Paint a Shaker Style Box

       This paper mache box was modeled after a Shaker band box I think. I painted it with a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch pattern. 

Left, side view. Right, a view of the design on the top of the box.

       To make a painted box like this one you will need the following supplies: prefabricated circular paper box, red, black, yellow, and white acrylic paints, a tiny soft paint brush and acrylic sealer.

Simple illustration of a planter with tulips.

       Paint the entire outside of the box, including the lid, with red paint. Let it dry.
       Then use the illustration above to lightly sketch the pattern on top of the lid.
       Paint the sketch black and let the design dry. Then add the painted yellow highlights and let these dry completely. Lastly, paint the white highlighted areas.
       This particular box had a delicate raised pattern already embossed on the sides. I simply painted the swirly floral pattern with the same colors used on the lid.
       After the entire box was painted I then lightly dry brushed a bit of grey around the lid's edges to suggest an "aged" appearance for the box. Don't forget to spray your final piece with an acrylic sealer.