Trackmate :: Classy Hardwood Curio

Step 2 Build the faux hardwood box

To build the box, gather a couple 3/32 inch x 4 inch basswood (or anything really) boards and a 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch basswood square rod.

Measure the length and width of the picture frame. To create the sides of the box, cut two boards that measure the length of the box, and cut two that measure the width of the box - 3/16 inch (to compensate for the width of the two length-cut sides). Also, cut 4 pieces of the square rod that are 3 inches long each. Always measure everything twice before you cut!

Using the hot glue gun, construct the sides of the box on top of a flat surface. Make sure that the long sides are always on the outside (since the board was cut in the previous step to allow for this configuration). It is recommended to glue the 4 square rod pieces to the edges of the short sides (making sure they are flush with the edge), and then gluing the long sides to them on the flat tabletop.

Finally, sand and stain the box to match the frame. In this case, a dark walnut stain is used to make the inexpensive basswood look luxurious.