Boxes for pens

[MY63]

As promised in my new member post this is my first box thread here.
This is a new project my daughter is in her final months at high school before going on to college.
She has had the same form tutor and head of year since she started high school almost 5 years ago.
These boxes are for those teachers and will have two Parker Duoflods made in the year they were born inside along with two sample bottles of ink.
The boxes will be oak and plywood veneered on the outside and lined in suede on the inside.

The boxes start like this

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8742643550_13b0566051_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8742643550/)
IMG_3557_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8742643550/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

four pieces of oak mitred I will sand the insides prior to assembly

Thanks

Michael

[jbb]

Cool! I've got to watch this unfold. Thanks for posting.

[MY63]

The next stage involves my favourite toy my bench sander. Having cut the mitres by hand I gave them a quick blast on the sander to true up the edges.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/8745529600_7f0cd7bc2f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8745529600/)
IMG_3580 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8745529600/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I laid out the four pieces on my board as you can see it is covered in fine sandpaper to stop things moving around.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8744410311_bb44fcc80a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8744410311/)
IMG_3582 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8744410311/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

My next step is to lay out each piece in order and use tape to connect them unfortunatley I appear to have purchased non stick masking tape it all fell apart OK move on to the next step
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8744410311_bb44fcc80a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8744410311/)
IMG_3582 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8744410311/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Add glue add clamp and check for square corners then as I am making two repeat
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8744411047_cbeccebba2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8744411047/)
IMG_3583 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8744411047/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

More tomorrow thanks for looking
Michael

[MY63]

After a few hours in the clamps

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8744508351_7d364e23f6_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8744508351/)
IMG_3585 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8744508351/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

It is ready for its top and bottom.

[fiberdrunk]

Thanks for sharing photos of the process... it'll be fun to watch this unfold.

[caribbean_skye]

Oh how kewl. Thanks for sharing. Will have to "follow" this thread.

[MY63]

OK sometime things just dont go your way.
The sections of box I made yeaterday are no good I adjusted the size of the box length to accomodate the width of the ink bottles however I did not adjust the depth of the box for the height of the bottles.
More wood on order.
Another small box I was making the lid has warped.
And finally just to add insult to injury the charity writing slope I am restoring got knocked over and now has a lovely pair of dents in its lid.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8748602360_4031cdeb63_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8748602360/)
IMG_3587_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8748602360/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Hopefully I can iron out the dents no really a hot iron can pull dents from wood.

Thanks for looking

Michael

[mhguda]

Murphy's law for woodworking?
Hope everything works out for you...

[MY63]

Thanks mhguda
It was the box with you name on it that warped I have already started a replacement I will add pictures here as it progresses if that is ok.
Michael

[mhguda]

Hi Michael,
I would love pictures to see the progress. Helps with the anticipation, too...

[MY63]

Just in case you were wondering I applied some water and some heat to lift the dent out of the lid unfortunatley that did cause a small crack to extend but I will fix that later.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/8749314727_18f0288d33_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8749314727/)
IMG_3597 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8749314727/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Anyway its another day today and I have picked up another length of oak and with my daughters help we are going to start the teachers boxes again this time with the right measurements. (if it ever stops raining).

Thanks for looking
Michael

[mhguda]

It looks beautiful even with the crack. I'm sure you will make it all come out right in the end.

