Keepsake House - home is where the heart is

Hi everyone,

Yesterday was our third wedding anniversary, so I wanted to make something really special for my DH John. I love working with Helen Allen's amazing templates and for this project I followed her Pyramid workshop, adapting it a bit to put my own spin on it and create a little keepsake house - I hope Helen will approve!

It was certainly a labour of love - many hours went into this little project - but it was fun and very satisfying to do and, most importantly, John was delighted with the end result ...


In the original design, the pyramid is supported on pillars and there is one drawer space which houses a mini album, but because I wanted to include three drawers, I left the pillars out as it was getting a bit too tall!

The whole thing is made with chipboard or greyboard which you cut with a craft knife according to Helen's template and then decorate with your choice of patterned papers and embellishments. I was very pleased with how sturdy the finished construction is and I think we will be enjoying this for years to come.

Let's have a closer look at my drawers!



The top one is actually a mini album (instructions for this included in Helen's workshop) which is for our growing collection of double selfies ...

I mostly used the Simple Stories "Homespun" collection kit, which was perfect for my "Home is Where the Heart is" theme. For the front of the little book, I added some Studio Calico wood veneers and the Dovecraft Curiosity Corner wooden frame. The flowers were die cut from papers in the collection kit with the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die.

Here's the inside of the book, just waiting for those selfies ...


The inner pages of the album are made of plain cardstock and decorated with papers and embellishments from the collection kit - using the same collection throughout made it very easy to coordinate everything. Distress Paints, Inks and Stains helped to create the slightly worn but still colourful look (just like us!) which I was after.


The second drawer is for keeping little mementos and holds another surprise ...

... a tiny musical movement which plays the music we chose for our wedding, which was Pachelbel's Canon in D. I was so delighted to find this at Music Box World - they have loads of different ones to choose from. It took me ages to cut the keyhole and it's still a bit wonky, but I think it fits in with the quirkiness of the whole thing so that's ok.

The bottom drawer is like a little post box ...

The idea is to write little everyday memories on scraps of paper, post them in here and then next anniversary, we will open the box together and enjoy remembering all the little things about our lives together. Of course, it may fill up quickly, in which case we'll open it at Christmas!


I didn't have the wooden bingo counters which Helen used to create feet for the base, so I used Glossy Accents to glue a stack of buttons together, and did the same thing to make knobs for my drawers as well - I love buttons and I think they add another fun element to this project. 



So, are you wondering if there's anything going on in the pyramid??? Of course there is! When you remove the two squares from the top it opens up to reveal ...


... another pyramid! I may come back and embellish this part further as I feel it is a bit plain compared to the rest, but for now it has the word "LOVE" spelled out on the four sides and the smaller pyramid is decorated with bottle tops which I squished in the Cuttlebug and then filled with colourful scraps and stickers.

And what do you think is inside the very centre of our little house? Take off the last little square to find ...


... a heart of course! This one is made of polystyrene, covered with tissue, matte medium, TH Remnant Rubs and Distress Inks. Originally I had planned to put the music box here, but it wouldn't fit and I had to think again - but I'm thrilled to bits with how it all turned out in the end.

If you fancy making your own Pyramid project, check out Helen's workshop - it comes with full photo instructions, links to video tutorials and lots of ideas and inspiration. All you need is some very basic tools, chipboard/greyboard, a few sheets of patterned paper, embellies of your choice, some coordinating plain card, lots of glue and plenty of patience!

Thanks for looking at my project - sorry it was such a long rambly post, but there was such a lot to show you!

See you again soon :o)

Annie xxx

Comments

This is truly a labor of love, and definitely one that John will treasure for years to come. I love all the interactive elements that you added and your amazing color/pattern combinations. Congratulations and Blessings to both of you on your wedding anniversary!
Unknown said…
Oh Annie!!!! It is fabulous. I love all the new additions and that it is such a wonderful celebration of you both! Thank you so much for letting me know. The bottom drawer is my favourite addition - what a fabulous keepsake of the year leading up to your 4th Anniversary. I would love to post a link on my Blog and Facebook page if that is OK with you? I am so glad you had fun with my tutorial and am very happy to see your unique spin that makes this such a personal and romantic project! Happy Anniversary to you Both X
Unknown said…
This is so cool annie congradulations on your aniversary. What a real work. ))) I know he loved
Val-Belle said…
Ah happy happy Annie. What a wonderful idea and I love the idea of the bottom drawer... a good idea for all couples I reckon as it is so easy to get bogged down. This is so cute. I love all the interactive bits.. my fave is the little heart in the middle :D
Lizzy Hill said…
I am In. Awe. This is simply the most stunning, thoughtful & thought out & FUN & useful project I've ever seen, all rolled into one. Man, it must've taken an AGE to plan & execute. Wonderful, thoughtful gift. LOVE!!!!
Ella Swan said…
Oh how cute!! This is adorable & very clever Annie!!!
Sarah said…
Sorry Annie, I've only just seen this (not sure how I missed it)! It's absolutely fabulous!! So colourful and I can see a lot of thought has gone into it!! xx
What a sweet little project for your anniversary and a wonderful keepsake! Love all those patterns and colours!
Rushd Lady said…
Oh, oh! I see another project in the works. I want to make this!