During these tough economic times, many of us have come to the realization that "less is more" and that "we already have enough stuff". When it comes to holiday gift-giving, what does one get for the person who "doesn't really need anything"? Charitable donations are one of my favorite ways to honor a person who already has a lot of stuff, by helping another person who has nothing.
There are so many incredible, worthy charities to choose from, and it's easier than ever to make donations quickly and securely online. Many charitable organizations have certificates that you can print online to share with the honoree.
But, if you're looking for a little something EXTRA -- a way to add some sparkle and magic to the gift of charity, then I have a whimsical and (believe it or not) EASY project for you!
You can customize these glittered giving boxes to complement the charity you choose. For my gifts this year, I chose two of my favorite organizations: Make a Wish Foundation and Soles4Souls.
Here's a little about MAKE A WISH:
"Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the
lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its
wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing
impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities."
The Make a Wish website allows you to donate any amount online using a credit card or Paypal. The donation is instantaneous, and what I like about their donation process is that it allows you to choose to have your donation remain local (if you so desire). It's a great way to make a difference in your community.
Here's a little about Soles4Souls:
"Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from the
warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. The charity
distributes these shoes to people in need, regardless of race,
religion, class, or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away
nearly 12 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair
every 7 seconds.) The shoes have been distributed to people in over 125
countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States."
For each dollar you donate to Soles4Souls, one child will receive a pair of shoes! Incredible! You can donate any amount, so if you're looking to make a lot of small donations for office or teacher gifts, but still make a significant impact, a $5 donation amounts to five children who won't have to go barefoot. And just think about how far a $20, $50, $100 gift will go!
Whimsical Gift Box ~ Glittered Shoe
Materials
--1 plastic shoe (Available at the
Dollar Tree in the wedding/party favor section, 6 shoes in a pack)
--1 small box (jewelry box, papier mache craft box, etc)
--Vintage Paper and/or scrapbook paper
--Mod Podge Matte
--Paint Brush
--DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint in Antique White
--German Glass Glitter or microfine glitter (like Martha Stewart's), Silver
--Hot Glue Gun
-- Crepe Paper Streamer roll, off-white
--Clear spray glaze/sealer
Here's what the plastic shoe looks like before it gets glittered
And after
Step 1: Using a paint brush, brush Mod Podge on the exterior of the plastic shoe. Coat with glitter. Allow time to dry. Repeat process for the underside of the shoe and the back of the heel (any areas that will be seen once the shoe is glued to the top of the box). Allow time to dry.
Step 2: Measure sides of box and cut vintage paper to wrap all the way around. Using a paint brush, brush Mod Podge on the sides of the box and apply vintage paper, taking particular care to make sure that the edges (top and bottom) completely adhere. Set aside to dry.
Step 3: Measure the top of the lid of the box and cut vintage or scrapbook paper to fit. Using a paint brush, brush Mod Podge on the top of the box and apply paper. Set aside to dry.
Step 4: Using a paint brush, apply Mod Podge to the sides of the lid of the box. Coat with glitter and shake off excess. Allow time to dry.
Step 5: Paint the inside of the shoe with the antique white acrylic paint. Allow time to dry.
Step 6: Print out the sole template to use, or use it to trace on a piece of paper of your choosing. Cut out sole. When paint and glitter have completely dried on the shoe, crumble a small piece of paper and stuff into the inside heel of the shoe (to give the heel of the sole a place to stick). Brush some Mod Podge on the inside sole of the shoe. Adhere paper sole in place.
Step 6: Cut a 2" length of crepe paper streamer. Cut into three separate, equal, strips (lengthwise). Stack the lengths and fringe with scissors. Roll into a blossom shape and attach to the shoe with hot glue.
Step 7: Print out the "Bless Your Soul" Scroll. TIP: I like to print it out on antique paper, for a vintage look. The top of a sheet of old sheet music works well for this. Using a hot glue gun, glue shoe to the top of the box. Put a small dab of hot glue on the reverse side of the scroll, under the "B". Attach to box (on the left side of the shoe). Then, quickly thread the rest of the scroll under the arch of the shoe. Put another small dab of glue under the word "Soul" on the scroll and attach to box.
Step 8: Spray entire lid (sides, top, shoe, etc.) with clear glaze. This will help keep the glitter from wearing off with time and will also give the box a slightly antiqued look. Allow time to dry.
Step 9: Make a charitable donation. Download certificate. Print. Fill in information. Roll and tie with a ribbon and put in box. Tip: You can add more whimsy to the inside of the box by sprinkling a dash of silver confetti stars or a handful of tinsel basket shred.
FOR THE BALLERINA WISH BOX: Use the same techniques described above with the following modifications:
-- The ballerinas can be purchased at craft and cake stores and online. Brush glue on the ballerina's tutu and tiara, and apply glitter.
-- When glittering the whole lid of the box, hot glue the ballerina on first. Then brush entire box lid with Mod Podge. Then glitter.
-- For this box, I printed the "My Wish Box" scroll on clear vellum. Here's a free download with a few different versions of the scroll: My Wish Box Scroll
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