[MY63]

I had to push on with the Teachers boxes tonight as they need to be ready for Friday.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8407/8759400642_446f517e35_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8759400642/)
IMG_3626 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8759400642/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/8758273679_5806642682_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8758273679/)
IMG_3625 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8758273679/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This is the veneer my daughter has chosed for her form tutor who is a lady Teacher it is oak burr veneer as you can see it has red flecks in it it also has a few holes.
So I used a set of gasket punches to cut out the areas with holes in I then used the same cutter to remove a piece from an area without holes and used these pieces to make the repairs.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/8759391606_7b13af7406_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8759391606/)
IMG_3612 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8759391606/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/8758266405_5503967994_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8758266405/)
IMG_3614 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8758266405/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This picture shows the repair pieces in place ready for sanding
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/8759394168_516396fd99_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8759394168/)
IMG_3616 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8759394168/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/8759395468_1da34a2055_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8759395468/)
IMG_3618 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8759395468/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I have added a double bottom to these teachers boxes as I wanted the pen area to be shallow but needed a little depth for the ink bottles i forgot to take a picture before I sealed the box so I will have to wait until I spit the top and base to show you what I mean.
Thanks for watching
Michael

[MY63]

This is the light box for the Lady Teacher

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/8775366648_8b0efb82a8_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8775366648/)
IMG_3636 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8775366648/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8394/8775320506_195ac96e0a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8775320506/)
IMG_3630 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8775320506/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I have started sanding this box as the veneer was very brittle so I champhered the edges and added 2mm square holly to the edges and sanded it flat I have started sanding starting at 600 grit and will go through the range to micro mesh 32000 grit more on that later.

This is the darker box for the Male Teacher
It is brazillian walnut I may edge this as with the other box above I will take pictures of that process then.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/8775316700_10d8c58605_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8775316700/)
IMG_3629 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8775316700/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I have not finished this box it has small holes to fill and requires a lot of sanding.
Thanks for looking
Michael

[mhguda]

I think in the right-hand lower corner (of the first box) I see something in the veneer that looks almost like a drawing of a girl pointing sideways and up, or holding a pen? Is that by design?
The boxes look beautiful already. Looking is fun.

[MY63]

Hi mhguda
I had not noticed that would you like that veneer on your box which looks like this at the moment

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/8781342840_f940e08682_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8781342840/)
IMG_3640 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8781342840/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Regards

Michael

[MY63]

I think in the right-hand lower corner (of the first box) I see something in the veneer that looks almost like a drawing of a girl pointing sideways and up, or holding a pen? Is that by design?
The boxes look beautiful already. Looking is fun.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/8774869665_048612bd6a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8774869665/)
IMG_3637 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8774869665/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Just in case anyone cannot see what you mean.

Michael

[mhguda]

Great going, Michael. So I did see something that's actually there... This close it looks less like a girl holding a pen and more like something pointing a finger...
Yes this is the light veneer, right? You'd asked me light or dark. But anything you choose, I'm sure, with you being such a perfectionist, it will be great.

[MY63]

I just remembered in time that i had said I would post in a little more detail.
So we have the box and it has been veneered edge to edge I gave the whole box a rub over with 120 grit sandpaper then I flattened off the edges around the top to leave an edge around 45 degrees.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/8784454324_93306a62e0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8784454324/)
IMG_3647 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8784454324/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/8777879061_c3f81e789e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8777879061/)
IMG_3646 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8777879061/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Now my mistake here was to stick the wood to the edge before cutting the mitre I wont do that again. When doing this you need to think of the wood as a diamond shape.
If you mitre the diamond shape when you stick it to the box it will be in the right place.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/8784447512_615f31c74a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8784447512/)
IMG_3644 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8784447512/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8542/8784456690_9aaffd990b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8784456690/)
IMG_3648 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8784456690/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The shape of the wood does not really matter I am going to sand this wood down so it will give a 90 degree corner it would be very difficult to shape the wood before fitting it so once the glue has gone off I will start sanding.

