olivia'sdad Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 I want to buy a pre-fab treasure chest and stain it and put realistic looking pirate booty along with some lead crystal faceted paperweights inside for when my daughter is 5 years old, we can go on a treasure hunt and when she digs it up, she can say, "daddy! Look at what I found!" It's been a long time since I've worked with wood. I'm pretty sure it's pine or some other kind of soft wood. I should sand it with varying grits of sandpaper and then stain it or something? Should I treat the wood first before staining it? I'd also like to replace the hasp on the front of it in favor of one that can accommodate a large pirate-esque lock. It's all in my plan. I'll get a cryptic letter from a long-lost relative. Enclosed are just an old map and a key (to the lock of the chest, of course) and my daughter and I can embark on an adventure, eyepatches and all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corwin Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 It depends on how long it will be buried. It's a GREAT idea!! If it's buried for a long time i would think an out door primer would be best. Ask a hardware store & see what they say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 I want to buy a pre-fab treasure chest and stain it and put realistic looking pirate booty along with some lead crystal faceted paperweights inside for when my daughter is 5 years old, we can go on a treasure hunt and when she digs it up, she can say, "daddy! Look at what I found!" What a great idea! Your little girl has got a super daddy. It's been a long time since I've worked with wood. I'm pretty sure it's pine or some other kind of soft wood. I should sand it with varying grits of sandpaper and then stain it or something? Should I treat the wood first before staining it? If you are staining it, sand, then stain, then sand again. Don't treat it with anything before you stain or the stain will be blotchy or not take at all. It may take more than one application of stain to get the look you're after. Better to use several light coats of stain than to overload/flood it in the first application. I'd also like to replace the hasp on the front of it in favor of one that can accommodate a large pirate-esque lock. It's all in my plan. I'll get a cryptic letter from a long-lost relative. Enclosed are just an old map and a key (to the lock of the chest, of course) and my daughter and I can embark on an adventure, eyepatches and all. Perfect! As for Corwin's concern about how long it will be buried ... so just wait until just before you get the letter to bury it. If it's coated with polyurethane or similar protective coating (maybe an outdoor rather than interior grade), it should be just fine to be buried a few hours or a day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bea Killion Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 THAT'S THE NEATEST IDEA YOU HAVE. YOUR DAUGHTER WILL BE SO THRILLED TO FIND IT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinyJudi Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 What a really cool idea. Your daughter is sure to be thrilled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 Great idea! But I wouldn't bury it until just before the big day! What fun for both of you! Is your wife going to wear an eye patch too?! Of course "real" pirate's buried their chests without a care for how long it would be buried or what condition it would be in as long as the "treasure" survived! Ahoy Matie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallowell Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 Very, very cool idea. I stayed at the Samoset a few years ago and found a treasure map in a book in our room. I wanted to go explore for treasure on the beach but ran out of time. Your daughter will have so much fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuttiwebgal Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 what a great idea!! I hope you share the details with us! nutti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
what2craftnow Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 When my son was little, I did a treasure hunt for his birthday, but I wasn't clever enough to make the treasure chest - I purchased a cardboard (boring) one from Oriental Trading and filled it with about 6 bags of foil covered gum coins (oh!! the cavitiies in the making ), but the kids really seemed to enjoy the whole thing. Your idea sounds so much better, and it will be reuseable - which is great!!! Would love to see pic's of your treasure chest, if you get the chance. Have fun!! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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