Wooden Boxes - Keepsake Storage

Of all the materials that can be used for making boxes you will find that wooden boxes are the most versatile of all. A wooden box can be handmade and expertly carved to produce a storage container that will be treasured and may, itself, contain valuable treasures and keepsakes. Small wooden boxes can be made cheaply from the left over wood after building a bookcase, table or cabinet. Larger wooden chests or cabinets can be made from new wood or purchased directly from the store. Smaller boxes can hold anything from trinkets and jewelry, to a set of wooden chessmen. Slightly more morbidly, a small plain solid wood box is sometimes used as a cremation urn. A larger box can be a cedar blanket box perhaps, or a large, heavy duty, wooden trunk.

Because wood is so versatile and curable it can be used in numerous ways for storing goods. Memento boxes are often made from wood and feature brass clasps and hinges. A keepsake box might come with a small lock and key to allow you to protect your valuable items. Wooden presentation boxes for wine are cheap, but they do enhance the gift rather than presenting a friend with loose bottles. A small wine box will hold one or two bottles of wine. Wood is used to create tea and coffee boxes as well as tool boxes, especially to protect delicate or expensive calibration tools.

Box shopping ideas

A wood box is a unique gift which can be used for keeping jewelry, trinkets or even as a keepsake box. Wood boxes are synonymous with quality and are often handcrafted and carved ornately. Slightly unusual boxes are the wooden babushka dolls which are also known as Russian nesting dolls. Each doll has another nested inside it but sometimes the biggest, outermost doll is used as a storage box for holding a precious ring or gemstone instead. The dolls are made from a block of lime wood (aspen and birch is also used but lime wood is the best) utilizing a fine turning craftsmanship, before they are exquisitely hand painted (see image opposite). The dolls twist apart at the center to reveal the storage area inside.

Wooden playing card boxes

Playing cards can be kept in pristine condition, when not in use, by storing them in a purpose built wooden box (pictured above, 2 deck version). Many design types are available in different wood materials and as gift boxes they can be ideal presents for the more serious card players (Bridge, Poker professionals will love them). Even if the cards are used and become worn the box remains as a reminder of the gift and can be re-kitted with newer decks. The boxes are finished to a high level, often handcrafted and including superb veneer work and brass embellishments.

Memento boxes for your keepsakes

Wooden keepsake boxes can be made from a solid wood like oak or mahogany, which will be heavy, but you might prefer the lighter boxes made from basswood (linden) or white pine. Whatever you choose you will not be disappointed because wood finishes such as varnishing, oiling or polishing will bring out the true beauty of the wood. The heavier boxes can have brass corners fitted to compliment the ornate nature of the box. I would recommend a heavy box if you want to have a lock and key fitted and you can source one online for no more than $20. They make for very attractive jewelry boxes.

Other box types and uses

A birch wood jewelry box will be long lasting and will resist wear and tear. A jewelry box should have a lined interior to protect both the box wood and the jewelry therein. A cedar wood box used for potpourri is an excellent choice of box as the aromatic cedar smell compliments the herbs. Potpourri boxes would have holes in them to allow the scent to permeate the area where they are located. Wooden puzzle boxes and games, consisting of interlocking pieces, are usually handcrafted and are quite tactile in design. Each puzzle piece is beautifully finished in a different color hardwood and all is contained in the game box.

Whatever items you collect as you journey through life you will find that wooden boxes are the best storage receptacles for you, and will meet your accommodation needs easily.