Distinctive Boxes

in and colour to highlight my boxes. Although most of my wood is from local sources, I do get a few exotic pieces from a couple of woodturner friends who look for wood further afield. The edges of my boxes often use contrasting wood as they help to accent the main colours of the wood. A favourite activity is figuring out how to make the various inlays that are used in many of my boxes. All inlays are made in my shop from various coloured woods or veneers. Other boxes are more subtle and use only woods that blend in with the rest of the box. This is especially important with highly figured woods as I don’t want anything to distract from the main wood. Once I decide on the materials used on the outside of the box, I switch to the interior. I usually use a different type of wood to contrast with the outside. Inlays can be used inside as well. I try to have a bit of a “Wow” factor when the lid is lifted. Generally larger boxes have trays added and are lined with suede or leather. I’ve spent considerable time searching for the best hardware available. My recent boxes use hinges from England of solid brass and although they are quite expensive, they add to the overall appearance of the box. Why spend all that time building a box and then use inferior hardware in it? Boxes can be used for almost anything. I’ve made boxes for customers who used them for jewellery, humidors, storing tea, hiding remote controls, storing phones and charging cords, memory boxes for loved ones and even wooden urns. I’ve always enjoyed boxes and am now examining interesting boxes from the past two or three centuries and making replicas of them. Wayne Smith