Here's a box made from a block of Sapele. The box is approximately 5 x 4 x 6 splayed inward bottom to top with a curved top. I penciled in the circle pattern and carved them with a v gouge and mallet then painted with 2 layers of milk paint (blue & green) looking for a multi color effect. The inside is painted as well. Michael Cullen says you can build 20 of these types of boxes and maybe you get one that really hits the mark. Well I think this one is decent but one of the other 19. Things I like: The shape is pleasing, the natural wood trim gives it some good contrast and the carving is ok. Things to improve: The carving needs to be better and deeper, the two tone color is just ok and I wish the box was a little bigger. Takeaways: need a bigger band saw, need to practice carving more. Thanks for viewing.
That is impressive! It looks like the lid is a solid block. That should give it a nice feel. I don't know if I would have the nerve to put paint on Sapele but it works! I'm going to have to look up Michael Cullen...
Hi Mike, I'm so glad you're still enjoying that box. Hopefully I can find the time to get into a swap on this site...they're great motivators. I hope life is good in the UP!
Really nice work Tom. Love the shape and the painted finish. You might try painting it first and then carving through it to expose the natural sapele. Just another option.
Andy -- Old Chinese proverb say: If you think something can't be done, don't interrupt man who is doing it.
