This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. It’s a decorative gift box made entirely from wood, featuring a ribbon and bow that look like they were tied by hand—yet every piece is carefully shaped from walnut and maple.
While it doesn’t serve a traditional function, this project highlights the artistic side of woodworking. It’s built purely for the joy of the process and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful from scratch.
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A Creative Vision Takes Shape
The idea behind this build is simple: turn a block of wood into a present. Billy wanted to capture the look and feel of a wrapped gift, complete with a flowing ribbon and a curled bow—only made entirely out of solid wood.
The concept leans more toward artistic expression than utility. It’s a great reminder that not every woodworking project has to be practical—sometimes, the best builds are those that exist just to make people smile.
Choosing the Right Materials
To make this box stand out visually, Billy chose a classic material combo: walnut for the dark, rich body, and maple for the light contrast of the ribbon. These two woods complement each other well, especially when arranged thoughtfully across curved and layered components.
The project begins with prepping the lumber—jointing, planing, and cutting everything down to manageable dimensions. Each piece is worked until it’s flat, square, and ready to become part of something special.
The Bow Comes First
Instead of starting with the box, Billy dives into creating the wooden bow and ribbon first. It’s the visual highlight of the project and the most intricate part to shape.
The bow is formed by laminating thin strips of maple, which are then bent and glued to create flowing loops and gentle curves. These curves are smoothed and refined to mimic the softness of real ribbon—even though they’re shaped from rigid material.
Thin, flat strips of maple are also used to create the vertical and horizontal bands of the ribbon. They’re glued directly to the box lid, following measured guidelines to keep things symmetrical and clean.
Constructing the Box
Once the decorative bow is ready, attention turns to the box itself. The body is built from solid walnut, cut and glued into a simple cube form. The sides are clean and squared off, with a lid that will be cut free after assembly.
Billy adds an MDF core inside the lid to give the box extra weight and prevent warping over time. While invisible from the outside, it’s a detail that makes the final piece feel more substantial when handled.
After glue-up, the lid is sliced from the base using the table saw, leaving a seamless fit that blends perfectly once the ribbon is in place.
Applying the Finish
The entire piece is sanded to a smooth surface before finishing. Special care is taken around the curves of the bow and edges of the ribbon to ensure a soft, even look without removing too much material.
For finish, Billy keeps it simple with an oil and wax combination. This highlights the grain contrast between the walnut and maple, and gives the whole box a subtle sheen without overpowering the natural tones.
The application process involves buffing and reapplying until the surface reaches just the right level of depth and glow. Once cured, the wood feels silky and rich, making the piece feel more like art than furniture.
A Decorative Piece Worth Displaying
The finished box is striking. The walnut provides a deep, elegant base, while the maple ribbon stands out with bright contrast and graceful curves. It’s a conversation starter—something that draws people in with its unexpected form and attention to detail.
Though the box isn’t built for storage or frequent use, it serves as a perfect gift display or shelf centerpiece. The real value lies in its creativity and the skill it showcases.
A Project Fueled by Joy
Billy shares that this build was purely for fun. No deadlines, no commissions—just the desire to create something beautiful and different. That sense of enjoyment shows in every part of the build, from the layered bow to the smooth ribbon edges.
Projects like this are a great reminder of why woodworking is so rewarding. They offer freedom to experiment, explore new techniques, and end up with something you’re proud to share.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.