Simply Pretty Stuff by Lynne Suprock

How To Preserve Wedding Memories On A Vintage Jewelry Box Using

 Amazing Casting Resin 

Two generations ago she blushed and said "I Do" to the man of her dreams.  Barely a woman herself, she became a most loved and cherished mother, having 4 children, each the apple of her eye. This was my gramma Rose.

I loved hearing the stories about my Rose's life.  Her determination, love of family, savvy, and in later years, her strength and constitution, utterly amazed me.  Yes, I love the stories because I was such a little girl when she died.  I never really knew her, so I cherish and preserve what I do know and have learned about her.

Fast forward to this vintage picture.  It is Rose's wedding day.  I decided to incorporate it into my ACP project.  Every time I put a piece of jewelry in, or take one out, I will see her picture and it will make me smile.

Here are the steps for making the picture:
1.  Select a favorite vintage picture and size or crop to fit niche in wood.
2.  Make a laser printer, toner, transparency
3.  Decorative trim cut, if desired.  ( Mine is straight edged)

Here are the steps for the box:
1.  Reclaim an old wooden jewelry box with some type of depression or mirror. (Apologies for not getting a "before" picture)
2.  Remove the mirror carefully ( if still in place)
2.  Clean wood with soapy water.
3.  Slightly sand wood
4.  Use Annie Sloan chalk paint in choice of color.  My color is French Linen. (I use the Annie Sloan brand because coverage is better than other paints and it adheres without priming)
5.  Once this solid coat of paint is dry, choose another color of paint thinned with water, to create a wash.  (I used 3 parts water to 1 part paint in Old Violet)

6. Quickly brush on and pat dry with cheesecloth.
7.  When dry, use a bit of clear Elmer's glue to the back edges of the picture transparency.
8.  Smooth picture onto wood
9.  Outline the picture in the clear glue to seal any cracks around the inner edge of the wood, where resin could seep out.

10. Allow 24 hours to dry
11. Mix equal parts of A and B of the Amazing Transparent Casting  Resin.
12. Pour the resin carefully over the picture in the niche.

13. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
14. Adding decorative knobs is optional.

I liked how this yard sale box was the perfect stage for these vintage photos of my grandmother.  With a little chalk paint and Amazing Casting Resin, a memory is preserved.