Upcycled candle box

I kept this box because it is nice and sturdy. I also like the decorations on the edges and top of the box.

I started by removing the decoration from the top of the box. Than I painted the entire box turquoise, being careful to clean any paint off the corners.

I made the tassel stinging turquoise flat beads and  chips, silver beads, a silver star, green seed and bugle beads and a light  blue glass bead on .015 bead stringing wire and a silver hoop. There are two holes in the box lid, that is why there are to strands of beads coming out of the top. I attached one side to an earring securing it with a crimp bead. The other side went threw a silver star, then looped around a blue glass bead, then secured with a crimp bead.

Using a sponge I added some dark blue ink and light green ink. I painted the metal silver, I filled the holes in with black ink to give the box an aged feel.

I made simple patterns with copper, light blue and silver acrylic paint. In the center I made swirly patterns with copper paint, then decided I did not like it. So I painted over it with light blue paint. I like the way you can just barely see the patterns under the light blue.

I lived in Tucson Arizona in the 70s, and wanted this box to remind me of my time there. Hippie jewelry and turquoise beads had to be part of the design.  Turquoise and copper paint were also a must and silver looks good with turquoise. The patterns are similar to the patterns on Hopi Kachina dolls because I started drawing Kachina dolls when I lived in Tucson.  I love my Tucson box, you can make Tucson box or choose colors and beads that bring back memories that you enjoy.