Lattice Scroll Trinket Box

by Maureen Williams

An offset oval lid combined with scrolls, lattice and flowers creates a simple but elegant version of an upright trinket box. Although I have used a 10" goose egg for my trinket box this design could be used for any size egg. Adjust your measurements as required.

This tutorial assumes you have a basic understanding of how to cut, hinge & line an egg. If you need help in these areas go to my web site and check out my instructional books & videos.

Requirements:
Goose egg
Oval template - right click on the image and save to your hard drive.
Scrolls - right click on the image and save to your hard drive.
Tube of your choice
If you want to use the Apple Blossom tube by Wendallzmomz that I've used, you can download it here.

Temporary bond glue (see note at end of tutorial)
Hinge
Other items of your choice such as paints, lining, findings, stand etc as required to complete the egg.

Making a Template

1. Download the oval template jpeg and choose the size you wish to use.

2. Print out the desired oval and then cut out the oval.

3. Mark around the oval on a small piece of cardboard, leaving a 1/2" border around the outside.

4. Cut out the oval, being careful not to cut through the border.

5. Mark the centre top and bottom positions of the oval.

Marking the Egg

1. Divide the egg into 4

2. Mark a girth line 1 3/8" and 2 3/4" from the centre top mark.

3. Place the template over the top of the egg, positioning the centre top of the oval  1/2" back from the centre top mark on the egg, on one of the vertical lines.

4. The centre bottom of the oval should be aligned with the vertical line at the front of the egg.

5. Draw around the inside of the the template.

Testing the Markings

To test the accuracy of the oval marking, check the measurements on either side of the egg at the positions indicated by the double ended arrows in the marking diagrams.

For example:
From the centre top to the point where the oval crosses the side vertical lines.
On the top girth line, from the centre line to the inside of the oval.
On the bottom girth line, from the side vertical line to the outside of the oval.

Mark in any adjustments as required and redraw the oval using the adjusted markings.

Choosing the Scrolls

Choose scrolls of your choice or from  the selection provided. Size as required using PSP and print off in draft print. These will be used as a marking diagram around the oval.

Position your chosen scrolls around the oval using a temporary bond glue like Aleene's Tack-it Over & Over or a Post-It glue stick.

Use a permanent marker to lightly mark around the scrolls - a fine dotted line is best.

For the lattice on the lid I used paper strips cut with channel scissors and glued them diagonally across the area between the scrolls. 

Example of scroll placement

Cutting the Egg

On the centre back vertical line, cut a slot for the hinge pin, extending the cutting line the width of the cutting wheel either side of the slot. Glue the hinge onto the lid only at this stage.

If you wish to lattice the lid of the trinket box, cut this now, starting with the smallest pieces first. A flame or twist drill is easiest to cut these irregular shaped areas. Use a small diamond wheel to cut the remainder of the lattice.

When the hinge has dried, cut around the oval lid. Where the scrolls cross the oval marking, cut through there as well.

If you have latticed the lid you may wish to soak the lid in bleach to remove the membrane. It isn't necessary to remove the membrane in the bottom portion of the shell as this adds to the overall strength.

Painting  the Shell

Paint the egg as desired. I've used a base coat of white opaque ceramic stain and 3 coats of Duncan's Golden White. The permanent marks of the scrolls should be lightly visible through the paint.

If necessary apply a final sealer coat on your egg. Allow to dry thoroughly.

I have applied a mixture of Mod Podge and ultra fine glitter to the lattice on the both the inside and outside of the lid.

Lining the Trinket Box

For this shape trinket box I use a strip of Panne Velvet cut on the bias.

Measure the distance from  the back of the egg (the highest point of the open trinket box) down into the bottom of the shell.

Measure the distance around the fattest part of the shell. Cut a piece of lining material using these measurements. 

Run a gathering thread around the bottom edge of the lining. Draw in the thread slightly.

Starting at the centre front of the egg, run a bead of glue along the edge of the shell. Allowing the velvet to stand above the edge of the shell, press the lining into position. Continue around the shell.

Once the lining has been glued into place trim the excess material around the front, using a pair of sharp, curved scissors.

Make a padded, "covered button" type base and glue into the trinket box to cover the gathers in the bottom.

Glue a row of fine gold cord around the edge of the opening and a decorative braid below the cord to finish the inside of the design.

Glue the egg onto a stand before decorating the trinket box.

Decorating the Shell

Outline the scrolls with fine gold cord. Where the scrolls cross the cutting line only cord up to the edge of the opening, not across the gap.

The scrolls have been filled with a pale pink Gallery Glass Window Color,  made from a mixture of Raspberry and White Frost. You could also decorate the scrolls with glitter or imitation enamel.

Using Paint Shop Pro, create a selection of images using your desired tube, in a variety of different sizes. You may also wish to mirror the tube for left and right variations. Use the Multiple Print facility to prepare a page of multiple images for your egg. Print out the page using the standard (not draft) setting on your printer.

Cut out a selection of flowers from your page and shape the petals using a ball stylus on the back of the paper. You may wish to brush a wash of colour over the back of the flower before shaping so you don't see white paper on the upturned surfaces of the flower.

Position the flowers around the scrolls as desired. Flowers on the lid should be positioned to cover the gap between the scrolls on the lid and the remainder of the scroll on the bottom of the egg.

Flowers on the bottom portion of the egg should be kept clear of the opening so as not to interfere with the opening of the lid.

I have enhanced the printed flowers using a transparent glass paint. This helps to stiffen the paper as well a brighten the colours. Apply  further coats of lacquer of your choice to harden the flowers. I use clear car lacquer for this procedure.

Add an up-eye and door pull to complete the design.

Temporary Bond Glue

What is the "temporary bond glue"
Temporary bond glue seems to be around in a couple of different forms. In Australia we can get a Post-It glue stick that works like those sticky notes - press on and then peel off. In the States Aleene's has one called Tack-It Over & Over. It's in the same size bottle as the Tacky Glue

This site has Aleene's but you would probably get it at any of your craft stores, Joannes, Michaels etc.
http://www.craftsetc.com/Store/Product.aspx?c=10&p=44651

This one has a lot of different temporary bond glues so you will know what to look for.
 http://www.stampandgo.com/ACCESSGLUESpage1.html

I hope you enjoy making this simple design using a top opening lid. Many variations are possible from the basic design. If you have any queries don't hesitate to contact me.