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The combination of the snake skin pattern on the top panel and the subtle shaping on the front and sides made me think of a snake. Thats when I decided to accentuate that feeling by adding a serpent to the interior. I hesitated and reworked the pieces over and over because it kept coming across as too cartoonish. I feel it still does to some extent, but it may be that I just cant see this with an impartial and fresh view. What do you think?

Body is wenge
Top panel is figured myrtlewood
Splines are bloodwood
Band across the bottom is bamboo

The stuttering inlay strip is wenge and maple and is a new feature for me.

The Handle is new to me: Bamboo, maple, bloodwood in wenge that runs front to back to contrast with the grain direction on the lid. The metal insets are solid brass pins and two sizes of medallions of copper, german silver, and brass.

Last Picture: These hinge pins are something new. When I ordered medallions for the handle accents I saw that they had ones without a center pin. I decided to insert this in the body and then center drill through to the lid, then I would insert the proper sized pin as the hinge through the medallion and glue it in the lid. The medallion is fixed in the body and the pin is only fixed to the lid. It works very smooth.
Here is where I got the medallions http://jantzsupply.com/

Photos: Wenge is unflattering in most photos. It sucks out the light and the pores look bad up close. In real life very little brown shows up and the pores are fine. Its one of my favorite woods with its great texture and strong grain, and of course its hard to beat for its contrast. This box looks so much better in real life!

The trays are myrtlewood. Two were cut out as rings on the bandsaw and the other was scooped out with various tool to form a tray. They all snap in tight against the snake.

The snake has a cocobolo head and wenge body. The cutouts are to serve as ring or earring holders…or whatever. Mosaics serve as eyes.

Velvet bottom.
Lacquer finish.

What do you think?

Gallery

Comments

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Another picture of the snake, he is getting a little sun. He hasn't bit me yet but I handle him very carefully.
 

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snakes are not my favorite, so ignoring that, the box is up to your usual high standards of craft. thanks for sharing
 

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As long as the snake is not on a plane, it's OK. Well done.
 

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I'll probably get overruled, but I think it is slightly overdone. Too many blings, and they compete. I think it would have looked better without the stuttering inlay. That being said, I think you've done a great job with all other aspects. You are constantly improving your techniques and trying new things.
 

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Another striking creation. The interior is spectacular, and I also really like the small metal inlays. Nice work indeed. You never disappoint.
Roger
 

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Very nice and perfectly named. I looked at the photos before reading your review and even without seeing the snake in the tray…I thought the box appeared to be made of snake skin. A terrific box…you never fail to amaze and delight me.
 

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Incredible box as usual Andy. The snake is a nice touch, and I like the inlay pins (I've ordered from Jantz before for my knife making). Got to get me some figured myrtlewood someday.
 

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Beautiful as always Andy.
 

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Andy, You do beautiful work and such great craftsmanship…..
 

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Love the inside, it's so Unique.
Best thoughts,
Mads
 

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Thanks for all your comments and opinions.
I appreciate honest feedback.
 

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Amazing. Is the inlay strip Morse code or something?
 

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Brian-yes, it says beware of things that creep in the night :)
 

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Great artistic eye Andy.
I know what you mean about wedge not photographing well. I'll bet this is just smashing in person.
I've said it before but I do love the organic interior trays you have been using and the snake, well maybe he's guarding the valuables in the trays.

Nice work again.
 

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Andy,

I've missed your creativity when you took a break. Your challenges in box making are critical to upping the bar! I never considered making a box to be so creative and challenging. Your photographic presentations have gone up several notches as well?

As presented here there is disagreement but ALWAYS appreciation for what you do. Another WOW piece sir!
 

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one word…
amazing

well, another word…
creative
 

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The detail and the woods chosen are stunning. I love the way you do the inside trays on your boxes. Very unique and artistic.
 

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as always andy your boxes are just so beautiful, very visual appealing, you have added so many points to look at, its terrific, i love the inside trays, your boxes are for sure pieces of art.. i would like to caution you as to the snake, it does look like a viper….oh…hence the name of the box…but it is a snake , and they are what they are, so be careful..:)
 

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Amazing!!!
 

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Thank you Paul, yes it is best seen in person.
Doc, as always your support is valued, thank you.
Steve, thanks for two words of encouragement.
Anna, I am glad those trays are to your liking, I sometimes question my design ideas.
 
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