Small box project for sister Joy!

Merry Christmas 2012

Small box project for Sister Joy! : )

How it all started: The beginning of this experience was inspired by a routine search for some hidden treasure at Goodwill! Hahahahaha : ) “Low and behold” I saw this small wooden box that had what appeared to look like carving of perhaps of something unusual. I noticed the bird, and some how I thought of you (the perfect definition of unusual) hahahahaha : ) Not sure how the connection might associate. I’m still trying to figure that out! Anyway I started to analyze and see the way it was jointed and how things like warpage could be corrected. Lets face it, I’m a fix it kind of guy! : ) But in the process of this adventure, I thought to myself that this box had your name, and that someday I would find a way to transform its appearance into something more meaningful. I would see this as an opportunity to spend some intimate time with you, as you have with me. By that I’m referring to the time we spend in privet thinking of how the other might feel, and just go with shapes, and colors, and thoughts of things that are beautiful in appearance. That life has order, but that there is also freedom of expression that makes us both individuals yet unified as like in your painting the Aztec children. : ) Not sure, but I have come to know you much better in this small project. I give this to you with all my heart, because it truly is a reflection of how I feel your energy. It’s been a colorful experience. : ) It’s been like living as a hippie, free of what others might reject. But free to find acceptance within yourself. Without you, those feelings would not be possible, and vice versa. It’s not money, or what might make us look better in the eyes of society that we understand as what bonds us together. It’s much more then that, it’s acceptance of each other and love that’s shared through the feelings that bond our existence. : ) Heavy stuff to think about, but then again I might communicate that I proudly share this with you. Its wonderful feeling, its all expressed in this small example that we now share together. Marry Christmas! I Love you Mickey : )

The following is an illustration of the box’s original condition prior to any attempted changes. I would guess (not sure) that the box was originally purchased on some island as a memory of that place, or maybe as a gift to be brought back to USA. It was not made with intentions of high quality. The wood as an example was nailed together. Note: the nails were later removed and the sides were all glued together after they were shaped properly and veneer was added.

You will also note that the carving was not very detailed. It was done with repetitious lines, shallow, and uniform levels, to give perception of depth. I later used power carving techniques to create more realistic perception of depth with dark black paint that might also enhance the experience. Furthermore, shapes that were not of significance in the original idea were later discarded. You will note that above the bird there is a design of what jah ma call it??????? (fill in the blank space). I’m still trying to figure that out. Hahahaha I decided a peace sign should occupy this central area. Here the bird is what seems to be the main focus. However in the final modified carving the peace symbol is of much more importance. The bird was then characterized toward a presence of harmonious existence rather then “oh look at the bird” So therefore you will note things like that, and who knows what more in knowing you, and how your mind might wonder with analysis. : ) The following illustration shows that the lid did not close properly. The wood had warped through the years and you will later see how I removed the hinges and made the lid separate from the bottom. At this point the lid would not shut properly. : ( what would anyone see in a box that comes from nowhere of importance and that it seems to be

falling apart? Hahahahahaha : ( As some close minded person might think “this thing should go in the garbage. But guess what? You and I would say this thing has to be looked at, and it needs a new lease on life. Its origin is that of a homeless wondering dog that you seemed to know nothing about, but that seems to have some hidden story of interest. So as it meets new folks like you, it will then transform itself and its appearance into something you wish for it to symbolize. : ) hahahahaha

In the following illustration the box is open and you can see inside. Here you can see the poor quality of hinges that fasten the top to the bottom. Actually a good box will not be joined by hinges. : ) you can also see how the quality of wood is not of high grade. For that reason I decided to veneer the inside with Mahogany that will then give the real rose wood appearance, not some stain that makes you think it’s butter, but it’s not! Also note how the joints were coming loose. The reason this happens is because most likely the wood came from an island where the humidity is high and when it came to California it dried out. A box like this could also have been imported. I suspect it was manufactured somewhere in Indonesia, Figgie, or the Philippines it looks Polynesian. Not sure on the age but I suspect about 30 yrs old. Made sometime in the 70s or 80s.

The following illustration shows the top and bottom. I later discovered after I removed the finish that the wood had two very contrasting colors. The red you see is all stain. The original color of the wood is tanner with dark greenish brown streaks.

In the following illustration you will notice how I start to carve patch and paint the top with new shapes. It’s a transformation of an old idea into something that is more contemporary and colorful.

The patching material I use is epoxy putty that dries hard and can then be sanded or carved into new shapes. In the following illustration you will notice the quality of wood that was used after the finish was removed. It is basically a two tone wood that is of semi hard category.

I thought you might enjoy this picture with your box together with a chess set that I am preparing for your favorite Hollowicked Nephew the one and only David K Zarate! : )

In the following picture you will see your box and mom’s box together. I am still working on this one. It will have a Betty Boop Inlay when it is finished!

In the following images you will notice how the sides were veneered.

In the following image you will notice that I have some sandpaper taped to glass. The sides were taken apart and reglued after they were sanded flush. Now after the sides are reassembled it is necessary to remove the original warp age and the glass ensures that the parts are sanded flush!

In the following illustration you will note how I patched the areas where the hinges were originally located. I used David’s chess board to test the level of the top and bottom of your box. : )

A lacquer finish was applied to all the parts.

The following illustration show’s the top almost finished!

In the following image the sides that hold the top in place are being glued to the bottom section of the box.

After the sides are glued the gaps were then filled.

To fill them I melted different colors of crayons and found the right match. After the gaps were filled I sprayed with lacquer to seal the wax in place. The knife I used to apply the wax is attached to a soldering iron which is set to the right temperature with a separate control.

Original cover and newly modified cover side by side.

The box like I mentioned in the beginning was not made with the best quality in mind. If so then all four side would have been square and the box would be able to shut properly no matter how the lid might be seated to seal the bottom half. But not all is bad with imperfections. What I decided to do was to give each side a unique appearance so that there’s some kind of order as to how it should fit. The following illustration shows what I did. You will note that all the flowers are red and so are the eyes.

In the following illustration you will see another side where the flowers are green and the eyes are also green. So to close the lid you must match the color of the eyes with the color of the flowers.

On the bottom side screws were added to secure the sides with the lower bottom. So the center of all four sides was marked as shown below.

After the holes were drilled to the right depth a counter sink was used so that the would be flush with the bottom. The screws were the inserted and glue was added so that they will not come loose for many years to come.

Leather was then added to cover the screws and provide protection to the bottom side.

So here is the final product. I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour as much as I enjoyed making this for you. I give it to you because to be honest I don’t think it fits any other person better. : ) Love you and Merry Christmas! Mickey