Memory boxes: tissue boxes take on new meaning when wrapped in nostalgia

Sunset, May, 1997 by Ann Bertelsen

What do these three boxes have in common, apart from the tissues that go into them? They're all bound in memories. The boxes are covered with photographs of special relatives, beautiful letters penned in ink (remember when we all knew how to write in cursive?), or colorful maps depicting travel adventures shared with family and friends. You don't need any special skills to make these tissue boxes - just a little time and patience, and a few basic materials. Design by Francoise Kirkman.

WHAT YOU NEED

* photographs, letters, or maps

* plastic or wood tissue box

* craft knife

* 8-ounce jar of water-base gel medium or PVA (basic white) glue

* flat brush for gluing, varnishing, and sealing

* paper towels

* bryer (small roller), optional

* pointed scissors

* water-base acrylic varnish

* fine sandpaper or steel wool

* clean

Only for photo box:

* craquelure varnish: a base coat and top coat

* tube of raw umber oil color

* bottle of glazing medium

DIRECTIONS

Assemble materials as follows.

* Photographs. Reduce or enlarge on a copy machine, adjusting the tone for the preferred effect. Each photograph must fit one side of a boutique tissue box. Use ivory paper or soak the copies for five minutes in strong tea, dry flat on paper towels, and smooth with a warm iron. Reserve a blank sheet of the same paper for the top.

* Letters. Start with three or four different letters and writing styles. Enlarge or reduce the writing on a copy machine, creating five separate pieces of paper sized to fit each side and the top of the box. Then enlarge interesting portions separately - signatures, dates, and place names - to put over the layer of letters. Use a craft knife to cut out special details, leaving a 1/8-inch border around the characters. Paste these on after gluing on the layer of letters.

* Maps. Place box on an interesting part of the map, top down. Trace a light line around the box onto the map. Roll the box onto its side, keeping an edge in place, and trace again. Roll onto next side and trace, repeating the process until you have completed all sides of the box (see page 142).

For all boxes: Once you have assembled your materials, begin your project by cutting out your chosen design (see page 142). Be sure to leave an extra inch for the edges along the bottom of the box and 1/4 inch for edge overlaps on sides and top.

1. Brush paper for the top of the box with the gel medium or a mixture of one part PVA glue and two parts water.

2. Position the paper on top of the box and place a paper towel over it; smooth out edges and any bubbles with your fingers. You can roll a bryer over the surface to make sure it's flat, but don't rub the print or you may smudge it.

3. Bend the extra 1/4 inch over the edges of the box and smooth flat. Cut the paper over the hole as shown, using a craft knife and scissors. Turn and glue the paper inside the opening.

4. For the letter or photo project: Glue one side on at a time, smoothing out all bubbles and tucking the bottom edges inside. For the map project: Glue the entire strip of paper and wrap it around the box.

5. Coat the entire box with the gel medium or glue mixture. Let dry 30 minutes. It will become clear. Repeat with one or two more coats.

6. Let stand one week to cure the finish, then coat the box with acrylic varnish to make it water-resistant. Lightly sand the box before varnishing, if necessary, using fine sandpaper or steel wool.

Note: If you want an antique look for your photograph box, use only one coat of acrylic varnish, followed by a craquelure finish. Apply one layer of base-coat craquelure and let dry 30 minutes. Apply top coat, making sure that the base coat is completely covered; any that isn't will dry as a spot. Dry craquelure overnight. Mix 1/2 inch of raw umber with the same amount of glazing medium. Using a dry rag, rub the entire surface with the color mixture. Let it set a few minutes, then wipe gently with a soft rag. Let it dry and harden for a few days, then finish with an acrylic varnish, applying additional coats of varnish if necessary.

RESOURCES

Paint Effects. 2426 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115; (415) 292-7780.

Pottery Barn. Call (800) 922-5507 for catalog and information.

Restoration Hardware. More than a dozen stores in the West; call (415) 924-1005 for information.