A Painted Flower Box

A ship on the Alaskan coast was my original destination for today. A significant wedding anniversary is coming up and this was to be our celebration. That dream has been postponed for at least a year. Instead we will make the best of yet another week at home.

A lot of togetherness isn’t always a good thing, so I have focused on other activities. I started my garden indoors in March shortly after the lock down by planting seeds. Over the spring and summer, I have been taking my working-from-home lunch breaks in the garden watering and weeding and relaxing. As fall approaches, I worry what the coming months will look like when the garden is finished for the season.

I started painting again. I have connected with many artists online through Live Events on Facebook and through Zoom. I also took my art one step further by painting images shared by family and friends and adding my own interpretation. The connection with others and self-expression have been gratifying. My walls and canvases are full and the only paint my husband could find in store the other day was black. I need colour in my life.

I turned by attention to a small wooden box that has been lying on a shelf for more than 12 years. I had purchased it for my children to paint but they never got around to doing it. I saw possibilities: small surfaces to use as individual canvases, a lasting record of garden inspiration, a frugal way to use remaining paint supplies and a preservation of wall space.

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Step 1: Research wood painting photos online.

Step 2: Search my photos for inspiration.

Step 3: Remove box hinges and store with screws in a safe place. (I used a small plastic container.)

Step 4: Paint each individual surface with acrylic folk art paint. Once fully dried, and sealed with glaze, move on to other surfaces holding lid in place with rubber bands.

Step 5: Paint inside of box. I wanted to just glaze this but used gold paint instead as the inside was rough. Allow to dry thoroughly. I painted a miniature schnauzer modeled after my brother’s dog Gretel as every treasure box needs something precious inside.

Step 6: Once everything is dried and sealed, reattach hinges.

Step 7: Use box to store treasures or just admire your handiwork.

I chose seeds to store. They carry with them a promise of hope and new life. We’ll all need that by springtime when the garden comes again. I have my box and treasures as reminders in the meantime.