Jewelry Box -> Bonsai Pot

Arlithrien

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Found this really cool jewelry box at Goodwill and want to repurpose it as a bonsai pot. My best guess is that it is made of resin.

Besides drilling holes in the bottom, is there anything I can do to help withstand the elements, such as applying some kind of sealant or glaze?

Additionally any ideas of what kind of tree might compliment this "pot"?
 

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0soyoung

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If it is totally resin, meaning it was cast, then nothing more is needed. This kind of lacquer box, though, is often urushi laquer over wood and you'll need to apply a sealer of some kind to the edges of holes you bore through the bottom for drainage and for wires - some paint/varnish/lacquer. Marine varnish or tung oil would be just the thing but likely of greater market value than the box. But the box has some value above that for you, so it is for you to decide, of course.
 

Arlithrien

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If it is totally resin, meaning it was cast, then nothing more is needed. This kind of lacquer box, though, is often urushi laquer over wood and you'll need to apply a sealer of some kind to the edges of holes you bore through the bottom for drainage and for wires - some paint/varnish/lacquer. Marine varnish or tung oil would be just the thing but likely of greater market value than the box. But the box has some value above that for you, so it is for you to decide, of course.
I believe it to be entirely made of resin, or whatever white/crystal material is inside. The top handle of the lid was chipped off as well as an edge on the bottom. And they are both the same material. It is also fairly heavy for its size.

I'm looking to mainly preserve the outer paint from weather, and help the inside hold up to being watered, if needed.
 

Forsoothe!

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I've had good luck with Krylon Satin Clear spray that you can buy at Walmart. It holds up outdoors better than other clears I have used. Recoat every 3 or 4 years, depending upon appearance. High gloss clear will weather better, but you may or may not want shiny.
 

MrWunderful

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Thats going to be a hell of a repot if it gets bound.
 

Forsoothe!

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Ya know, them belly pots do lock up after a time, but since you're going to chop the roots to pieces on a repot anyway, you can run a knife around the perimeter, rocking it back-and-forth and cut them buggers lose, leaving a donut of roots in the pot to be discarded separately. I have a big kitchen knife just for that. It ain't fun, but we got lots of time and I still got 8 more fingers to go!
 

Arlithrien

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I think this "pot" would suit an old, gnarled apple tree. The aesthetic of a European renaissance painting, where apples were commonly used.

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