Thanks for looking
Michael

[MY63]

As I mentioned in an earlier post I had fitted two bottoms to these boxes

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/8805251055_23b95daa1e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8805251055/)
IMG_3654 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8805251055/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I wanted to create more room inside for the ink bottles without altering the space for pens
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/8815836364_57f34b1878_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8815836364/)
IMG_3655 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8815836364/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/8805261913_3a58b45675_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8805261913/)
IMG_3659 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8805261913/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/8815852382_d6234c9d2b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8815852382/)
IMG_3662 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8815852382/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This picture shows the divider and the cardboard ready to be wrapped in suede prior to installation.
Thanks for watching
Michael

[MY63]

The final stages of the teachers boxes this is the dark box

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/8858179568_1e3d9162dd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858179568/)
IMG_3725_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858179568/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Ready for the interior I have stained the inside of the oak a darker colour to match the exterior.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/8857560413_18757eb991_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8857560413/)
IMG_3722_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8857560413/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/8857552941_6982bb7687_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8857552941/)
IMG_3719_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8857552941/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The light box is also finished on the outside

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8548/8857577597_524504abb5_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8857577597/)
IMG_3728_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8857577597/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/8857580043_550299f237_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8857580043/)
IMG_3729_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8857580043/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/8858195020_10b6690d43_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858195020/)
IMG_3731_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858195020/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/8858201230_cdbf1ffdde_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858201230/)
IMG_3733_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858201230/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I have made the inserts for this box and just need to wrap them as the wax has been applied

Thanks
Michael

[mhguda]

Beautiful!

[writingrav]

Ditto. I'm jealous.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[MY63]

The hide i am planning on using for this box is very fine goatskin I have had problems in the past when using fine suede where small imperfections have shown through.
To reduce this as much as possible I start with a piece of card

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/8858842307_87d4bf55e6_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858842307/)
IMG_3736_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858842307/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

It is cut to the correct width but not length I then form it around the shape of the insert and stick the suede to the card

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8130/8858845489_249819839e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858845489/)
IMG_3737 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8858845489/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Then I dry fit it into the box no glue yet
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/8859458314_6f278875a2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8859458314/)
IMG_3739 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8859458314/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I then cut strips of card to fit into the bottom of the ink bottle slot and wrap the card for the base and sides

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8859465072_656d41ff33_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8859465072/)
IMG_3742_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8859465072/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Before I fix any thing in place I need to add the piece of suede that joins the top and base together and cut card for the inside of the lid.

Thanks
Michael

[MY63]

I wanted to get these boxes finished today so with an early start this is where they are now

Light box

I have placed two bottles into the slot we have ordered black and red ink to start them off.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/8869982020_9544497e44_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869982020/)
IMG_3770 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869982020/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8270/8869356699_a3ccf2338c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869356699/)
IMG_3766 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869356699/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/8869335099_f4509e6a7f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869335099/)
IMG_3758 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869335099/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

As the outside of this box is red oak burr my daughter chose a burgundy coloured suede for the inside.

Finally the dark box

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/8869325883_e00c3b927c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869325883/)
IMG_3754 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869325883/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Since I took this picture I have stained the piece of oak seperating the pen area from the ink area the same colour as the inside of the box

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2824/8869921908_b33f0fe7f5_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869921908/)
IMG_3748 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8869921908/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

All that is left is to do is add a fet base and give both boxes a vac and final polish oh and of course sort out the pens to go in them.
My daughter is planning on giving them to her teachers next week.
Thanks for looking I hope that you enjoyed it.
Michael

[mhguda]

Both boxes are very beautiful. Lucky teachers!

[OakIris]

Both boxes are very beautiful. Lucky teachers!

+1 Very lucky teachers, indeed - and they will be getting Parker Duofolds and Diamine inks in addition to beautifully made pen and ink storage boxes. Wonderful work as always, Michael! Thank you for continuing to share the process of your projects with us.

Hope we get to see a photo of the completed boxes with pens and ink in place - (insert "drool" emoticon which I can't seem to locate here on FPG.)

Holly

[cwent2]

Very well done, and a great idea to say thank you to your daughter's teacher's - Thank you for sharing!

[orfew]

Amazing project. Thanks for sharing the various stages of construction. I would echo the sentiment that these are very lucky teachers indeed.

