Quilt-Top Keepsake Box

These keepsake boxes are inspired by Early American quilts. The “tumbling block” pattern and the star and pinwheel lids are all replicas of centuries-old, hand-pieced quilts. The quilted effect is created by assembling small wood blocks into a geometric pattern. Each shaped piece is cut from a different type of wood and laid into a recess in the lid so that the grain adds depth and distinction to the pattern. We used mahogany, walnut, and maple for the tumbling block lid and maple and walnut for the pinwheel and star box lids. Building the box is pretty easy. Since the bottom and lid are built as one and then cut apart later, it goes together quickly. Arranging the pattern in the recessed top takes some time and a little patience, but it’s well worth the effort when the box is complete. Once the intricate patterns on your boxes are on display, they’re sure to elicit questions about how you built them. With a little time and careful fitting of the pieces, it’s not that difficult to create beautiful boxes that remind you of your grandma’s quilts.