“I don’t see how he can ever finish, if he doesn’t begin.” Alice in Wonderland Storage Box

Jenna
May 13, 2021
5 min read

I remember being a little girl watching the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland. This was one movie I always had mixed feelings about it. It was colorful, whimsical and funny however it was so odd and that Cheshire cat...boy was he creepy as a kid. Do you remember the little clams being eaten by the walrus?? Now, all these years later my kids are watching the same movies. However, the VHS player is no longer in existence. We stream everything. My kids find the Cheshire cat amazing and is their favorite character.

For this tutorial you will need the following items:

Belle's and Whistle's Alice in Wonderland Transfer
any Wooden Storage Box
Dixie Belle White Lightning
Dixie Belle Boss
Dixie Belle Aubergine, Tea Rose, Fluff, Sawmill Gravy, and Soft Pink Paint
Dixie Belle Clear Coat
Wooster 2 in Brush
SurfPrep Sanding Pad
Detail Brush
WoodUBend Mouldings
Posh Chalk Interiors Pale Gold
Gorilla Wood Glue
Heat Gun
Small Paper Cups for Mixing
Crafting Knife
Glass Dropper
Claw Metal Feet
Phillips screwdriver with a small head

Let's Get Started!!

Step 1: Prep

I found this wooden storage box at an estate sale.

I knew I wanted to make it something unique. I started by cleaning it with Dixie Belle's White Lightning.

After thoroughly cleaning the box I did 2 coats of Dixie Belle's Boss, a odor blocking and bleed through primer.

Step 2: Paint Away!

For this box I mixed a custom color of Dixie Belle's Aubergine and Tea Rose to create a really pretty light purple with grey and pink undertones.

I applied 2 coats of paint using my Wooster 2 in brush (including the back, always important to cover that as well) and then the inside of the box on the top and bottom edges.

I let my box sit for 24 hours to be sure my paint has thoroughly dried and is not longer wet. This helps the transfer adhere better as moisture under it can prevent the transfer from sticking and later peeling up. I'll give it a light sanding with my Surfprep Sanding pads using the Fine Grit to make sure I have a smooth surface. Now I am ready to apply my transfer.

Step 3: Transfer Time!

Using the Belles and Whistle's transfer from Dixie Belle I applied the largest picture of Alice sitting in the chair to the top of the box. After removing the white backing I used the included wooden stick to press the transfer down on the clear page. Going back and forth over the entire image this allows the transfer to adhere to the paint. Once I feel that I've run over the entire design I slowly start to peel up the clear page. If I come to a portion that hasn't adhere completely I can just rub back over it before continuing to peel it up until the entire image has released from the clear page. I continue this same process using small images on the sides and front of the box. I'll use a crafting knife to go back and cut between the two sections of the box. This gives it a precise cut between the top and bottom of the box.

Step 4: Adding WoodUBend Moulds

WoodUBend is a wooden product that by having heat applied to it it becomes flexible and bendable. I measured and cut my trim design to he length of the top sides of my box. You can catch this entire process in my Step by Step YouTube video so you can see exactly how it was accomplished and how easy it is. Once I had my trim measured and my moulds set out I painted a coat of my custom mix onto them. If you know you are going to apply moulds ahead of time you can do this entire step before painting the box. However, I wasn't sure I was adding moulds until after I painted the box.

I used my heat gun to heat up both front and back sides of the mould until it becomes pliable. You can tell when it is warm enough by seeing if it bends and feels spongy.

Once it's warm enough you can start gluing it onto your project. I applied Gorilla Wood Glue to the back of the mould and pressed down on the box. You want to be sure to really keep pressure for a good minute so that while the trim starts to harden up it's good and flat on the box. You can use a toothpick and baby wipe to wipe away the excess glue that comes out from underneath the trim/mould.

I then added a light layer of a custom mix of Dixie Belle Fluff, Sawmill Gravy and Soft Pink to the top of the appliques to accentuate some of the details. Simply mix your color and use a small artist brush to lightly paint on a coat. You can add more if you wish however I kept my layer very light.

Step 5: Clear Coating

Once your WoodUBend moulds have dried you can clear coat your entire box. I used Dixie Belle Clear Coat in Satin for a slight sheen.

I used a synthetic artist brush to paint the clear coat on. This ensures I get the clear coat in the grooves of the moulds and trim. I also made sure to clear coat between the two sections of the box where I painted.

Step 6: Adding Liquid Gold

Once the clear coat dries you can then add the Posh Chalk Pigments to the trim and moulds. I didn't want a heavy later of gold, but rather just a dusting over the top for a slight shimmer. I used a glass dropper to measure about a 1/8 teaspoon of the Pigments in a Paper cup with 1/4 of a teaspoon of Satin Clear Coat. You can also use Glossy clear coat. I don't recommend flat because you want a shine to it.

I used a smaller artist brush to lightly brush the Pigments onto the WoodUBend. If you want more you can surely add as much as you like.

Step 7: New Feet

Finally, I added little metal claw feet to the bottom of the box for added height and detail. I love these little feet! I've used them many times and they are just amazing. They only work on corner as they has a square cut out so be mindful of that when you purchase them. You can use an electric screwdriver or a small jewelers kit. The screws come with them however they are small and require a small Phillips head.