Project Information
I had a piece of Holly and Padauk laying around that I wanted to use up. I also wanted to do a project that would sharpen my skills a bit and allow me to fine tune my tool's accuracy since I haven't done much woodworking in a while. This keepsake box is the result. I love working in Holly. It's very tight grained and easy to work with though sanding it with other woods can be a challenge. There's a knot on one of the sides that bothers me a little bit (as you can see from the pics) but I didn't have a ton of Holly to spare and besides, it's wood. I'm especially proud of keeping the grain lined up with the Padauk strips on the top. You can't see it well in the pic but it's a weave pattern. It wasn't easy. The top was originally going to be a cutting board but I put so much effort into it that I decided to use it this way instead. I made the hinges also.
I'm presenting it without finish because it may be a while before I get it completely done. I have two other pieces I'm working on and thought I would do them all at one time (clean up the shop one time and all that). The stains around some of the compartments are the result of me wiping it down with mineral spirits before taking the photos and not noticing it wasn't thoroughly dry until I looked at the pics. I put a faux felt liner in the bottom of the compartments for the photos though I'm not sure what the final lining will be.
I'd appreciate any suggestions on a durable, crystal clear finish because I want to keep the Holly from yellowing as much as possible.
It's 14.5" x 9.5" x 6" and made of Holly, Padauk and Walnut.
Anyway, nice to see that LJ's has grown so much in my absence and thanks for taking a look.
I'm presenting it without finish because it may be a while before I get it completely done. I have two other pieces I'm working on and thought I would do them all at one time (clean up the shop one time and all that). The stains around some of the compartments are the result of me wiping it down with mineral spirits before taking the photos and not noticing it wasn't thoroughly dry until I looked at the pics. I put a faux felt liner in the bottom of the compartments for the photos though I'm not sure what the final lining will be.
I'd appreciate any suggestions on a durable, crystal clear finish because I want to keep the Holly from yellowing as much as possible.
It's 14.5" x 9.5" x 6" and made of Holly, Padauk and Walnut.
Anyway, nice to see that LJ's has grown so much in my absence and thanks for taking a look.