Thought I would share this. It is a gift to my sister for her 40th birthday, who is now 42, yes it took me that long. I would work on it in my spare time, in spells, then it was put on hold for various reasons. God knows how many hours it took, let's just say 'a lot'. Some may notice I borrowed the design from Andrew Crawford. My sister isn't a fan of traditional furniture or 'real' wood colours, if it's not white gloss it's no good. So I decided to go for 'girly' as I could in the design. The pink is birds eye maple dyed with spirit stain. The inlay is a resin pour, using various pigments including pearlescent mica powders, which I cut into strips. Then black and white lines and finally pearl white banding. The trays are white ash and purple heart and lined with suede. Oh the escutcheon is mother of pearl bordered with ebony. It is finished with acrylic lacquer. I made plenty of mistakes in the build, so much so that my sister might have got this when she was 41 if I hadn't. There is imperfections in the box, I can't imagine making a box of this nature without any.
Jewellery box
- Thread starter Lee helm
- Start date
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That is a beautiful box Lee. DO NOT point out any imperfections to us, or to anyone else.
No-one will see them. The only thing your sister and others will see is a hand crafted piece of heirloom quality.
No-one will see them. The only thing your sister and others will see is a hand crafted piece of heirloom quality.
Blackswanwood
Still Learning
Excellent work. I am sure she will love it.
I agree with the previous post re imperfections. Only you know they are there and they signify that it is lovingly handmade rather than rattled out on a cnc machine in China.
Well done.
I agree with the previous post re imperfections. Only you know they are there and they signify that it is lovingly handmade rather than rattled out on a cnc machine in China.
Well done.
Jester129
Established Member
Something to truly behold. Beautiful work, stunning!
thetyreman
Established Member
that is really nice!
fezman
Established Member
Superb Lee - any chance of a WIP? Did you take any shots during the build?
Your sister is a very lucky lady!
Awesome work. I did a couple of box making courses with Andrew Crawford a few years ago, and came out with some nice results.
Awesome work. I did a couple of box making courses with Andrew Crawford a few years ago, and came out with some nice results.
Beautiful. Very elegant and feminine. Brilliant work.
Just to echo the sentiments about mistakes - no-one else will see them. I speak from experience, being a perfectionist myself! It's much easier to say it though obviously.
I did the pour on a I think it was about a 600mm by 400mm sheet of 3mm hardboard. I mixed about 1/2 litre of resin and divided it into some plastic cups. Not equally if I remember because I wanted more of some colours. The colours were turquoise and white as the most and black pearl and silver as the accents. I elevated the hardboard so resin could run of the sides and also made sure it was as level as possible to maintain as even as possible thickness. Then it's just a case of pouring the base resin and then the accent colours and blowing them about with a heat gun, being carefull not burn the resin. I wouldnt say it's super easy, I messed up my first attempt, it was just a mess. I overworked it and the colours mixed too much. I let it dry and cure for a week then cut into strips on a bandsaw. Bandsaw blades dont like resin, stuck to and ruined the blade. I only have a cheap little bandsaw so the blades aren't expensive anyway. Then I think I planed them with my block plane to get rid of fuzzy edges. Then finally when it came to fitting them I sanded off most of the hardboard on a disc sander to get them to an even as could thickness, mainly to not have to sand the faces too much. Hope that helps mate, and hope it wasnt too much info
Attachments
Margot Robbie sees that...you could be making more of them..excellent ! 
What a beautiful piece.
MorrisWoodman12
Established Member
As others have said that is a stunning piece of work. I would be immensely proud if I made it: hope you are too.
I can help wondering how you made the curvy sides: are they solid, steam bent or laminated?
Martin
I can help wondering how you made the curvy sides: are they solid, steam bent or laminated?
Martin
