Creekers, I'm building a miniature blanket chest after one I read about in the "Pleasant Hill Shakers" book. The recipient, my Sister, demands that it be made entirely of cedar. Now, I'm not a softwood guy but I've managed some relative success matching the 1:6 dovetails in 1" stock. My question for the masses is twofold: 1) Do I have any options for dying/staining this soft, oily monstrosity? I'd like just a hue darker/redder. 2) What topcoat do you recommend for a moderately used-and-abused cedar piece. My guess is that it will be used to store art supplies. Hard maple...I'm a novice. Cedar...I'm an idiot. Any help greatly appreciated. al