Transfers For Wooden Gift Boxes!

Traditional ways of decorating a wooden gift box include painting, staining, carving, pyrography, inlay, laser etching, decoupage etc. But a novel way of decorating wood boxes that we discovered recently was by transferring photo images. This is a great way of personalizing wooden boxes and they make great gifts, not only at Christmas but at any time of the year.

Transferring any image from paper to another surface is fun and surprisingly easy. You don't need any special skills - just a little practice. Give it a go and soon you'll be looking for more ways to apply this simple technique!

Transfer Images On A Wooden Gift Box

The first thing you should bear in mind is that it's difficult to transfer an image obtained from an inkjet printer, as it will tend to smudge. That's okay if you like impressionism but not so good if you want a clean, crisp image transfer. So, what you'll need is a black and white or colour photocopied image.

The process of transferring the image involves applying a special transfer solution to the image you've chosen. You can purchase the transfer solution from any craft shop, or online. You then press down the image (photo side) onto the surface of the wooden box and leave it to dry.

The wooden box you have in mind can be unfinished, or if you want the image to stand out, it can be pre-painted with a water based emulsion paint, or even an oil paint.

Once the photo copy paper is dry, a damp cloth is used to wet the paper which is then gently removed leaving the image behind.

You can use a wood oil aerosol spray, or a proprietary seal from B&Q or Homebase to remove the paper residue and to provide a nice sheen or gloss finish.

The finished result is great because the image looks as though it's part of the wood rather than being stuck on like a paper transfer, or decoupage. So, what's stopping you - give it a go and release those creative juices!

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Hamper Boxes - A More Stylish Alternative To Traditional Hampers!

It's that time of year when people are thinking hard about food and drink and especially about Christmas hampers which is a tradition that seems to get stronger and stronger every year. Or does it?

Have you ever wondered why gift hampers have become so popular over the years? Everywhere you look - in high street shops and online stores, hampers are there. They're growing in popularity and this can only mean that people simply love receiving gift hampers!

Polmac Hamper Boxes For Fortnum & Mason

There is a great variety of hampers available for kids, for the older generation and for people who just want to be indulged. These are referred to as 'Pamper Hampers'.

If you check out this seasons hamper brochures you'll find that most feature traditional wicker baskets/  hampers. Traditional wicker hampers however, tend to have a slightly old-fashioned, colonial whiff about them although this may be a distinct advantage for some people.

A traditional wicker hamper will always figure in people's hearts but this year why not consider a more stylish, contemporary alternative.

Round Christmas Hamper Boxes

For instance, there are now hybrid hampers, or 'hamper boxes' that are made from a combination of wood and wicker infill panels.

There are also round hampers that look rather like tall hat boxes with lift off lids that are made from thin gauge Finnish plywood.

These hamper boxes can be supplied in a wide range of styles and finishes, including clear lacquer finishes, beautiful natural wood and colour stain finishes and vibrant block colours.

They can also be easily branded with printed logos or text, if a more personalised finish is required.

If you're feeling particularly creative, you can design your very own hamper boxes, so the next time you are thinking about sending a gift box, make yourself a cup of coffee, sit yourself down in your favourite easy chair and start designing. Now there's a thought!

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Bandsaw Boxes - Evocative & Appealing!

Band saw boxes are made from wood and are cut using a band saw. A solid, or laminated block of wood may be used to make a bandsaw box which often has a curvy linear shape, although not exclusively so.

They are quick, easy and fun to make and only require a 1/4 inch band saw blade with a hook profile. What looks good on the eye is simply marked up and cut out. The shapes and patterns that can be designed are almost limitless. 

Bandsaw Box

Other tools used to make bandsaw boxes depend upon the finish required. These may include sanding tools, carving tools and paint brushes if a painted colour finish is required.

Bandsaw boxes may be intricate and highly decorated, so are often used to store jewellery and trinkets and make great keepsake boxes.

They are particularly pleasing on the eye because everything fits so perfectly together. This is possible because all the various parts of the box are cut from the same block of wood and the 'kerf' or cut the bandsaw makes will be even all round.

Polmac (UK) Ltd uses this 'kerfing' technique to make it's wooden boxes, to ensure a perfect fit between the lids and bases. All six sides of the wooden box are glued together to make a composite carcass and the lid is then cut out from the top using a circular saw. In this instance the 'kerf' is made by the circular saw blade!

Bandsaws may be used to cut practically any irregular shape, which means that bandsaw boxes may be made into virtually any shape. If drawers are included for example, they may be a traditional rectangular, circular or oval shape.

No two bandsaw boxes are ever exactly alike because there are always variations in colour and texture from one piece of wood to the next, even if the wood is from the same tree. This is what can make bandsaw boxes so evocative and appealing!

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MDF - The Pros & Cons!

Medium density fibreboard (MDF) is a wood panel material made from wood cutting by-products in the saw mill, such as saw dust and wood chippings. These are bound together at high temperature and high pressure using resins and wax to make panel products.

The materials used in MDF often come from Pinewood but just about any type of wood waste can be used.

MDF is an extremely versatile material. It can be used around the home, in shops and offices and other commercial premises and can even be used to make gift boxes. It's generally denser than plywood and has similar applications.

Large scale production of MDF board started in Europe and North America in the 1980's and is still going strong with more and more demand.

MDF Board

MDF is a relatively inexpensive material compared with real wood and it glues and paints well.

It has a smooth, even finish without the irregularities associated with other panel products and there is no grain direction to worry about.

It's also very strong in compression, having almost twice the strength of particle board and it can be easily sawn, drilled and screwed using suitable wood fasteners.

However, just like particle board, MDF acts like a sponge and will absorb water readily and quickly unless it's properly sealed.

MDF has less strength than real wood which means that it may crack or split under pressure. It doesn't take nails well, so screws are always a better option. However, even when using screws, more may be required to prevent 'drooping'.

