The story of a bespoke box....
I like each personalised box to be an individual creation - this makes it really special for the recipient. The process starts with a phone call or an e-mail and then a discussion about the recipient as the request is often for a special gift....
I then start to work on ideas and do any research needed. If I'm creating a butterfly design for instance, I like to recreate an 'actual species', even thinking about the plants they like and the areas they are found...
Then I start sketching....
...and resketching ... until I have a design I am happy with!
I prepare the box by sanding to a smooth finish inside and out, then I sketch my design onto the box...
The next stages are to burn the design onto the wood by hand...
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...and then paint with acrylics to bring the design to life.
Finally the box is varnished and waxed for protection and the interior is lined with a co-ordinating felt.