My My it’s been a great while since my last post. Many things have been happening. I’ve been chugging along at school. Some weeks are easier than others, and days before a deadline are seriously tough.

So far I’ve completed 4 projects and many mini, in-class, projects. My goal in the next few posts is to catch up on coverage of the individual projects.After that I’m going to start covering my current build which is in the design stage. More on that later . . .

The first project that I finished was a shaped box with hand cut joints. Most of the assignments for the mastery program are described this vague on purpose.

It’s nice that you definitely get the lesson to be learned (i.e. hand cut joints, shaping), but are also allowed to stretch your design legs and move towards developing your own style.

The shaping on the sides was done with a spokeshave, then I matched the shape on the lid with a flush-cut router bit.

So, I decided to make the box out of abundant materials in my area CVG fir, western maple, and aromatic cedar.

I used the aromatic cedar as the base and left a few knots in there. The knots hold on to the oils that create the wonderful scent. Without the knots it would be aroma-free in no time.

The joints were handsawn, but it was the chisel work that made these come together well. Lesson learned: Sharp Chisels are vital, dull chisels are dangerous and infuriating…

In the end I like the result. I think it needs something else, maybe a handle or some small feet. A little leather, old bronze or brass, something to break up the color and texture a bit . . .Next up, more fir and a little carving.