Hello, Everyone!
Thanks for your kind comments while I have been working in the studio. I've had quite a few things to get completed for some friends in between working on the new box.
The new box, which I have named Ten Things I Love About You took quite a while to do. It was one of those projects that when you do something to it, it called for something else. I just had to find a stopping point! Hahaha!
When I started the box, I was thinking of a project I wanted to give to my Valentine. (Yes, people do love me contrary to popular belief! LOL!) A Valentine where I could write different reasons why I love you. So, without going overboard, I decided on 10 things! There could have been a million, but 10 really good things for me was the winning ticket!
I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out and I hope you will be too! So are you ready?..........
I crafted a heart box that when opened, reveals 10 pockets for 10 tags that describe 10 things I love about you!
Using my water technique, I molded the round pieces for the top of the heart and let dry. I then traced around the pieces and made a pattern for the heart. Using the pattern, I traced around it on chipboard for the front and back. Using binding strips I put the heart together.
I used Graphic 45's incredible, incredible paper throughout the box. Probably from about four different collections. The zebra paper is from the new Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue. To make the chain assembly shown above, I used grunge paper. I punched holes and added eyelets then added three strands of chain to be the closure. I also used the grunge paper for the straps on the top and laced them together. This corset laced area was perfect for a little tag.
The tag was made by appling Vintage Ink and Black Soot Distress Ink to the Manilla tag. I then stamped the cherub with Archival Ink Jet Black. Added a few charms and some black cord...done.
I embellished the top with some of my Monster Flowers, Tim Holtz Keys and a charm I found at Michaels.
The picture below shows the chain closure.
Now for the inside...
When the box is opened there is an accordion of pockets holding the 10 tags.
The 10 Things Tags....
And there you have it...
10 Things I Love About You Heart Box!
I have a turorial coming up tomorrow on a Valentines gift you can give a man. Dont miss it!
Thanks for looking!
Jim
The Gentleman Crafter
Fabulous Jim. Your boxes are so creative and the monster flowers really beautiful. Love it...
Posted by: JudithC | 02/04/2012 at 10:45 PM
Another wonderful project, Jim!!! I love the accordion of pockets--very creative! I am simply amazed at how you constructed the heart box! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Gail E | 02/04/2012 at 11:24 PM
Stunned, speechless!!! So cool!
The chain assembly is marvellous, and the idea of "TEN things i love" is great.
Really looking forward to your next project.
Posted by: Angelica | 02/05/2012 at 01:17 AM
Absolutely stunning! All that detail & craftmanship. Your recipient is going to be overjoyed with such a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift. Oh to have an ounce of your patience & talent. Px
Posted by: Paul | 02/05/2012 at 03:03 AM
Great Job!!! I'm looking forward to your post on gifts for men for Valentine's day as well!!!
Posted by: Kerri-Jo Sharp | 02/05/2012 at 03:32 AM
Double wow. Take my hat off to you mr Gentleman
Posted by: Pink Elf | 02/05/2012 at 03:56 AM
absolutely stunning! a work of art and love! x
Posted by: tony robson | 02/05/2012 at 04:42 AM
Gorgeous! I am in awe of your talent!
Posted by: Pam P. | 02/05/2012 at 06:34 AM
This is just awesome, as are all your projects. I admire your talent! Keep it up! I love to look at all your artwork.
Posted by: KIMSIM | 02/05/2012 at 06:43 AM
wow I am blown away it is awesome Sir Jim
Posted by: Margaret Ann Moffat | 02/05/2012 at 09:20 AM
This is so so AWESOME...Just LOVE it...Di
Posted by: Di | 02/05/2012 at 09:28 AM
I am in awe. Your talent is true genius! To be able to have an idea like this and have the skills to execute it at this level of quality - you are amazing!!
Posted by: Nancy Knight | 02/05/2012 at 09:43 AM
Ingenious!!!
Posted by: Sarah | 02/05/2012 at 09:50 AM
I'm totally in awe!!! This is gorgeous and so creative. You never cease to amaze me!! I know your loved one will love it!!!
I'm glad to see it finally posted...been checking and checking...must have gone to bed last night just before you posted.
Posted by: Barbara Albrecht | 02/05/2012 at 10:12 AM
Thanks Lady Margaret! Youre the best!!
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/05/2012 at 10:48 AM
As Alaways, THANK YOU DeeMac! Love ya!
Jim
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/05/2012 at 10:49 AM
Nancy,
You and I have crafted so many things together! Spent hours and hours on the phone talking about our projects! You have endured my house at Christmas, which is an incredible challenge! I have been privileged to be in your studio many times-inspiring to say the least! I am honored to call you friend Nancy! Thank you for kind words, friendship and support all these years!
Your Valentine,
Jim
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/05/2012 at 10:59 AM
WOW!! Thanks so much Sarah!
