Friday, 9 November 2012

Painted boxes

This week I tried to finish my boxes. Didn't quite make it, but I'm almost there.... ☺

This one's finished (well, I still have to put some varnish on there, but the "hard" work is done ☺):

It's a box with a magnetic closure, and I just now realized that people probably won't even know what it is when they see it. They might think it's just a piece of painted wood ... I'll have to open it up a bit at the market I guess ....

These are in various stages of progress:


And these are almost finished:


Now I'm wondering what to do with the insides. Normally I would paint them, but if people want to use these boxes for teabags or something (that's what they were supposed to be when I bought them) they might not want any paint on the inside. So: what do you think? Would you prefer to have it painted on the inside or rather just wood? The square ones were already painted white inside, so I added my  own colour to them, but the other ones are bare wood. Smells good too .... I love wood.

Don't have much more to show this week. My new website is coming along nicely. Still haven't put all my work on there, and I have to finish some tabs, but all in all I'm starting to be quite happy with it. One thing I have to admit though: with these free websites, like Weebly is, you don't have much room for creativity. If you choose a template, you have to stick to the layout and everything. Quite frustrating sometimes. I like to make it my own. Maybe next year I'll dive into the whole Wordpress-world, and who knows: I might even come to understand it ... ☺ But for now, Weebly'll have to do. Here's the link, go have a look and tell me what you think. It's always good to have some outsiders' opinions....

Now for the give-away: the print and the postcards are on their way to their new home, and the calendar is still waiting patiently for the next draw. Which will be next week Friday, the 16th of November. You can still enter the draw by posting about my calendar on your blog, your Facebook or your Twitter. Here are the rules. Don't forget to tell me if you have posted somewhere (with a link if possible), otherwise I won't be able to put your name in the draw. And if you post on all three, your name will go in the draw three times! Thanks to all who have already helped me out with the marketing ☺

Well, that's it for now. Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm linking this to Paint Party Friday, have a look at all the amazing artwork over there.

Enjoy your Friday, and have a lovely peaceful weekend! ♥ ♥ ♥

49 comments:

  1. Really loving your new website Denthe... obviously a lot of work and love has gone into it... and it shows... gorgeous header with your beautiful artwork too... will look forward to seeing it finished... your painted boxes are wonderful... full of brightness and beauty... I would be inclined to leave the insides as is... that way anything can be put inside...

    Have a great weekend...
    Jenny ♥

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  2. Hi Denthe,
    love the aboriginal feel to your boxes and the bright sunny colours.. :)

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  3. I think the boxes should be left plain inside... and the colours are just so strong on the outside... which I love by the way.. that I think it would be nice to offset that by leaving them plain inside...xx

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  4. Hi Denise, I found your new blog fantastic and very clear. The blog header is beautiful. Love it. Your boxes are marvelous.
    Echt heel mooi je site en overzichtelijk.
    Nice weekend en loveyt greet
    Marja

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  5. Love the colours on your boxes, I especially love, love the first box. Went to your new web site it looks good, the header shows how diverse your talents are. Well done.

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  6. Your website looks very professional, packed with information and is easy to navigate, definately worth all the effort Denise!
    I love your boxes, the dotty ones do have an aboriginal look about them. I agree it would be a good idea to leave some boxes unpainted on the inside, you could always paint a small motif on the inside of the box lid (or even one of your quotes)? Just to add some colour when it's opened.
    I would love to be entered into your calendar give away, I have promoted it on my blog http://www.helloitssandra.blogspot.com

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    1. I have also tweeted about it at http://www.twitter.com/sandraman64 :)

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  7. Hi Denthe, gutted I didn't win one of your prints but am keeping my fingers crossed for a calendar. I put a link on my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pointy-Pix/135799913117885 (not sure if this will become an active link on this comment page?) anyway, your painted boxes are beautiful. I would keep the inside as natural wood so that folk can see how they started life and for the wonderful contrast it will give to your vivid paintings. funny you saying that folk might not realise they're boxes - I did a craft fair with little box canvasses I had painted last year and people kept picking them up and looking to see if they opened so they obviously thought my canvasses were boxes!!

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  8. I think your website is fantastic! The color and feel of it is wonderful! You have been busy with all the great boxes and the website! Happy PPF!

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  9. wonderful boxes! I became a follower here because I love your blog! It´s GREAT!
    xxx Susi from Austria

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  10. oh my gosh what beautiful work, I also have joined to follow, I will be back for certain to follow your journey!! Amazing work!

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  11. Website is looking good!
    I agree with Tracey, wooden inside would create a nice contrast with the colors, and it would keep the feeling warm and natural!

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  12. Hi - just wanted to let you know that I received your calendar. It is magnificent. Samy immediately claimed it for her room and wants to buy more to give as gifts for her friends. I updated my PPF blog post about it today. Love your boxes, and as a tea drinker, I would not really care or think twice about them being painted inside. Although wood would be fine too. I visited your new website and love the heading bar. My instinct is that there is a lot of text on this home page - perhaps you can find a way to describe your tabs in a more visual way. Looking forward to see how it progresses. Mine is very old and outdated so it's on my to do list to create a new one...

