I have recently gotten into cartonnage, as you'll already be aware if you've read any of my recent posts. And there was one kit from Colorway Arts that I was particularly interested in. It was originally part of an in-person retreat in Michigan, but I couldn't afford a trip to Michigan just to make a box. Happily, Claudia Squio now offers an online course to make her Fabric Wonder Chest. Not gonna lie, that name makes me laugh every time I see it. 😂
The course was originally advertised as $150, with the kit being an additional $92 — definitely on the pricey side for cartonnage. But if you bought the course in the first five days after it became available, she would give you the kit for free — you just had to pay for shipping ($20). I was at a work conference in Seattle, but I was checking my email like every two minutes so that as soon as it launched, I would get the notification and could buy one. And happily, I got one.
I think the original price was probably beyond many people's means because the price has now come down to $179 for the course and one kit (presumably plus shipping). Anyway, I've gradually been working on this kit. It's quite a cool little box, but there are a lot of steps, and it takes a while to do. I've finally finished the outer box (except for the clasp). I still have to do the three drawers and the tray for the inside, but I thought I'd show you my progress so far. This is the outside of the chest:
I wanted something a little bright and whimsical for this particular box, so I chose fun fabrics. The main floral fabric is a Michael Miller one called Fanciful Flowers, part of the Be Kind to Everything that Grows line by Emma Schonenberg. The teal accent fabric is Bee Basics Cottage Tiny Daisy Yardage by Lori Holt.
Here's what the chest looks like on the inside so far:
The yellow fabric on the shelves is Love Ewe More by Timeless Treasures of Soho. I'm going to do one more fabric on the inside drawers, but I haven't quite decided on that yet.
Anyway, that's what I've done so far. A lot more work left to do, but hopefully I can find the time soon. Fair warning, my life is a little hectic right now. My job is heading into the busy season, my house just passed the drywall stage and needs more frequent attention, my lender is going to need updated documentation soon, and I need to start packing up my apartment in a couple weeks. So a lot going on. I will work on my embroidery and cartonnage as I have time, but that time will probably become increasingly limited. Such is life.
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