Keepsake Box For A Nature Photographer
This keepsake box was made as a gift for an Alaskan nature photographer. The photograph of a mother bear and her cub was taken from his collection and provided the reference material for this piece. The box is made of walnut, while the marquetry inlay for the lid is composed primarily of differing walnut burls framed by ebony. The interior of the lid is made from book matched walnut veneers. A tray for smaller items may be lifted out for storage of other larger keepsakes. This design approach can be readily modified to create a unique treasured gift. Depending on the complexity of the lid design, I typically need about 3 weeks to complete a project like this.
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This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
I am a retired physician who makes jewelry, keepsake, memorial, and decorative boxes that are typically commissioned by people who wish to give them as gifts. I have been doing this for several years, but have focused on working with exotic hardwoods and more intricate designs since I retired about three years ago. While there are a lot of woodworkers who enjoy making small boxes, I believe that I have been able to differentiate myself from them because I have developed my marquetry skills and now do almost all my decorative and inlay work with a double bevel technique that I learned from the artisan David Marks.
I work alone and handcraft every item to meet the unique specifications of my customers. Typically, they provide me with a reference image and a design request. I then execute the project in about 2 to 3 weeks, spending about an equal amount of time on the construction and finishing of the work. A typical example of this is provided in my project entitled “Keepsake Box for Sailboat Captain.” In addition, I make some of my own designs that I sell. The butterfly marquetry jewelry box project is a good example of this.
My goal is to have the joy of engaging in my hobby while recovering the cost of my materials while have a bit extra to add a few new tools. But, most importantly, I want to be able to provide a unique prized decorative box that fills a special need.
- MK
Mary Koller
For You Are My Sunshine Music Box/Jewelry Box5.0Dennis was a pleasure to work with the entire project, guiding me with some of my choices such that the outcome was better. He was right; a lining to my box was a better choice. :) My box is beautiful! I highly recommend Dennis.
- JM
John Monahan
For Four Drawer Jewelry Box5.0Dennis was a pleasure to work with, communicated throughout the process, did beautiful work with the design we presented to him and produced a stunning, heirloom quality jewelry box within his estimated timeframe.
- CJ
Christine Johnson
For Four Drawer Jewelry Box Available Immediately5.0My jewelry box is beautiful! Dennis made it to my specifications and I couldn't be more pleased. Dennis is an exceptional craftsman and I had the opportunity to meet him when I picked pup my jewelry box in person.
Thank you Dennis. - AK
Aaron Kruse
For Four Drawer Jewelry Box5.0I am very pleased with the project I received. Dennis was very thorough with details and completed this project well ahead of the originally proposed completion date. His communication throughout the construction process was reassuring and informative. The quality of the project is phenomenal. He is definitely very adept at his craft and no imperfections can be see on the jewelry box. The packaging for the project was very well done and it arrived very quickly. 10/10 , I would absolutely purchase from Dennis again.
- AK
A K
For Jewelry/Keepsake Boxes Of Cocobolo And Brazilian Rosewood5.0From the initial ideation to the final delivery of the project, it was an absolute pleasure working with Dennis. The finished product is simply beautiful and it has exceeded all my expectations. It is stunning in person. The design, wood selection, fit and finish, everything is just perfect. I'm very happy with the final outcome of the project and really appreciate the way Dennis has patiently accommodated all my requests and built an amazing piece of functional art. I would strongly recommend Dennis for anyone considering uniquely beautiful custom woodwork.
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