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Project Information

This is a box design I developed after much trial and error. I wanted to design a box that invited people to touch it and to pick it up. With no sharp corners, it must be smooth and it needed to have an organic flow about it. And it had to be simple in design to showcase the wood itself and especially the medallion. This design lets you utilize those special pieces that we all squirrel away. Thats why I call these Art Boxes. After the box is completely assembled, I shape the top free hand using a 4" angle grinder, this gives it the pillowed look. The sides have a very slight upward taper which is cut on the bandsaw, and at times also get shaped freehand, depending on the wood.The lift-lid has an inset medallion of contrasting wood and swings up on 2 brass pins and then drops down inside at the back,and into the box cavity. This acts as the lid stay.
The interior is lined in velvet and has Maple dividers. The body is made from one continous piece of wood, so that the grain chases around and then stops in a back corner. This is most appreciated on woods that have linear movement, grain that runs horizontal, such as plain sawn Maple. The edges are mitered and then slip feathers are added in a contrasting wood. The main part of the lid is from the same board as the sides, and sets into a recess in the body and projects above it about 3/8" to allow for shaping. The medallion sets into a recess in the lid and also projects above it about 3/8" for shaping. The handle is T-shaped, with a tenon cut into its back edge, that fits into the mortise in the lids edge. Several jigs and templates for routing are required for construction, but are pretty straight forward to make. The body and lid are Peruvian Walnut and the medallion and handle are figured Myrtlewood.

The finish is Deft spray lacquer, satin gloss.

Gallery

Comments

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this is totally 100% amazing… oh my goodness…. astounding
 

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682 Posts
Lovely
 

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9,509 Posts
Wonderful box. Have any photos of the inside?
 

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6,840 Posts
These are really fantastic! As original as they are beautiful.
 

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1,832 Posts
Holy Moly! Don better sit down before he sees these. He'll be weak in the knees.
 

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1,043 Posts
"Organic Flow" here is an understatement as these boxes are truely alive. Absolutely beautiful.

What did you use for a finish?
 

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250 Posts
Thank you all !. @ Dadoo-the finish is Deft lacquer.
 

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53 Posts
Andy

Very nice work, congratulations!

Like Don I also enjoy making boxes!
 

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415 Posts
This is not wood working it is Living Wood ART! Stunning work. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Bruce
 

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9,848 Posts
killer boxes !!!
 

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970 Posts
Today just has to be a great day!

Wow, Andy, these are amongst the nicest boxes I've seen. You've probably figured out that I just love small wooden box, so to view these first thing in the morning when I visit LJ's makes this a very special day.

Your boxes are very sensuous, an exciting prospect for a box-junkie like me.

Yes, I would like more pictures, particularly some showing the shaping process, i.e. before and after. And the finish looks terrific - tell us more, please.

Oh, my palpitating heart!
 

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120 Posts
I think that for a woodworker we see many fine examples of craftsmanship that broach a fine line between craftsmanship and art. These definably blow that line away, they are art!
 

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281 Posts
I really like these… I would like to see the hinge mechanism more closely…

Drew
 

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WOW "What Great Boxes. Wonderful Work. I love the shaping.
 

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Just fantastic!
 

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939 Posts
Absolutely stunning - I'm speechless. Please share your technique for designing the tops and your finishing technique.
 

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9,733 Posts
that last one is a sunset!!!!!
Stunning
 

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703 Posts
gorgeous.
 
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