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So for my next box i very much wanted to make a shoe valet, a box that will hold shoe polishing equipment.
With prior experience in making a curved lid, there wasn't anything particularly challenging. What i was able to concentrate on, was the quality of the details, the black and white banding, ensuring that everything matched up as close to perfect as possible, and of course, getting the french polishing to a flat mirror finish.

i used baltic birch plywood as the substrate for the veneer and relied on rabbet joints to glue up the box. once the frame was complete, i focused on shaping the sides of the box to contour to the shape of the lid. the rest of that process, including the entire process to make this box is available using the most comprehensive material out there on the subject: Roger Bean's box making e-books available at smartboxmaker.com.

As you will notice, the edges of the box are also veneered and in my opinion, significantly more elegant done this way.
the shoe polishing equipment is from saphir, made in france and contains equipment for polishing smooth leather and suede. The shoe horn is made out of genuine horn. there are 2 trays and the bottom has about 3.5 inches of space for additional items the owner may wish to add in addition the comprehensive kit included.
The lining is a genuine silk velvet that is luxurious and very easy to work with at the same time.
the lock is from ian hawthorne and is quite simply, in a different league to any other box lock on the market today.
A bit of history on this project:

I am a relatively new woodworker, and had no exposure to working wood as recent as 2 years ago and was actually quite clumsy whenever i had to do any kind of repair work around the house.
i got into collecting smoking pipes about two and a half years ago and happened to see a beautiful pipe cabinet for sale. i wished i could make one. it took a while, but eventually, the thought of learning how to build one took hold in my mind. from that moment on i was determined to learn how. research took my to lumberjocks, and perusing through the project gallery i was overwhelmed with a respect for the talent hobbyists had for the things they were making. When i stumbled on Roger beans fine decorative boxes. my jaws dropped. i just could not believe that someone could make something so magnificent. i felt a twinge (perhaps more than that) of jealousy. it was simply out of the question. there was no way i could make that. i didn't even own a chisel, not to mention never having the opportunity to hold one in my life. i signed up to lumberjocks, if only, to be able to favorite Rogers box so that if i wanted, i could find it and look at it again.

I always enjoy a morning coffee 15 minutes or so before school starts ( i am principal and director of a small private school in Brooklyn NY) and i took this opportunity to once again look at that lovely box on lumberjocks, and take a closer look at the description. were my eyes fooling me? i simply couldn't believe it. The sheer luck! there was a 200 page e-book with color photos on how to make this very box! needless to say i purchased the e-book right then and there. Upon scrolling through the pages of the e-book, My joy and excitement slowly switched to horror then dejection, when i realized that i could barely follow any of the processes in the book. I did not even know how to make the simplest of joints, not to mention a veritable masterpiece of woodworking. but that dejection lasted for a minute or two. for my mind had already been made up. i was going to make that box whether i like it or not. whether i wanted to or not. i was going to do it. And i guess i did.
Many people who have seen my boxes say i am am a natural, have talent etc. but i know better. i have always been a bit clumsy when it comes to things like this, not to mention having challenges with dimensions, numbers, measurement, angles, many of the things required to make furniture. The fundamental processes in woodworking did not come naturally to me, but with a will and determination to succeed the learning curve is that much smaller and easier to accomplish.
I think the two underlying factors was the determination, and never to give up. And The second, the generous ability for woodworkers to give the time to share and teach their knowledge.
I think that is the aim of this rather lengthy writing i am sharing with you.
I owe a big thank you to the woodworkers at lumberjocks for introducing me to this wonderful craft and equally, to Roger for his generous ability to teach and share his knowledge.
thanks for looking!
Eyal Bension.

Gallery

Comments

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6,840 Posts
Fantastic box!

As soon as I saw it, I knew it must have been inspired by Roger's work.
 

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95 Posts
Eyal, what an exquisite box. The detail is phenomenal. The finish exquisite. I can only imagine what the shoes look like. Thanks for sharing and look forward to your next one.
 

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720 Posts
Eyal, I think you nailed it, Great job keep em coming…

Richard
 

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122 Posts
Very demanding project with lot of incredible details. You've done it perfectly.
 

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387 Posts
Eyal,
Great to see this box. It's a fine example of what taste combined with careful craftsmanship can accomplish. Your choice of veneers is really nice. The choice of lining works really well with the veneer and provides a period feel that's "just right". I particularly like the curly maple trays and how they contrast with the walnut burl exterior. The small
"box in a box" is a touch that I really like." In all, the box serves up a "harmony" and "balance" that's pretty hard to achieve. My compliments.
Roger
 

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7 Posts
Your story of determination and that beautiful box has inspired me to keep trying to make hand cut dovetails. Thank you.
 

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1,276 Posts
Beautiful is not enough to say about this wonderful box.
The hardware appointments elegantly enhance this true work of art.
Your craftsmanship shows in each of the many details, as shown in the banding and edging …
Just a real touch of class.
 

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999 Posts
Is is some stunning work you did there. A beautiful piece to be proud of.
 

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4,322 Posts
Eyal - very nice box. I know I would have a hard time making something like it.

I think that truth be told most woodworkers will tell you that woodworking doesn't come easy. It comes with patience, practice, and lots and lots of hard work. Still, if it is something you enjoy, all of the hard work is worth it.
 

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39 Posts
Wow! This one has everything: fancy veneer, contrasting trays, mortised lock and hinges, and inlay. You should be proud.
 

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2,984 Posts
Man that is a beautiful box! I love that walnut and those maple trays!
 

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709 Posts
Beautiful veneer and great attention to fine detail. Interior is a treat, excellent workmanship.
 

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215 Posts
superbly crafted, exquisite detail and simply beautiful.
 

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66 Posts
Absolutely beautiful Eyal, and a nod to the master, Mr. Roger Bean.
 

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5,279 Posts
Very well done Eyal and a fine tribute to your mentor.
Roger is a good friend and a great box maker. He is also a very generous teacher and I'm sure he shares more than a little the pride you have in this accomplishment.

Well done both of you!
 

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233 Posts
you are an amazing student..and becoming a skilled woodworker. congrats on all the work. It appears the teacher is pleased, so you should be delighted.
 

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2,097 Posts
Pleasing to the eye and well crafted, Eyal.

Your experience goes to show that if you really want to do something then nothing can stop you.
 

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2,242 Posts
Well you reached your objective is a very well thought out piece, looks just wonderful
 
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