MDF also has some major environmental disadvantages...

The resins and binders used in MDF may contain formaldehyde which is a substance capable of causing cancer and which tends to 'off-gas' for years. This means MDF should always be sealed using laminates, veneers or painting to lock the gas in and not left 'raw'.

MDF can be recycled but the re-cycling processes are relatively new and there are few re-cycling centres available, so it's generally burned, or sent to landfill after use.

Unfortunately, in landfill the chemicals in the MDF may leach out over time and pollute the surrounding ground and water supply.

Furthermore, the resins used to produce MDF are emitted as dust when the material is drilled or sawn, so this can create a serious health and safety issues in the workplace.

This means that effective and often expensive mechanical extraction systems need to be installed in the workplace and operatives must wear suitable masks to filter the air they breathe.

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North American Bent Wood Boxes!

Traditional square or rectangular wooden boxes sometimes have rounded corners for effect. The process comprises making wood boxes with 90 degree corners, using traditional jointing methods such as mitres, butt joints, finger joints etc. and then reducing the corners to a rounded shape, either manually or by machine.

Bent wood boxes however are traditional wood boxes made by the First Nations people of North America from one piece of wood that's steamed and bent at the corners to form a box. The rounded corners are therefore formed naturally by the way they're made.

North American Bent Wood Box

Uses for bent wood boxes were varied and included food storage, cooking utensils, clothing accessories, for ceremonial purposes and burials, water carrying, canoes and dwellings.

Bent wood boxes were often elaborately decorated and / or carved, particularly if they were made for trading purposes, whilst other more utilitarian boxes were left plain undecorated.

Today, many bent wood boxes of different shapes and sizes are made for specialist collectors and can be purchased online, from museum gift shops, as well as directly from the craftsmen themselves.

Bent wood boxes are made from a single piece of wood in which three grooves called 'kerfs' have been cut where the corners occur. The wood is then steamed at each groove position, bent and pegged at the final corner to create the four sides of the box.

A cedar wood base is then fixed to the underside of the box using pegs and finally a lid is made for the top which is usually rebated to fit.

Steaming the wood makes it softer and therefore more pliable, especially if the wood is green, so it bends easily at the groove positions where the wood thickness has been reduced.

The First Nation people of North America used cedar wood because it was readily available in the areas they lived and because it has a straight grain, lending itself to being bent and is also lightweight and easily worked, making it the ideal material for making boxes.

Important members of the tribe were able to demonstrate their status by the number of bent wood boxes they possessed and how elaborately they were carved and / or decorated.

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Counter-Top Display Stands - An Effective Sales Tool!

It's essential that products offered for sale at events such as exhibitions and retail premises are displayed in a visually attractive manner, so as to draw people's attention to the display.

In retail premises, particularly smaller ones where display space is often at a premium, it's important to fully utilize all available display space particularly on counter tops.

Polmac Jura Whisky Counter-Top Display Stands

Point of sale displays are very effective sales tools because potential customers are invariably drawn to them and encourage them to make a purchase.

However, if products are displayed haphazardly on counter tops, not only does this detract from the overall appearance of the products on display, it also tends to encourage pilfering, which is a serious problem in retail!

It's therefore useful to have a display stand that can be placed on the counter itself in order to present a neat and visually attractive display that attracts the attention of potential customers.

Polmac Aromatherapy / Homeopathy Counter-Top Display Stand

Point of sale, counter-top display stands allow the products on display to be fully visible at all times and displayed in a logical and attractive manner, so customers can make their selection quickly and easily.

They're also particularly useful for special promotions, because they will act as a centerpiece for the display.

Counter-top display stands also discourage pilfering because products are displayed in a logical manner and the display is closer to the salesperson, so a missing item can be more easily spotted.

Furthermore, counter-top display stands and the products displayed can also be more easily cleaned to ensure an attractive appearance is maintained at all times.

Counter-top display stands may be manufactured as permanent display items, or supplied as flat packs to be quickly assembled for an exhibition or disassembled and shipped to another event.

Polmac (UK) Ltd supplies customized, wood counter-top display stands for a wide range of sectors including the health and beauty and premium quality whisky industries!

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Wood Presentation Wine Boxes - Elegant & Appealing!

Wooden boxes are an elegant and appealing way to present wine and make great gift ideas. On the more practical side, wine bottles in wood presentation boxes can be securely stored and easily accessed by means of hinged or sliding lids.

For most wine aficionados what counts of course is the finest vintage wine. However, I'm sure anyone who loves wine will enjoy any vintage even more when it comes in a finely crafted, wooden wine box.

Fortnum & Mason Single Bottle Wine Box

Wood is an extremely versatile material so wine boxes come in all shapes, sizes and designs. They can contain a single wine bottle or multiple bottles of wine. These 'wine cases' typically hold up to 12 bottles of wine and have a carrying handle because of the excessive weight.

Wine gift boxes can also include wine accessories such as cork screws and glasses to provide a complete wine tasting package.

There are also many variations on the theme such as champagne boxes, port and stilton boxes, with personal touches added, such as engravings, scrolls and hand written, or printed personal messages.

Fortnum & Mason Port & Stilton Box

Personal touches add value and an 'emotional charge' to the entire experience, so make the wine box, or wine gift set more memorable and therefore more marketable.

That is why many companies give gifts of wine in elegant wooden boxes to their customers particularly at Christmas time, as an expression of thanks for their continuing custom.

This custom is reminiscent of the time when wine was packed in rustic wooden cases to provide a perfect addition to anyone's wine collection.

Wine makes a wonderful gift for family, friends and business associates who take wine seriously. Nothing makes a more thoughtful statement than a fine bottle of wine in a beautifully crafted wooden gift box.

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Polmac Wood Presentation Boxes - Building Brand Recognition!

