Stationery Box

Supplies
3 pieces 12" x 18" birch craft wood
4 wooden legs for box
9" carved wooden scroll
4 - 1" nails
25" x 25" piece of fabric to line stationery box
beads
rhinestones
dark red paint (or your color choice)
burnt umber glaze
wood glue
satin finish polyurethane

Tools
table saw
sand paper or orbital sander
glue gun and glue sticks
clamps
hammer
paint brush or sponge
painter's rags/clothes

Directions
1. Use the table saw to cut the wood to get the 6 sides of the stationery box.
box top: 16" x 12"
box bottom: 16" x 12"
side front: 16" x 3"
side back: 16" x 5"
2 sides: 11 ½" long, one end 3" high and the other end 5" high; this will form a trapezoid shape with the 3" and 5" sides being parallel. Sand all sides once they are cut using sandpaper or an orbital sander.
2. Use wood glue to glue the 2 box sides, box front and box back to the box bottom. Allow plenty of time for the glue to dry.
3. Use wood glue to affix the wooden legs to the stationery box and let dry. Note: for added stability legs and box sides can be nailed using finish nails and a finish nail gun. This is fun--I highly recommend trying it!
4. Use wood glue to affix the carved wooden scroll piece to center top of the stationery box.
5. Sand completed box, then apply 1-2 coats of dark red paint. Let the paint dry thoroughly.
6. Use a paintbrush or sponge to apply a generous coat of burnt umber glaze. Then use a painter's cloth or rag to remove excess glaze and work remaining glaze into painted box. Let the glaze dry. Apply a light coat of satin polyurethane to seal the antiqued finish.
7. Use the 25" x 25" piece of fabric to make the lining for the inside of the box. Place fabric over box and push into the box. Fold excess fabric under to hide the raw edges, making sure fabric doesn't stick up over sides of the box. Hot glue fabric in place. Glue very close to the top folded edge of the fabric. Make pinch pleats in the fabric at the corners while the glue is still warm. This will help accommodate the excess fabric at the corners.
8. Since the lid sits on top of the box, beaded nails can be added to keep the lid from sliding off. Add 2 beads to a 1" nail, and nail it into the bottom side of the box lid 1" from each side. The beads will keep the nail from going through the topside of the lid. Repeat this step for all four corners. Then hot glue a rhinestone to the top of each nail.

Now the stationery box is complete. Add handmade stationery, matching envelopes, decorative pens and stamps. Enjoy for yourself or give as a gift.