This is the second box for the how-to-do book I’m writing. “Stylish Boxes”
I had a six month delay because of my back. I’m so glad to be back to woodworking. I’m very excited to post this project. I hope that a few of you like this style. It was hard to come up with this design.
It’s based off the Cameo necklace, which first appeared around the time of Alexander the Great. This distinctive piece of jewelry has enjoyed popularity throughout classical times. the Renaissance, and the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Cameos were mostly carved out of Stone, Lava, Shell, Glass, Plastics. This Cameo is cut out of veneer into marquetry.
The veneers for the Center Cameo are out of, Dark Maple Burl, Maple, Bloodwood, Light Maple Burl, Quilted Maple,
The veneers for the box are out of, Chessnut Burl, Bloodwood, & Black Ebony.
I really tried to make this one simple. At first when designing this box I really thought it was simple. But, when making it, it had some difficult challenges. Thank you for looking.
Viewer Comments:
Simple? Yeah right. Very nice work!
Joe
Thank you, Joe
My next piece I will try to make it complicated. And it will turn out simple. Maybe
was the main body of the box out of one big chunk of burl? very nice work
Thanks Blaine,
The body is out of sold cherry. I veneered over it with the Chessnut & bloodwood. Which first I cut into marquetry.
First let me say fantastic work. I am impressed you thought this was a simple project. I see complexity in every aspect. The compound curves and overall shape of the box are very pleasing to the eye and would have been impressive without the marquetry. How you got the grain of the veneer to match around the corners, across the edges and into the interior is unbelievable. I would have fretted over that for weeks. Very nice use of sand shading on the cameo, the ribbon and the bow, although I'd suggest the shading inside the bow is a bit much. I like the ribbon, it gave me some ideas as I have been thinking of doing a ribbon on my next jewelry box.
Did you hammer the veneer or somehow figure out a way to vacuum press it or use clamps? How did you cut the marquetry, laser cutter or double cut? (Or will I have to wait for the book?)
When your book gets published, please let us know (or email me), I'd be first in line to buy it!
Hi Greg,
Thank you for the complement.
I used a veneer hammer for some of the veneer & clamped it with a technic I came up with, that is kind of simple.
I cut the marquetry on a scroll saw using a packet method that have been developing for about 10 year now. Time fly's when your having fun.
I agree with you on the ribbon being to dark in the center. But, I was to lazy to remake it.
Dennis, very nice work I'm impressed with the daring and patience you must have in the veneering. I to want your new book. How in the world do you get the corners on the sides (end grain) to match so perfectly to the top etc. Please email me your new book schedule of PDF when your done. Thanks for sharing.
Napoli- Italia
complimenti, lavoro molto ben eseguito, molto raffinata ...Grande artista
by Luigi
