Pretty Boxes All in a Row
Always hesitate showing work in progress; worst case scenario is that your client wouldn’t like what’s going on due to the picture, angle, etc. Heck, I like to take chances and since it’s been a while since I’ve written anything about this series of boxes it’s time to blog something! This is when time seems to stand still during the creation of a project. Doesn’t matter if it’s a box or a dining table with 6 chairs, when you begin the finish process you feel as if you’re working slowly. It’s just the nature of the beast; I’m using Watco oil on these which is wet sanded into the wood. There will be a total of 5 coats and each needs to dry/cure overnight so that’s where the progress seems to slow down. In the picture above, all but the second from the right and second from left are sliding lid boxes. Second box from the left is the custom ordered one for my Etsy client and will have the lift off lid. The second from right will be hinged after I separate the lid from the rest of the box. Pretty much all that remains is to apply a final coat of wax and line the bottoms of each box.
The carved lid is another story! When it comes to adding a wash or toning a gilded surface you’re never quite sure of the outcome and, to make things even more dicey; things can go bad in a heartbeat! My goal was to create a surface that would reflect the light as it’s viewed from different angles. My client requested copper and wanted it to appear as if it had been around for a long time. Here’s a slide show taken with an iPhone while the lid is on a turntable. I rotated it 90 degrees for each picture:
Personally I’m pleased with the outcome. As often seems to be the case, carving and creating these boxes took more time than I anticipated but that’s the nature of the beast when you’re involved with artistic endeavors. Diane and I have decided that two, starving artists on a fixed pension makes for a happy couple of people! Hope this box is everything my client envisioned and the others find success on the Etsy store or the next craft fair.
Woodworks by John 