Cardboard tissue boxes are sold in a variety of colors and patterns. Don’t buy one when it is so simple and fun to make your own custom shabby chic tissue box.
Materials
tissue box-any size
printed images-laser or photocopies, not ink jet
scissors
all purpose white glue or decoupage
small paint brush
marker
lace, cording, ribbon
hot glue gun or tacky glue
Images
Any photographs can be used, but this tissue box was made simply by printing downloaded images using a laser jet printer. Prints made on an ink jet printer will smear, so these would need to be photocopied first to avoid the ink from running.
The theme is vintage Paris. I searched, “Images-Paris-black and white.” I had many choices, so I concentrated on images of the Eiffel Tower and Art Deco Metro signs. Next, I searched “Fleur de Lis.” I found a pattern that was eventually used at the bottom of the tissue box. I copied several times so there were enough pieces to fit around the bottom of the tissue box. For the corners, I searched, “Cornice moldings” from architectural designs.
Prepare the Tissue Box
A cardboard tissue box is used as the base. On the bottom of the box,1/2″ in from the edge, cut three sides. A flap will be formed. This will be where the tissues can be refilled as needed. A tie may be added, but the weight of the tissues will hold the box down.
Covering the Tissue Box
Brush the tissue box with white glue or decoupage glue that is in a tray. Cut out the pictures and began to layer them around the top and sides of the box. The bottom of the box does not have to be covered since it does not show, but it can be.
Tinting the Tissue Box
Once all of the pictures are glued down, select the accent color. For this box, a reddish/pink marker was used. On the inside of the glue tray make several lines with the marker, but do not touch the glue with the marker. Use the paint brush to work the glue into the ink. Add more ink until you achieve the shade of tint you desire. Mix well. Brush a thin layer of the tinted glue over all sides of the box. Make sure to brush evenly to secure all edges of your pictures.
Trimming the Tissue Box
Once your box is dry, lace or other trim may be glued down. Measure the length of trim needed to go around the top edge or around the middle. This box has a satin twisted cording around the top. A gathered satin ribbon with tulle was used around the middle. This created a finishing touch and covered the seams at the same time.
Photographs, fabric, scrap booking paper, or wrapping paper may be used as well. The possibilities are endless to create your own custom simple shabby chic tissue box.
