We are taking orders for the Military/Veteran Memory/Keepsake – Paradise box (MKPB). This type of memory box was designed by a woodworking guy, which he called it a Paradise Box. So we will stick with that name on this type of memory box. Each box consists of six (6) wood pieces. There are two (2) sides pieces, a back, a front, an inside bottom and a lid. Besides the inside bottom piece, each item will have it’s own carving, both 3D/2D, based on the customer’s choice of each. On these orders, you must choose from the optional choices we have designed that are available. You must contact us if your interest is of a different design. Please know that special designs and special wood species increase the cost. One this order, we will use common Pine wood species on all pieces.
There are two (2) size boxes available for order. There is the original Paradise design size, which we call the Large (left on picture with no lid (light stain finish)). And there is a smaller size Paradise design which we call the Medium (on right in picture with lid (unfinished).
On the left of the picture is a Large size example without the lid and that consists of 12.75″ wide by 10″ depth and 5.5″ high. The example medium one on the right with the lid consists of 10.75″ wide by 8″ depth and 4.5″ high. Note that each box has clamps holding the pieces together since they are not glued.
Another example of the medium size Paradise box, with unfinished Pine wood. 
The designed carving on each of the pieces are from a 3D model on a CNC machine. That is a special graphic designed file specifically made for the CNC machine. There are 3D models for the 3D printer, but they are not the same. These models are made specifically for CNC machining. Since our graphic design abilities are limited, we must purchase most of these models. Here are a few shots of the pieces that are carved before assembly (glued together). They do have the light burn with a light coat of pre-stain.
The pieces are made of common Pine and have a light stain. Once the piece is carved with the model design, it is slightly burnt to highlight the model picture and give the carving character, then apply a few coats of pre-sanding mixture along with a light wood stain; then a coat of polyurethane to preserve the carving, the stain and the wood. We can skip the stain and/or the poly, if you prefer the wood to be natural and unfinished. Lastly, we glue the back, front, sides and inside bottom together; and then attached the Lid.
The total cost is the same for each medium and large size box regardless of the design selections. Again, it is made with common Pine wood. Any other changes or specifics of design will have to be consulted and scheduled separately; natually the cost will be higher, depending on the change, the design, etc. Use our Contact Page to reach out to us if you are interested. This model of box can have any feature design such as sports, hobby, etc. Again, contact us with your thoughts.
If you are ready to order your Military/Veteran Memory/Keepsake Paradise box, find the page in the [Shop] selection from the menu above.
The process is simple.
1. Choose between a Medium Size Box or a Large Size box. The current set price is $80 of the Medium and $120 for the Large.
2. We need to know the military department the retiree or veteran was affiliated with (Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard).
3. You will need provide the retiree/veteran’s information as shown in the example below. You can additionally provide any text, but normally only 3 or 4 lines. (Note: the more characters of text, the less quality of the carve)
We can also do a Department Seal on left and Laser Engrave your text characters as show below. But you will need to request this when you provide the text character data. Here is a picture of both.
Again the normal front of the box is 3 or 4 lines. Normally it is Rank, Full Name on line 1. Military Department on line 2. Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) on line 3. Military dates of service line 4 (month/year).
4. Choose two (2) of the sides for the box (left/right). Just select the numbers for each side. If you select 00, then the item will be the retiree/veteran’s departmental seal (Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard)
5. Choose which choice for the back of the box. If you select 03, the retiree/veteran’s military department seal will be carved on the piece.
The Lid will have the retiree/veteran’s military department seal carved like this Air Force one.
Ready with your choices? Visit our online Store from the menu above. Once the order is placed, it usually takes about a week to complete the box. Keep in mind, we are a small business in middle Georgia with no employees. So depending on workload, it could be longer than a week, or possibly shorter than a week. The pieces can all be carved and ready for stain and assembly in a few days, but the stain and poly is always a 24 hour drying wait. If you request a different species of wood, plan to wait a week or two longer since those must be ordered from a wood mill company, with added costs. Of course, if there are any questions, feel free to use our Contact Form above or email us at abovecreations99@gmail.com.
This special box can be the perfect gift for your military retiree or veteran friend or loved one. As the owner of this company, I am a Army veteran and I keep my special military valuables in my box as a military keepsake. My Army medals, my original dog tags, and other special items that I acquired throughout my military career.
Here are more pictures (and a few videos) the making of a Large Paradise Air Force box.
Hereis a Large build prototype with Pine. This is not glued, so that is why you will see a flex-band to hold it together for the pictures and video.
We are working on creating more prototypes of these boxes and we will update this blog and post pictures of them after they are completed. Thanks for visiting and reading.
~ Ed & Lisa 