Ivory box

Key Words

ivory; decoration; monochrome

Questions to ask

What do you think the significance of the cherub to the trinket box is? 

Who would this kind of item have been made for? Do you think this is a one-off item?

Would this item still be made today? Explain your reasons.

How this might inspire your work

Create a trinket box with a textured, decorated surface.

Take a circular pre-made wood chip box, large enough to fit an important trinket inside.

Put on the box top and use a pencil to around the bottom of the lid. Paint this area with plain white acrylic paint. Also paint the inside on the box with plain white acrylic paint.

Now mix white art sand with white paint. Paint the white sand paint on the top and sides of the lid and the sides and bottom of the box, ensuring that the textured paint doesn’t go over the plain white acrylic paint – if it does, it may be difficult to take the lid on and off.

Think about how you would like to decorate your box. Think about the delicate design on the trinket box from Tullie House. To emulate such a careful design, either make your own stencil, or use a pre-made one. Using black acrylic paint, stencil a design on the top, sides and bottom of the box. You may like to use a coat of sealer too.