Treasure Boxes

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Overview

These boxes were made for three young children to store their valuables (rocks, bugs, and other assorted treasure). All the wood was sourced from parts removed from Eastlake style headboards given by a family member.

Reclaimed Furniture Parts

All of the carved wood elements were part of the Eastlake style headboards that acted as donors for this project. The original finish, in failing condition, was stripped and scraped before sanding.

Carved wood parts sourced from Eastlake style headboards.
The parts in original condition.
Stripping the old finish from furniture parts.
Acetone is a suitable chemical for stripping old finishes.
The wood finish has been stripped from a bed rail.
First layers of finish removed.
The wood finish has been stripped from a carved wood panel.
Carved panel after stripping.
Three sets of repurposed furniture parts become the sides of new boxes.
New box parts are ready for joinery.

Finished Boxes

The boxes function with sliding lids in the same way as old candle boxes. The joinery is simple - rabbeted corners glued and fasted with blackened brass screws. The finish is shellac and wax.