Let me say this: Soon to be one-year- old Caroline is a lucky little girl! The first grandchild of my client (her grandfather) will be receiving this painted toy chest, beautifully built by her grandfather, for her birthday.
I met my client almost eight years ago while on a job site. I was there painting a ceiling dome; he was there doing his master carpentry magic. We’ve stayed in touch via this very newsletter you’re reading now.
We started the conversation about this project with a few sketches. The requests included her name and perhaps fairies? Done. You had me at fairies. And an opportunity to create my own. Here is the beginning work.
![First Sketches](https://www.leichsenringstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/toy-chest-first-sketches_m.jpg)
A little more refinement, and a few more fairies later, we arrived at scaled drawings approved.
![Scaled drawing of top](https://www.leichsenringstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/toy-chest-scaled-drawing-top_m.jpg)
![Scaled drawing of top](https://www.leichsenringstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/toy-chest-scaled-drawing-of-front_m.jpg)
The chest was delivered, primed and basecoated. I just about forgot to take a picture before I started but remembered enough to catch this.
![Just starting the project](https://www.leichsenringstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/toy-chest-just-starting_m-768x1024.jpg)
I must admit, I am at my most absolute best (forgive me if that grammar is incorrect here) when I can immerse myself in the studio with such a project. To create a magical world for this little person with my own characters and as much color as I can imagine. Just a quirky aside, I keep the TV on with Film Noir movies. I don’t watch, it’s just my favorite background noise. My own little space where paint magic happens.
So without further ado, here’s the finished chest.
![Toy Chest Sides and Top](https://www.leichsenringstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/toy-chest-sides-and-top_m.jpg)
![Toy Chest Top](https://www.leichsenringstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/toy-chest-top_m.jpg)
![Toy Chest Front](https://www.leichsenringstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/toy-chest-front_m.jpg)
There’s also a video that I think captures it a little better.
The gift is more than the toy chest. It’s love. I’m so grateful to be part of it.
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