Decorative Boxes

Now, directly above you, the boxes with the tapestry lids are so lovely! In fact at a distance the floral decor from the tapestry work almost appears to be silk ribbon embroidery, don't you think? This IS something you will see on mine, (other than the tag on the inside of the box. It takes time but, I love it. In fact, if you would like a monogram in the center of any box except heart-shaped (trust me, you won't like it) just let me know. Oh, how lovely. Now, I must have a sage jacquard box with a black velvet, silk embroidered, personalized Victorian hatbox, and a.....HAT! With great big fabric silk roses! Keep an eye out, those will be showing up here soon! I told you this place will change a lot. I call it growing pains. I'll see what prices I can get on tapestry. In fact, looks like needlepoint, a fine fake! Oct. 2, -- Still looking for floral tapestry. Time to hit the upholstery shops or get busy needlepointing. That should raise the price for you! OK I give, who has the floral tapestries? Dec. 27, I have damasks that beat ya! Feb 10, found a lovely tapestry with floral in a block pattern, teal, berry, sage, gold. Big bucks!

Sept.30 of the next year, still unable to find floral tapestrys, Lord help me!

Send us your best card or scrapbook layout (no pix, no journaling, no $25!) (Please only jpeg or gif). You'll get it back, if you send us the postage that is, best is to send me an email with a jpg scan. Come on, show us you know how to do cards and scrapbooking. You will soon see free layouts, I have a class on-line, did you find it? Did you try my tips on how to use both sides of a frame ups flip-over border or frame? This is a contest for a bag of APHABETS from the die-cut machine "Lollypops". If you use a Frame ups Flip Over Border or Frame like I explained in the tips section, send us an email You get a set of the Lollypop Letters, color of your choice. Look for free layouts coming for Turkey Day and Christmas, my favorite time of year, so I start to give away. After all, to celebrate the day my Savior was born on that day, and He represents Grace, so when you get something from us for free, is that not grace?

An Era of opulence when treasures were displayed openly and abundantly in the home. I use rich fabrics on my boxes and yards of embellishments, tassels, cording, braids, laces, Victorian scraps and charms. With padded inserts in the bottom and both sides of the lid of my hat boxes, lending additional strength, makes the most lovely storage solution available for you. The interiors, of my boxes, are elegantly appointed as well. The unique fabric (even antique paper only on the very small), covering process I employ, makes our decorative boxes not only more beautiful but more durable, as well. How do my boxes compare with others? My boxes cannot be machine made. They are crafted by hand with the utmost care, straight from the heart. If you value beauty, craftsmanship, and longevity, my boxes are your answer, now and for years to come. I have not disappointed anyone in 20 years with this gift presentation no matter what 'style' they prefer, especially brides!

My "signature" Victorian Hatbox is the definition of Victoriana.

My price on this lovely tapestry box with fluffy fringe, for a 8" box would be

$50 then $60 for the 10", etc, etc. This would be a B list box, because of the expensive fringe that has just gone through the roof, and the tapestry fabric. My boxes that I make the tapestry fabic, will be just for the top of the lid, and those are much more, as the needlework is in the style of Victorian handcrafted Tapestry, pure wool threads, and hours of labor. You will become "ill" from all the compliments. Along with the boxes composed of silk ribbon embroidery. Example of price: 10" box with silk ribbon embroidered lid $165. (60 hrs to embroider the lid with 100% raw silk ribbon). Signature, date and number on "plate" embroidered inside, for collectibility. The tapestry that I have with these rusty color, the dark sage and golds are not a floral. It is a block floral, with lovely patterns. Again, you need to get swatches, or wait until I make up a bunch of boxes, then I will have more "buy what I've got" and "order what you want".

So beautiful! The heart box to the left is the damask fabric I use on my Southern BelleTM Box for brides, with the raw silk roses on the top, only I use ivory, or fabrics that someone sends me. I love what I do and share what I love. Maybe I just have alot of love to go around. Hearts are the most difficult to do. You, for sure, get your money's worth. Try me, instead of them. You will be pleased. This was an antique damask tablecloth, so we must use ivory, (which is more like candlelight - not quite as dark as ivory), or rose, or sage. 14-1/2" with large silk flower on top, a few smaller roses, a silk bouquet. $125 at the least. Round and oval $10 less, 14" and up. Ribbon to carry the box as in days of old. The largest heart shaped box I have right this minute is 14-1/2". That can always change, I also have a lovely bolt of Ivory Jacquard Designer fabric, a perfect match with the silk roses on a bed of the 7" lace, shimmering organza ribbon woven through the bouquet, who needs fringe? Save yourself some money! I just got in a white and silver heavy decorator brocade, so opulent, with or without the roses. The price of $105 would go up to $120 w/roses, $105 w/o roses, ( 14-1/2" box). Then take the 20% off that price. Quite a difference! ($96 w/roses, $84 w/o roses)!!!

