| Project by Eric | posted 561 days ago | 1018 views | 1 time favorited | 13 comments |  |
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Ahhh… After posting a bazillion entries in my blog series as I agonized over every single step of the process over a period of about six months, I’m happy to finally be able to post this in the Projects section. This was my very first foray into the art of fine woodworking, and what an education it was.
I plan on writing one last blog entry for the series, just reflecting on the journey.
If you want the details on the construction, you can read about it all in the series, but I just want to say up front that, flaws and all, I’m proud to have made this box entirely by hand. The only tool I plugged into the wall was the woodburner that I used to write my initials (and a heart) in the bottom for my wife.
I also want to say a big huge THANK YOU to all my fellow Jocks out there who gave me encouragement and tips along the way. I received 133 comments in reponse to my blog entries on the box. This box would have looked entirely different (for the worse) if not for you all. So thanks.
P.S. My apologies for the first picture. My wife called it “garish” – but I really struggled with how to photograph this! Any tips?
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
13 comments so far
Russel
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2167 posts in 910 days
posted 561 days ago
Flaws are merely an expression of character; a reflection of the path to completion. They are not necessarily a bad thing, and in this case they are an example of tenacity and acquired experience. You’ve got a good box that contains your personal touch. Definitely something to be proud of.
-- Working at Woodworking http://www.VillageLaneFurniture.com
RAH
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415 posts in 848 days
posted 561 days ago
I have attempted to make my wife a box many times, I finally have because of this site and what I have learned. Your box will last forever and all hand done, that I have not attempt yet.
Thanks for the post Ron
-- Ron Central, CA
CharlieM1958
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8269 posts in 1189 days
posted 561 days ago
This is a wonderful handmade box. Excellent work!
As far as the photography, it looks pretty good to me. The only tip I always pass on is to try photographing your projects outdoors on a sunny day. A little contrast between bright light and shadow makes everything look better, IMO
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Eric
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786 posts in 755 days
posted 561 days ago
Thanks, Charlie. If I ever get in the mood, I might just try that and swap a photo or two, if they turn out better.
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
PurpLev
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3440 posts in 620 days
posted 561 days ago
that is one good looking box – nicely done! (I really like that inlay on the top and inside of the top)
-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
OutPutter
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559 posts in 961 days
posted 561 days ago
As we say in Texas, “Turned out right nice.” Keep up the good work.
-- Jim
Beginningwoodworker
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5353 posts in 644 days
posted 561 days ago
Thats a nice looking Jewelry Box. Your wife is going enjoy it.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
Eric
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786 posts in 755 days
posted 561 days ago
Thanks guys! And PurpLev – the inlay on the top and inside are one and the same (which you may have gathered)!
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
depictureboy
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362 posts in 614 days
posted 561 days ago
When you are photgraphing things like this it really helps to have a camera that allows you to have an off camera flash. When I am doing this kind of shoot, I have my regular flash on a stand and use my on camera flash to trigger the off camera flash. Depending on the size of the box you could build a small light box using a WHITE sheet on a small open frame then shoot the off camera flash through the sheet, that will help diffuse the light some.
-- If you can't build it, code it. If you can't code it, build it. But always ALWAYS take a picture.
SteveKorz
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2028 posts in 685 days
posted 561 days ago
Very nice, I’m sure your wife loves it!
-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †
Eric
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786 posts in 755 days
posted 561 days ago
@depictureboy: Thanks for the tips!
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
Blake
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2965 posts in 845 days
posted 561 days ago
What a little gem! I love your handmade style. This came out beautifully.
-- Check out my website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
davidtheboxmaker
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372 posts in 776 days
posted 560 days ago
Nice work. I particularly like the lid. Respect for doing it all by hand.