In 2014, Mark decided to create a special gift for his youngest daughter, Olivia Joyce Bauer. He chose to make her a jewelry box by hand, and he set to work in May.
Mark took his time cutting and sanding the wood for the box, being careful to make sure everything was precise and even. He then assembled the box using wood glue and nails, forming the basic shape and structure.
Once the box was complete, Mark moved on to decorating it. He chose to use a combination of paint and decoupage to add a splash of color and personalization to the box.
Mark started by painting the entire box a soft shade of pink, which he knew his daughter would love. He then added a layer of Mod Podge to the top and sides of the box, allowing him to attach small pieces of paper and fabric to the surface to create a collage of images and designs.
The pieces he used were carefully chosen to reflect Olivia’s interests and personality. He included pictures of animals, nature scenes, and her favorite colors and patterns. He also added her name to the front of the box, giving it a unique and personal touch.
Once the decoupage was dry, Mark added a few final touches, including a small handle on the top of the box to make it easier for Olivia to open and close, and a soft velvet lining on the inside to protect her jewelry.
Overall, Mark’s jewelry box was a labor of love, and it was clear from the care and attention to detail he put into every step of the process. Olivia was thrilled with her gift, and it quickly became a cherished possession she would treasure for years to come.