Would like some advice

[dehrlich]

I am working on a custom box for a returning vet. It's going to be all curly maple, 12x12x4. I am attaching a preview pic of the lid. Need suggestions on painting it. The interior of the box will be red velvet. Thinking perhaps the text should be red as well, the Afghanistan painted sand color, but the caduceus i'm not sure of. I generally make them gold but it doesn't seem right on the maple. And the Spc rank probably black with the yellow eagle. Anyone have any suggestions? It would be appreciated, thanks!

73654

[xchief807]

73655This how I paint them

[Canemaker]

Great looking lid, can't wait to see the finished project...

[SharonB]

73656Since you are thinking of painting Afghanistan a sand color why don't you paint the caduceus the same color or slightly darker and high light with something like Golden Interference Gold paint. If you dry brush the gold on you could come up with something like the attached. You could carry the Gold over and high light the Afghanistan map and the emblem on the right....thus blending them all together.

[xchief807]

I like Sharon's idea looks super nice.

[dehrlich]

This is what I got so far. Decided to go with the Army green of course. Then I dry brushed some black in the creases on the Caduceus, then used some waxy gold leaf stuff I got a while back. Cool look, can even buff it up. I put just enough to give it a goldish shine.

The background has some light stain that I sanded in spots to give it more visual interest. The whole box will have a light stain on it to pop out the curl. Thoughts?

736847368373682

[want2b]

Like your treatment of the main design elements, can't wait to see the final product. The backgound with a stain should really give everything a contrast which will make the whole project 'pop' as they say, something to accent the grain and provide a contrast. I'm sure this will be something greatly appreciated. Thx for sharing.
Rick H

[SharonB]

I like the way you stuck to the same color palette. And the gold gives it that little "Wow" factor. It's going to be a great project when finished.

[Canemaker]

Being an Army Veteran myself, the choice of colors is great... The Specialist patch stands out in great detail. He's going to love this box and treasure it for ever. Great thought of the accent on the grain to provide a contrast.

[dehrlich]

Thanks everyone, will post pics of the final result. I'm a disabled vet too, and making stuff for other vets is always a treat... i try to bring my "A" game.

[PSQRD]

Another idea for future reference. A lot of Afghan plaques I've seen done in be Marine Corps have the country painted with be afghan flag color scheme (red, black, and green) food for thought my $.02 . Your paint job and carving looks great though!
Paul

[dehrlich]

Another idea for future reference. A lot of Afghan plaques I've seen done in be Marine Corps have the country painted with be afghan flag color scheme (red, black, and green) food for thought my $.02 . Your paint job and carving looks great though!
Paul

Hey I hadn't thought of that, thanks!