box

So much for thinking out of the box

I was up at Dartmouth College, in Hanover New Hampshire this week, and saw this paper weight... I like how it looks in the box more than out of the box.  With the packaging it kind of looks like a theater or a little diorama.

Three Boxes

Here are some simple, but beautiful (I think) boxes I made from a few exotic woods that were  leftover from other projects.

Paduk (the red wood) and purple heart .  

Paduk is actually more red in color (like the Twilight Box below) but I used a tinted wax to seal and buff the piece.

Rosewood, blackwood, and lacewood (top piece)

I learned  how to make these boxes, with the finger groove method of joining from friends and excellent craftspeople, Pete and Pam Boorum of Smaller Than Life.

 Twilight Box

I made this as a birthday present for a certain young Twilight fanatic.  It's made of paduk and wenge.  The books and pendant - the Cullen family crest (I cant beleive I know that) I found on line.

Hand made ship diorama

I came across this a few months ago at the weekend flea market on 24th street (between 6th and 7th avenues).   I don't know much about it.  It appears to be home made.  There are no significant markings on the piece (though I haven't opened it, and don't intend to - I don't want to damage or alter it).   Most of the ship dioramas I've seen are much larger.  (I'll post some in the future).

I think this one is well done... dark stained wood - nice, well proportioned ship and good details (like the water/waves).  I like the hand made look.. The ship masts look like they were made with toothpicks.

This will give you an idea of the model's size

Side view