Our Decorative Boxes and Hat Boxes are Victorian by style. We use only the best fabrics and Victorian reproduction papers we can find. If we cannot find the right size or color of tassels then I make them. If you want a box made and in your hands in a week, impossible. But, we surely do the best we can do to get your box designed by you, with our help, to you by the estimated date on the design sheet.

We also use the finest laces money can buy. I use 7" lace, as I have said, and I have to say I have never seen anything so beautiful. Remember ALL inside and outside seams are covered with braided trim, like the trim around the heart box. Trim is beaded only on the most elegant, usally the higher end boxes. Padded, for protecting what you wish to put into your decorative boxes. It is difficult to explain what I do with the top fabric, as it is 3 times the fabric necessary to cover the top and tied with the 7" lace into a bow with the tails cascading gently down the front of the box that really doesn't look like tails at all. Then I adhere a self-fabric bow in front of all that, a few antique buttons, charms, or other findings that just seem to jump on the box when they are ready. How feminine. They make you feel so special just to look at them. Just think how you could make someone you love feel by giving her such a gift presentation. I don't doubt she would have to show it to every one who came into her home.

Well, it appears I just described my "Southern Belle TM" boxes. I almost forgot to add the silk charmuse rose you may have added for another $15. Almost impossible to create smaller than 6",so I prefer to make a cascade of a large 8" in the center with a 6" on each side of the 8" rose and that is a steal for $45! These Victorian decorative hat boxes, are signed, dated, and numbered as the "Silk RoseTM"" boxes, making them very collectible. No two are exactly alike even if same fabric. A part of my heart is the last embellishment that is lovingly added, (no extra charge for that).

.Look right above this text. The Elizabeth Collection. I put this in here to show you something I do not like to do. These boxes are not for sale individually. Can you guess how much you would have to pay for the set? All the tops are two pieces. You must be careful with the corners. They have lovely fabric on them, but I wouldn't put them or any like them on my list of favorites. I just can't give you a warranty on these boxes because not everyone is as careful with the corners as is needed. MY warranty extends to a full year on my decorative boxes with normal use and no water or cleaning chemicals applied to the boxes. I vaccum mine with the crevice and upholstery attachments.

The round box in this collection is quite lovely with those deep, rich colors. The bow on the top has large snaps on the back and is permanently attached to the ribbon, so that you may "untie" the ribbon over and over without worrying about getting your satin ribbon wrinkled. (The bow is pictured on the square box). Price with List B, and add $15 more for the extra cost of the fabric and a most lovely inside technique.

Something that I have noticed I am not seeing on other sites and I almost forgot it as well. When you purchase a new hatbox don't think you got the wrong lid. Because of the thickness of the material the box is made from plus fabric and the braid running all around the inside edge of the inner lid, it is going to feel very very tight. Not to worry! It will losen up in time, depending on how often you open and close it. The first one I ever had took me a year before the lid came off smoothly! Back to boxes. This box would fall into the list of boxes in the "B" catagory. Very reasonable! Also you get the ribbon handle on 14" and larger. I would highly suggest that you purchase the swatch card. The price includes postage, $6.00, or $5.00 if you use a CC. Get your $5 back when you purchase a hatbox of 10" or larger!

Well, we have a good shot of the side of this box so I can tell you what to expect on my hatboxes that need handles, (you won't need the extra loop to hold the lid on). Only two grommets will hold a very wide ribbon with some of my silk ribbon embroidery or a loop of twisted satin cord the same length as the wide ribbon. This cording or ribbon is only attached to boxes that are 12" or larger. When I say only about anything, this is standard. I will add anything you wish to your decorative box' Just ask me.

