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Ruthie's Box

Capella, member

30 users recommend

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I started making this box the day after my daughter Ruthie was born.  She surprised us and came 6 weeks early!  I guess she was eager to get here.  I was in the middle of a big project and needed a break to think about my new life as a dad and the daughter I suddenly had.  I thought about Ruthie the whole time I worked on it and wondered when I might give it to her - I'm thinking I'll wait until she has something besides her dolls and her blankie to put inside it!

I wanted to experiment with end-grain veneers, so I found a nice piece of Teak that had subtle variations in grain pattern that I felt I could use to create a random-looking pattern.  I cut the end-grain veneers on the tablesaw and fit them together one-at-a-time until I had sheets of veneer.  The interior is shop-sawn Cypress veneers .  It smells fantastic when you open it!  Shellac and wax finish.

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Comments (5)

MarkFoster writes: Nicely done. I did a similiar experiment for lid of jewelry box for my mother. I used one inch blocks glued together with end grain on top, like the maple butcher blocks etc. The only problem I had was finish. Diff types of finishes seemed to dull the end grain or I should say blur it. I ended up experimenting and used plain polyurethane for the best, but its also wood specific Im sure. The teak looks good!
Posted: 12:55 pm on January 5th

Ruffnek writes: That is a wonderfully crafted box. I'm not familiar with end-grain veneer but I will become so. It looks fantastic the way you used it.

I, too, can appreciate the fitting of those quad hinges and the mortised lock. They are also not inexpensive.

I'm sure it will become a treasured possession by your daughter one day. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted: 3:43 am on December 20th

ahughes writes: Great looking box.Love the color.I can appreciate the task of fitting the quad hinges and lock.Very nice
Posted: 11:14 pm on December 2nd

Jurgen01 writes: This is a beautiful and touching gift. It will be long-treasured as a keepsake by a person who will know that she, too, is treasured by her father. Furthermore, it will also be long-admired by family and friends as a piece of craftsmanship from the hands of Ruthie's dad. Thanks for sharing the photos. Very well done, Dad!
Posted: 8:37 pm on December 2nd

Pezzi writes: One day your daughter will know how much love you put into this beautiful box ... there is nothing better than making things for your family.
Posted: 10:11 am on December 2nd

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