Marquetry Keepsake Box

Jan 27

I have always wanted to try marquetry so I decided to give it a shot with this wood box project. The lid of the box has a fun diamond pattern that I created using Inkscape. This pattern allowed me to create the marquetry design and ensure all of my pieces lined up perfectly. I chose to use three colored wood species for my box lid. I used bloodwood, wenge, and maple. The thicker pieces, which were about 1/8” thick, made up the diamond marquetry design. But it needed to be broken up visually. I decided to add some white pinstripes but using maple veneer. Every piece of the marquetry pattern was press fit together and taped in place. I definitely would not call myself a marquetry expert, but after watching a few skilled people make their own marquetry patterns and pictures, I applied similar techniques and ended up with something that I’m proud of.

The marquetry pattern was only the first stage of the project. I also needed something for it to go onto. I made a wood box and used the pattern as the lid. The box is made from sapele, and has wenge splines. I spent a good amount of time deciding on the wood for the box. I needed a wood species that wasn’t good contrasting like walnut or maple. I felt like these would have been too much contrast compared to the diamond pattern. At the same time, I didn’t want a box that was the same colors as the pattern because it would take away from the marquetry work. I feel like sapele was a good balance because of the reddish / orange tint. It coordinates but doesn’t overwhelm the fancy lid that I made.

The liner inside is made from wenge and has mitered joinery. I installed some quality brass hinges. And then I applied a simple wax finish, buffed to a nice sheen.

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