[MY63]

Thanks Holly
Yes I will post a final pic with pens and ink I have pens from 50 s I just need to sort 1979 pens
Michael

[caribbean_skye]

Its wonderful to see the creation of these boxes unfold, thanks for sharing these. I hope the teachers appreciate how lucky they are to receive these, especially since they are hand made.

[MY63]

Here are the finished teachers pens in their respective boxes with sample bottles of Diamine Onyx and Scarlet ink.
I am not an expert on Parkers the blue and black duofolds for the male teacher both have a 4 on them and are areometric fillers I had assumed it was 1954 but am not so sure now.
The lady teacher is quite a bit younger than I thought and I have struggled to find pens from 1979 that were good quality and I could afford to give away so I decided on two blue juniors.
As the teachers do not know about my origional idea of pens made in the year they were born I will not mention it just need to sort instructions and they can be delivered to my daughter for wrapping.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/8939821610_34f43e2e61_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8939821610/)
IMG_3813_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8939821610/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/8939811360_2e2f78f3b1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8939811360/)
IMG_3809_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8939811360/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks
Michael

[mhguda]

Impressive! Enjoy giving the gift...

[MY63]

I am pleased to report that both boxes were received today and both teachers have been in touch to say how delighted they were and how they are looking forward to using the pens.
Michael

[MY63]

I thought i would give you a little update on the NESSR charity box I have been working on.
As you may remember I had some problems with the veneer which I have tried to repair it still has a couple of scars but I am not trying to make something that looks brand new.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8554/8997943983_39078b6903_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8997943983/)
IMG_3846_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8997943983/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

My plan was for the grain pattern to flow from the top over the front I think I have achieved that

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/8999131046_eff3c9a7de_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8999131046/)
IMG_3847_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8999131046/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8551/9014829394_667c72217b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9014829394/)
IMG_3854_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9014829394/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

As this picture shows I have rebuilt both leaves they are ready for fitting.

But

And there is always a but, the hinge (only one) that was fitted to the box was scrap and it was an unusual size, After much searching I have managed to find a foundry in the UK that can supply a pair of brass hinges that will fit.

Thanks for looking
Michael

[MY63]

I am progressing with my writing slope project I have hit a stumbling block with the hinges.
I have started making three small boxes for sale as an experiment in the past I have either given boxes away or made them to order.
So here is the first in the early stages as usual it is an oak frame with marine plywood top and bottom.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/9060989726_a421af8ea2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9060989726/)
IMG_0520 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9060989726/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The box was then veneered in wenge

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/9105391759_eda7faac37_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9105391759/)
IMG_0556 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9105391759/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Then quite a few hours of sanding followed by the first two coats of wax

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9123414119_11bd8ab86b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9123414119/)
IMG_0563 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9123414119/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/9125636800_ca3f8df7e4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9125636800/)
IMG_0565 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9125636800/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am not sure about the colour of the interior it will be suede.

I need to look at the rules for selling on here.

Thanks
Michael

[AndyT]

What's the problem with the writing slope hinges, Michael?

[MY63]

What's the problem with the writing slope hinges, Michael?

Hi Andy
The hinges I need are 3/8 in x 2in or 10mm x 50mm I have managed to find some but they are made from very thin brass which I don't think will hold the weight of the lid.
Thanks
Michael

[AndyT]

Aha! I could probably come up with a UK source for solid drawn hinges, let me know if that might be any use to you. If memory serves, "L" shaped hinges are the usual choice for slopes: more strength, and more *ahem* fun to fit. Something like this:

http://www.rodnaylor.com/shop/products/hinges-15/

If they're to be covered by a leather skiver you might have more luck finding a quality item by using quadrant stay hinges (they tend to be very good), and removing the quadrant. Alternatively, and I realise that this is probably going to be unhelpful at this stage, you could simply make the back of the box out of thicker timber and use heavier straight butt hinges. A secret dovetail would be the best way to get around the change in section, but you could just cut a step instead.