Building brand recognition has been a key marketing tool to boost product sales and profits for many years and this is one reason why Polmac, wood presentation boxes are so powerful.

Polmac, branded, wood presentation boxes are designed to be retained long after the contents have been consumed, or have come to the end of their useful life. This means that recollection of your company brand is made a lot easier.

Polmac Branded Perfume Boxes - Fit For A Queen!

The impact of branded Polmac wood presentation boxes on customers can be significant because they are more likely to recall the specific type of product they received and the brand or name of the company, for a much longer period of time.

The purpose of wood presentation packaging is to increase the perceived value of the product being marketed, to  generate more sales and ultimately, to increase brand awareness. This is achieved by making the wood presentation packaging visually stunning and as irresistible as possible.

However, it is important to demonstrate that branded products do have a positive impact on sales and profits, particularly as it's very easy now to track products on the Internet.

The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) has shown that branded products do increase sales and yield better returns on investment.

BPMA research has concluded that a significant percentage of people receiving a branded product could recall the brand after a year, would be likely to do business with the company again and the company's image is significantly boosted!

Naturally, the longer a branded product is retained, the greater the impression it makes on the recipient and anyone else who comes into contact with it.

Polmac, branded, wood presentation boxes are designed to be retained and are proven to increase product sales and profits and build brand awareness for your company.

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Craftsmanship - Adds Value + More Sales!

Polmac (UK) Ltd comes from a craft tradition of making decorated wooden boxes that was developed and refined over many years. We have continued this tradition because we believe our clients deserve the very best and the craftsmanship we provide underpins their success.

Unfortunately, today we often sacrifice real craftsmanship for the sake of expediency. Although we can still recognize the value of a beautiful object, we frequently choose the cheap and easy option.

Polmac Decorated Wooden Boxes

Craftsmanship is a quality that comes from creating something with a great deal of passion and skill that often equates to 'love'!

It comes from practicing and honing the skills necessary to achieve the level of craftsmanship required over a lifetime. It's the difference between let's say a Ford Focus and a Rolls Royce.

So, how do we recognize craftsmanship? One way is to look at the attention to detail. When you handle a wooden box for example, does the lid open and close correctly? Are the wood joints perfectly constructed and is the finish blemish free?

We can also recognize craftsmanship through it's functionality. Is the wood box fit for the purpose it's intended? In other words, does it proclaim and add value to the object inside and does it have the visual impact necessary to attract the attention of a potential buyer?

Another way to recognize craftsmanship is to look at durability. If an object is well made, it will generally last longer and provide greater value over a much longer period of time, particularly if it's made from wood.

Some people believe that craftsmanship adds cost and therefore reduces buying potential. However, what should be remembered is that craftsmanship adds value and when people see value they're always prepared to pay more! In a competitive world, that's an advantage worth having!

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Wood - Beautiful, Organic & Eco-Friendly!

Wood is one of the most useful materials in the world and has many different uses, because it's strong and versatile. 

Wood is available as hardwood or softwood but these descriptions don't always refer to the actual hardness or softness of the wood, which can be confusing.

 Beech Tree (Hardwood)

Hardwoods are from broad leaved (deciduous) trees, such as beech, birch, mahogany, maple, oak, teak and walnut and lose their leaves in the autumn.

Softwoods on the other hand are from evergreen (coniferous) trees that have needles and cones throughout the year and include cypress, fir, pine, spruce and redwood.

Pinewood Forest (Softwood)

Generally, hardwoods are harder than softwoods but this is not always the case. For example, linden wood and alder wood which Polmac (UK) Ltd uses as base woods, because they're ideal for staining wood boxes, are actually hardwoods that are comparatively soft and lightweight.

Many hardwoods have beautiful grain character and are used for making wooden boxes and furniture, as well as for decorative woodwork.

Softwoods often come from trees that are tall and straight and are used extensively in the construction industry but can also be used in wooden box making, if a tougher and more durable material is required.

The structure of wood determines its appearance, how it behaves and what it's used for. 

There are many tree varieties with a wide range of properties that are different to materials such as metals, plastics and ceramics.

These materials have a fairly uniform inner structure that makes them behave exactly the same way in all directions. Wood however has different properties in different directions, due to its natural, annual growth ring structure.

If properly treated and preserved wood will last a long time before it begins to deteriorate. However, because wood is an organic material, it's subject to the natural forces of decay, such as fungus and insects that will gradually attack its structure and eventually reduce it to dust.

People learned to use wood for practical and decorative purposes from the earliest times. Today, it's still a very popular material and is particularly admired for its natural, organic and eco-friendly properties.

Forestry can be 100% sustainable but random, unregulated logging can seriously damage the environment, whether it's to clear a tropical rainforest or to selectively cut down mature trees in an old woodland.

Trees provide important habitats for many other species and help to increase bio-diversity. If managed in a sustainable way, forestry is a great example of how people can live in perfect harmony with the environment and benefit from it. 

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Wood Stain Or Paint? - That's The Question!

Wood stains are widely used to decorate and protect wood surfaces and to prevent yellowing caused by exposure to Ultra Violet (UV) radiation.

Wood staining is used to enhance the natural beauty, texture and grain character of wood and is a premium quality, alternative finish to more expensive hardwoods and block paints. It will also conceal any minor wood defects, or blemishes that may exist.

Polmac Natural Woodstain Finishes

Wood stains allow the grain character and texture of the wood to be preserved and enhanced, because the liquid stain flows into the natural pores and grooves taking the shape of the wood itself.

Wood stains raise and make the wood grain more pronounced, so it's advisable to sand the surface first, using multiple grades of sandpaper, to remove any scratches and blemishes and to provide a smooth even finish.

Most wood stains are transparent or semi-transparent and are used to soften, or change the colour of wood, leaving the surface texture still visible. However, semi-opaque wood stains which mask the wood completely are also available.

