Walnut Jewelry Box

The body of the box was made from the same board on three of the four sides, the last side was cut from a board in the same tree for uniformity of color and grain. Note how well the grain wraps around the corner of the box.

The lid was the reall challenge in this box. First how to bend glass for the lid then how to make bent spars to support the glass. It turns out that the easiest way to bend glass is not to bend it in the first place, ok so then how do you do it?
The piece used for this lid was actually a one gallon cider jar. you can still find these in the grocery store with things like vinegar in them also the large glass mayo jars might be a good candidate too.
Bending of the spars was mostly an issue of using 3 thin strips of walnut that are laminated in the correct shape then finding the right glue. It seems that a polyurithane based glue (Gorrila Glue) works best. If you have ever used it you know how it expands, but a good sharp chisel used like a scraper removes the extra dried

This box was made from black walnut cut in Indiana in the early 1950's and is still the most beatiful example of black walnut I have ever seen. I always feel a little awkward using it as if some how I don't deserve it or I might be making a mistake. I think this project turned out to be a fair use of the wood though. The finish is Watco brand Danish oil, always a favorite of mine this product always seems to bring out the natural depth and warmth of the wood. ...Also, it's as close to idiot proof as finishes come!

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