I decided that I wanted to make "Mexico" the theme of my box and constructed the top of the box from a Mexico map taken from a road atlas. The red box bottom is Nepalese lokta paper, and the box bottom is lined with a subtle print scrapbooking paper in the same blue as the ocean-blue on the map.
During the class we students talked about the possibility of later adding some kind of trim around the bottom border of the box. I knew exactly what I wanted to add when I got home -- while beachcombing in Mexico I had collected a small container-full of broken bits of blue glass tiles -- I'd add those around the perimeter of the box.
For me, the most delightful aspect of this box is what is hidden inside! All four walls of the box fold down flat to reveal a small book mounted on the interior wall of each box, and treasures are displayed on the interior box bottom.
This is the view of the box bottom with all four side walls unfolded.
And here's the view of the inside of the box with all four side walls folded down. Each of the four small books are stitched with the 3-hole pamphlet stitch. To adorn the covers of the little books I chose four images that say "Mexico" to me. (1) The patron saint of Mexico - the Virgin of Guadalupe. (2) Frida Kahlo - Mexico's most well-known female artist. (3) A loteria card (loteria and dominoes are the two most-played games in Mexico). (4) And of course, a Day of the Dead calavera. The calavera image is available digitally on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/graphicdesignbytara
The treasures I have adhered to the box bottom were all found while beachcombing -- beach glass, tiles and shells.
WHAT FUN!
