So I purchased some satin-finish varnish so I could finish up Mike’s box.  I tested it first on my sugar-skull treasure chest, so I could see how it handled.  It reminded me of Elmer’s Glue kind of watered down.  It was white if it was too thick, and clear if it was spread out.  I put on about three coats, getting gradually thicker as I grew more comfortable with it.  Here’s what it looks like:

I’m still torn with whether or not I should line it.  The inside is so small, but it looks unfinished without it.  I probably will, so I’m not moving it to finished projects as of yet.

So then I was ready to tackle Mike’s box, and that went pretty quickly and smoothly, now that I knew what I was doing.

All in all, I’m pretty happy with this one.  Mike will be receiving it via a hand delivery from my husband around May 1st.

So yeah.  Been busy.