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    1. Oh, I'm so glad it arrived safely and that you (and Samy!) like it! Thanks for buying it! You're right about the home-page. I thought too there's a bit too much text on there, and I'm still thinking about how to get the information across in less words ;-)

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  13. Just visited your website and it is impressive!!!! Your art is amazing and I can't wait to get your calendar in the mail..I've bookmarked u=your site under "My Happy Places"!

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  14. Lovely boxes, I really adore the bright colors you used, they look happy and dynamic all at the same time. Happy PPF!

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  15. Your boxes look great. Very colorful and full of life. I agree about keeping them natural on the inside. These are great gifts. Thanks for sharingn. Now I'm off to see your new website.

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  16. Denthe, your boxes are very beautiful, especially the one that you have finished. I wouldn't paint the insides if they are to be called tea boxes for the reasons you give.

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  17. wow- these are a gift-so pretty and colorful!!

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  18. Oh, I love that finished box and its bright pattern!
    Are you inspired by aboriginal art by chance?
    It's lovely.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  19. The boxes are really beautiful. I agree they should be natural inside. Is there perhaps an oil you can use? I don't know how that would work, or if it would make a difference or not. Just a thought. Happy PPF

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  20. Loving your beautiful painted boxes and am sure they will sell well whether you paint the insides or not. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  21. Your boxes are lovely, some of your designs remind me of aboriginal art, beautiful work! I had a look at your website and I think it's looking great! REally love that header!

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  22. Ohhh these are so yummy!!! these bright colors! And I love that it is not to see where to open this treasure-square!!!

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  23. I'd go for plain wood. I love the smell too; it's so organic.

    You could always make a little sign that says they are unfinished since they are intended to hold tea, then people wouldn't think you just left off before they were done.

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  24. Absolutely adore these boxes! I would prob enjoy a painted inside or one covered in velvet

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  25. Wonderful boxes! i love the vibrant colors. :)

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  26. Lovely boxes! the first one is spectacular as you really cannot see it's a box to open! =)

    Maybe you could paint some inside the boxes
    and
    other without paint inside?

    Lovely weekend! :)

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  27. Awesome boxes!! I always paint mine inside...but if the wood smells cool make some of each...some for tea with the display that way and some for napkins, or jewelry... think of unique things to put in them. I am always putting things in pretty boxes to keep it tidy...I have soaps in one. You could make a display with cool soaps and a few face cloths rolled....use one for keys and junkmail by the door, cards and dice, mens watches,keys, bowties. I love little boxes like that!! Show ideas to store things and people will get even more stoked!! I wouldn't isolate it to tea as it narrows your margin!! Good luck they are very pretty!! Have a great weekend....I missed commenting last time because I went to your website, nice start!

    Good job!!


    I painted one so similar to that top one a few years ago for my junk jewelry.

    Hugs Giggles

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  28. Boxes are so creative ~ love the colors and design ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

    ps. have lined boxes historically with wall paper ~depends on the wood ~

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  29. Your new blog is wonderful! I do like the heading a lot!! =)

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  30. The boxes are beautiful, so bright and colorful. I love the smell of wood and definitely would save one unpainted.

    Thanks for visiting my blog, and yes, I love Carla Sonheim. She has made cartooning into fine art!

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  31. Lovely boxes.... I think I'd prefer painted inside :)

    Karenx

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  32. I love the post by Giggles - I think those are great suggestions. Your boxes are gorgeous - I especially like the abstract one in the middle picture. Happy PPF

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  33. Those are lovely boxes..my favourite is the one in the front, middle photo. So colourful and great design!

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  34. I like the pointillism style...it also looks Native American...just beautiful. I can see the benefits of an inside painted box and not. So perhaps do some of both. HPPF !

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  35. The bright boxes have made my day :) the vibrant colors remind me of my incredible India :)

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  36. Hallo Denthe,
    Ik werd vandaag aangenaam verrast door je prachtige kleurrijke schilderijen en dozen. Ik heb je blog gevonden door Anja die 5 kaarten van je had gewonnen en ik ben gelijk een volger geworden. Je kunst en je teksten en gedichten zijn zo lekker positief. Top!!
    Groetjes,
    Marianne

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  37. Your boxes are coming along beautifully. I like a finished look to the inside of boxes, but if you are concerned about paint coming into contact with food, maybe a decorative paper lining? Oh well, either way, they are sure to be a hit! - Terri

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  38. Your art works are amazing and your colors are as always incredible brilliant.
    Thanks again for winning the last give-away.
    xox Anja

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  39. your boxes look wonderful
    so fun and lively
    If i were going to put food in the box I think i would prefer wood, but there are things like jewelry that can go in there.

    Your website is looking wonderful.

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  40. your boxes are gorgeous! i love the bright colors. as for the insides, i like the idea of them being finished, but i see where you wouldn't want to put tea or something in a painted box. i wonder if you could line them with pretty paper?

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  41. These are gorgeous! So full of life and color - and think that I would leave them plain too - although some of the suggestions above are great too - so many cool options for your beautiful work, xoxo

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  42. Your boxes are beautiful and I love your paintings on your new website! Love your iridescent colors so much!

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! I love hearing your thoughts about my work. Because I am getting too many spammer comments, l have to use Captcha, sorry. Hope this is not a problem for you !