Jewelry Box Makeover

When I started making my mini book necklaces, I realized that I would need an easy way to display them at craft shows. Since they are the only jewelry item I plan on making for the time being, I didn't want to make an elaborate jewelry display. In comes this small jewelry box that has been languishing in my craft cupboard for a few years, waiting to be called upon.

It wasn't in great shape and needed a makeover of some sort, but I thought the double layer would be perfect to show off several book necklaces.

I have remade other items in my display with decoupaging text pages from old books, so I thought I'd give it a try with this box as well. I used an old French crossword dictionary for this one. I use my own homemade mod podge glue by diluting regular white glue.

Uh-oh, sticky fingers!

Here it is finished with acrylic gloss varnish. I decided to paint the bottom of each layer black, which then crackled on me because of the glue from the decoupage (but I like the effect). It was a bit challenging to cover the pivoting shelf inside without getting it stuck in one spot so it could still move!