I just love making boxes. I am intrigued by the idea of a "surprise" when they are opened. I guess you could say I'm obsessed with interior decorating at the moment.
I like the idea of making a box with precious contents intrinsic to it's self. This box exists only to hide it's own secret untill the owner desires to reveal it. Inner complexity and inner beauty are themes which I'm pursuing. This box doesn't need to hold anything, because it's interiour is it's most prized content.
I'm inspired by the rose engine work of Dale Chase and Joshua Salesin. This box, of course, is my own design. I did this on my home made rose engine lathe. It's the perfect size for me to carry in my pocket if I wish. The finish is oil, wax, buffing and 'lots of hand rubbing.
The wood is mahogony and bloodwood. The mahogony cuts easy but is very prone to tear out. This is especially true with a side grain orientation as I did with this box. The bloodwood shows crisp detail. Both woods are very prone to burnout from the cutters. As I get more practice with my techinques, I can take greater calculated risks. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't holding my breath during some of the cuts.
Thanks for looking! Please comment if you feel like doing so....
Henry
