Finish suggestions for a box with cloth inset in lid

[Rich Scott]

I'm starting to plan a small box that I will be making for my wife. The box will be about 6"x6"x4" and will have on opening in the top where a 4x4 needlework canvas will be mounted. The box will be made from cherry that we had milled from a large cherry tree that come down on our property a year and a half ago.

I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for a natural finish. I need to be sure that there is no bleeding of the finish into the needlework.

Thanks

[Jamie Buxton]

Use a few coats of any wipe-on finish -- Minwax's for instance. It will protect the wood, but not leave a thick coat on top of the wood. Of course, you finish the wood and let it cure, and then you mount the fabric.

[Rich Scott]

Thanks Jamie.
That is what my initial thoughts were. But I thought I would got other input to be sure, my name would be mud if the finish bleed onto the canvas.