This hasn’t exactly been a year to remember. DIY Expert Christian Dare wants you to shove the reminders of this period into a time capsule – and quite literally bury the past.
An outdoor time capsule needs to be rust proof and water proof, which usually means a rust proof metal. Combine this with the fact that most of the ground is frozen solid right now, and you’ll see why we’re opting for indoor options over outdoor ones. These three time capsules are designed to be hidden in the home. They can easily be stored in the attic, basement or back of a closet for safe keeping.
Capsule 1: “Bottle it Up”
This time capsule is made from some recycled jars dipped in paint and time stamped with the year. You could use one large jar for the whole family or 3 or 4 smaller jars so everyone can make their own. Here’s what you need:
- Recycled jars or bottles with lids
- Elastic bands
- Craft paint
- Masking tape
- Knife
- Paint brush
- Paper
- Home Printer
- Glue
The first step is to make sure you have thoroughly cleaned and dried out your recycled jar. Now add on a rubber band. This will give you a clean edge when you paint and create that dipped look. Now add one coat of paint on the bottom of the jar and let it dry. Next, create a date stencil using masking tape. With a pencil, simply draw out the number 2020 on your masking tape. And using a knife, carefully cut out the number to create a stencil. Apply the stencil to the jar and add a layer of paint. Repeat your layers of paint 2 -3 more times until you have the desired effect. Add your mementos and seal the jar a paper label. The paper can have a design, an “open on” date or anything else you’d like. Use glue to place the paper over the lid, and voila! Literal “bottled time”!
Capsule 2: “Box it Up”
This time capsule is almost like a big present you are giving your future self. It uses an old shoebox and some custom wrapping paper to seal it up. Here’s what you need:
- Old show box
- Markers
- A roll of craft paper
- Scotch tape
- Scissors
The first step is to premeasure how much paper you would need to wrap your shoe box, much like wrapping a present. Create your own wrap by using paint, markers or crayons. This is a great activity for the kids to get in on. Fill the box with your mementos and wrap it like a gift. Be sure not to mistake it for a birthday present!
Capsule 3: ” Go Big and Hide at Home”
This last time capsule is a bit large in scale and involves a little more construction work. To make this easier, you can customize a pre-made storage box from IKEA. Here’s what you need:
- A plain wood box with a lid
- Craft paint
- Paper
- Home printer
- Pencil
- Finishing nails
- Hammer
Assemble your box and pre-cut a lid made from MDF. Decorate the box with paint, stain, or whatever you want. Raw wood makes a great canvas. If you’re an artist, go crazy with the paint, but if not, then making a stencil like the first box is a good way to go as well. Paint in your design and let it dry overnight. Lining the box with a plastic bag can really help preserve the items inside. The last step is, of course, to seal the box. Nail the box shut. Prying off the lid in a few years will make this capsule feel like more of a discovery!
Have fun making your capsules, and hopefully this helps you forget the horrible year that was 2020.