Wood stains are supplied in a variety of vibrant colours and natural wood finishes, adding a beautiful subtle quality to wood.

Wood stains and paints are similar because they add richness and colour to wood but there are differences in look, character and application.

Painting leaves a thin film on the wood, which helps to hide more pronounced scratches and blemishes. Consequently there is no need to sand the wood.

Block Colour Paints

Using a primer allows the uniform absorption of the paint, thus providing an even finish across the entire surface of the wood. The more coats of paint that are applied the more it masks the wood underneath.

Wood stains are applied directly to the wood using a soft rag cloth, sponge, brush or sponge roller, wheras pint is chiefly applied with soft brush and roller.

Water based wood stains do not protect the wood, so it's a good idea to add a coat of clear lacquer as a final finishing coat. However, proprietary wood stains with the lacquer already mixed in are also available, so a final coat is unnecessary!

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Wooden Baking Trays - Are You Serious?

Polmac (UK) Ltd specialises in supplying customized, wood presentation boxes and packaging and it never ceases to amaze us what wooden boxes can be used for.

If you ask your old granny how she manages to bake wonderful cakes each time, she'll tell you that the ingredients and recipe are important. However, you'll also be surprised to learn that she may use a pinewood tray to bake the cake in, instead of a traditional baking tin.

The Wooden Cakebox Company Baking Tray

"A wooden cake tray. Are you serious?" Yes, wooden cake trays, particularly pinewood cake trays make baking cakes simple and straightforward and the taste can be truly amazing!

There are a number of companies around, such as The Wooden Cakebox Company that sell pinewood cake trays and these will usually include a fail-safe recipe and the ingredients you'll require. You can of course use your own recipe if you wish!

I'm told that for best results, a new wooden cake tray should be seasoned with oil before use, on the outside and inside.

After seasoning, the box is lined with brown paper, which allows the cake to grow and develop a rich aroma, as the oils, sugar and pine resin are released by the baking process.

The cake is insulated by the surrounding wood, so wrapping the tray with extra layers of paper during baking is unnecessary. Using a wooden cake tray ensures an evenly cooked, moist cake.

The wood used in cake trays should be sustainable, from managed sources and eco-friendly. The wood trays should also be constructed using a robust, non-hazadous jointing method. For example, if steel pins or screws are used, you don't want them turning up in the slices of cake you offer your guests!

Pinewood cake trays have been tested numerous times and the end result is usually the same - a delicious super moist cake whether it's a traditional, Christmas fruit cake, or a chocolate fudge cake.

You'll never need more than one pinewood cake tray because it will last for decades, except of course if you become more ambitious!

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Folding Pocket Knife Boxes - Adding Value!

Finding the perfect gift for a bloke who's got everything can be difficult, especially if you've already bought him multiple shaving kits and dismissed the idea of buying a dvd about how to make craft beer (because he only drinks single malt whisky).

But have you thought about buying him a top quality, single blade, folding pocket knife, which can truly be a work of art!

The earliest folding pocket knives date back to the early Iron Age. For example, a pocketknife with a bone handle dated 600 - 500 BC was found in Austria and folding blade knives from the pre-Roman era were found in Spain. 

William Henry Victory Folding Knife, With Sterling Silver Handle, Black Leather Clip Case, Certificate Of Authenticity And Black Wood Presentation Box

Possessing such a knife was not only useful, it also afforded the owner more status.

Knives like these can be great for everyday cutting tasks, such as opening letters, cardboard boxes and packages, cutting rope and for many other outdoors activities.

A folding pocket knife can also provide a satisfying, life-long partnership between the owner and his knife. The brand and style are usually something the owner will stay true to during his lifetime, so it's important to determine what the knife will be used for.

By law a folding pocket knife blade can be a maximum 7.62 cm, so can be used as a utility 'tool' to perform rudimentary daily tasks.

However, it's wise to keep in mind that it's against the law in the UK to carry an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority, or reasonable excuse.

A number of folding pocket knives have multiple blades (like the Swiss army knife), making them extremely versatile whilst still retaining their friendly carry status.

Top quality folding pocket knives, in leather sheaths and a certificate of authenticity, will often be purchased in customized wood presentation boxes that will stay with the owner for life.

The wood presentation box thus becomes a lasting reminder of quality and high standards, adding value to the folding pocket knife inside, by creating a package with irresistible charm and beauty! 

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Decorated Bamboo Gift Boxes - A Far East Alternative!

Bamboo grows relatively swiftly and requires little water or fertilizer, so is now marketed around the world as an environmentally friendly material.

Bamboo, as an alternative to solid wood, can be used to make stunning gift boxes and / or storage boxes. They are lightweight, durable and sturdy and can be used to package or contain anything from stationery to beauty products.

However, unlike timber which can be easily sawn into planks, the hollow bamboo stalks are usually cut into narrow strips, planed flat then boiled to remove any pest-attracting starches.

Making a gift box out of bamboo is relatively simple and straightforward and requires only a basic knowledge of the material, some woodworking skill and access to common hand tools.

Decorated Bamboo Gift Boxes

Bamboo can be used to make traditional rectangular, or square gift boxes, with decorative metal hinges and catches, or if you're feeling particularly you can create unusual shapes with imaginative hinge and fastening mechanisms.

Traditionally, bamboo can be decorated by hand painting with a wide variety of vibrant gloss colour paints and stains, or even decorated with delicately embroidered fabrics. However, before painting the bamboo may need to be sanded to remove it's natural, outer wax layer.

There are some 1,400 species of bamboo that grow worldwide but Moso bamboo is the most widely used which is grown in China and elsewhere in the Far East.

Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world and can grow as much as 0.9m in a single day. Moso bamboo can grow to a staggering height of 23m and a diameter of 20cm. which means bamboo fields can truly be described as 'bamboo forests'

The strips of bamboo are kiln dried to remove excess moisture, glued into flat bundles, and then formed into sheets. The shreds can be treated with adhesive and pressed into panels or blocks ready to be made into beautifully decorated bamboo gift boxes.

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Decorated Ceramic Tile Boxes Make Stunning Gifts!

Plain, undecorated wooden boxes (box blanks) can be transformed using a variety of traditional decorative techniques into functional and artistic gifts. The visual effects these decorative techniques can provide are limited only by your own imagination.

Traditional methods of decorating wooden boxes include painting, with acrylic craft paints, emulsion, oil based paints and wood stains, with natural wood and / or colour stains.

Polmac (UK) Ltd Decorated Ceramic Tile Boxes

You can use small pieces of coloured tissue paper to decoupage your wood boxes, if you prefer a more random, vibrant finish.

The sea glass you've collected from a recent visit to the beach can be glued to your wooden boxes, to create stunning mosaics.

You can also create more complex or basic designs using pyrography (wood burning) and traditional wood carving techniques.

However, one of the most unusual and interesting methods of embellishing wooden boxes is to use decorative ceramic tiles, glued onto the surface.

You can create your own ceramic tile designs, if you have access to a kiln, by hand decorating, or using decorative transfers. If not, you can use decorated tiles from your local tile shop.

When fixing ceramic tiles onto your wood boxes, bear in mind that wood 'moves' due to moisture content, whereas ceramic tiles and glass are static. This means the glue needs to provide separation as well as adhesion.

So, a good choice would be silicone, as it's relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

However, if you're using plywood, you'll need to seal it first, then use a flexible, cement based adhesive, rather than a pre-mixed tub adhesive.

These two gluing methods assume the substrate, whether it's wood, mdf, or plywood, is reasonably rigid and doesn't flex or bow with variations in temperature.

Wood boxes decorated with ceramic tiles and mosaic, are perfect for displaying your tile and mosaic artwork.

They offer unusual design opportunities that can wow and impress your friends and / or clients.

These decorated, ceramic tile boxes make stunning gifts to store treasured mementos and photos in, or to use as elegant gift packages!

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Presentation Packaging & Sustainability!

Lots of people believe that presentation packaging and the more robust transit packaging, although commercially necessary, isn't really something they need to think about too much!

They consider a box, even a wooden box as an inconsequential container. It's what you must open to access what really matters - the product inside.

Well, many consumers today do care about packaging in the broadest sense, particularly when it concerns attitudes about sustainability.

Packing Polmac Wood Presentation Boxes

Of course, I'm biased. Polmac (UK) Ltd is a 20 year plus business specializing in supplying customized, wood presentation boxes and we believe that it really does matter.

Why? - Because many people think that an item's packaging, tells them something about how much the company cares about them.

Furthermore, they think that packaging solutions in general, should reflect the environmental values of the company they're buying from and the role it plays in protecting the products they purchased!

Consumers care about sustainable packaging practices and this is not just about them being biodegradable or recyclable. It's also about the wider economy and the use of scarce natural resources.

For instance, many delivery systems and packaging solutions are inadequate in terms of meeting today's packaging challenges!

The result is damage and damaged products have to be re- delivered using packing materials that will have to be reused, recycled and / or disposed of in landfill, using up more and more valuable resources.

Naturally, the delivery systems have to be fit for purpose, as does the outer transit packaging! If the packaging materials are also re-usable and recyclable, then so much the better.

That's why Polmac (UK) Ltd takes great care to ensure we use only materials from sustainable and managed sources and our wood boxes are packaged in a sustainable way, prior to despatch to the customer.

Polmac wooden boxes are first individually wrapped in white paper to prevent scuff marks on boxes during transit. In certain circumstances, single - layer, cardboard sleeves (outers) are used instead of white paper, to make doubly sure there are no scuff marks during transit.

Finally, they're packed and sealed in 6-ply corrugated, impact resistant, cardboard boxes, palleted and shrink wrapped. This minimizes any transit damage and the sustainability issues this may cause.

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Protecting & Displaying Military Memorabilia!

Wood presentation packaging is a broad term that can mean not only wooden boxes but also wood constructions that enclose, store, or display items that are valuable, have some emotional connection, or are simply beautiful to look at.

For example, over the last ten years there has been a huge surge in the number of people collecting military memorabilia. There are many reasons for this, including the recent anniversaries of two world wars and an insatiable appetite for all things military.

Wall Mounted Medal Display Case

Other reasons include the popularity of war films such as 'Saving Private Ryan' and the 'Band of Brothers' television series. Interest is also generated through the many military fairs held across the country and of course online trade.

People thinking about collecting war memorabilia need to decide how to protect and display it to best effect. War memorabilia come in all shapes, sizes and types, from tiny bullets, medals and badges to huge tanks and planes.

You can store your collection in a battered old trunk if you want but if your collection is special you may consider ordering a large, stylish wooden box with latches that lock and a carrying handle, all made to your exact specifications.

Wall Mounted 'Challenge Coin' Display Case

However, if you decide to preserve and display your military memorabilia, it's important to do it properly. Displaying military memorabilia can be very rewarding because not only is it a way of honouring the individuals who served their country, it's also a way of keeping family history alive, if the items have a  personal connection.

The larger items can be displayed on specially designed pedestals or in large glass cabinets, like the ones you see in museums.

Smaller items such as medals and badges can be displayed in shallow or deep 'shadow boxes', that are small, glass-fronted wooden display cases, usually mounted on a wall.

There are also specially designed, wall mounted wood display cases for so called 'challenge coins'. These are small coins or medallions given to members of an organization displaying the insignia or emblem of that organization.

Uniforms can also be displayed in wooden (picture) frames rather like wood framed oil paintings but with a lockable glass front.

