Different Ways to Decorate a Raw Wooden Box

Paint

• Lightly sand your box's surface, and it will be ready for acrylic craft paint. Decorate it with a rainbow of dots, swirls and flowers, or a simple design in two or three colors. If your design is elaborate, use a pencil and lightly sketch the outline before applying paint. Use stencils to create designs, especially if you're not confident in your painting abilities. Choose a stencil sized appropriately for your box and hold it in place with small pieces of painter's tape. Gently dab paint into the stencil with a stencil brush or stiff paintbrush, avoiding scrubbing movements that will smear the paint. Let the box dry completely before removing the stencil. Painting multiple thin coats will yield better results than fewer thicker coats. Spray your finished project with clear acrylic protector.

Decoupage

• Decoupage is the craft of covering a surface with small pieces of paper or thin cloth, creating a mosaic-like appearance. You can use any paper that won't dissolve or bleed ink when wet. Giftwrap, wallpaper, scrapbook paper or even old maps work well. If you prefer to use fabric, choose a thin cotton or cotton blend for the best results. If your box has a hinged lid, keep it open while working -- and avoid gluing the hinges. Paint a layer of craft or decoupage glue onto the box, and then smooth a piece of paper over the glue. Cover the paper with another layer of glue to hold it in place. Work around the box, overlapping papers slightly to cover the entire surface. Finish the piece with a final layer of decoupage glue, and then let it dry completely.

Glued Items

• Most children love using glue and small objects to create their very own treasure box. Cover the box with small items such as buttons, beads, sequins, seashells or charms. An adult, teen or supervised older child can use a hot glue gun to fasten embellishments to the box. Younger children should use craft glue. The technique is simple: Use dabs of glue to fasten objects to the box until it is completely covered or until decorated to the artist's satisfaction. When working with small objects, keep an eye on children who might be tempted to place an item in their mouth.

Stamps and Stickers

• Another choice for younger children is decorating the wooden box with stickers. Even very young, supervised children can enjoy decorating a box without making much of a mess. Older children and adults can use stamp pads and rubber stamps to create elaborate designs, or just press a pretty pattern of flowers or other adornments onto the wood. If they don't stick well, use decoupage medium over the stickers to keep them in place. Stamping the box is another option. Before stamping the box, sand it gently, and then seal the wood with a light coat of spray sealer, paint or stain. After you finish stamping your design, seal the ink with spray sealer.