DIY Tutorial: Stenciled Jewelry Box Treasure Chest

I don’t believe I’ll ever tire of the adorable Royal Design Studio Otomi Folk Art Furniture Stencil. I used it as a surprise element inside a huge bedroom cabinet for a Paint + Pattern post, and decided I had to use it for this little chest that a girlfriend donated for a project. It was in good shape, and perfect for decoration and storage for some of my travel treasures.

Can you tell that I love pattern and more pattern?

Stencil SUPPLIES

• Royal Design Studio Otomi Folk Art Furniture Stencil & Royal Design Studio Fleur de Lace Furniture Stencil
• Royal Design Studio Stencil Cremes in Shimmer Pink, Orange Ice, Frosted Lilac, Renaissance Red, Lime Shine, Peacock Fancy
• Royal Design Studio Stencil Brushes
• Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan in Florence and Antibes Green, Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax
• Paper towels like Bounty, painters tape, paint brush, 220 grit sandpaper, clean wiping rags
• Wooden box, and one optional drawer pull

PAINT THE BASECOAT

Paint the exterior and the lid with two coats of Florence. Paint the interior with one coat of Antibes Green. After the green dries, lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper.

STENCIL THE LID WITH STENCIL CREMES

Tape the Otami stencil in position. Lay out all of the bright, gorgeous, Royal Stencil Creme colors. Have several stencil brushes to choose from. Dip the tips of a stencil brush into a color and offload any excess paint. Use a swirling motion to stencil. Begin anywhere, using one color. When you run out of paint, change to another color, using the same brush to blend as you go. Continue, using all of the colors. Use a fresh brush if the colors get muddy.

(My stencil was used previously with foils, and not easily cleanable, but it worked perfectly.)

STENCIL THE LID AND A LITTLE CONTRASTING DETAIL

Tape the Fleur de Lace stencil in position. Stencil all over using Peacock Fancy. I later added one accent leaf and flower inside the box using Renaissance Red.

USE CLEAR WAX FOR PROTECTION

Wipe a thin coat of Clear Wax over the entire surface. Wait about 30 minutes, then buff to a soft sheen. This step really brings out the colors.

ADD AN ARTSY, HANDMADE PULL

Although this little box really did not need a functional pull, I decided the front just needed something. I keep a giant jar filled with pulls that I have salvaged and collected over the years, and discovered this glass knob made by my glass artist friend, Nancy Brooks, of Sleepin’ Dog in Virginia. It was the perfect addition to pull the look together.

There’s so much more to come here at PaintAndPattern.com for the holidays, so drop back often!