A glass box is a great gift to mark a special occasion. I make them for sweet 16 birthdays, weddings, bat mitzvahs, anniversaries and also for other events such as graduation. Here’s one I made this summer for a graduation gift that doesn’t scream “graduation”. They can even swap out the charm with the date if they like for something else. I love the clear textured glass as it gives it a sophisticated look and will fit in with any decor.
These are some of my little stained glass boxes. I make them with different tops – some I call “jewel top”, some “shell top” and others have pressed flowers or cast or stamped charms . They are 2″ x 3″ and are a great size for a hostess gift or birthday present. Most people tell me they use them as a ring box on their dresser or bathroom vanity.
Here’s a few of the stained glass boxes that I’ve made for Bat Mitzvah invitations. They are fun to make, each one comes out different, which keeps me interested as an artist.
They take me about 4-5 hours to do, and that’s not including going to the fabric store for the fabric to make the padded inserts! I also include seashells, crystals, semi-precious stones, beads – whatever looks good!
We closed our pool yesterday, just in time for the drizzle to start. Feeling cold, I went inside for the first hot cocoa of the year. I used my new mugs that I just bought at the Big E from Bear Hills Pottery in Newtown, CT. I like to make my own mix; usually I put in the extra dark cocoa but alas, none was found in the cupboard. I had to make do with regular cocoa powder. Here’s how I do it:
Anna’s Hot Chocolate Mix
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I prefer Hershey’s dark)
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup powdered milk (nonfat)
1 tsp. powdered vanilla (yes, there IS such a thing!)
pinch salt (heightens flavor)
Mix all together and store.
To use: I nuke 1 cup water and add 2 generous tablespoons of mix.
Stir and enjoy!
I usually make boxes for the boys with something other than the invitation on top. I figure most boys are going to grow out of looking at it pretty quickly. Surprisingly a lot of moms tell me that the boys do use their boxes, keeping their watches, nice pens, baseball cards, usb sticks or just plain junk in them. Sometimes I go with a stone agate for the top, other times people are able to tell me what he’s into like sports, music, etc.
What I love about doing these invitation boxes is that each and every one comes out different – I’ve even done three sets of twins in the past, and each of those were customized to the tastes of the individual. That’s what makes it fun as an artist, these are all unique.