Beauty can be found in the most common and familiar things. I gather found and collected objects before curating, composing, assembling, altering and crafting these into bespoke memory boxes. As a result of this process, these ordinary, everyday artefacts are transformed into a rich and textural whole. The final artwork can be examined piece by piece, whereby each individual element has its own story, significance, value and personality. Alternatively, it can be appreciated as a whole greater than the sum of its parts - an artwork which brings together individual stories into a complex and considered composition.

My work aims to provide a personal narrative and an in-depth analysis of a place, person or memory. It displays objects and artefacts in a 3D way to create a unique display box.

​The examples of memory boxes on this page are mostly unique art commissions or pieces that have already been sold. Do get in touch if you'd like to discuss anything further. 

​AS FEATURED ON BBC RADIO 4 (YOU & YOURS) : 7th MAY 2020
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BESPOKE COMMISSIONS

Coffee Table Commission for Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages (www.walescottages.com)

The coffee table was a large and very interesting commission - around 1m in diameter - which displayed objects that had been found and collected on the site of Plas Farm holiday cottages. The main structure of this coffee table commission was formed of an old window frame and the different segments were infilled with old collections of metal objects and natural objects. The unique and remarkable history of the buildings is echoed in this piece,  including a button which dates back to the 17th Century and an old rare coin.  The found objects tell an important story and history through their legendary symbols, linking Plas Farm to the Knights of the Round Table relating to the Mabinogion. Every other section of the round window displays the changing natural world of Plas Farm through the seasons.  

" Katherine was a delight to work with at every stage of the project - she took our very vague idea and showed great ingenuity, creativity and patience to produce a truly unique and wonderful piece of art "
Richard

Central America, Mexico & California Box

This memory box was a collection of different objects gathered from a five month trip through Central America and Mexico. There is an artefact from each place visited and altogether serves as a reminder of the whole trip.

Mamgu's (Grandma's) Boxes - Commission

"I absolutely loved the boxes Katherine did to showcase Mamgu's things. I was at an absolutely loss with regard of what to do with all this stuff I'd held on to since she'd died. I was torn between wanting to organise her things but didn't feel I could throw away objects that had played such a part of her daily life, objects she had chosen and collected. For years I kept these things in drawers - trawling through them whenever I needed a quick fix of Mamgu - things most people would see them as worthless - chipped ornaments, old Rimmel lipsticks, plastic rollers and 1970s serviettes - but to me at least, meant the world. Separately, I couldn't enjoy them (who'd display a single empty Baycham bottle?) but by putting them together, in the wonderful way Katherine has, they now provide the perfect snapshot of what she was and what she loved. Instead of searching through drawers I can now conjure her by simply glancing at a wall. I feel like I've finally organised her things but I'm also now enjoying them on a daily basis, just like she did.'"
Sian

When Irish Eyes are Smiling - Commission

"These everyday items of Mums were exactly where she left them in the house, from the scarves in the hallway to the lipstick on the side table next to her chair in the lounge. Spending so much time at home because of lockdown meant being surrounded by so many of these little items became a bit overwhelming. We found that the more days that passed, the harder it became to bring ourselves to tidy her things. It just felt like we'd be packing away small pieces of Mum from her home and our lives. 

It was by complete chance that I saw someone post on Twitter something that Katherine had created for their late grandmother's items. The thought that someone may be able to create an amazing piece of art from such random items never crossed my mind. As soon as I saw it I knew we had to do this, it was just perfect. Thankfully Katherine replied straight away and the job was booked in. There were several video chats throughout the whole process, which was so reassuring as we got to see that Katherine wasn't just a talented artist, but was also kind, and really cared about creating something beautiful for us. Those are qualities that were important to Mum. 

The whole experience was so cathartic, when we got the finished box home and presented it to Dad it really felt like a bit of the grief lifted. The clearing away of Mums items had become a real burden for us, but to see them all displayed together in such a loving and creative way is a wonderful tribute to the most beautiful of people. And thanks to Katherine, Mum will always be pride of place in our house. "
Trev

Grandma, are we going to the National Railway Museum? - Commission

This beautiful box was in memory of my client's grandmother.  Each item that was included had it's own special, unique and deeply personal story. They included perfume bottles, an old monopoly set that they would play together (the grandmother was always the boot!), a Japanese glasses case for her 'fancy glasses', a duck teddy, brush and mirror set that always lived on her dresser, train postcards from the National Railway Museum - her favourite place, an old fashioned coat hanger used right up until she passed away, Noddy books that they would read together, pictures of York that used to be hung in her house, fur tails from her real fur bolero that was my client's great grandmothers, old fashioned scroll calendar set to her birthday, and a cup and saucer from her 'Sunday set' used for special occasions. 

