- 1). Obtain a premade box that is aesthetically pleasing. Size, basic shape, color or stain, hinges, and materials lining the box (if any) can vary according to the taste of the sailor receiving the box. Note that at least two sides should be plain wood and available for inscription. The box should ideally be at least 8" wide and 8" long by 4" high in order to comfortably hold the hat.
- 2). Write the sailor's name, rank, and dates of service across the top of the box in pencil. Letters should be large enough for readability and to be comfortably traced with a woodburner. If the chief petty officer is still enlisted, inscribe the date of enlistment followed by a dash, leaving a blank space for retirement to be added later.
- 3). Trace the chief petty officer insignia on the front of the box or another side that is plain. The chief petty officer's insignia is an eagle with spread wings perched above three chevrons.
- 4). Burn the designs into the box using the woodburner, tracing the designs outlined by pencil.
- 5). Allow the box to cool for at least thirty minutes before touching it once woodburning is complete.
previous post