Thursday, July 5, 2012

Pin It!

No, this is not a post about pinterest (although I've very recently started pinning and enjoy it a lot), but rather my response to the current Compendium of Curiosities 2 challenge.  Linda is giving us two weeks to work on a configurations project. All of the details you need to create one of your own can be found on pages 33 and 34 of C of C, Vol. 2.   You know, those boxes that Tim Holtz designed with many smaller boxes inside that can be used to create all sorts of things in the shadow box style.  I've made a few, as well as some printers trays (same idea, just shallower sections), and wanted to do something a little different.  Although the configurations pieces lend themselves to collections of memorabilia, they certainly can serve other purposes.  I had an idea percolating inside my head for some time, and Linda motivated me to finally put it into action.

Here's my piece.  Any guesses what it is to be used for?






C'mon, doesn't the post title give you a hint?   I have a huge collection of pins (that I mostly forget to wear), and I think they are too beautiful to keep tucked away all the time in jewelry boxes.  I've long wanted to have some way to display them but still be able to wear them if I want.  Enter the configurations box.

Admitedly, this project would have been easier to do with a configuration tray, but that's not what I had on hand.  First thing I'd need to do (well, not the first thing.  First I decorated the outside of the box with Tim's vintage subway sign paper.) was raise up the insides of the inner boxes, and at the same time have something to poke the pin backs into.  The solution, foam.  This is really easy.  Just use foam that is the correct depth, cut pieces slightly smaller than each inner box and wrap them in the fabric of your choice.  Gift wrap style.  You don't have to be  terribly neat in your cutting as the fabric hides all sins.  Put a glob of strong glue (I used Ailene's tacky glue) in the bottom of the box and stick the fabric wrapped foam inside. 

That's what I did.  If I had it to do over, I'd to the tissue tape part first.  It would have saved a little time, but it will work out either way.

The other thing I would  have done first was attach the decorative finial on top.  As it worked out I had to do a tiny bit of deconstruction to make the hole for the screw. 

It's helpful if you have some coordinating fabric, and I had this pack of different patterns within one color scheme by Moda:



So, here is what my finished piece looks like filled with just a few of my favorite pins.  The best part of all is that I can change out the pins whenever I want.  And I'll be able to enjoy them even if I forget to wear them.  Maybe if I see them on display I will put one on from time to time.



Looking at it makes me think it gives the expression "think outside the box" a whole different meaning, LOL.








26 comments:

Heidi Bound said...

I am in LOVE with this and will absolutely be creating my own. I have so much great jewelry thrown into my armoire. Things on top of other things! Perfect way to not only see but enjoy the pins that I have-most handmade by some of my favorite artsy peeps!

Bearcrazyman said...

Very Creative... It turned out Great!

Claudine said...

Love this Eileen! It's so cool, I might have to steal your idea. I have so many beautiful antique pins and when I'm not wearing them they just sit in my drawer. I really like the idea of having somewhere to display them. Thanks for sharing.

Dorothy said...

Wow Eileen!!! What a great idea and it looks wonderful!

Sandy Young said...

Love this idea. The top right pin is awesome.

Carol said...

Fabulous, love the papers & bright colors!

inge said...

hello Eileen

I first thought you put mini-books in them !
( so now I have an idea :)

Great idea to make a pin-box from it ! You're right that you will wear them more if you see them.
This is not just only a useful thing, but in the meantime a nice decorative item in your house !

I like how you explain the process of the making ànd the do's and don'ts of better do's in the process.
You'll save us time !

greetings from belgium
Inge

Lynn Stevens said...

Thats a great idea!!! cool box
hugs Lynn

Sue said...

What a FABULOUS idea! Love all of your pins.

Debby said...

This is gorgeous and that is a super idea that you had. Great way to display your pins!!

Anonymous said...

Totally cool idea!

Lori said...

Absolutely the best idea I've seen for pins! LOVE it! And I might scam it for displaying some old vintage jewelry I have...hmmm....on the list you go! (or maybe I should just "pin" it..lol)

Patzee said...

Brilliant idea and outstanding execution! I love when you get an idea in your head and just won't let it go!!

Tammy D said...

That is a really cool idea Eileen!

Neil said...

That's a great idea, even though I have no pins I still like it!

Bethan said...

it's beautiful Eillen. what a lovely way to display them

Debs Doodles and More said...

great idea!! you are right it is certainly thinking outside the box!
fab way to display

Lisa H said...

Fabulous! (the pins and the box!) I just recently stuck my pins into a regular frame with a foam panel in it but this is much cooler.

Kathy Eddy said...

Love this Eileen and very creative use!

Shelann said...

Beautifull color selections, made for a lovely box!

Debbie said...

What a fabulous idea! I love it! Beautiful pins and vibrant colours!
Debbie
^..^

Sue West said...

This is wonderful. What an amazing ideal and such a great way to display your lovely pins.
Sue:)

EmeralDQueen said...

Beautiful!!!

Annette Green said...

What a great idea! I love the use of fabric. So fun to look at!

Jane said...

Great idea! You are so creative. I love looking each week to see what you are doing. Thank you for the inspiration.

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

FABULOUS!!!! fantastic idea!!!!