Store your Stamps in Style featuring Communique

Hello, G45ers!

  Today we have Brand Ambassador Sandy Trefger here with her Communique – Deluxe Collector’s Edition travel case. This impressive case was constructed from scratch with chipboard that Sandy has cut and measured. We love how she has layered contrasting patterns and the professional finishing, including the strap closure mechanism.
 

Communique Travel Case

By Sandy Trefger
 

“I love boxes and love to create my own or alter saved boxes into new projects.  For this Communique Travel Case, I assembled two boxes from chipboard–one for the bottom and one for the lid.  I patterned them with the gorgeous Graphic 45 Communique paper collection then added paper hinges on the back and paper straps.  The buckle closures are small parachute buckles that you can find in most craft or sewing departments.  The handle is also made from paper and attached with glue and brads.  

To make my box or travel case more realistic, I added a tray to the inside which is simply a smaller box, in both length and height.  It is also created from chipboard and wrapped with the patterned papers from the collection.  The dividers are wrapped and can be glued in at any place in the tray to accommodate different travel items or collectibles.  The secret in making a tray sit properly into a travel case?  You need supports.  I made mine out of chipboard and wrapped them with patterned paper and glued them to the inside of the bottom section on all four sides.

Tip#1:  It’s easy to create any size box or case out of chipboard.  Put your idea or design down on paper and use your ruler to carefully measure each section to make sure it all fits together.  Sometimes I have to do a test or prototype project to tweak it and make it work the way I envision.  Always take good notes in a notebook so you can re-create the second one and make it even better than the first.

 

Tip #2:  Gather florals and ribbons or twine from your stash to compliment the colors of your paper collection.  Metallic twines with satin ribbons work very well together.  Once you have your floral & ribbon arrangements attached, add in cut-outs such as the stamps, metal sprockets, gears, or other found embellishments like the rhinestone flower button and initial charm I added to my travel case.

Graphic 45 Supplies:

• Communique – Deluxe Collector’s Edition

Other Supplies:

• Cardboard Boxes OR Chipboard
• Cardstock, Black & Kraft
• White Glue, Glossy Accents
• Small Parachute Buckles
• Petaloo Flowers
• Ribbon, Black
• Gold Metallic Cord
• Assorted Metal Findings – charms, sprockets, gears
• Initial Charm
• Black Brads
• Metal Keyhole
• Black Distress Ink

Fun Facts:

• Pretty decorated boxes or cases like this one make great storage for smaller items.  I plan to use this “travel case” to store my Graphic 45 letter stamps and ink pads.

• I may have shared this before, but a great place to find metal embellishments is the hardware store or a man’s shop/garage.  Most of the gears and sprockets on this project are from my husband’s shop.  He has plenty and doesn’t mind me taking a few.  I do ask first though just to be sure he won’t need them later on.

   

Thank you so much for your love of Graphic 45 and the projects we share with you.  I hope that you will now save boxes for future projects.  Have fun, enjoy the process, and create something beautiful!” Happy Crafting! ~ Sandy Trefger

Communique Pinterest Board

Weekly Blog Contest:

Just leave a comment here on the blog, Facebook, and/or  Instagram to be entered to win!  Up for grabs this week is a Penny’s Paper Doll Family prize package, including one 12×12 design Paper Pad, one 12×12 Patterns & Solids Paper Pad, an 8×8 Paper Pad,1 Chipboard set, 1 set Ephemera Cards, and 1 Die-cut Tag Staples, a $69 value.  The winner will be announced on the blog, Friday, November 3rd, 2017.

Thanks for joining for this fun travel case by Sandy. With her tips, you will be on your way to making your own custom boxes in all shapes and sizes, and when you combine those with Graphic 45 paper, you have a constantly renewable idea for beautiful decorations and gifts. We are so glad to have Communique back after a long absence, along with all our other Deluxe Collector's Edition releases. We would love to hear about what collections you want to see brought back next in the comments below, and remember today is the last day to comment here and/or on Facebook to enter to win this week's blog prize. We will see you back here tomorrow to announce the winner and share more G45 creations. 

Happy Papercrafting!