Finding Boxes

Free (or almost free)

• Jewelry gift boxes – Ask friends to save the rigid cardboard ones. They paint and collage beautifully.
• Watch boxes – Often shallow with hinged lids.
• Small chocolate boxes (Godiva, See's, etc.) – Wonderful proportions for reliquaries.
• Tea tins and mint tins (Altoids) – Great for contemporary reliquaries.
• Slide boxes from old microscope slides or photographic supplies.
• Vintage cigar boxes – Often free from local cigar shops if you ask.
• Small packaging from electronics, earbuds, perfume, cosmetics, and luxury candles.
• Creative Reuse Centers – These nonprofit art-supply thrift stores often have boxes, tins, and odd containers for pennies.

Thrift Stores

This is honestly my favorite source.

• Tiny jewelry boxes
• Trinket boxes
• Silverplate boxes
• Wooden keepsake boxes
• Small tins
• Sewing boxes with compartments

Usually $1–5, and every one has a history.

Dollar Tree

Students are often surprised by what they find:

• unfinished wood boxes
• seasonal gift boxes
• small tins
• miniature crates
• cardboard book boxes
• photo boxes

The inventory changes constantly, but it's worth browsing.

Craft Stores

These are perfect if everyone needs the same starting point.

Unfinished Wood boxes

Other excellent options:

• papier-mâché boxes in many shapes and sizes
• round wood boxes
• treasure chests (remove the latch if desired)
• shadow boxes with shallow depth

Hardware Store

Don't overlook these:

• electrical junction box covers
• unfinished pine project boxes
• small parts organizers (used creatively)
• drawer organizers that can be incorporated into a larger piece

Restaurant ramekins and condiment containers!

The little black plastic take-out containers with clear lids can be transformed completely with paint, rust texture, and collage. No one recognizes them.

And One More Thought...

Since your reliquaries will mounted on a deep canvas, the box doesn't need a lid. An open shadow box or shallow tray can become the "icon box," and the surrounding objects complete the shrine. Sometimes that feels even more contemporary.

• Save interesting packaging before throwing it away.
• Visit one thrift store before buying new.
• If buying new, look for unfinished wood or papier-mâché boxes 4-6 inches wide and about 1–2 inches deep.
• Don't worry about perfection—the surface will become part of the artwork.

"Finding Your Reliquary Box" is going to be one of the most inspiring parts of the course because it reinforces the idea that meaningful containers are often discovered rather than purchased.