I love the challenge of making boxes…but, prefer making them without finger joints. I wanted to make one for my son and his wife whom we will be visiting in Delaware in May. This is 4” high and 6” square made of PG med. cherry and PG thick black acrylic. Sort of like a box within a box, it’s two layers thick and is pretty hefty.
A few weeks ago I was wanting to make a ‘pretty’ box and for whatever reason, was feeling great lack of ambition. I went to Mark Collier’s Etsey shop (Big Blue Laser Designs) and bought one of his designs. As soon as I did that, I realized that it would not satisfy me to do that and I wrote Mark a note to tell him…and, even though I do admire his designs that I might not even make the one I just bought from him. (Thank you, Mark!) It jump started something in me to just doggone make my own.
I made some mistakes, but contrary to my usual proclivity for pointing them out, I won’t do that…so if anyone sees them, it’s OK.
As usual, with acrylic, it’s difficult to photograph and shows every dust mote and fingerprint. I worked with this box wearing a pair of microfiber gloves which really helped. Last year, when my brother and I were collaborating on an acrylic award I bought the gloves for that very purpose.
One last cool thing……when I was using Weld On to attach the knob onto the top of the lid (which was a real PITA) some got on the surrounding lid itself and marred the finish. While I could have remade the lid, I was hoping to be able to save this one. I remembered someone suggesting toothpaste and I was so delighted that it worked beautifully. My grandson was sitting with me and was amazed, as well. Sensodyne to the rescue!
Wow! Nice mix of materials and execution. The box is outstanding. I like th eidea of going beyond finger joints or finger joint free. I sometimes think they can stop a project from getting to the next level which you have clearly done here,.
An amazing look, I never would have thought of mixing those materials much less having the pierced sides like that. It makes me want to put an LED light inside
I did put a battery operated ‘candle’ inside and it looked pretty, although because of the pierced sides you could see the actual light source and I prefer a more subtle look.
Wow. Ever think about how much you’ve (all of us in fact) learned in how little time? I love these tools because they let us accelerate the process that takes us from not knowing anything about a craft to where someone can make things like this in only a couple of years. This is just an amazing design & build on so many levels.
In our predecessors’ day that kind of progress could take decades and so not usually a hobby.
I love these tools because they let us accelerate the process that takes us from not knowing anything about a craft to where someone can make things like this in only a couple of years. This is just an amazing design & build on so many levels.