walnut shell box

This is magnificent work!
Thanks for sharing with us.

-- My woodwork blog : http://www.isetehtud.pri.ee/blog/

Too bad you had so much trouble!! It really caught my eye when I saw it on the projects page!!

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

This is a very fine work!
IMO, the edges of the back portion of the pair is not perfectly square n straight to each other (due to the shape of the box) – so when it is in “open” position, the two halves look slightly misaligned. Why not use two hinges? What do you think?
Any other suggestion from the rest, so I can learn for making box of this shape.

-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.

The outside of the shell is nicely shaped. I think you’re off to a good start on the carving of the inside sea life, you just need to work on it a bit more. Can you make the inside of the shell more hollow and tapered to the lip? On my own work, I usually have to put a piece down and come back to it and look at it with a fresh view to get the right curves, angles and shapes. Take your time, do some drawings if that helps, or even use modeling clay to understand how to get the right shapes. The fish is a bit bulky, so ease off some of the bulk. The coral could use some texture, so far it has nice depth and shape. The seaweed has nice depth, but needs to look like ribbon, more wavy folds. Use some heavy weight ribbon as a model. You’re off to a very good start! Hope this helps.

-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe

Well, I think it is downright awesome. Too cool. I just love the shell, what a great idea and then to open it and find this. I wish I could think of things that way.
PEACE!!!

-- Allison, Northeastern Ca. Remember, Amateurs built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic!

Dude, that is totally wicked! :)

-- Adventure? Heh! Excitement? Heh! A Woodworker craves not these things!

Very cool box. I can’t wait to see the next one.

-- All the test cuts in the world won't stop you from cutting the outside when you meant to cut the inside. doh!

Great carving and box. Thanks for sharing.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

nice box. love the carving inside.

-- pat,ohio...http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/patshwigar/

I think it’s great. I love the concept, and I’m sure you’ll absolutely nail it the next time you try one like this.

I can sympathize with you… I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made a box and been really happy with it… until it came to hinging it and things started to go south in a hurry.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Great concept, too bad about the hinge. I like it , think you have something there. Beautiful wood and design.

-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.

Very cool. In spite of your troubles with the finish/hinge, it turned out great. Great job of carving.

Thanks for posting it.

-- Martin, Kansas

Very nice.

A great idea here. Hope your next execution of this project works better for you.

You are on to something..don’t give up !

-- Brian's Table Top Toys http://home.mountaincable.net/~bgraham/

Well done Keith.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Understand the frustrations too, but I’ve seen enough of your work to know your potential, and your a damn fine woodworker. I’ve always admired your work, and this still is cool and I think you can go back at it and start over on that hinge area and make it come out right and look good. I believe in ya.

-- Dan Wiggins

I think it’s really cool looking! Great work.

-- Janice

Beautiful box, wonderful carving.

-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com