Before we begin this tutorial let’s go back a few months. I saw this tutorial on MaryJanes & Galoshes for turning a shadow box frame into a piggy bank. I LOVED it and made one for my 4 year old, Joshua. He loved it too!
In the original tutorial, Taylor found her shadow box at the Dollar Store. I searched and searched, but ended up buying one at goodwill for $4. It was so worth it, but the bargain hunter in me was determined to find a Dollar Store option.
So here we are today….. Let’s make the ‘Girly Bank’
I was beyond ecstatic when I found these Keepsake Box photo frames at Dollar Tree. They are actually a picture frame that slides off like a box lid. I was tempted to unwrap the plastic to see how it worked at the store, but I figured it would be worth the $1 either way. The best part is that they had them in about 5 different colors. Lots of options!
Step 1: Take all the pieces of your frame apart and you can discard the cardboard piece that would back your picture. Here is a picture of the back of the frame section.
Step 2: Glue the glass into the frame. I used E6000. Gorilla glue would be another excellent choice. Do your best not to get too much glue on the very edge, otherwise it might seep onto the glass where you might see it.
Step 3: While the glue is drying, lets prepare the back of the frame. I liked a coin purse idea. At the end of the tutorial, I have a download of the file I used. The paper I wanted to use had a metallic sheen to it, so I cut out just a portion to use of the metallic.
Step 4: Cut down your background paper to fit inside your box. Measure where you want your coin slot to be. Mine was 1.25″ from the top and 3″ from the left.
Step 5: Using your measurements, mark your coin slot on the back with a pencil.
Step 6: Cut the coin slot out with an exacto knife. Clearly I had a little trouble cutting cleanly. No worries, it’s the back and we’ll disguise it.
Step 7: Use some detail scissors to cut out a coin slot on the paper. See, messy back disguised!
Step 8: Apparently I forgot I was making a tutorial because I was excited to finish this project. We are at the home stretch! Next I mod podged the metallic paper onto the coin purse and then the back ground paper into the box.
Step 9: When your glue is all dry, reassemble the frame, and add money!
Tada! I LOVE it! I wish I needed more of them so I could go back and buy one in every color. Here are two files you can download if you liked the coin purse. Click on the images to see the full size image.
If you make one, PLEASE send me a picture. I’d love to see it.
so stinking cute! thanks for sharing :O) time for a trip to dollar tree!
That is really cute! I lovethe coin purse! 🙂
Adorable!
Oh,how cute! I’m gonna have to check out my Dollar Tree. These would make really cute gifts.
I can’t believe they have those at the dollar tree! I’ve been looking and looking for inexpensive shadow boxes – woohoo!
What a great idea! I actually have one of those black boxes just sitting on a desk holding photos. I think I’m going to have to go turn it into a shadow box!!
Fantastic Idea! Thanks for sharing x.
That’s a terrific idea!
These are so stikin cute… I love them.
Thanks for joining Get Your Craft on Thursday. Please join me next week for another great party!
Those are so cute! I saw them at the dollar store and couldn’t think of a good way to use them but now I know exactly what to do with them. Thanks!
Super cute idea!
Super cute! Hoping my Dollar Tree has them. I would love to feature this on my Thrill Me Thursday post late this week. Come and check it out @ mommaskindacrafty@blogspot.com
i am also your newest follower! Love your blog!
this is super cute!! thanks for linking up at sundae scoop
Cute idea! I love that you can see the money, it’s more fun for a kid!
This is an adorable idea! This is great especially if the little one is saving up for something so they can see when the bank is getting full. And, made from dollar store stuff… how can you go wrong?!?
Thanks for linking up to the Mad Skills party!
I was just at Dollar Tree yesterday- wish I would have seen this before then, because it is SO CUTE. I just might have to make another trip there today…
My 7yr old would love this and I love the $1 price. It leaves more $$ to put inside:) Thanks for linking up to Craftastic Monday!
LOVE this! Totally stealing this idea.
What an awesome idea!
I am starting a new party called “Saturday is Crafty Day” on April 24th and I’d love it if you stopped by!
http://www.iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
What a stinking cute idea!!! I love this. I think every little kid could use one. Thanks for sharing at ‘Look at me, I’m SO Crafty!’ at Fun to Craft.
That’s so cute! I love it! I’m going to have to make that sometime soon for my oldest, she loves “playing” with my money. Time for her own! 🙂
Those are really cute! You did such a good job on them! Thanks so much for linking to Favorite Things Friday!
Very cute! My Dollar Tree had a few variations on little shadowbox frames. What a cute gift these could make, too.
this is too cute, I’ve got to make one of these!
My son needs a new bank so maybe I will try this idea. I love it. quick, cute and easy!
I LOVE this idea! Hopping over from Women who do it all!
This dang-nabbit cute. My kids will love this! tfs 🙂
Oh I love this idea!! I’m going to make some for my kiddos!!
I sooo love this idea!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
This is adorable! i am linking to it from my blog. craftskeepingmesane.blogspot.com
Really genius! Saw it on Dollar Stroe Crafts. I love that it works for boys and girls!
Super cute and Great idea. Would love to have you stop by the Sunday Showcase Party if you get a chance ~ Hope you are enjoying your weekend! I love the little purse!
Ashley,
Cute piggy bank! How fun! I’m sure it helps for kids to actually see their money pile grow. Thanks for joining the Craftaholics Anonymous party! I had fun stopping by and checking out your craftiness!
Linda
Thank you for joining my hodgepodge party! I love it! I hope you will join again.
~Gay~
itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com
What a fun idea! I used those same keepsake boxes as a handout for my girls at church! Thanks for linking up!
Loved the idea Ashley. My kids and “Grand’s” were and are always saving up for something like a bike or skateboard or college or mission, you name it. I thought I might try your idea and put a picture of what they are saving for on the backing so as they see their money grow they can remember what they are saving for.