Indian Star Quilt themed box . . .

I finished up this box last night, a little late for this year's Christmas sales.  I painted the bacground a blue-gray color at my daughter's suggestion.  I think it came out nice. --Bob

Tea Bag Carriers . . .

Diana made some tea bag carriers to see how they sell.  You put tea bags, or packs of tea and sugar inside to carry in a purse or pocket when you go out and want to take tea fixins with you. There are a couple additional fabric choices available and we show them in the Etsy listing.  I painted the word "Tea" on each one for her to help give them a little umph.  We hope they sell.  It is an original design thought up by Diana.  --Bob

Another Quilt Theme Design Box . . .

I am almost finished with this box -- just need to paint the inside.  I based the design on a quilt pattern called "Triangle Squares".  I thin it came out pretty nice looking.  I will put it up for sale today or tomorrow.  --Bob

Another Microwave Potato Bag . . .

Diana made this microwave potato bag last night.  I like the fabric she used.  We put it up for sale in our Etsy Shop this afternoon.

"Star and Hearts" Themed Box . . .

I finished up this box last night.  I based the design on a classic Country quilt design called "Star and Hearts".  The red border on the outside of the lid was an afterthought that was suggested by Diana.  I think it really made the design pop.  I will be putting it up for sale in our shop sometime this afternoon.  This morning we are taking two of my granddaughters to a craft show so I won't have the time. --Bob

While the Turkey Cooks, I paint . . .

Working on another Flying Geese Quilt Themed box today.  Diana is making a feast for the two of us that is definitely going to add a few inches to my belly.  We're going to celebrate Thanksgiving with my daughter and her family this Sunday.  In the meantime, I'm going to give up Geese for Turkey! --Bob

Diana is Now Making Microwave Potato Bags . . .

Diana thought she would make some microwave potato bags and see how well they sell on Etsy and at Craft Shows.  She knows alot of people make them, but is hoping people will like the fabrics she uses and the design of the bags.  They are constructed of 100% cotton materials and are completely microwave safe.  The interior is muslin and there is cotton batting between layers.  She put a fabric loop on it to make it easy to hang up near the microwave.  We put this one up for sale on Etsy a little while ago.  Hopefully she will sell one soon. --Bob

Another Flying Geese Quilt Box

I made a Flying Geese design quilt box about a month ago and sold it right away.  I thought I would make another one since I couldn't think of anything else to make.  Here is a picture of it.  I finished it up last night and put it up for sale in our shop a little while ago.

I had an inquiry the other day from an Art Museum that wanted to buy my boxes wholesale and resell them in their gift shop.  Unfortunately, I cannot wholesale them.  My prices are very low and I wouldn't make any money at all for all the work I put into them if I were to give wholesale prices.  So as much as I like to make sales,  wholesale sales just are not in my cards.  --Bob

Made a Mistake on this One . . .

I wish I hadn't put the dots in the Chevron areas of this box.  But what is done is done.  I may try painting them out if the box doesn't sell. --Bob

Steps to Decorating a box . . .

I took one of the three boxes I made the other day and base coated it Buttermilk.  Then, I penciled in the design on the box lid and began masking it off so I could paint it.  It is a slow process masking each design element but I don't know of any other way to get the lines straight.  I use paper masking tape rather than that purple stuff because I think it makes crisper lines. I hope to finish this box up soon. --Bob

Boxes in the Works . . .

Here is a pic of some boxes I put together yesterday and still need to paint and finish off.  I had four of them, but ruined one on the table saw when I cut off the lid.  They don't look like much at this stage, but when I get them painted up and get the hardware affixed, they will look alot better. I will mostl likely do them up with Quilt Pattern designs. --Bob

A Sewing Notions Box . . .

I made this small box for Diana about a year ago, but she doesn't have a need for it anymore.  I drew a sewing machine on top because she sews.  It could be used to store miscellaneous notions, or bobbins, or machine tools, or other things.  The lid slides to open the box and is a little different than my usual boxes.  If you are interested in it, I will be posting it in our Etsy shop soon so come take a look. -Bob

Another Quilt Themed Box . . .

I had painted this box with a morning glory design, but didn't care for the way it turned out.  So I decided to put a Quilt Theme on it instead.  This is a "Windmill" Design that I think most quilters would recognize.  I spruced it up a little with white dots and I think it came out fairly well. --Bob

A Box Inspired by one of my Daughter's Quilt Blocks . . .

Just made this box last night.  It was tricky to figure out, but after a few trials and errors got it to work out.  I really enjoy doing these "Quilt Boxes".  I just hope they are popular enough for people to buy. This is a small box, but it is fully lined in a cream color velvety type fabric, good for storing jewery or other keepsakes. You can see details on it in our Etsy Shop.  Just click the link at right to go to our shop. --Bob

A "Grape" Motif Recipe Box in the Works . . .

Here is a pic of a Recipe Box I am currently working on.  I am making it with a "grape" motif design.  I still have to do a little work on it, like paint the word "recipes" on the front. And I need to affix the hardware.  But I thought I would show a picture of one of my works in progress. -- Bob

Diana Tries Something New . . .

Diana made these mug rugs the other day and we just put them up for sale in our Etsy Shop.  She is trying something new with mug rugs.  Previously she has focused on dress making and table linens, but likes the concept of mug rugs, which is new for her.  Come visit our shop and take a look at them.

A Quilt Inspired Box . . .

It has been over a year since I posted anything in this blog.  I thought I'd start posting again.  I am starting with a picture of my latest project, a Quilt Design inspired box that I just put up for sale in our Etsy Shop.  I did it in shades of blue and think it came out pretty good.  It is a design that would appeal to either a man or a woman I think.  I made the box in our workshop and decided to go with a quilt design because my daughter is a long arm quilter and she inspired me.  I plan to make more quilt inspired pieces and I just hope they sell.  -- Bob