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Jewelry Box Project

"The Box Plot" - Text Article

"The Box Plot" - Article with Photos

Custom projects often have a story behind them, something in particular that drives the commission and sets the requirements and details outside the scope of anything that can be bought off the shelf. This project is certainly a perfect example of where nothing but a completely custom object will make the grade. We've were sworn to secrecy regarding this project for about six months from it's conception to it's completion.

The configuration will be a miniature paneled chest. All four sides will feature carvings, as well as the lid. The space inside will have three removable trays for jewelry sorting and storage. The box, is going to be, well a box ... but that's not what makes it special. Our client spent quite a bit of time studying his girlfriend to determine just the right carvings to make this box the perfect engagement gift. A gift that is loaded with "Easter Eggs" about their lives, and one that will be used in an elaborate proposal plan.

The patterns will slowly develop from these templates. We start with a drawing, but then it will change shape as it takes to the actual wood surface. The scenes are composite patterns based on designs by Lora S. Irish at www.carvingpatterns.com. If you're seeking woodcarving patterns, be sure to visit this site, you'll find the sources for these and thousands of other unique patterns.

The first carving is a cabin on the lake scene, the trick is going to be getting all the features of this landscape in a near miniature scale. The pattern serves as a guideline, an approximate layout for the carving. The end result will take its shape from feeling out the wood to determine just what fits and carves where.

The carving detail will be burned in, then an acrylic wash will tint the scene and bring out the details. The combination of methods creates the feeling of actually joining the scene when you sit and stare into it.

The next panel carving is a beach and lighthouse scene. Carvings of this concept are far less involved as far as content is concerned, but more difficult to execute because creating perspective and depth without as many features to work with develops several challenges. The use of a sunset, ship, and lighthouse with a setback peninsula and small house creates the illusion of depth into the open sea.

The burned dark lines and the acrylic wash create additional depth in scenes that are sparce of actual "carving." The color of the sand, the glow of the sun, and white crests on the waves make the piece.

Hibiscus flower carvings on each end of the box will continue the personalization of this project. Then the box got the clamps to secure everything and make sure the lid could be fit.

The base and the lid are now fabricated, and dry fit - from here we've decided to add some feet, and the internal trays are yet to be made. The lid moves on to the carving bench, and the box stays in the shop to fix the base and add some bracket feet while the trays designed and installed.

So, then the carving continues. (You didn't think this was over so quickly did you?) The lid of course needs a personal touch - a single rose in early bloom. There may be an "Easter Egg" or two in this to hint at the story ...

The tinting is complete, so on with fabrication of the feet, fixing of the base and making of the trays. The box is now coming into the home stretch! Two four section trays were made and fitted along a support ledge inside the main box section.

Four small feet and two shell carvings elevate the box just slightly off the surface of the table, mantle, or dresser. This gives the affect of a miniature chest.

From here - we finish the box! Perhaps a little more light sanding - a coat of stain on some small parts and pieces. Then on to the tung oil. We'll mute out the scene tinting a bit with the finishing process and bring it to a satin low luster.

Completed Photos

Upon completion the box was packed in a a custom shipping crate. Great use of scrap plywood around the shop - as this box has to take quite a journey in a very short timeframe. We're figuring the paranoid way is the right way - so 3/4" of plywood decking screwed together lined with Styrofoam panels packed into a cardboard box should suffice to protect the actual oak box.

Off to shipping, the box took a quick flight down to the Florida Keys where it met our client to joint forces with a rose, a ring, and apparently a small bear that just attended a Jimmy Buffet concert. The box was presented with its contents of a single red rose, a ribbon, and a diamond ring.

The answer was apparently "Yes!" ... check back soon for a feature article on this project including some engagement announcement photos.

Check out additional details about the journey of this piece, and the couple that now posses it at:

www.jessandkenswedding.com

This solid quarter sawn white oak box is another great example of personalizing a project with unique carvings. Based on a Pilgrim Chest design with a modern twist, this wedding chest commemorates favorite scenes of the newlyweds.

The scenes are hand carved, along with the rope carving on the lid. The lettering on the top was CNC carved to develop a clean appearance. The inside is lined with red felt (flocking) for a warm appearance and a soft feel.