My friend Carole from GardenUp Green invited me to participate in a super fun challenge. Nine bloggers purchased the same crate and were assigned the task to style it for the holidays. Thus the holiday crate x10 project began.
I’m always looking for crates and boxes for decorating and gardening, so this challenge could not be more perfect. After much consideration, I decided to make a Partridge in a Pear Tree shadow box with my crate.
Here’s where it all started.
First I went to Home Depot to buy the required 18 in. x 12.5 in. x 9.5 in crate.
Next I wanted to make it look old. So I printed this french graphic from the Graphics Fairy on wax paper and placed it on the box.
On the sides I used a couple of other botanical prints from the public domain, and again using wax paper, transferred them onto the crate. You can find a list of some places to find botanical prints on my Beautiful Botanical Prints article.
Then I purchased some dark brown creme wax from Americana Decor at Hobby Lobby and covered the entire crate, giving it a more muted and worn look.
Finally I set up the shadow box by first placing some brown fabric in the back. I purchased a peacock, leafy stem bunch, bag of pears and a nest from Hobby Lobby. Then I cut off the peacock’s tail and used a little craft paint to make it look more like a partridge. It all come together with some wire, hot glue, a little moss, and shiny a gold bow.
Here it is on my covered front porch, ready to greet everyone who comes by. I just hope we don’t have any crazy wind storms in the near future or it will have to move indoors.
Are you curious how the other bloggers used their crates?
Stop by and check them out!
You’re next!
What will you do with your holiday crate?
About Patti Estep
Patti, I love this and it looks amazing in your front porch. The theme is perfect and as well all know I’m a bird nut so this is right up my alley. Thanks so much for participating I had a blast working with you. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Oh Carole,
Thank you for thinking of me. I had a great time. Wishing you a wonderful and blessed Christmas too.
I love how you added the graphics to the crate, what a lovely look. Your front porch looks amazing! Great Job.
Thanks! I’m amazed at how great everyone’s projects look. Such a fun idea!
This is gorgeous, Patti. The wax-paper transfer is new to me, and I’m going to check into how to do that. So many possibilities!
It’s been a pleasure working with you on this project. I’d love to do it again.
Thanks Karen,
I agree it has been fun and I would love to work with this group again!
Your crate turned out GORGEOUS, Patti! I’ve tried doing a wax paper transfer, but it never worked for me! You will have to share a tutorial!!
Thanks CD! I was going to show more on the transfer but decided it may take too long. All you do is tape wax paper to the a sheet of copy paper and run it through an inkjet printer. Here’s the tricky part. The ink is literally sitting the paper so very carefully flip it over onto your surface and press, maybe dab with your palms or a soft cloth. That’s it!
Oh, Patti… this shadow box is absolutely beautiful! I love how you took the plain crate and not only made it beautiful with the wax transfers, but also decorated the inside of it with the “partridge in a pear tree”. Truly stunning! I’ve enjoyed being in the challenge with you! Have a wonderful holiday season and a blessed Christmas!
Nici
Great minds think alike. At first I was going to go with a planter, as I do love my plants. But then I was talking to my daughter and we started thinking about woodland, and birds, and mistletoe… which ended up Partridge in a Pear Tree shadow box. It’s been a pleasure working with all of your and I certainly which you a blessed Christmas and happy and healthy holiday season.
I like how you transferred the pattern to the sides – it added dimension and character. I’ll have to try it!
Thanks Val. It’s pretty easy. You just need to have a steady hand.
Wow, I never knew a wooden box could be turned into such a piece of art! I love how you used the wax transfers, I’ve been meaning to try that. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Meredith!
I love, love this Patti! You were so very creative and left no part undone in this – even putting the cool transfers on the sides. What a fantastic part of your great porch decor!
Hi Jami,
Thank you so much for you kind words. This has been a great event and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of the crates. So many clever ideas and what a nice group to work with. I hope you have a wonder Christmas season.
So clever! I followed you via the crate link blogs.
Thanks Alys!