Sometimes, a project comes along that’s just so much fun that I have to share—and this one? Easily one of my favorites.

A woman reached out with a super thoughtful idea: she wanted a custom box for her sister for Mother’s Day. Her sister is a serious Phase 10 fan, and the request was for a handcrafted box to hold six full decks and a scorecard. As a lover of Siamese cats and roses, a request to decorate the box was made.

I started in the woodshop with a piece of reclaimed aromatic cedar that I’ve been saving for just the right project. It had those warm red tones and signature scent that hits you the second you start milling it—so satisfying. With clean, mitered corners the box came together well. Using a classic trick, I held the box together with painter’s tape while the glue set.

The magic really started to take shape when I headed over to the laser. I engraved elegant roses and two watchful Siamese cats onto the sides, giving the whole piece some character.

For the top, a sliding lid made from laser cut Baltic birch ply doubles as a playable Phase 10 score board. It lists all the “phases” of the game and has a peg track for each player. I even laser-cut holes for player pegs to move through the phases, so the box itself becomes part of the game.

Then came the 3D printing. The 3D printer is a new tool in my maker space and I am loving it. Learning 3D software such as Fusion 360 and Blender has been all uphill but I love the learning. Using a PLA filament that has real wood fibers in it, I printed a card tray perfectly sized for six decks, a pencil box, and a tiny container to hold the pegs. They all fit nicely inside the box keeping everything tidy.

To finish it off, I gave the cedar a gloss lacquer top coat to bring out the grain and really make it pop. The result? A custom Phase 10 box that’s equal parts game accessory, thoughtful gift, and keepsake.

This build had everything I love—woodworking, laser engraving, 3D printing, and most of all, a meaningful story behind it. A handmade gift between sisters? That’s the kind of project that brings on the joy.

Here’s to more creations that blend craft, heart, and a little bit of geeky flair.

—Kevin
Timber Design Works

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Want a custom creation like this? Visit TimberDesignWorks.com and let’s make something meaningful together.