Project Information
This box started out to be basic, with the sides and lid cut from the same figured black walnut board. After making a series of more complex shaped front veneered boxes I was up to do a few that were less demanding. As it turned out, this box offered a chance to do some experimenting with framing the lid, and adding a base and lift. Overall dimensions are 11 1/2" x 6 3/4" x 2 3/4".
I am fortunate to have acquired some exceptionally nice figured walnut from Autumn (who used to post some extraordinary projects here on LJ). I wanted to make the best use of this lovely wood, letting it speak for itself. At the same time, great wood alone seldom makes for a wonderful box. (but it does help)
The normal lock and escutcheon is replacedl with a shaped lift of African blackwood. The inlaid blackwood medallion stands slightly proud on the lid, and could serve for an inlay or initials, but at the moment is left blank.
The surprise under the lid is a lovely rosebud marquetry piece, compliments of the very talented Paul Miller (Shipwright). The marquetry is set into a background of elm burl, which has been inlayed directly into the solid walnut lid with a border added to more clearly define the piece. The shallow interior is lined in dark green leather and forgoes a separate tray.
I'm still a bit concerned about the highly figured lid piece. While it's only about 5/16" thick, It may still crack and warp after a while. (as it did every few days in the shop) Or, it could force the moulding joints apart. Perhaps I'll be lucky, and things will stay put.
The hinges are 1 1/4" Brusso stop hinges that I polished and added slotted polished screws. The sides are just too thin for my favorite smartHinges. I had originally envisioned this box to have ebony wood hinges, but to look right they would have to be both small and delicate. I haven't yet been able to create any that are really satisfactory, but I do now have some fine quality scrap hinges. (I haven't given up on the idea, I just haven't made any I'm happy with.) The finish is Sutherland-Welles tung oil over a coat of Herter's French Red.
The bottom is finished off with the same leather. In any event, what began as a really simple box, fell victim to "mission-creep" but what the heck, this is all just for fun anyway, isn't it?
Roger
I am fortunate to have acquired some exceptionally nice figured walnut from Autumn (who used to post some extraordinary projects here on LJ). I wanted to make the best use of this lovely wood, letting it speak for itself. At the same time, great wood alone seldom makes for a wonderful box. (but it does help)
The normal lock and escutcheon is replacedl with a shaped lift of African blackwood. The inlaid blackwood medallion stands slightly proud on the lid, and could serve for an inlay or initials, but at the moment is left blank.
The surprise under the lid is a lovely rosebud marquetry piece, compliments of the very talented Paul Miller (Shipwright). The marquetry is set into a background of elm burl, which has been inlayed directly into the solid walnut lid with a border added to more clearly define the piece. The shallow interior is lined in dark green leather and forgoes a separate tray.
I'm still a bit concerned about the highly figured lid piece. While it's only about 5/16" thick, It may still crack and warp after a while. (as it did every few days in the shop) Or, it could force the moulding joints apart. Perhaps I'll be lucky, and things will stay put.
The hinges are 1 1/4" Brusso stop hinges that I polished and added slotted polished screws. The sides are just too thin for my favorite smartHinges. I had originally envisioned this box to have ebony wood hinges, but to look right they would have to be both small and delicate. I haven't yet been able to create any that are really satisfactory, but I do now have some fine quality scrap hinges. (I haven't given up on the idea, I just haven't made any I'm happy with.) The finish is Sutherland-Welles tung oil over a coat of Herter's French Red.
The bottom is finished off with the same leather. In any event, what began as a really simple box, fell victim to "mission-creep" but what the heck, this is all just for fun anyway, isn't it?
Roger