What you call cheating definitely has it's benefits when you use a different wood to replace the fronts. I should give it a try.

With some designs...like her single drawer box that resembles a slipper... the drawer front can be made to cover almost the entire front. Just leaving a small reveal all around. Works well, visually, With a fairly thick contrasting front. 

With simple, large designs like those, felt is much easier to apply. But, flocking still better matches my frustration level.

Edited May 19, 20206 yr by Gene Howe

I like the idea of using a drum sander or round sander for inside the drawer spaces.  I sand down the inside of the drawers just enough to make the felt smooth.  I have not used flocking yet.  I have always gone to the fabric shop and purchased the sheets of felt, cut and glued.  I know it is primitive, but I have one in process and we should see it go together in a week or so.  Then it is onto some pens.  And, back to turning ornaments.  Thanks, gents for your input of experience and knowledge.  I hope others here will be inspired and go make some boxes.  It will be neat to see what creative ideas are out there.