Although I make a lot of different home decor items, my favourite thing to make are decorative boxes. So, here is how this came to be.
When I opened my shop, the first thing that I made was a range of charms. The big lesson I got from this was that I prefer working on a larger scale. So, I made a couple of statues.
I enjoyed making the statues far more than the charms, so I knew that I was on the right track. The thing that kept coming to mind was "they look good, but what about a better function?"
The answer came to me on one of the many nights that I am kept awake with pain in various places. It was silly o clock, far too early to do more than write myself a note so I didn't forget. It turns out that this was not needed as my brain was insistent on mulling it over until I finally got to sleep.
Two days later and I was well enough to start claying in bed. I had worked out that I could make a chest if I cut a rectangular base and made the sides from one long strip. I then filled it with uncooked rice, so that it held its shape. I then made a flat lid that I attached tiny hinges and a clasp, then made the holes for them on the box. It all got baked and assembled.
I could then put my models on the lid. I did 2 commissions and 3 different chests for my shop.
I was not happy that I could not get straight sides and I didn't like the hinges as I felt they where not as strong as the rest of it.
I then experimented with using a metal pastry cutter in the sides. It meant that they where smaller, but they looked perfect. With this settled, I turned to the lid. I decided it was best to go for one that sits on the box and is held in place by a raised band on the underside.
I had finally found the perfect base for my figures.
I do find it hard when people order a box with nothing on the lid. It feels like they ordered a blank canvas, but I am learning to respect the fact that not everyone wants my creative touch.
I love your boxes!
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