When considering the display of military memorabilia, there are usually two considerations ...

1: How to display it in the best possible way so it can be seen and admired.
2: How to provide easy access so it can be handled from time to time.

Today, wood presentation packaging can mean different things to different people. However, the real beauty of these wood presentation display methods is that you can take any military object and turn it into a valuable collectable item and display it with perfect grace.

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Wood Presentation Boxes - More than Just Functional!

Wood presentation boxes are a type of packaging that's much more than just functional. They're also intended to be decorative, artistic and used commercially for promotional purposes. Because they're used commercially to promote products they're usually branded as well.

They may be customized and personalized with a printed logo or message for commercial, as well as for private use for - weddings, births, birthdays, welcome packages, anniversaries and virtually any private occasion that warrants a special gift.

Polmac Premium Quality Perfume Boxes

However, for commercial use, choosing customized, wood presentation boxes and deciding how products are to be presented to potential customers, are very important aspects of sales and marketing.

The goal is to provide additional value for the customer and your business, by creating a memorable and sharable experience.

The very best wood presentation packaging stimulates all four senses - sight, hearing, smell and touch, because it can enhance the emotional 'charge' that customers experience, which makes the overall package much more alluring.

An important part of building a long-term, sustainable brand is doing business with the same customers over and over again. This is because it's more expensive to find new customers than it is to encourage existing customers to purchase your products again.

Many suppliers believe that premium quality, wood presentation packaging is an unnecessary extra expense, because by increasing the cost, their products become less attractive to potential buyers.

However, customers are often prepared to pay more and are more likely to purchase a product, when they perceive extra value in that product. They're also more likely to come back for more when the product is delivered in premium quality packaging.

Furthermore, customers will often share an image of a product via social media if it comes in a premium package. From a marketing perspective this can be invaluable, because more people will see and be aware of your products, which will invariably boost your product sales.

The value of customized, wood presentation boxes extends far beyond the initial purchase when the customer actually opens the package and shares that experience across social media networks.

Social recommendations drive loyalty from your customers and promote brand awareness, that will keep your business well ahead of the competition!

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Getting Married? Use Wooden Flower Boxes For Centrepieces!

When considering the décor for your wedding reception it's always tempting to leave the arrangements to the wedding management company, if you have one. Whatever the circumstances, you'll naturally have an input but you can easily use your creative talents to add your very own personal touches.

For instance, you can design and make your own wedding invitations and stationary and you can also design your own wedding centrepieces, that will undoubtedly set the tone for the wedding reception.

Using Wooden Boxes For Floral Centrepieces

For brides and grooms a DIY craft wedding is a terrific way to put your own stamp on your wedding, especially if you're looking for a more rustic overall flavour. If your wedding is taking place in a barn for example, it may be an ideal opportunity for some creative thinking.

Weddings can be expensive affairs, so making some of the decorative items yourself can be an excellent way of saving money, especially if the finances are a bit tight!

If you haven't done any art since school don't worry about it. You can still wow your guests by using your imagination and developing some really interesting ideas. One way to accomplish this is to design your own wooden boxes for centrepieces.

If you're looking for modern trends, a good place to start looking are wedding websites and magazines where you can find some terrific ideas for wooden boxes for floral arrangements.

You'll also find the little bits and pieces you'll need as embelishments, such as coloured ribbons, bows, cut out decorations and trims. This will ensure your wood boxes for centrepieces look modern, fresh and of course professional.

Wooden boxes come in all shapes, sizes and finishes, such as square, rectangular, round, hexagonal, octagonal, single tier and 2-tier etc. You can use old wooden craft boxes from the shed and decorate them yourself, or you can have new ones made to your requirements and even have your names and a message printed on them.

The very first thing to decide is the shape and the size of your wood boxes and after that the finish. For instance, this could be a simple matt emulsion in light pastel shades, a clear lacquer finish or a wood or colour stain if you wish to retain the grain character of the wood.

Wooden boxes can make spectacular wedding centrepiece floral arrangements. The keys to success are to provide lots of colour and variety in your floral arrangements, so use your creative juices to mix things up a bit!

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Wooden Craft Boxes To Decorate & Personalize!

Keeping track of childhood memorabilia and all those small personal possessions such as watches, cuff links, jewellery and letters, can be daunting, especially if you're a bit disorganized. However, this can be easily remedied by using a beautiful, decorated wooden craft box, to keep all your stuff in. 

Polmac Keepsake Boxes

Small wood craft boxes to decorate, are personal by their nature and can be made more so by providing a decorative touch.

Bigger boxes are less personal but can also be decorated to provide that missing emotional charge. Wooden craft box suppliers sell wooden craft boxes to paint and decorate as you want. These are called box blanks because they're supplied as plain wooden boxes, ready for decoration. 

There are dozens of different decorative techniques and ways to embellish wooden craft boxes, including hand painting, drawings, carving and stamping. You can also use decoupage and even pyrography to literally burn the decorations onto the wood surface.

Laser etching is a high tech, printing technique that's expensive but is often used to decorate wood craft boxes and the results can be truly stunning!

Wood craft boxes with lids that are rounded can make excellent treasure chests for children to store all their personal memorabilia, such as photos, toys, coins, stamps and diaries etc.

For older children, providing a treasure chest with a mortise lock and key for privacy is always useful.

If there's a strong army connection in the family, wood craft boxes can be painted khaki with a union flag on the lid. Alternatively, they can be decorated in bright primary colours or pastel shades depending upon individual preference and taste.

Wood cut-out characters can also be glued onto the surface of wooden boxes to provide interesting and original decorative effects. These can be anything you like, such as animals, birds, insects, cartoon characters, footballs, stars and hearts etc.

Decorating Wood Cut-Out Characters

If wood craft boxes are constructed well using a good quality, blemish free wood, they can easily last a lifetime and beyond. The material used can range from natural, hard woods like Beech, to flat board materials such as plywood.

