Jewelry Box to Hold a Lifetime

A jewelry box from the heart by Instar Design 

This jewelry box was specifically designed for my client, searching for the perfect 5th year anniversary gift for his wife. He wanted tons of storage while remaining a countertop piece, a keltic reference, and the sensual box legs which I have had repeated requests for throughout the years. He shared examples with me of boxes he liked for storage but the design fell short in his eyes. 

I came up with an overall concept and the piece evolved as I began collecting the materials for end panels, face frame, the legs and lid. I have never made this leg design so tall and I love them! Plenty of surface for that Claro Walnut to boast of it's red, cream and burnt sienna coloring. I also found a board of Maple for this project at Gilmer Wood Company located in the industrial neighborhood in NW Portland.This Figured Maple was like butter. It milled, carved and sanded in such an effortless way. I have never been fond of Maple and now stand converted. When you have the right piece of wood everything is effected.  

I wanted to reflect the elegance of a woman in this box. I wanted sensual lines and smooth flowing edges. I wanted to capture the lightness of fabric and the weight of a grounded person who stands to be all a wife is; a best friend, lover, mother, provider, and so much more. The right woman has strength and beauty combined so I wanted that reflected in this box as it seemed to me Tyler was head over heals in love and wanted to give his wife the very best. 

This box is made from Maple, Black Walnut, Claro Walnut, Camphor and a little American Cherry. I lined all of the trays and storage spots with a deep Van Dyke brown Velvet. The colors in Velvet can be tricky to find just what you want when considering the woods you are using. The bright blue, green and red can appear harsh next to a particular board or just right depending on other ornamentation the box may display. Considering all the details is critical to creating a cohesive unit with many parts that speak as one.

My client responded to the Kelpie Jewelry Box I made. He loved the inlay and the leg design. Made with Claro Walnut, Maple and Lace Wood.

The detail below shows the box lid and how it relates to the top of the leg and end panel which doubles as a door. Notice the Keltic inlay of black ebony in the corner of the box lid. Laying low, not to compete with the rest of the box, the inlay is there for the user to discover.

I had idea after idea for the drawer pull design and each was good, but not quite what I wanted. After I carved the end panels I felt hesitant to create the pulls I had settled on. Sometimes it helps me to just think about it over the weekend or till the next day. I process design work in my head while I drive. It frees me up to be paying attention to the road and listening to the jazz station when a vision will come to me.

I once heard Allison Gilbert give a Ted Talk about inspiration. She was interviewing a poet who described a poem coming across the landscape toward her and she could see it. She would run to the house so she could write it down and if she didn't make it it would pass through her and go on to the next poet. I sure do catch a lot of ideas as I drive and if I don't pay attention to them they will fade away and perhaps look for another sculptor. 

These drawer pulls are carved out of the same Maple as the end panel wood. I was after the look of a ribbon suspended from the top drawer cascading down like a waterfall. 

Each end opens to provide a place for necklaces to hang and I made a small little tray below the door for extra tiny special pieces. I made custom drawer stops that prevent the drawers from falling out of the case when they are open yet easily allow removal. 

My client has been excited and amazed through this whole process. He has been wonderful to work with and for. I hope when he receives his gift his experience is amplified by years of living with this thoughtful jewelry box gift. I also hope that this box will be a steadfast reminder to his wife throughout the years that she is treasured and loved.

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