Grace Clarke, Trick Drawer Jewellery Box (CHESTS, CABINETS & BOXES 2024)

Photos:

Grace Clarke

Video tour:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cOZAEre1AwDjaZbbtwEp_5K2PbOO8mWn/view

This Trick Drawer Jewellery Box was created with the intent to challenge my woodworking skills in areas that involve attention to intricate detail while incorporating a complex design that also offers practical functionality. I chose two contrasting timbers (American Walnut and Rock Maple) to allow for a greater visual impact, especially when making the veneers, dovetails and stand. The upper section features a lid made from frosted epoxy resin positioned between two hand-cut walnut curves. Underneath the lid are walnut dividers with halving joints and cushions to hold smaller jewellery. The box lock adds security to whatever is kept inside. The upper section is fitted with brass 95-degree quadrant hinges to hold the lid open. The middle section features two swinging boxes that have locked keyed miter joints and a sun ray-like veneer pattern on the bottom. I included grain wrapping on the outside to maintain a cohesive look. The lower section features the ‘trick drawer’ that will only open upon pushing the centre divider inward, located between the two swinging boxes. This mechanism allows the owner to discreetly store more valuable jewellery. This drawer has contrasting inlayed half-blind dovetails and moves forward to present two inner trays that can be lifted out. Both inner trays have the same sun ray-like veneer pattern as the swinging boxes. The carcass that holds the drawer was created with dovetails. The jewellery box rests on a stand made from walnut with mortice and tenon joints. The stand also has laminated curves that alternate both timbers to create a more interesting effect and for the main carcass to appear almost as if it was floating.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.