It is time to post a few higher resolution photos taken to document my Red Box full of Beetle People; so here are a few better photos of the Red Box of Beetles.

This artwork re-purposes an old fabric covered jewelry box I inherited from my mother. I don’t know the history of this vintage box, but I find it too charming to discard. It was never a fine item, but only a cheap jewelry box, but it has personality.

The box has a fabric covered handle and neat little metal loop latch. Inside there is a removable inset tray with a section for ring storage. The interior is lined with what may be artificial pigskin.

I love boxes, and enjoy the suspense of opening it, then removing the top tray to discover the lower of the two shallow levels.

I don’t want to make this red box new again; age has lent it much of the fabulous shabby charm I want to retain! So I repaired the latch, reinforced the fabric hinge on the lid, and touched up some especially unattractive problem areas. But I have left it looking very much used! The age and used condition seem just right for the three beetle people specimens inside!

And to complete the outside, I have added a fourth modest sort of beetle to the top of this red box of beetles.

And this curiosity is for sale now, for those who might enjoy a very peculiar artwork. Enjoy these better photos of the Red Box of Beetles.