" The box Katherine created for my wife was a perfect tribute to her late grandma. The detail used to present the objects was first class and really stands out as a work of art. Each time we look at the box another item jumps out to be enjoyed and remembered. We could not be happier with the outcome and also the personal service that Katherine herself provided. "
Kelly

Trysorau Sioned | Sioned's Treasures

" I am absolutely delighted with Sioned’s box. I love love it. I can’t wait to put in pride of position at my home and show it to my friends!
Obviously a lot of thought has gone into planning the box - it is absolutely perfect. 
I love that you have lined the back of the box with manuscript paper (Sioned would have loved that). The way you have placed Sioned’s make up is so effective.
I cannot thank you enough - I am so grateful and glad that I heard about Katherine Jones and her memory boxes. You are a very talented and clever person.
People need to know about your ‘memory boxes’ and the pleasure they give to someone who has lost a loved one."
Nest (This box was commissioned in memory of her late daughter)

Box in Memory of Steve

" When I lost my husband to cancer I was left with numerous objects scattered around the house where he had left them which gave me a sad emotional jolt every time my eyes passed over them but which I felt unable to remove – his baseball cap on the dashboard of my car, his talc and aftershave in the bathroom, rocks from our road trips across the American Mid-West on the window cill.... I wondered if I should put them all together in a trunk but felt somehow that I would be locking him away. Then I heard Katherine and her customer talking on the radio about a memory box which she had created from her customer’s grandmother’s belongings.  I looked up her website and was entranced with the beauty of the boxes which Katherine had created and instantly knew that this was what I wanted. Katherine is a very warm, kind person who I felt connected to from our first conversation. She understands the power of objects to invoke a whole personality and is able to transform them into a piece of art. I love the memory box that she created for me and rather than sadness, it gives me a warm feeling every time I pass it on the stairs.  When I recently sent a photo of it to one of my husband’s close friends, he sent me a message back saying ‘That is Steve.’ "
 Sue

Childhood Memories Box

This gorgeous commission was a gift for my customer's daughter's 11th birthday. Every object represents a sentimental memory from the girl's childhood and the box documents her life so far - from a baby to the age of 11. It was a joy to do and everything was so meaningfully collected, curated and ultimately displayed in a piece of artwork that will last a lifetime.

India Box
A collection of artefacts gathered from a holiday to India to showcase the colour, beauty and texture of the country.

Ramen & The Rugby World Cup 2019 - Commission

"I saw Katherine's object boxes online and was blown away. It was exactly the thing I wanted! We had travelled to Japan for the Rugby World Cup and to see the country and had so many small funny objects filled with memories that I didn't feel like I could throw away, but I also didn't know what to do with! Katherine was fantastic throughout the process, she was respectful of our items, and she created something beautiful from our sentimental 'tat' that we can now showcase in our home."
Hannah

The Box of Delights - Commission

Based on the book by John Masefield: a storytelling box depicting the magical and fantastical children's story that is set at Christmas. 
"Katherine created the box of delights for my wife, Caroline’s birthday. This was her favourite childhood book and I wanted Katherine to bring the book to life in her box object art. Katherine did lots of research and we exchanged ideas along the way, she kept me informed of her progress with exciting snippets and photos so I could see how the box was progresssing. The final product was amazing and the attention to detail was superb. Caroline was surprised and amazed that someone could bring her favourite book to life with amazing well sourced and crafted objects and absolutely loves the piece. It now hangs in our living room in Cambridge and always draws lots of positive comments and interest. Caroline says it is the most special thing she has ever received because it recreates her favourite book and adds new dimension to her memories of her childhood. Katherine’s attention to detail and communication at every stage made me really feel part of the creative process. It was so exciting to finally see the completed piece and I will never forget my wife’s face on unwrapping this special and unique creation. Thank you Katherine"
Mick

Library Box - Commission

" Katherine did a wonderfully imaginative and crafted 'library box' for a member of staff who was leaving the library service. She helped us realise our ideas and helped create a fabulous gift which was both personal and inspired. What's more she did it at very short notice. A big thank you. "
Staff at Penarth Library

London Box - Commission

A reminder of time spent living in London: each object represents a special occasion or activity. It is a depiction of memories through artefacts.

Box for Nia - Commission

Cape Cod Box - Commission

Birthday Box for Lisa

Box for Eleanor - Commision

India Box - Commission

"Katherine crafted me a beautiful box using objects collected from my holiday to India. Objects I collected included: Spices, pottery, small ornaments, coins, jewellery, newspaper and bottle tops. Katherine then did the hard job of turning them into a wonderful piece of art. I was so pleased with how it turned out and it serves as a perfect memento of my trip. Thank you!"
Jenny

Ethiopia Box - Commission

Ethiopia is an extraordinary country. which has an incredibly rich history which comes alive in my box!  Photos would not do justice to the incredible experience I had. Each time I look at the box I re-live celebrations of the exuberant baptism festivals and the joyousness of the people. The markets were overflowing with people and goods, but we were always made welcome in outdoor 'cafes' with jugs of local coffee, burning incense, and herbal grasses scattered on the ground. I can still smell the incense in my box!  I am reminded of the children who gave us flowers and donkeys they'd carved from the local mud. The round adobe homes with straw roofs, and the papyrus fishing boats, are there too in my box. And of course the kind words in Amharic written by our wonderful guide will help me to always remember him. Thank you Katherine for a unique memory of Ethiopia... it brings the country alive for me each time I look at it. 
Christine

