DIY: ALPHABET CONTAINERS

These Alphabet Containers started as an idea for a teacher gift but, we keep finding more reasons to make more of these great containers. I love presents that are personal, pretty and useful. Don't you, too? Make an initial for yourself or someone special. Why not spell a word (D-A-D? They'll be ready just in time for Father's Day.)

We painted these teacher presents white, so that we could personalize them with colorful content. Have fun with these. I love to hear from you and have enjoyed the photos you have mailed from your successful willowday DIY's! Continue below to full tutorial...

Supplies:

Rolling Pin

Palette Knife

Straight Edge

Alphabet Cookie Cutters

Air-drying clay

Make:
Roll the clay about 1/8" inch or 3-4 cm thick. Press the cookie shape into the clay until letter(s) has been cut. Now, using a straight edge, "guestimate" the length of your sides and cut 2" (4-5 cm) lengths that will become the sides. Make sure that you have enough length. Once the side strips have been cut, fit them around the edge of the letter, while gently pressing them to the base (see photo below). If the clay is dry, dip your fingers in water to moisten the clay at this point. Gently pinch and smooth the seam between the sides and the bottom; then, form the corners. Dip your fingers and/or knife into water to aid with the smoothing process of the seams, if necessary. Once all seams are sealed, let dry. When the clay is completely dry, sand the container with sand paper until smooth. Brush away any excess dust and the container is now ready for painting. We wanted a clean white container that could be filled with personalized content but, these can be painted as you please. I can't wait to try a two-tone: white outside and gold inside.
The first step to attaching the sides to the base is to carefully bend the sides around the base, as seen in this photo. Once the sides have been fitted, then attach them to the base by first: pressing, then, pressing with moist fingers and/ knife.

SOMETHING YOU MIGHT LIKE:
FREEZER PAPER TEES + (NUMERICAL TEE with printable numbers  -- not pictured below)
PERSONALIZED DIPPED BEAD NECKLACES
NECKLACES FABRIC PYRAMIDS