My first instructable of a log box with a carved map on the lid.

Step 1: Other Sources

To complete this project I used a combination of the techniques used in the below instructables and added a few extra dependent on the resources I had. It's worth checking them out before starting a similar project yourself.

https://www.instructables.com/id/custom-wooden-ring...

https://www.instructables.com/id/Tree-Branch-Ring-B...

Step 2: Cutting a Lid and Hollowing the Center

I had a friend saw a lid for me and drill a small hole in the center of larger piece to get me started but unfortunately I hadn't thought of taking pictures at this point. I used a small piece of pine from this friends bag of fire logs.

The pictures above show the dremel and piece used to widen and sand the hole. This took quite a long time as I was going against the grain and my initial hole wasn't large; I have seen tutorials which use a large drill bit and would make this step a simple case of smoothing the edges. I also sanded the surfaces to clean them up and smooth the edges.

Step 3: Designing the Lid

All the previous tutorials I had seen either burned a design/message into the lid or left it blank. I played around with designs using a soldering iron to burn/engrave the lid but it wasn't look I was after. Carving the map took time and was fiddly but i'm happy with the results.

I roughly copied a map design onto the lid and using the dremel bit in the pictures traced around the design.

I was at a crossroads at this point and could either carve out the sea to leave the land raised or stain the land as it was. I chose the former but if doing this again I would experiment with leaving the lid as it is here and using the soldering iron to darken the carved outlines.

Step 4: Carving the Sea

Using the dremel bits pictured I carved out the sea (struggling to keep the UK on the map!) which left the land raised.

Step 5: Staining the Wood

To stain the wood I used very strong coffee. There are various ratios recommended for this online but I put mine together using half a mug of boiling water and roughly 10-15 spoonfuls of instant coffee. I'm sure this could be stronger or weaker to achieve your desired affect.

Using a cloth I dabbed coffee on the raised areas ensuring it soaked through into the wood. The second picture shows the colour once dried.

Step 6: Varnish

I applied a thin coat of clear wood varnish as the bark was flaky and this added a nice finish.

Step 7: Hinges, Clasps and Lining

The hinge I used was 24X20mm and the clasp 24X28mm. I attached these once the varnish was dried.

To line the center I used a rectangular piece of velvet for the sides, fixing with gorilla glue, and layered a circular piece over the bottom. I'm sure there are much neater/efficient ways to do this!