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Classroom  >  Holiday/Event Projects  >  Faux Leather Boxes
Faux Leather BoxesFaux Leather Boxes

Something for Dad on his day. Our Faux Leather boxes are made from papier-mâché, paint and shoe polish! Trim them up, lace them up and they make the perfect gift. A GREAT way to learn how to use the crackle paint technique!

As Seen on Carol Duvall!

(Click on images for larger view)
MATERIALS:
4 yds. Wrights® 1/8" Silky Cord (#184-6307-031)
2 1/2 yds. Wrights® 3/16" Cord (#183-6141-031)
2 Wrights® 3" Bell Tassel (#183-9068-031)
1 Papier-Mâché Box (8" x 3 1/2" x 3 1/2")
1 Plaid Cinnamon Acrylic Paint (#913)
1 Plaid Black Craft Paint (#20404)
1 Delta Crackle Finish
2 Beadery 18 x 11 mm Frosted Black Cushion Bead
1 Brown or Cordovan Shoe Paste or Wax
1 Old Terry Cloth Towel or Rag
Notes:
Some boxes have tin covers and some don't. This project does not get a final coat of varnish. Once the paste wax has been used the box is buffed with a shoe brush and left to dry naturally.
INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Paint inside of box 2 coats of black paint. Let dry between coats.
  2. Paint outside of box 2 coats of black paint. Let dry between coats.
  3. Paint outside of box with 1 coat of crackle finish. Let dry until still tacky but not completely dry.
  4. Sponge or brush on one even coat of cinnamon paint. Try not to over brush paint. The crackle effect begins shortly after paint is applied. Continual brushing causes clumping of paint. Allow top coat to dry completely.
  5. Apply a heavy coat of shoe wax to box with terry cloth towel. Rub wax into cracks and over entire surface of box. Let dry overnight.
  6. With a stiff shoe brush, buff wax from box leaving a soft lustrous finish. Set aside and let dry overnight.
  7. Repeat instructions 1 - 6 for papier-mâché lids. Do not finish metal lids with this technique.

    For lacing

  8. Return lid to box.
  9. Punch 1/8" holes in sides of box for lacing. Start at bottom corner 1/2" from bottom of box and 1/2" from side edge. Continue to punch holes to lid.
  10. Cut silky cord into four 1 yard pieces. Be sure to tape ends of silky cord like a shoe lace to make it easier to lace box. Faux Leather box - close up
  11. Lace each corner of box with silky cord starting at bottom of box. Continue to lace all holes. Tie off on inside of box.

    Cord and Tassel Tie

  12. Tape ends of black cord and trim to 1/2".
  13. Slide beads onto cord.
  14. Cut the loop from each tassel.
  15. Hot glue one end of cord to each tassel and cover where you cut loop. Remember that a little hot glue goes a long way. Only glue the very tip of the cord to the tassel.
  16. Slip beads down cord and cover each taped end at tassel. You may glue the beads in place.
  17. Tie cord around box.
  18. Enjoy!
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Other Exciting Links:
  • Learn more about Wrights® Cords.
  • Visit the Wrights® Classroom for more fun projects.
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