Steampunk Altered Gift Card Box for Fathers Day

I had the best time making Steampunk gift card boxes and tins. I actually made three because they were so fun to make. One was a gift card holder that I gave to my son for his college graduation. I made one for my husband and you guessed it; I made a gift card box for my dad for Fathers Day.

A Steampunk altered gift box is a great gift for the males in your life. They can be done in different colors but for guys I like the blacks and browns with the gold and cooper metallic waxes on top. But I do love the silver too.

So here’s how I did my Steampunk Altered Gift Card Box for Fathers Day.

Supply List:

Gift box, tin(s) or what ever you are altering
Trinkets from my collection (keys, clocks, gears, clock hands, chains, old jewelry, chipboard owls, nuts and washers, etc.)
Beacon – Power Tac glue
Tacky Glue 50% with 50% water
DecoArt Acrylic paints; Black, Honey Brown, Burnt Umber, Light Cinnamon.
Home Décor Crackle
Liquitex Black Gesso
Art Alchemy Metallique
Aged Brass
Brushed Iron
Rich Copper
Liquitex Varnish, matte finish

Step One

Select an interesting box or tin that you would like to use. I found that the box that the Samsung phones come in to be quite unique.

Step Two

Paint the box with a coat of black paint. Let Dry and coat with Home Décor Crackle. The colors I used to get the wood look are: DecoArt: Burnt Umber, Light Cinnamon and Honey Brown. Mix the colors by using a sponge brush and dapping or rotating the colors on your brush. . Try to use long strokes to cover the crackle without getting too heavy. Let dry and viola – it will crackle before your eyes.

Step Three

Select trinket that you think you would like to use on your project. First put them randomly around on the project to see if there is enough or too many. Either arrange the trinkets on the box or tin or design on something flat and all one color. I have the perfect light blue folder made out of a soft fabric that I frequently use.

Start by putting the trinkets that you know you want in a particular space. For example, I knew that I wanted the chain on the bottom with my washers placed around the chain. So start there and see what feels right next. Arrange the first layer of trinkets, then glue in place.

Step Four

I use the Power Tac glue by Beacon to glue my trinket on my box or tin first. Because it has no odor and hold everything in place, but will give you some time to adjust if you need it.

Tip: I have isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel handle to wipe my fingers free of the glue.

After all layers of trinkets are glued in place and dried, I use a 50/50 mix of tacky glue and water. I paint or use a sponge brush to cover the entire top. This ensures that everything is secured in its place and isn’t going anywhere. Take a dry brush and remove glue from detailed areas. Let dry completely.

Step Five

Next, I painted the trinkets with black Gesso . Let dry.

Step Six

Most importantly, the Metallique waxes are added to give the project a rich metal monotone effect. I love the warm glow of Metallique waxes, add layers of Aged Brass, Bushed Silver and Copper on top of all the trinkets on the box.