Cabbage Rose Vanity BoxTM

This little treasure would grace the dressing table of any lady, whether she has Victorian blood or not. Colors of ivory, sage and rose adorned with two antique silver buttons, a hydrangia bloom and coordinating ribbons, is sure to be a future heirloom, signed and dated. You can see the papers inside and the gold trim in the picture. 3" square with rounded corners, finished with a matching tassel. $8.00

My Goal: To provide handcrafted fabric and reproduction paper covered heirloom-quality hat/decorative boxes for gift giving or to beautify your own home. I have 25 years of experience in hunting for the best materials at the best prices and working toward perfection in craftsmanship. Although I am my own worst critic, I don't remember disappointing yet. My large diversity of sizes, shapes and style assures I will have a Victorian Decorative Box for every budget and every eye. Custom orders always welcome, and never cost an extra penny! Swatches available, too. I make darling 6" Mary Engelbreit boxes for that little princess. ($16)

Signed and dated in a most unique fashion, just lends my boxes still more collectibility. One morning "Silk RosesTM" popped into my head and had to be sketched before the thought ended up in a dream. A candlelight color brocade/jacquard box adorned with 6-10"silk roses. These I fashion with many squares of silk and a huge rose is born. Lovely, formal, definately Victorian and perfect for my decorative boxes. My first was for a wedding gift. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I amazed myself. Even though, I will always be searching for that perfect Hat Box, my "Southern BellTM" is most unique. My desire is to create a box, for all who wish one, with a satisfaction guarantee. If you purchase one of my boxes, you can have the peace of mind knowing you are not stuck with it. Now, custom boxes require an OK, and a 50% restocking fee. Non-custom needs a reason for return, (just for my own knowledge), no fee. No returns after 30 days. No refund of sales tax. (It goes to the state PDQ). That is only for you Okies. Please, if you must return, do it in the manner you received it. Mint condition! You will find none like them in style or price.

To order Box B-- Add $5 to the 3"- 8" boxes. Add $10 just to the 10"- 14" box, add $15 to "16"and up. This is to pay for the more expensive trim and fabric, and you are getting an excellent price! Just type in the white order box exactly what you want. Fabric, color, trim color, size of box. That's it! Fairly easy. (All 14" and up boxes have wide ribbon or corded handles). I just got a shipment of "to die for" fabrics I can send you swatches, you tell me the color. The black and gold and Chinese brocades, you will just flip when you see them!

For a long time I just could not for the life of me understand why someone would want a form of storage, beautiful tapestry fabric and moire, that didn't come close to matching. The longer I looked at them, the more they seemed to become an asset to the decor of the room. You will see no seams, you might notice that the inside is made with the same care as the outside. A perfect example of simplistic elegance. This box would fall into Box B pricing. The new brocades and jacquards, velvets, crushed velvets, put this floral tapestry to shame, especially the black/gold, and Chinese Brocade. An embroidered tag with the Artist's name and number and date of completion, will be on the inside of each box large enough to accommodate a tag.

No it is not quilting. It is really fun to do. This an example of "fabric manipulation". The fabric is taffeta. I just grabbed a scrap of muslin and went for it one day. It goes without saying, this decorative box is not the easiest, but I mastered it. Fabric manipulation is something that is challenging, but fun. I haven't seen flat boxes like this in years, so taller would be in order, these are taffeta with brass findings, replace the bow with a silk rose, a 12" box $115, the intricate fabric manipulation, findings, my silk charmuse 6-8" rose. If you don't want the rose, save yourself, $15, but you are missing out! New velvets, ivory and bordeax moire taffeta just in! Also Micovelvet, so plush and lovely, I plan on embossing half of it. I could only get it in navy. I have sage and a beige/camel embossed microvelvet, and lt. sage, delft, and rose damask, any color of toile you wish, I can get, all with cream background, none of that yellow color. Update on new fabrics, Brocades, Jaquards, more colors of velvets, all colors of toiles, ivory and burgundy moire, you just need to get a swatch card as my fabric supply is quite large. This hat box will be going up soon, because of its labor intensive quality. Strongly suggest swatch card, $6. Then use the$5 coupon that comes with the swatches. (cannot do the fabric manipulation with velvets, brocades, or other heavy fabrics with naps, best are moires, satins, chintz, all non nap fabrics, and it is so beautiful and your friends and family will be nicer, hoping their name is on it in your will!)

FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE OR WISH TO USE A CREDIT CARD: My credit card terminal will take check and debit cards. That is the best I can do, unless you wish to send me a money order, or a cashier's check purchased from a bank, and the money orders must be a US Postal Money Order, they are trackable, should one get lost, stolen or eaten by the dog.

