Thyme to show you Crow's Nest Tavern Receipt Box

I have fallen behind in blogging about all the projects that I have been painting! My desk is now cleared! Today I want to tell you about a project  called Crow's Nest Tavern Receipt Box. Design by Cynthia Erekson. Please join me to see how you can transform an ordinary wood box  into something very unique using simple woodgraining techniques. My Palette DecoArt Americana Acrylics Camel , Antique Green, Dried Basil Green, Milk Chocolate, Lamp Black, Honey Brown, Dark Chocolate, Soft Black Antique Gold Let's Paint! I used a box which measured about 10" x 6" x 4" You can adjust the pattern to fit any surface! I began by sealing the box inside and out  with  Multi Purpose Sealer After your sealer has dried sand lightly and wipe off any dust with a paper towel. I base coated all outer surfaces of the box and lid with Camel. I loaded the broad flat side of a 2" sponge brush with a good amount of paint. I began in the center of each section of the box  and  repeatedly used a "press" and "lift" motion to create a textured surface.  I painted the inside of the box and lid with Antique Green. I taped off the top of the box  leaving a rectangle area about 6 1/2" x 2 1/2" exposed  in the center of the cover. I then mixed a wood graining glaze. I began by squirting a quarter size puddle  of  Milk Chocolate in the center of my palette. Around that puddle I carefully squirted  4 quarter size puddles  of  Clear Glaze medium. The puddles must be the same size as the Milk Chocolate puddle!  Measure carefully! I then added 2 quarter size puddles of Easy Float I mixed this all together with a palette knife. I loaded the flat side of a sponge brush  and  again used a "press" and "lift" motion  to apply a bubbly coat of glaze to the center of the lid. I then used a graining tool and pulled it through the glaze mix on the box cover. I repeated the "graining" on the 2 sides and back of the box.  The front of the box is where we will paint the design. You must allow the graining to dry completely! I then added the borders on the box  by carefully removing the tape I had applied. I used a stencil brush  to pounce on 2 coats of Dark Chocolate  into the 1" border. Make sure your brush is DRY  to avoid seepage of paint  under your taped edges. I then removed the 1/4" tape  and  used a dry stencil brush loaded  with  Antique Green  to pounce the next border. I painted the rope with Dark Chocolate.  I highlighted with Camel  and  added the line detail with Lamp Black. I shaded around all the edges  of the of each side of the box   (front, sides, and back)  using  Dark Chocolate on a dry stencil brush. I repeated using Lamp Black. I transferred the design to the front of the box adding details as needed. The details have all been painted. I love the muted colors of this box. I applied several coats of  Dura Clear Soft Touch Varnish using a sponge. Let the varnish dry completely between coats! I have a selection of sponges in the the STUDIO like those shown above. I use the round flat ones to apply varnish. The Soft Touch Varnish will give your project a wonderful matte finish with no streaks! I attached hardware to the cover of my box. My completed project. Rosemary Reynolds and DecoArt  provided me with the paints  and products to complete this project as part of their Helping Artist and  Blogger Outreach Programs THANK YOU DecoArt! I hope you have enjoyed watching me paint this Crow's Nest Tavern Receipt Box. Happy Painting! Lynn