This exquisite Memorial Box was crafted for the Nalepa Family in memory of their beloved mother, Bernadette. The family approached me with a special request: to create a Memorial Box from Purple Heart wood, Bernadette's favorite. After being let down by another seller, they found me, and I was very honored to take on such a meaningful project. The family shared images of the original design they had in mind, as well as a few photos of Bernadette.  One of Bernadette's daughters had even prepared some design options for the box lid.  Ultimately, I was given the creative freedom to bring my own vision of the box to life.

 

Purple Heart, if you are not familiar with the wood, has a rich deep purple-red color.  In contrast, I used an amazing piece of Curly Maple for the box's lid. The result was a stunning top panel, recessed into the Purple Heart frame, featuring an intricately carved bee and lettering. To add an extra touch of elegance, I  decided to inlay purple fluorite granules into the bee's wings.  The box lid was finished with a clear resin, giving beautiful dimensional depth to the Curly Maple and creating a silky smooth texture. Uniquely spaced matching Maple corner splines were added to the body of the box. Inside, a specially designed space accommodates a smaller box, allowing for future access or removal.  A shallow, black velvet-lined tray rests on an inner lip, perfect for holding cherished photographs and personal items. On the underside of the lid, I created a two part inlay using Red Heart wood.  The two halves of the heart, like two hands cupped to hold and symbolize Bernadette's love for her three children, represented by three small bees: held, yet free to spread their wings and fly.

 

The entire box, excluding the underside of the lid and the tray, is lined with traditional Mooreni black velvet. The exterior was finished with hand-rubbed oil, a clear lacquer topcoat, and a final layer of crystalline wax polish, fit for royalty. This Memorial Box is a testament to the love and devotion of the Nalepa Family, and I am humbled to have been a part of its creation.