[MY63]

Thanks Andy
This box came with strap hinges that link is excellent they have a pair that may do the job this will be the third set but it has to be right.
It is going to be sold for a dog rescue charity who need the funds so there is a need to get it finished but I will not let it go from here until it is right no matter how many hinges I have to buy :)
On this type of box the skiver does not cover the hinges they are visible the last set I bought are the right size but are thin and look cheap there is no way I could fit them.
I agree the 'l' shaped hinges are interesting to fit fortunately these are straight strap hinges.
Thanks again
Michael

[AndyT]

I look forward to seeing the finished box. A writing slope is yet another item on my long list of projects that I'll probably never get around to doing (like the Gerstner type tool box).

[MY63]

Thanks Andy
I will be ordering hinges from your link tomorrow and I will post pictures of the writing slope as it progresses.

In the mean time here is my latest project my first box made for sale rather than to order.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/9143859098_9fa7d19a20_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9143859098/)
IMG_3937_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9143859098/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/9141602515_47fb67a88c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9141602515/)
IMG_3942_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9141602515/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks

Michael

[MY63]

I look forward to seeing the finished box. A writing slope is yet another item on my long list of projects that I'll probably never get around to doing (like the Gerstner type tool box).

Andy I have also been looking at those Gerstner type boxes for some time now I have watched many on the auction sites the only ones in my price range end when I am not around.
The writing slope hinges arrived today they are a little short but I will just re veneer those edges

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/9165931122_3fc1d90d88_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9165931122/)
IMG_3949_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9165931122/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

They are very high quality and look the part at least I can finish this box now.

Regards
Michael

[AndyT]

I'm glad they turned out to be suitable Michael. Talking of veneer, what did you use on the six pen pox above?

Making a Gerstner type box has been on my mind for years since I first found out about them, a fairly straightforward but long winded project that I've never found the time for. All the recent discussion here brought it back to mind, but it's no more likely to come to fruition.

[MY63]

Hi Andy
The veneer is wenge it is one of my favourites you must respect it though it splinters easily when you are working with it and can go septic very quickly, you should wear a mask when sanding as the dust is pretty nasty.

I don't want to make a Gerstner type box I want a wreck that I can restore and adapt for pen storage.

That little box is for sale somewhere else.

[AndyT]

Mmm, wenge splinters - my favourite! I'm pretty sure there's still a bit of one still embedded in my finger from years ago. But as you say, it's a fine looking timber.

[MY63]

I have dug out a few recently, Wenge takes wax well and looks great I have a couple of projects nearing the finishing stages at the moment so I am on the look out for one of those tool boxes.

This is going to be a jewellery box I have a four way book match of Chilean laurel that I have had stashed away for a special job I do have two sets of this but then one I am planning to use is really nice
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7426/9100035140_1c201ee583_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9100035140/)
IMG_0524 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9100035140/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

[AndyT]

Looking forward to more pictures. :)

Thinking about it, in all my time in the furniture trade and occasionally hanging around engineers' workshops, I'm pretty sure I've never seen a Gerstner type box. Plenty of big trunks like seaman's chests though. I guess the style is more of an American thing.

[MY63]

When I started my apprenticeship in the 80 s lots of the fitters and turners had them for micrometers and such these were expensive items we were not allowed to touch them for at least a year I think the only thing I operated outside of college in the first year was the kettle :)
I remember when old guys retired there would be guys wanting to buy the tool box then others waiting to inherit their locker( the old timers had big double lockers) everyone else had tiny little grey tin cans.
Sad eh!

