For Ethan

This only resembles a well known TV talent. Facial forensics would prove this point.

This would have been impossible without a drill press. At least for me.

This received my undivided attention after I realized I had not made Ethan a gift.

Rockler had a good price on kd basswood. I resawed a little for this.

This was not so straight after resaw. After a few days it was good.

Internal splines hold the box together. After looking at this pic I realize I could have made 1 box, and cut it into 2 pieces. I like doing things the hard way, especially when I'm in a time crunch. I had a little corner piece break off and fly away. That added to all the fun.

When I was adding a top and bottom, I initialed where I wanted to burn in my brand.  I left in the rough draft marks, the alignment marks for burning, and my brand. I signed each piece 3 times.

The very last box side I cut the slot in wiggled on the way out. I wasn't pissed. Eventually.

I know, it's basswood, and I did minimal carving. I did carve the nose, shoulders,hands and shoes. What I did was burn in the smile and his buck teeth, then cleaned that up. Teeth and lip is about 1/16" deep. I'm choosing my battles these days.

I put shims under the piece when I drilled for the eyes. I drilled oversize holes, at different angles. I wanted a dizzy look on his face. Same angle that he leans forward.

I made an mdf version as I went along. I used it see what different options looked like.

Magnets from Amazon are the perfect strength. He stays together securely, opens easily, and aligns itself when closing.

7  & 1/2" tall x 7 " w x 2 & 1/2" thick. Basswood. Acrylic paints. Mohawk Dead Flat laquer inside, Minwax Gloss poly outside.