Birthday Box for Laura - Commission

" I decided to commission a box for my 40th birthday as a present from me to me! I had a few items I wanted to include and also some ideas and themes I wanted represented. I emailed the list to Katherine and she came up with plenty of creative suggestions. She communicated throughout the process, sharing pictures of items and a mock up of the layout, so I could decide what I wanted. The result is beautiful! The box lives on my mantelpiece and everyone comments on it when they visit. "
Laura

Retirement Box for Marcus - Commission

Box for Jak - Commission

" When looking for a unique gift, please do consider Katherine’s beautiful bespoke Memory Boxes. We commissioned her to create one as a parting gift for a colleague to mark his retirement. The end result was perfect and captured aspects of our colleague’s career and interests in a truly special way. It became a gift which was both wonderful to give and also to receive and be cherished. Our thanks to Katherine as an artist for her depth of talent, creativity and sensitivity in creating her beautiful bespoke Memory Boxes. "
Staff at Penarth Library

As soon as I saw Katherine's beautiful boxes at Cardiff Christmas Market, I knew I had found the ideal gift for my nephew Jak who lost his sight when he was 15. I made a list of things which Jak is passionate about, e g. rugby, Wales, his guide dog and lots more. Katherine included me at all stages, exchanging emails with ideas and suggestions and photographs as the box developed.
I am happy to report that Jak loves his box, it is tactile and reflects his life and passions. In fact everyone loves his box!
Alison

Anniversary Box - Commission

" My whole family was delighted with the ruby anniversary box Katherine created for my parents in 2019. Using a mix of objects we gave her and beautiful pieces she made herself, she created a truly special and personal memento that they will always treasure. We didn’t really know where to start with the box but Katherine guided us through the whole process, helping us with initial ideas and keeping us informed every step of the way. I can’t recommend Katherine or her work highly enough: it was a pleasure working with her from start to finish. "
Emma

Charles Darwin Box for Roger

" I like collecting small objects and knick-nacks but then despair of the clutter I create. I saw Katherine's boxes on her stall at the Hay Festival and thought this might be a way of displaying some of the fossils and plastic dinosaur trash I've been collecting since childhood. I love the creative and witty collages and decoupage on Katherine's other work and we put our heads together on displaying some of the famous images associated with Charles Darwin and his work. This box is now on the wall at the top of my stairs and it cheers me up every time I pass it. "
Roger

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NATURE BOXES

The Seasons and Landscapes of Wales Box - Sold

The seasons and landscapes of Wales represented through natural objects. The first third describes spring and summer, the middle section is all about the coast, and the last third focuses on autumn and winter.  These collections showcase the natural beauty that is all around us. 

Nature Boxes -  Similar available
These are small individual boxes which explore different elements of the Welsh landscape, ranging from the coast, woodland, flowers and hedgerows.

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STORYTELLING BOXES

Roald Dahl Box I - Sold

Roald Dahl Box II - Sold

Roald Dahl Box III - Sold

Each piece aimed to tell a few of Roald Dahl's classic children's stories through objects and pictures. Stories described here include: Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Boy, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox, The Witches, The BFG, Esio Trot and George's Marvellous Medicine.

Alice in Wonderland Box I - Sold

Alice in Wonderland Box II - Sold

Both of these 3D display boxes tell the story of Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. They do this by depicting key scenes in the stories through objects and artefacts, creating a special memory of the classic children's stories.

Route to Work Box - Sold

This piece represented a body of items that were collected along one key route over the course of two weeks. It showcases the everyday and throwaway objects that are discarded or lost on a daily basis.

The History of the Trade of Trieste - Commission

The history of the trade of Trieste, Italy depicted in 3D through the use of objects and artefacts. Each box represented a different trading region. 

The Welsh Industrial Revolution Box - Available to order

There have been a series of these boxes, each of which tells the story of the Welsh Industrial Revolution. This is depicted through objects and images which highlight the main aims and sources during this period of history. 

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WEDDING BOXES

Wedding Box for Lizzie & Jack - Commission

Wedding Box for Sophie & Dave

Wedding Boxes - available to order
Bespoke, unique and personal wedding gifts that make a lovely memory of a special day.

Nat & Terri's Wedding Centrepiece
​

" Katherine took great care of some of our most treasured possessions that didn't have a home other than our memory box. To have them carefully placed and framed has meant we can proudly display a little bit of history that captures the start of our journey together up until our wedding day. Katherine also took the time to learn more about us and artistically incorporated our joint love of Harry Potter into the display along with a hand drawn picture of our wedding venue. We absolutely love it and always receive comments about how unique and wonderful it is. Thank you Katherine! "
Nat and Terri

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CHRISTMAS BOXES

Advent Calendar (Type 1) - Similar Available

Advent Calendar (Type 2) - Sold

Christmas Tree Decorations - Similar Available

A variety of festive and unusual Christmas gifts. All of the advent calendars and the Christmas decorations are completely hand crafted and unique.

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