[MY63]

I thought I would give you an update on my NESSR charity box.
Where the walnut veneer met the front piece of veneer I had problems with the veneer chipping

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/9240432256_dd3c310027_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9240432256/)
IMG_4116 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9240432256/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I fixed many of the chips I spent a day repairing them it looked ok but it was not good enough

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/9241214890_1479e65e5e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9241214890/)
IMG_4135 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9241214890/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The alternative is to remove the edge around the top to 45 degrees and replace it with solid wood 1.5mm square a deep breath is needed here this box is almost finished to take the edge off was a big step.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9244747233_504d116089_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9244747233/)
IMG_4147 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9244747233/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The edging strip shown in the picture above was too red and I replaced it with a better colour

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/9245327783_5ea65fe1a6_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9245327783/)
IMG_4151 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9245327783/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

When you attach the edging to the box you have to cut the mitres with the edging on a 45 degree angle like a diamond shape.
Once glued in place on all four edges you have to sand most of it off being careful not to sand through the veneer.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/9249834152_3b332b05f1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9249834152/)
IMG_4167 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9249834152/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/9249843506_e68f82beb6_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9249843506/)
IMG_4173 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9249843506/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This is the edging complete.


Here you can see the repaired writing leaves and the replacement hinges I have also added the leather skiver the edges will be wenge but it needs to be double thickness.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/9238439037_8441552404_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9238439037/)
IMG_4138 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9238439037/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking
Michael

[AndyT]

Nicely done Michael! Ah, the joys of repairing walnut veneer.

[jacksterp]

Michael - Just finished reading this thread from front to back. Beautiful work all around. You have a great deal of patience and skill!

Thanks for taking the time to post all these wonderful pictures and commentary.

[MY63]

Nicely done Michael! Ah, the joys of repairing walnut veneer.

Does that mean you have done this before Andy ?
If so I am having problems with shellac sanding sealer the first contact between cloth and wood the sealer goes very deep and dark leaving a dark patch when dry any ideas.

Michael

[AndyT]

Hi Michael, yes I've done quite a lot of work with walnut veneer but usually in a context where somebody else was doing the finishing! And that was with a catalysed lacquer which behaves rather differently. If you already have a dark patch you might be able to flood the shellac out with meths - it certainly won't do any harm to try.

If you're going for a natural colour, likely the best plan would be to give it a couple of thin coats of white polish applied French polishing style with a rubber as a sealer, then you can fill, de-nib and proceed as usual. Probably the most important thing with walnut is cleaning up the veneer in the first place, scraping and hand sanding down to the smoothest finish you can possibly manage. When I served my apprenticeship we were required to finish mahogany curls by going over them with the back of the sandpaper in little circular movements, using the dust as an abrasive - if that sounds like torture I can assure you that it feels like it too. It does work well though. It's also standard practice to raise the grain with a wet rag a few times. Of course, the thing to keep a constant eye out for is taking the veneer down too thin, especially at the edges and corners.

Hope that might help.

[MY63]

Andy I have to be honest this is my third writing slope I have worked on.
I enjoy working with veneer so far I have learnt from books and you tube, On this slope the veneer was patchy colour wise so I used rugger brown wax to even out the colour.
I am happy with the colour when I have used French polish in the past I tend to get lines more pronounced on lighter woods.
I tried using boiled linseed oil to make the rubber move easier.
I think I now understand the principles of sealing and filling grain to get a flat surface and then smoothing it to make it shine.
I am using shop bought polish I was thinking it might be good to thin it out a little ?
What do you think

Michael

[AndyT]

I'm very much the chisel man, Michael, so what meagre knowledge I have about polishing is second hand. If memory serves, you should not use oil for the first few layers, and you should work with fairly heavy pressure - the rubber will drag quite a bit. Thereafter, oil should help a lot - the guy who showed me all this used 3-in-1 and just flicked a little onto the surface, and I'm pretty certain that he did thin his polish out somewhat, especially the final coats. The really magical part seems to be the spiriting off which gets the last off the oil off and imparts that glassy shine, but that's mostly a matter of feel I'm sure.

Incidentally, white polish followed by a coat of paste wax is a very popular finish with bespoke cabinetmakers - no French polishing skills required, just a light denibbing between thin coats put on with a brush.

