Lillie's Keepsake Box

[Russell Johnson]

I made this project for my niece Lillie's 4th birthday. I wanted to make her a box that could be a keepsake and gain some experience with box making. I purchased all of the wood at an estate sale for a couple of bucks. The box is made of African Mahogany and the legs are Honduran Rosewood. The design for the body and legs were taken from issue 202 (Jan/Dec 2010/2011) of Wood magazine. The top was of my own design. My awesome wife painted the Lily on top based on a tattoo my niece's mother got after she was born. I finished the box with BLO and Minwax Polycrylic Gloss spray. First time using both products and I was very happy with the rich color given by the BLO and the quick application of the water based Polycrylic. I welcome all suggestions for improvement given I'm only in my second year doing woodworking.

[Mike Mastin]

Looks like the lucky lady was well pleased with your efforts and that is that matters Very nicely done IMO also though! Tasteful wood selection and the painted top is a nce touch.

[Michelle Rich]

One of the joys of woodworking is giving it to our loved ones. I bet lillie is just pleased as punch. she probably would have liked it even if if was made with 2x4's!!! I think it's a great box

[Carl Civitella]

Very nice, that will last her for many years. Carl

[Russell Johnson]

Thank you for the nice feedback. One nice plus out of this project is a jewelry box I'm going to do for my wife she would question all my design ideas. I was discussing something with her about it and she said she trusts my design ideas. That was a cool thing to hear from my wife.

[Alexander Valle]

Lovely box...keep up your good work. Alexander

[Mike Mastin]

In Texas we have a saying "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". Sounds like that you have found the way to her heart

[John Olson]

Great work and hope to seemore of your boxes.

[gary Zimmel]

Can't beat making things for family. Nice job Russell.

[Tim Anderson]

Very nice box and Lillie will put a lot of memories in that box. Did you sign it?

[Dave Gaul]

Great job man! I really like the legs...

If you like adding designs like the painted lilly, you should give inlay a try someday.

[Russell Johnson]

Yes but put the date I completed it and my wife thought it should have been her birthdate. In retrospect she was right I just didn't think of it that way

[Russell Johnson]

Dave I do want to try an inlay sometime but given time and experience I choose the painting. Thank you for the feedback.