How to Make a Faux Tortoise Shell Novelty Box

There are as many ways to get a faux tortoise finish as there are tortoises on the Galapagos Islands. Each method involves mixing several colors and using techniques to smear. Before you complete this project, try a test on a sample piece of wood to get the color combinations and designs that you like best.

Instructions

1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning and sanding the box to make certain that the paint sticks.

2. Prime the surface of the box, then begin adding color. Paint the entire surface with the lightest color you've chosen. An umber or muted yellow is good for this step. Glaze the surface once this has dried, to allow ease of muting colors later.

3. Choose the next two colors in darkness for your pallet and make streaks with a 1-inch brush. Two colors that can be used effectively are a burnt orange and antique red or burnt red. These streaks can be long, diagonal or perpendicular to each other. Leave some areas open for the base to show and another color to be added.

4. Add the next darkest color with the 1inch brush. A deep brown or mahogany would be a nice touch. Leave some area open to mute colors with the base.

5. Soften the paint by using a wide bristle brush and brushing the colors together. Blot it afterward with a clean, wadded rag to soften the look even more.

6. Splatter small amounts of black paint onto the box or dot it with a fine paint brush. Blot again with the rag. If you haven't reached the desired effect, brush the surface with a wide brush, one more time.

7. Allow the box to dry and vanish with a coat of glossy varnish.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make the steps go faster by skipping the first coat of paint and simply varnishing the box. You can then blot and streak all four colors, mute and then add black dots.