Jim
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/05/2012 at 11:00 AM
You are one talented guy! I have been checking out your blog for months and continue to be blown away. I believe you could give Tim a run for his money!
Posted by: Nanette | 02/05/2012 at 11:09 AM
Where do I start? First off, welcome back, as you can tell we missed you! Next you need to change your blog title to the Box Creator. I love the interactive workings of this one. I can only imagine how many pages the pdf is going to be, if you ever decide to do one, I wouldn't :). Finally, hmmmmm are we seeing the secret wild side of Sir Jim? Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: LoriC | 02/05/2012 at 11:33 AM
Nanette,
What a compliment Thanks!! However, Tims the man! What an incredible and brilliant mind he has! Not to mention the talent and magic he brings to everything he touches! I can only aspire to be even half as good!
Thanks Again!
Jim
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/05/2012 at 12:18 PM
Thanks Lori!
It was a fun project! I dont think I have stared at an empty heart box for so long wondering what in tarnation I could do to it! Between my gazing and satellite Internet problems(that wont be fixed until the 11th!...Dont move to a rural area unless you really love it!) there was a hitch in the posting! HAHAHA!
Yes, if there was a pdf for this it would be voluminous to say the least! I did take all the pictures and made all the notes though! So maybe by next Valentines Day! :) Todays project is less intense so hope to have it up later. Ive been playing the timer game today! Set the timer, work on cleaning the house, set the timer, work on the project, set the timer, fold the clothes, set the timer, work on the project! See how that works? LOL! Obviously, the timer went off ten minutes ago and Im still here on the computer! Better get running!
Thanks Again Lori!
Jim
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/05/2012 at 12:34 PM
this is wonderful
Posted by: Denice Metz | 02/05/2012 at 01:28 PM
OMG, this is such a unique box. "Lucky" is the person who scores this for Valentines. Thanks for inspiring us with your creativity.
Posted by: KK | 02/05/2012 at 01:41 PM
Thanks Denice! Appreciate your comment! :)
Jim
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/05/2012 at 02:05 PM
KK,
Thanks your kind words!
Jim
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/05/2012 at 02:09 PM
This is so unique and inovative!! I absolutely love it. Thank you for the inspiration.
Posted by: Glynis | 02/05/2012 at 03:27 PM
You just blow me away, Mr. Hankins...indeed, you do!!! Perfecto!!!
Posted by: Geri Luna Wilson | 02/05/2012 at 03:39 PM
Absolutely gorgeous. Please consider an email notice of postings. I don't want to miss a thing.
Posted by: Wende | 02/05/2012 at 05:26 PM
WOW!!! Awesome heart box! Can't wait for the tutorial!
Posted by: Lori | 02/05/2012 at 06:57 PM
OMG! How do you come up with these ideas?! This is the most fabulous box ever! Hey, have you met a gentleman by the name of Tim Holtz....your creative genius is next to his hands down! Bravo Mr G..man Crafter bravo!!
Posted by: Nan G | 02/05/2012 at 08:34 PM
Thanks so much Nan!
Jim
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/05/2012 at 08:59 PM
Wow Jim, very nice! You have such a good eye for color combos that are very pleasing to look at. Your projects are so yummy looking. TFS.
Posted by: maggie | 02/06/2012 at 08:27 AM
Wow!! Love the box, was not expecting it to open up like that. Stunning. When are you going to start your own ustream show ( oh yes, boonies, internet, ect.. never mind. ) Keep up the great work and Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Wendy H | 02/06/2012 at 10:37 AM
no surprise how great this valentine box is .it was created by the ever so gifted Jim. It is fantastic!!!!!Thanks for sharing. Bobbie
Posted by: bobbie | 02/06/2012 at 05:21 PM
OMG...You are amazing :) Thanks for showing us your creations.
Posted by: Debbie T | 02/06/2012 at 08:51 PM
So beautiful Jim, you are so creative. Watch out Tim Holtz!
Posted by: linda williamson | 02/07/2012 at 07:18 AM
Bobbie! How are you? I miss seeing your happy sweet face at Michaels! Thanks for your ever so kind words! Bless you my friend!
Jim
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/07/2012 at 11:24 PM
awesome work jim! i tip my hat to you and thank you for sharing your creativity with the world. love your style man... -tim
Posted by: tim holtz | 02/12/2012 at 10:10 AM
Thanks Tim! You rock!
Jim
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 02/12/2012 at 10:33 PM
You are so incredibly talented! Honestly, I am speechless. You are going on my blogroll - stat!!
Oh, I just noticed Tim posted above me! Guess I'm not alone in my admiration. ;-)
Posted by: Shelly Hickox | 02/15/2012 at 12:55 PM
WOW! I can't begin to express my awe at this project. I just don't know how you do it. Gorgeous! Keep up the great work. I love visiting your blog.
Posted by: heidig | 02/17/2012 at 12:53 PM
Thanks for the such a awesome pics !!!!!
I am loving it!!!!
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