Wood craft boxes with lids that slide, or lift-off are economical to manufacture and boxes that are hinged with a clasp fastening at the front and fixed with metal wood screws or pins are safe and secure.

Wooden craft boxes are supplied in a large variety of shapes, sizes and types. They can be round, square, hexagonal, single tier, two tier, three tier and even made into towers.

Wood craft boxes can be truly evocative due to the inherent natural warmth and beauty of the wood used in their manufacture. All it takes is a little skill and imagination.

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Responsible Forest Management Helps Sustainability!

The wood and wood materials used in Polmac (UK) Ltd customized presentation boxes are sourced from managed and sustainable forests but many people regard the felling of trees as a destructive process.

This conclusion however, can be easily challenged because where forestry is managed responsibly, it helps preserve trees and the environment and plays a crucial role in sustainability. 

Managed Forest

In the Amazon, huge swathes of the tropical rain forest are being destroyed by illegal logging, as we all know. Once free from trees the land is converted to grass pasture and often given over to cattle farming, or mining.

This means two essential functions of the forest - absorbing carbon dioxide and excess rain water are undermined. This process is on-going worldwide and there is now a real problem with methane gas and other toxic pollution, that is contributing significantly to climate change.

The recent floods in the North West of England were exacerbated by deforestation carried out by local landowners over the centuries because they thought and still think sheep farming is more profitable. That may be true but the deforestation has caused untold misery to thousands of people.

Indeed, deforestation and it's negative consequences is often the result of changes in land use rather than  other factors. So, the idea that manufacturing wood products results in the destruction of trees is wrong, because where forestry is managed responsibly and in a sustainable way, the opposite holds true.

If we wish to protect forests from changes in land use, then we must manage them in a sustainable way. What we must avoid at all costs is to chop down vast swathes of forest and then pretend we're engaging in some kind of responsible forest management!

In today's digital age, consumers are becoming much more environmentally aware. So, they want to know where wood products come from, how they are produced and where the wood is sourced, because then they can make an informed decision.

That's why Polmac (UK) Ltd helps preserve the environment by sourcing it's wood and wood materials only from sustainable and managed forests.

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Transportation - A Vital Component In Customer Satisfaction Levels!

Have you ever experienced problems delivering products to your customers in a timely manner?

Making deliveries of goods on time and in good condition is an important factor that often determines the customers' satisfaction level with a company. It's a vital component in the quality of the overall 'service' provided and ultimately can influence the length of a relationship.

Transport is a vital economic activity for any business, because it links the company to its customers and suppliers. Unfortunately, late deliveries can be a source of irritation, so it's important to ensure the logistics are fit for purpose and well managed.

International Transport Lorry On The Road

Products may also be damaged in transit, or the wrong goods delivered, due to warehouse loading errors. These types of problems can be frustrating for customers, leading to dissatisfaction and the possibility that they give their business to a competitor.

However, despite all your best efforts, problems are sometimes unavoidable. When this happens it's vital to keep customers informed, so they can see you are making every effort to resolve the situation and are doing your best to protect their interests. Doing so, may well strengthen your relationship with your customer, rather than weaken it.

When a company consistently delivers its goods on time and in good condition, it can build confidence, which makes customers more resistant to attractive offers from competitors. Often, reliability is more important than a price cut. It may even result in your company getting more business from the customer.

Transporting goods is an activity that should be as economical as possible but without compromising quality of service. You're in business after all and certain principles always apply.

Generally, fast modes of transport are more expensive than slow. For instance, transporting goods by air can be 20 times more expensive than by sea. However, in an emergency, using a faster mode of transport can be justified if timing is crucial, as it may preserve your reputation for reliability with your customer.

From a business perspective, it's vital to carefully consider the cost of transporting goods and ways to deliver them in the most economical way, so they are delivered on time and in good condition.

Polmac (UK) Ltd utilizes experienced, insurance backed, international transport companies that specialize in transporting palleted loads of over 250kg in Europe and couriers for smaller loads for local UK deliveries.

All consignments leaving our factory are tracked to ensure our customized, wood presentation boxes are delivered safely and on time, every time!

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Hand Tool Woodworking Myths Exposed!

Polmac (UK) Ltd manufactures custom-made, wood presentation boxes and packaging using traditional woodcraft techniques and semi-automated methods of production.

This means we use hand tools as well as power tools when manufacturing our wooden boxes. But why use hand tools when we have all these amazing, ultra-modern, fast, efficient power tools available to us? Well, when analyzed much of what has been said and written about hand tools are myths.

The first myth is that hand tools are slow and inefficient but the truth is that it's often the person who's slow and inefficient and not the tool. Hand tools have always been designed to be used quickly and efficiently but you need to pick the right tool for the job and use it correctly. 

Nailing A Metal Catch Using A Hammer

Polmac (UK) Ltd comes from a craft background, so Polmac craftsmen are expert in the use of traditional hand tools, that provide a degree of quality that power tools cannot match.

Both hand tools and power tools are very quick if used as they are designed to be. Once you understand what the tool is for and practice using it until it becomes second nature, then you'll work quickly and efficiently every time.

The second myth is that hand tools are less precise than power tools but this is simply untrue. A hand plane for example can remove wood to fractions of a millimetre and this kind of precision is something power tools again simply cannot match.

Furthermore, using a hand plane means you don't have to sand the surface to provide a smooth, even finish. With a power planer you invariably do, so the hand tool saves you time.

It's also important to realize that using hand tools doesn't need to be entirely freehand. There are many jigs and appliances available that can help to steady and guide hand tools. Many of these you can build  yourself, for particular kinds of work that you undertake regularly.

Another myth states that hand tools are unsuitable for complicated work. The truth is that hand tools often free you from using complex jig arrangements that are time-consuming to set up.

