I needed a few props for my Halloween party.  Stolen shipping crates created the look I needed for my pirate theme. I began with cardboard boxes.  I cut sheets of blue sheet foam to make the wood edges of the crates.  No need to cut straight edges, the rough cut edges lend to the effect. I used hot glue to attach each piece.  I hand painted the foam then once it was covered I covered everything with a coat of spray paint. Then I made a template for the East India Company and sprayed a light coat of black spray paint.