Here's a new treasure chest I customised for the toddler. I didn't take the hinges off this time. As always, I started with sanding and adding a base coat of acrylic gesso. Unlike last time, I didn't bother to seal it with PVA first. I don't think it really has a noticeable effect. I made this in July, but I've been really lazy about posting on here lately.

I asked the toddler if she'd like an under the sea theme or a fruit theme and she went for the under the sea theme.

I started the decoration with making seaweed, shells, starfish and coral out of air dry clay. I also got out my stash of wooden shapes for extra stars and hearts. I used a silicone moon mould to make a moon out of clay. The toddler is mad keen on space. She knew all her planets when she was barely 2 years old. My little nerd!

At this point it's looking really hideous. But every craft project has to go through an ugly duckling stage first, right? Right? It's just this one looks uglier than usual.

No, don't give up yet! Let's get the first coat of paint on!

That's looking so much better! Now time to do the final paint job. I used pearlescent medium to give the elements a nice sheen.

A couple of coats of satin sealant and it's done! The toddler really likes it. She keeps her broken bike bell in there now.

Okay, bye!