For example, if you want to cut a joint at a complicated angle it could take ages to set up on a jig. However, using a hand tool means you just need to mark out the joint and cut it - it's that simple!

To obtain the maximum benefit from using hand tools, the first priority is to discover precisely what they should be used for. It is true that power tools are fast and efficient and save you time but hand tools can too, if used properly!

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Wood Jewellery Delights - A New Story To Tell!

Polmac (UK) Ltd specializes in supplying customized, wood presentation boxes and packaging using craft techniques and semi-automated methods of production. 

Our wooden boxes derive from a craft heritage and we are always looking at new ways wood can be used. This allows us to learn new production and finishing methods and keep abreast of developments, which means we can continuously improve the quality of our wood boxes for your benefit. 

The use of specialized, wood decorative techniques in wood gift boxes and jewellery came to our attention recently as an innovative new way wood can be used. 

Wood Bangle Bracelet

From the earliest times our ancestors used wood for creating shelters, making fire, tools, utensils and weapons. They also used wood for decoration. At some point they learned to shape wood and realized that they could carve, pierce and decorate small wooden objects to create primitive jewellery.

When we think of jewellery today we think of precious and semi-precious stones, as well as gold and silver. We rarely think about using wood in jewellery. However, designers today are rediscovering wood as a material that can be used successfully in jewellery, even at the high-end of the jewellery market.

This reincarnation of wood allows us to appreciate the natural warmth and beauty of wood once more and the many uses it has.

Wood & Glass Mosaic Pendant

Many countries, particularly in the new world have fine wood carving traditions and these skills are being preserved for future generations. Traditional wood carvers are co-operating with jewellery designers to produce bold new designs using techniques that have been developed over thousands of years.

People are attracted by unconventional materials such as wood, in superior quality jewellery including bangles, bracelets, earrings and cuffs.

The special quality of wood adds an extra dimension to our visual experience. Polished rosewood and ebony for example contrast beautifully when used with faceted white diamonds!

A technique comprising pressed thin sheets of native coloured woods in rich, natural hues called 'marquetry' was recently discovered in Brazil and is now used in the manufacture of contemporary jewellery.

Many woods like the blue azul cavalho can be combined in marquetry with other materials such as mother-of-pearl and glass, to provide distinctive and beautifully textured designs.

Wood is a truly unique and versatile material and it seems today it definitely has a new story to tell!

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Euro Pallets - From The Sublime To The Ridiculous!

Polmac (UK) Ltd uses euro-pallets to ship its customized, wood presentation boxes to the UK and other European destinations.

The euro-pallet measures 800 x 1200 mm and is a block-style, uni-directional base pallet. Most European businesses prefer euro pallets because their warehouse systems are generally designed around them.

Shrink Wrapping Polmac Load On Euro-Pallet

Euro pallets are well made, stronger, stiffer and more durable than most other pallets currently in use and therefore last longer. Furthermore, using euro-pallets tends to incur lower product damage claims, due to stringent EU regulations governing their manufacture and use.

Alternative pallets used in Europe may be subject to delays and disposal charges.

The euro-pallet evolved in the 1960's when the European railways wanted a standard pallet type for use on the railway network.

It was found that loading euro-pallets on railway carriages took just 10% of the time than previously when non-standard pallets were in use. In 1968 a standard lattice box pallet design was specified.

Most European businesses quickly switched to the standard euro-pallet design for use with trucks, forklifts and high-rack warehouses, optimized for their size.

Agreements were developed for pallet exchange between organizations where goods would be delivered on euro-pallets and the same number would be given in return.

Today, there are literally thousands of surplus euro-pallets in circulation. One project uses wooden pallets, including euro-pallets to build cheap, environmentally friendly houses that can be turned into permanent homes for the needy!

House Made From Wooden Pallets

To create one house, measuring approximately 3m x 6m requires only 80 pallets. They are nailed or strapped together to form the walls and partitions.

Then, locally sourced materials such as stone, earth, wood and corrugated sheeting can be used to fill in the wall cavities and cover the roof, to create a permanent, water-tight and insulated structure.

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There's More To Birch Than Flogging!

 The birch is a true native of the Northern Hemisphere and grows to heights of 610m. It thrived well before the last Ice Age and was among the first trees to re-colonize the land in massive tracts of forest, after the ice retreated.

The birch is often the first tree to establish itself on a new site and is tolerant of adverse conditions, such as  severe weather, frosts and the polluted environments that we often experience today. 

Birch Trees

For many centuries trees played an important part in man's spiritual life, representing a new awakening each spring. It was often the custom for example, for girls to give their partners a birch twig as a sign of love. 

The so called "Besom Wedding" which involved the couple jumping over birch twigs was recognized as legitimate. On midsummer nights birch boughs were often hung over doors to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Birch was also used in more practical ways. For example, birch bark was stitched together to make food receptacles, canoes for hunting and the pitch was made into glue to fix flint arrow heads and spears onto their wooden shafts.

Polmac Hamper Boxes Made From Birch Ply

In spring, birch sap was used to make mead and the fresh cambial tissue was used to make a nutritious bread. Birch tea is an ancient and powerful remedy used to combat such ailments as gout, rheumatism and arthritis.

The sawdust from birch wood was used for smoking fish and is a practice which endures to this day. The bark was used to tan hides and as a roof covering to keep the rain out, much like the way roofing felt is used today.

Birch wood is quite soft and fairly easy to work and has a wonderful, silver-bar like quality which is highly prized that Polmac uses for making customized, wood boxes where specified. The wood can also be pulped and used for making writing paper.

Birch is a tough, robust wood which is also used to make the best quality, narrow gauge plywood, which is ideal for manufacturing round boxes such as hamper and shaker boxes.

Birches are fast growing and are often used to screen less hardy species, especially on windy higher ground. 

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