Halloween Tutorial

Warning: I am a terrible tutorial tutor--er. I always assume people know what I'm talking about (when they don't), and I forget to take pictures of half my steps. So....let's see how this goes. Many of you either commented or e-mailed me for more specific directions for this project. I learn so much from so many other people, that I was GLAD to share my expertise at painting a box.

I buy the little craft boxes in different shapes. I have found them at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Wal Mart. They are cheapest at Wal Mart. I then spray paint them--inside too!
Once the paint is dry, or dry enough to pick up because you just can't stand the wait anymore, you can start to decorate. I picked up several sheets of (somewhat) coordinating Halloween paper. Since there's a 31-day count down for this holiday, I didn't want to have the same couple of patterns over and over. I cut out the paper, decoupage the box and the paper, smooth it out and let dry--again, very impatient for this part.

While I'm waiting for the lid to dry, I glue the strong magnet onto the back of the box. I use Sobo glue because Martha told me to, but I also find that it adheres the best. Other glues will release the magnet (remember, the magnet is strong!). NOTE: My hands do not have a disgusting fungus growing on them (that I know of). As I said the other day, I have about 12 projects going on right now, so my hands have been caked in spray paint!Now for the fun part! I have (and bought) various rub-on letters to use for the actual countdown, and I bought some Halloween stickers to decorate with. You could use little punches to place coordinating paper, ribbon through some hole-punched paper, and stickers to embellish.
That's the fun of it! You decide how you want it to look. Inside the boxes, I plan to put a couple of pieces of candy, Halloween tattoos, or some other little treat for my kids to reveal.
I would recommend this for a Christmas advent, too! I already have a different one that I use (to be revealed when that season gets here, of course), but it sure is a fun project! My kids can't wait to use it! Good luck, and I REALLY hope I didn't forget anything!