Here, finally, my Southern BelleTM. My digital camera didn't pick up alot of the detail, and it isn't as red as it looks. It was actually burgundy damask. But, it is gone, just got a picture before it ran off. Can you make out the big fluffy rose behind the lace bow? This lace is only 4" wide. I finally found the 7" wide lace that I always use. AND I cannot find these pearls anywhere. This was a huge box, 20" in diameter and over a foot tall. (It looks taller than wide from the padding). She showed up (friend) before I got the ribbon handle attached. Price for 16-1/2" is $115. These boxes would be at least $25-$35 more than the boxes in the "B" group. It takes almost 4 yds. of braid. A 14" box is $65. (No designer fabrics, roses, or beaded trims). I did find 1--15-1/2", 2--16-1/2" , big and sturdy. I do not use the colored braid anymore unless you ask. 15-1/2" would be $110 (sorry the floral fabric in the pix is my sofa, not for sale, hee hee. Fabric and trims are the biggest factors determining selling price and the lid takes alot of fabric!

This palette of decorative boxes is for your enjoyment and, maybe help you decided on exactly what you would like best in your collection, or single Victorian-style of storage unit or lovely gift presentation. I cannot say enough that I am here for you. My prices are great, but I am NOT a bargain basement. My boxes are quality! This type of floral tapestry seems to be in a hiddie hole, but I obviously found it in the past, I will find it again! See my tapestry's on the swatch card, ($6).

Now to the left and directly below, not toile, and not in stock. Very old samples, and very thin fabic. Although thin, it was very strong; decorator muslin. Used in the UK. The fabric is a knockout on these boxes! The entire scenes on these samples is a bit caotic to the eye. I will be using toile in one of many designs. I have gotten several new toiles in. You may use the "B" list for pricing your box. Another note: Your box will not be black inside. It will be covered in the same fabric as the outside. The fabric background is a light cream color, I would say closer to ivory. The 14" and above will have a handle to hold the lid as in days of old. Good prices, good warranty. One year with normal use. NOTE: Not intended for children's use, if the fabric or embellishments are worn in less than several years, possibly a lifetime, it usually means it was played with by well-meaning children. Get your little girl her own box. Mary Engelbreit with her name! Yes, I do have Mary Engelbreit fabric's too! I even have little jumpers with button covers coming late fall-- Sizes 2, 4, and 6.

One year warranty on all products made by and exclusive of Elizabeth's Victorian Garden of Gifts and Scraps, Inc. Check with companies producing other products as their guarantees may differ. Normal use is expected. No products intended for the use by children. Dolls, angels and Santas are NOT toys. Some items can be made for an older child's use if indicated, or specially made for a child. Too many small pieces on many items could cause a choking hazard. Not responsible for accidents in the home!

June 4th Update - If you have fabric you would like to be used to create any box, you only need to pay labor fees. Email or call me and we can figure the cost. My Southern BellTM and Silk RoseTM will have added charges for the silk, trims, etc. You just have to get a hat box/pillow combo in my new fabrics! Don't forget that 20% off on Heart Shaped Decorative Hat Boxes! The prices on Boxes A & B do not apply to heart boxes.

Textile Art is something I would rather do than eat or breathe, and maybe pay taxes, but I must do them all, so this one of the productions I will not sell except blocked, matted and framed. I just can't stand the thought of someone laying it on a table and some goon setting his can of beer on it, and you know I am NOT insulting you when I say goon. This type of crochet was done during Colonial times to tell stories, much like Toile fabric. It is just exquisite with tiny seed pearls that do not show up even in the blow up. The price is the same up to 8 letters or maybe nine if they are thin. Meticulously crafted and displayed in cherry or oak frame with gold leaf edging the frame. Each one is a bit different. This future heirhoom is $125.95. Pick from burgundy, hunter, navy or black mats. Blk/Gold or Gold/Ant. Brnt. Umber frame.

Trying to get you a shopping cart in a store front web site, soon, so you don't have to call, or hope AOL doesn't block your email, (I don't have a thing hooked up to AOL anymore, SHHHHHH), so, where were we? Ah, yes, well, that is what we are up against, AND if someone tells you they can get you a bunch of links so your website will be higher on the search engines, and his last name starts with a "R", run as fast as you can! He really wants you to sell his junk for him and he is one of those guys from out of town who came to America to take advantage of people who think there is something good in everyone. No more Mrs. Nice Guy! OOOO, I sound so scarey, and stupid!

We start by covering the inside with gold lama', then using my tricky secret that makings all fabric not solid come out perfectly the outside is finished with a lovely jaquard, gimps and bottoms on the inside and the outside are all covered. A large hole is punched on both sides for the large ribbon to pass thru and tada! One lovely box finish.