[MY63]

Thanks Andy
Pressure is one area where I have a problem I was trying to use as little pressure as possible.
I will definitely have a go at thinning out the polish a little I think that when I have used it the polish may have evaporated a little.
Is denibbing between coats a light sanding or am I on the wrong track? what type of brush would you use?
I need to make another box now to try this out.
Thanks
Michael

[AndyT]

You're welcome Michael, glad if it was helpful.

Denibbing is not much more than taking the shine off and providing a key for the next layer to stick to. For French polish I think fine wire wool is generally used, whereas for the white polish or a catalysed lacquer it's a fine open coat abrasive paper. Those foam backed pads are good, about 240 - 400 grit. You need to work with a light touch and once again it's easy to go back to bare wood at the edges, so steady away.

I'm not what you'd call a natural with brushes! What I do know is that it's worth paying a little more for decent ones which won't start moulting halfway through the job. There are also special brushes with synthetic bristles which are designed specifically for lacquer, so that might be the way to go. If you can get hold of some offcuts of veneered board from a local joiners' shop it would be well worth experimenting and getting a feel for how the polish flows.

[MY63]

I see what you mean Andy I will look at brushes for French polish I have 0000 wire wool, I might struggle with the light touch I know all about rubbing through veneer.
I have saved up my off cuts of veneered ply so I will add some different veneers that I use and make up some sample boards to practice on.
Thanks

Michael

[MY63]

I had a self imposed deadline for the NESSR charity box which I am sad to say I missed.
I have had quite a bit of down time lately so I have been doing little tasks
I made a replacement part for the NESSR box lock.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/9303573352_abf80ed9c4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9303573352/)
IMG_4209 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9303573352/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I have also been messing around with my initials like a logo type thing.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9336438866_700f708fce_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9336438866/)
IMG_4211 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9336438866/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/9336610936_fa828113e7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9336610936/)
IMG_4219 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9336610936/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/9359749620_33977d7c7d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9359749620/)
IMG_4224 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9359749620/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

These are my latest projects
Thanks for looking

Michael

[AndyT]

The embossed initials have come out a treat, Michael.

[MY63]

Thanks Andy
It was an experiment however it has been suggested that I should use the logo on my boxes although I am not so sure.
I am going to make a box for a friend and wanted to put his initials on it somewhere and I think the inside of the lid will be ideal.
I still have more samples to make before I am totally happy with it.
Thanks
Michael

[cedargirl]

Wow. Thanks for sharing. It's always great to see work in progress.

[MY63]

I thought you might like to see my latest project it is an Art Deco style cutlery box which I am converting into a jewellery box for my wife

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9444255883_6ab54e17e0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9444255883/)
IMG_4348 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9444255883/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The veneer is Chilean laurel burr this is four consecutive leaves book matched I had a small accident at the gluing up stage giving me a small gap between the leaves so I added the contrasting light strips.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/9432774123_e3147eb35d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9432774123/)
IMG_4312 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9432774123/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

My wife likes it and for this project that is what matters

Thanks for looking

Michael

[MY63]

The transformation of the old cutlery box into a jewellery box for my wife continues I have covered the box with wenge veneer and have started the sanding process.
I don't like sanding especially wenge so I have also started the interior dividers.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/9509565847_8a2590717c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9509565847/)
IMG_4428_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9509565847/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I have also purchased a cognac pig suede hide for the interior.

Thanks
Michael

[MY63]

I seem to have lots of projects on the go at the moment so it is nice to see one finished this is a writing slope I have made for the Northern English Springer Spaniel rescue I am donating it to them and they have sold it already.

