A few commissioned projects

[DickB]

I was asked to make this prayer requests box. Not my favorite style, but was exactly what the customer wanted.



This one was a little more creative. The customer wanted a star-shaped box with inscription. I had not done a layered box like this, although I have seen them posted - a project of the month?



I'm currently working on this box. The customer asked for a box "just like" the chocolate box in the movie "Matilda" and provided this tiny picture - not much to go on. We exchanged some pictures and renderings and I came up with a design, not "just like" but in the same style. These are the sides carved in walnut. The front and back are being carved right now. I don't regularly work with 6/4 lumber and didn't have a sled for it, so I just ripped some pine rails and glued them on. The carvings are recessed so that I can paint them gold and sand down the surface to clean up my sloppy painting - I could never paint raised carvings like some of you talented people.

[dehrlich]

Very cool. One bit of advise, take care when over-painting on walnut, the paint gets down in the pores and then you have to sand pretty deep to get rid of it sometimes. An option I have used is to cover with tape after the carving, gently cut the tape with an exacto knife, then you can paint easily without getting much on the surrounding wood. What you do get can be sanded easier. A coat of shellac before the paint also makes it easier to get off. Just my 7.5 cents (inflation you know).

[cestout]

If I paint raised carvings (I am lazy an prefer not to), I do it after stain and urethane. That way it does not bleed and any misses can be wiped or scraped off relatively easily.
Clint

[DickB]

Thanks guys, I will put on a coat or two of shellac or poly before painting.

it's starting to look like a box:

[SharonB]

What a beautiful box. You did an excellent job in all aspects.

[DocWheeler]

I totally agree with Sharon! Excellent craftsmanship.

[DickB]

Finished the "Matilda" box. Two coats of shellac, Testor's metallic gold enamel paint, a little sanding to clean up, top coat of clear acrylic spray. The customer wanted the antique brass feet painted gold to match, which turned out well.

[SharonB]

Your Matilda box is a master piece. The gold feet helps set off the elegant design of the box.

[aokweld101]

I like that box.. WOW !

[Mike1]

Beautiful, excellent work, how did you create the legs/feet, was it part of the carve as well.