Letters from the Heart – Mother’s Day Keepsake Box
Instruction
Crafted with care from xTool’s premium 3mm Birch Plywood, this heartfelt keepsake box is more than just a container—it’s a tribute to the love that mothers give unconditionally. The laser-engraved lid features a tender illustration of a mother and child framed by graceful floral scrollwork, accompanied by the touching quote:
“For the moments you need a reminder that you’re loved.”
Perfectly finger-jointed for strength and style, the front, back, and sides are adorned with coordinated scroll and floral patterns that wrap the box in elegance. This piece is ideal for storing hand-written notes, treasured mementos, or simply serving as a daily reminder of love and gratitude.
🎁 Perfect for Mother's Day, memory gifting, or heirloom keepsakes.
To get started, you will need the Creative Space file that includes the box design. Load the file into Creative Space and follow these steps:
1. Choose Material
• Select your preferred material. This project is designed for 3mm plywood.
2. Set Up Your xTool Laser Machine
• Place the plywood sheet into your xTool laser machine.
• Set the laser focus according to your machine’s settings for 3mm plywood.
• Set the cut and engrave areas according to the file specifications.
3. Cut and Engrave the Box Pieces
• Cut all box pieces.
4. Organize your pieces
• Layout the lid pieces and the base pieces.
1. Align Your Pieces – Arrange your pieces as they will be assembled. Your project consists of two sections: a Lid and a Base. Ensure everything is positioned correctly before applying adhesive.
2. Apply Glue – Use a small amount of glue on the tabs of the pieces. Be careful not to over apply, as excess glue can create a mess and affect the final look.
Use the pictures above to guide you through the assembly of the base and lid.
3. Secure with Painter’s Tape – Gently hold the pieces together and use painter’s tape to keep them in place while the glue dries. This will help maintain alignment and prevent shifting.
4. Clean Up Excess Glue – Before the glue dries, wipe away any excess with a damp cloth or paper towel to ensure a clean, professional finish.
1. Prepare the Lid Hinge Pieces
• Locate the two slots on the lid where the hinge pieces will be inserted.
• Use the hinge pieces with circular cutouts for these slots.
• Important: If you see a hinge piece with a square cutout, replace it with one that has a circular cutout.
• Circular cutouts allow the lid to open and close.
• Square cutouts will lock the lid in place, which is not what you want.
2. Insert Hinge Pieces into the Base
• Identify the three slots on the base for each hinge.
• Insert hinge pieces in this exact order:
Square cutout → Circular cutout → Square cutout
• Apply a small amount of glue to hold them in place.
3. Final Assembly
• Once the glue has dried, align the lid with the base.
• Take the small pins and insert them through the hinge holes as shown in the reference photo.
Completed Hinge Set Up
Square cutout → Circular cutout → Circular cutout → Circular cutout → Square cutout - a pin will be inserted to hold everything in place
• Once fully assembled, test the lid to confirm that it opens and closes easily.
• Clean up any excess glue from the joints before it dries.
• Let the box sit for 1–2 hours to allow the glue to dry completely.
• Use a clear polyurethane (matte, satin, or gloss — depending on your preference).
• A satin finish typically works well for decorative boxes, giving a subtle sheen without looking too glossy.
Apply Thin Coats
• Use a soft brush or lint-free cloth to apply a thin, even coat of polyurethane.
• Let the first coat dry completely (following manufacturer instructions).
• Lightly sand with 400-grit sandpaper between coats to ensure a smooth finish.
• Apply 2–3 coats for optimal protection and a professional look.
Protect the Lid Movement
• If the lid is sticking after finishing, lightly sand the edges of the lid to ensure smooth movement.
• Avoid getting polyurethane on the lid’s hinge points — it could cause the lid to stick.