This is the outside as it arrived.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/8720243939_fe893a4fd7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8720243939/)
IMG_3519 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8720243939/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This was my first attempt at getting the veneer to flow over the front edge
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/9531242041_32376e1250_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9531242041/)
IMG_4484_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9531242041/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/9534018404_95bcb20895_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9534018404/)
IMG_4480_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9534018404/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/9532023280_6e4682fcdc_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9532023280/)
IMG_4457_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9532023280/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9529252001_95edd252c8_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9529252001/)
IMG_4461_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9529252001/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This is how the interior looked when it first arrived
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/8720300651_0a5572ab29_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8720300651/)
IMG_3523 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/8720300651/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking
Michael

[AndyT]

Nicely done Michael!

Did it come with ink bottles by the way?

[Tracy Lee]

There was a guy at the pen show with some desk boxes like this. He was asking $1200 and up for about three different models! :eek:

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 4

[MY63]

Nicely done Michael!

Did it come with ink bottles by the way?

No Andy there were no ink bottles it did come with everything else but they were not attached to each other:rofl::rofl:
It is ready for delivery.
I have had a very productive day today I have made the inserts for the jewellery box and stained an ink box I am making for some ink samples I have ordered.

[MY63]

There was a guy at the pen show with some desk boxes like this. He was asking $1200 and up for about three different models! :eek:

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 4

Hi Tracy
Wow that is very expensive the one I have just finished I would have asked £150 but as it was for our favourite charity I gave it for free.
The good news is they have sold it already.

[MY63]

I have started the interior of the jewellery box I am making for my wife as I have shown previously I have been experimenting with embossing

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9593585384_11c907e0d7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9593585384/)
IMG_4590 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9593585384/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The suede is a rich cognac colour which does not show up well in pictures.
Michael

[cwent2]

I have started the interior of the jewellery box I am making for my wife as I have shown previously I have been experimenting with embossing

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9593585384_11c907e0d7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9593585384/)
IMG_4590 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9593585384/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The suede is a rich cognac colour which does not show up well in pictures.



Michael

Wow, that effect looks beautiful - bet it even better in person!

[MY63]

Thanks Carl
The inside is coming along now I am planning on adding another colour for the internal fixtures for lack of a better word.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/9599592572_1f8af3df81_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9599592572/)
IMG_4607 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9599592572/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I had a close shave as I forgot to put the handle on I just realised in time.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/9599590078_62b8935f7e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9599590078/)
IMG_4605 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9599590078/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks

Michael

[MY63]

Colour added

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/9600305995_2a0ffa4e2a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9600305995/)
IMG_4624_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9600305995/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

[betweenthelens]

Beautiful work and what a lovely gift idea (a pen for the year in which the teacher was born.)

[MY63]

Thanks very much the teachers loved them

Here are a few of my most recent projects

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/9669373617_ba98ee4b05_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9669373617/)
IMG_4812 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9669373617/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/9669365489_dba57b9069_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9669365489/)
IMG_4805_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9669365489/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/9672593326_09e596d076_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9672593326/)
IMG_4806_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9672593326/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The instruction from the client was to keep it simple but could I emboss her logo into the lid of the box

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9631489558_a9cf7b1b8b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9631489558/)
IMG_4718_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9631489558/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Ink sample box for me

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/9686414582_87d0f0a1ed_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9686414582/)
IMG_4825_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9686414582/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/9683167309_1904d4dc8c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9683167309/)
IMG_4819_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9683167309/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Ink sample box for client holds over 200 sample bottles

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/9609203962_e32db77c88_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9609203962/)
IMG_4652_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9609203962/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Another name embossed in suede

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/9605971551_d143f1e07e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9605971551/)
IMG_4651_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9605971551/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am about to make a Larger box base on one of my pen trays it will be a desk top box and will hold about 20 pens I have the lower part complete I am just trying to decide what to do about a lid

Oh and I almost forgot my daughter has just started college and wanted a custom cover for her arc folder so I made her this

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/9728659097_747c882e13_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9728659097/)
IMG_4881_1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/9728659097/) by my0771 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael