This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. It’s a creative and rewarding woodworking project focused on making a custom wooden bow to top a handmade gift box—perfect for adding a personal, high-quality touch to any gift.
By combining simple box construction with the careful bending of wood strips, this project offers a chance to try out several techniques while creating something beautiful and memorable. It’s a thoughtful way to turn a basic gift into a handcrafted keepsake.
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Choosing the Wood for the Bow
Billy starts by selecting a bold wood for the bow—in this case, bloodwood. Its deep red tone gives the finished piece a festive and elegant appearance.
Bloodwood is dense and can be difficult to work with, but its color payoff is worth the effort. Other great options include maple, cherry, or walnut, depending on the visual contrast and the person receiving the gift.
Cutting the Wood into Thin Strips
After choosing the wood, the next step is cutting it into thin strips for the bow. A thin-kerf circular saw blade is used for precise, consistent cuts, with an emphasis on uniformity.
More strips are cut than are needed so that there’s room to experiment with bending and shaping later. Having extras on hand makes the process smoother when some pieces don’t bend as expected.
Trimming and Sizing for Bow Assembly
Once the strips are cut, each one is trimmed to the correct length and width. This helps control the proportions of the bow and allows for better layout later during assembly.
A ruler and an exacto knife or chisel help make small adjustments. At this stage, it’s important to keep things neat and square to make bow formation easier down the line.
Bending Techniques for Wooden Strips
To make the wood pliable enough to bend into a bow, Billy uses heat and moisture. Hot water soaking is one option, which helps soften the fibers gradually.
Steam can also be used—either with a dedicated steam box or even something simple like a kettle. The key is to keep checking flexibility and not force pieces that feel too brittle.
Bloodwood takes longer to bend than domestic woods, so patience is important. Billy points out that other species like poplar or cherry are more forgiving, especially for beginners or for working with thicker strips.
Building the Box While Waiting
While the wood strips are soaking or steaming, Billy builds a small box to hold the gift. The design is minimal to keep the focus on the bow, but it’s well-constructed and stylish.
A lighter wood like maple is used to complement the deep red of the bloodwood bow. Miter joints and a rabbeted lid give the box a clean, modern appearance without adding unnecessary complexity.
Assembling the Bow
Once the strips are flexible, Billy lays them out on a flat surface—such as a marble slab—for precise alignment. This prevents uneven twisting or bowing as the shape takes form.
The strips are layered and arranged like a wooden starburst, with each one slightly offset and twisted for shape. Leaving the ends long during layout gives room for adjustment and trimming after final assembly.
Glue is applied to secure the layers, with careful clamping to hold everything in place. Once dry, the ends are trimmed and shaped for a polished finish.
Finishing the Project
The finishing step brings out the color and texture of the wood. Billy uses shellac for its warmth and ease of application, which enhances both the bloodwood and maple without muting their natural tones.
A few coats are applied and allowed to dry completely. The finish not only improves the appearance but also protects the piece from handling and environmental changes.
Combining the Box and Bow
With both parts complete, the bow is attached to the top of the box, turning a simple wooden container into a striking, gift-ready piece. The pairing of color, grain, and craftsmanship gives it a high-end, personal feel.
The bow is lightweight but durable, and its design makes it stand out compared to store-bought packaging. It’s an ideal project for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion where you want your gift to feel meaningful.
A Fun Way to Practice and Impress
This project blends creativity with craftsmanship and offers a chance to learn more about wood bending, precise joinery, and finishing techniques. Billy’s approach encourages experimentation and doesn’t require perfection to be successful.
Whether you’re making one for a special person or trying out new ideas in the shop, the result is sure to impress. It’s a great reminder that even small woodworking projects can make a big impact.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.