Ivory Keepsake Box

I am in the process of pulling things together for the "Misadventure" box, so took the opportunity this morning to photograph a box I completed about two weeks ago.  
I am very happy with the flow of the design, which reminds me of the sea .... it is quite elegant and feminine in feel.
This box is cedar, and covered in textured and carved pieces of  white-ecru polymer clay.  Graceful curved areas were left and then filled with handmade circular motifs, also carved.  In some, tiny aquarmine beads were inserted for delicate contrast.
The interior of the box as been antiqued, as has the bottom.  The underside of the lift-off lid has been signed. 

Cedar Faux Ivory Cigar Box

I am so pleased with this box, and as often happens in such cases, I've held onto it for a long time. I made it out of a white-ecru mix which I textured, then cut into I don't know how many narrow strips and covered the entire exterior, including the bottom. Once that was done, and the box cured, I sanded and buffed and then applied a glaze of raw sienna and burnt umber. A striped agate bead I especially liked was then fixed to the top, a narrow black bezel created and the piece was cured again to fuse the glaze and cure the clay bezel. I've left the interior natural to allow it to be used for proper cigar storage, and cut a removable dark brown suede piece for the base. The box is 5 3/4 inches long, 4 1/2 inches wide and 4 3/8 inches tall. The entire exterior of the box is covered, including the bottom. I have signed the underside of the lid.

August 2010 Faux Leather & Turq Treasure Box

August 2010 Faux Leather & Turq Treasure Box,
originally uploaded by pati b.

One of my newest pieces: A rich little treasure box just 2 x 3" in side all in polymer clay on a paper mache' base...faux leather, mosaic tiles using a modified mokumne gane technique, textured mosaic tesserae and genuine turquoise. The interior is a glossy black and mottled copper (paint)

The base is that most humble of Sculpey polymer clay: Good old school days terra cotta. When glazed with burnt umber acrylics and waxed with shoe polish it is just too good not to use. I used my extruder to define the primary channels, copper tube acrylic to color and as with the mokumne tiles and center textured tiles (done in tube bronze and copper) sealed with diamond clear finish.

April 27 2010 Pear "Kiss" Box

April 27 2010 Pear "Kiss" Box,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Various views:
3" square paper mache box box; polyclay, burnt umber/red oxide acrylic glazes; polish.
Box interior; metallic acrylic

The pear image is a transfer made from one of my paintings; the tiles are all textured with stamps I've made.