the moulds, the ones with larger detail work best as they are the easier ones to fill. Ones with small detail are a bit tricky to negotiate and get the glue into. It takes a bit of practice, but it’s so worth the effort!

Now, I had already made 4 of these strips prior to the Live as it takes a bit of time for the glue to set.

TIP: – I would recommend making a few hot glue designs here and there when you have a chance. That way, when you want to craft, you have some on standby without having to spend too much time hanging around for the glue to set.

When the paint on your lid is dry, take your glue strips and cut to size. Hot glue them straight onto the side of the lid and leave to set.

I also made one of the flowers from the other mould with hot glue and glued this on to the top of the box. Leave to set and use your paint to paint over the top of the hot glue embellishments until you are happy that all glue has been covered.

Leave to dry and take your gilding wax to highlight your design. I used my fingers to do this, but off the Live finished this off with a dry brushing technique (wipe off any excess on a tissue and only leave a small amount on the brush) and build up the colour gradually.

Finally, finish off the bottom of the box by cutting some cardstock to size and Mod Podging this to the bottom. Give an additional coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal and leave to dry.