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The body is plain Myrtlewood and the center panel is figure Myrtlewood. It was a fluke that the lid and panel both had a dark streak that came together forming a small arc. It didn't show up very well until I shaped the top. I wouldn't have used these two pieces together but I actually like the effect, and there was little I could do about it anyway. I left a small gap around the panel and added blackened epoxy to accentuate that these are two pieces…I like the effect. I added India ink to epoxy as I read this could be done. Not a great idea, the epoxy doesn't harden, at least not consistently, which isn't too surprising since the ink is water base.

Any suggestions on how to get a rich black epoxy would be appreciated.

The handle is a figured piece of walnut.

Corner splines are a mix…not too happy with the cherry one on the back left corner, the sapwood came through when shaping. Somebody liked it regardless, it sold for $775.00…go figure :)

The tray was shown awhile back on one of my posts regarding Tide Pool style trays, this one is live edge quilted Western Maple.

That about sums it up…thanks for looking.

Gallery

Comments

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this is a beautiful box Andy, i love the wood, its so warm and inviting, i love all of the same qualities you have come to use in your boxes, and the inside is almost like a molten wood…it looks alive to me…
 

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That is a beautiful box Andy. I am happy someone voted up the value of your work and the beauty of your boxes with their pocket book. They have excellent taste, and a larger pocketbook to vote with than I.
 

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Another lovely piece Andy. But then, we have all come to expect nothing less, and you never disappoint. The interior is gorgeous. Your wood interiors are by far the nicest of any unlined boxes I know of. At the same time innovative and elegant, which is not easy to achieve.

On the black epoxy, Stewart MacDonald (stew-mac.com) sells a black colorant for their epoxy that was developed by Grit Laskin for his spectacular pearl guitar inlays he sets in ebony. I have some, but truth is I've never actually used it. My bet though is that will work fine and be perfectly black.

Roger
 

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Nice one as always Andy. I think the "accident" is a stroke of luck. It looks great and really makes the viewer wonder how the hell did he do that?
When I was building boats I used a lot of black epoxy in seams on teak overlay decks. I bought the colour as a paste from my epoxy supplier but any fine black powder should work. Carbon powder comes to mind but if you have lots of fine ebony dust …....... :)

Really enjoy seeing your fine work Andy. It's always a treat.
 

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Thank you Griz!
Kathy and Paul, thanks. And I cant even afford one of my boxes :)
Roger-thank you for your support and that you see something different in my work…something positive that is. And I will check out that source, thank you very much. I will let you know what I think.
Paul- good ideas and thank you for your kind words, glad you like this.
 

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great combo andy

here is what i have used for all epoxy and even titebond coloring
comes in many colors

never had a problem with it
just need to mix well

http://www.uspaintsupply.com/paint/cal-tint-ii-colorants/

i have also used acrylic hobby paint from wally world
it comes in smaller bottles that are cheaper
 

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I see nothing "plain" about the Myrtlewood, beautiful looking box, and the tray, well that is hard to imagine that is wood, or at least a flat piece of wood. outstanding work.
 

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Beautiful Andy…I agree with Paul (Shipwright)...I like the "accident", it's really unique. Also really like the
accidental dark streak and, of course, the interior tide pool. Your projects are always pleasing to view and
that's art!
 

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Andy,

It's great getting accolades from fellow woodworkers. I believe you are an artisan woodworker, and so does your customer. It's about time!

I used to think "so it's a box, not a piece of art furniture." A utilitarian notion? Your boxes are to me like art furniture. The basic form is always there. It's what the artist does with it!

You take it over the top, excite the eye and make me want to touch and explore it. It was that way when I saw your first box many years ago, and more so now as you keep exploring your medium.
 

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Andy,
Beautiful work, very "fluid" and like someone said above, the interior almost looks molten. Got a suggestion for you on the coloring: TRANSFAST water soluble dye. Comes in a small 1 oz bottle and is a black powder, ( you can get it at woodcraft) or on the internet I'm sure.
 

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Beautiful work.
 

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Like Dave mentioned, a black powder from WC. It works well. I've also thought about using black toner. I'll bet you could get some free(my favorite price) from a used up toner cartridge. Or from one nobody needs from a printer they no longer have.

Many many moons ago. I used K&B epoxy paint when building RC planes. It comes in many colors. Just use the pigment part with your own epoxy. However, the EPA has destroyed that market and prices skyrocketed.

BTW, The box is absolutely beautiful. From one woodworker to another, the rear spline with sap wood is not near as distracting as the front right spline with the rift sawn ring pattern. But that is such a small nit.

Keep making these beautiful boxes.
 

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What a marvelous box. Always enjoy your work. You are the master boxer. Thanks for sharing.
Dave
 

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Great looking box, really like the interior bottom.
 

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Andy, I have used powderd graphite for the black color in epoxy. I really don't know if it's cost effective since I happened to find two bottles of the stuff for free somewhere. I didn't have problems with it.
By the way, cool looking box. Wish I could build something like this.
 

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Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the links and tips, I have some great choices now. Thanks again, glad you like the box too.
 

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Fantastic work. Beautiful wood.
 

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Nice box Andy your work is exceptional. thanks for sharing.
 
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