It was easy and fun to make, and I've included a photo tutorial below.

My first step in using my 5" x 5" Ampersand Claybord Box Kit was staining the sides and inside of my box with Tattered Angels Color Wash Paint in Caribbean Mist and a large flat brush. Color Wash Paint brought out the natural beauty of the wood and tinted the surface at the same time. Staining is an easy way to add a nice finish to these boxes because the birch plywood on the outside of the box has already been sanded and is ready for stain.
​I stained the sides and inside of the box with two coats of Caribbean Mist.

Once dry, I added the hinges supplied in the box to fasten the box to the lid.
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​To create the lid design, I grabbed my Map Stencil from StencilGirl® Products!

Using an InkBlusher Ink Blending Tool, I applied StazOn Teal Blue ink through the stencil onto the lid.
The absorbency of the Claybord lid allows for color application without runs or bleeds.
And StazOn inks dry quickly and permanently.

Then I drilled a small hole to attach this 7gypsies Hemisphere book knob to the box lid.
I love the map of the world on this ceramic knob!

Next, came the 3.5" Square Coaster Size Stampbords! I used the same technique I used with the box lid: using InkBlusher Ink Blending Tools and StazOn ink in Teal Blue and Cloudy Sky through my Map Stencil stencil. Again, I could apply the colors without worrying about runs or bleeds onto the absorbent clay-coating.

I'm really happy with my set of 8 coaster and coordinating box!

Below is what the box looks like with the lid open:

It's fun to see the map pattern in some of my favorite colors!

The coasters are a perfect fit for this box!

I've placed this box on a table in my living room and am enjoying using the colorful coasters, too!

What do you have to do to enter?
Just leave a comment below by Tuesday, November 20 at 11:59PM Central Time.
The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to WIN!
One winner will be chosen at random from all blog comments!
(One comment per blog please.)
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Winner will be announced on
StencilGirl® Products' Facebook page on Wednesday, November 21.

For this week, I stenciled on my journal pages with my Map Stencil from StencilGirl Products and modeling paste, let it dry, then brushed on watercolors. Once dry, I covered my pages with travel washi tape and Rebekah Meier Designs Mixed Media Art Tape from Therm-O-Web that I stenciled with my Map Stencil and StazOn ink.
​I added a card I created in Seth Apter's 52 Card Pickup workshop as a focal point, too.

For this week, I stenciled on my journal cover with my Map Stencil and Compass Stencil from StencilGirl® Products! (I had to start a second journal because of the additional prompts. Yay!)

​I began with Colour Blast gesso and inks, then added Therm O Web Foils with a laminator! Was great fun to experiment!

Today is my eight-year Blogoversary – eight years since I began blogging!
Blogging definitely requires time and energy, but you can gain much by doing it with passion and persistence!

Below are just some of the boons I’ve experienced since beginning my blog 8 years ago!
1. Connecting with others and becoming a part of a community. ​I've been fortunate enough to communicate with many other creative people all over the world through blogging. I've also met great friends through the process of blogging! I feel especially blessed to be a part of the StencilGirl® Products community and to have spent a lot of time with StencilGirl® friends this past year!

2. Inspiring others and being inspired by others.
Becoming the StencilGirl® Products Blog/Social Media Coordinator is one dream that's come true from blogging! I love sharing inspiration and am constantly inspired by others!

6. Creating art!

Want to join in the Stencilfied Journal fun?
Watch Tina Walker's blog and follow her on Facebook and Instagram for new prompts each Monday!
Be sure and tag #thestencilfiedjournal and #stencilgirl with each post so we can see your wonderful creations!

​​This week, I'm linking up with Mix It Up Blog Challenge Anything Goes + Monochrome.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog!
Have a wonderful week!

For this week, I stenciled pages with my Compass Stencil from StencilGirl® Products and added the word dream over and over with my dream rubber stamp and dreams with Tim Holtz Big Chat stickers.

It was so fun to create rhythm and movement and values and marks with the rubber stamp!

Why not consider an original painting as the perfect holiday gift for a family member,
​friend or other special person in your life? 
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Thank you for browsing my Etsy shop and supporting my creative endeavors!
With much gratitude,