21st Birthday key

**Alastair** · 7th February 2012, 02:14 PM

Hi All,

I'm looking for inspiration.

On my 21st, (more years ago than I care to admit), I was given a decorative key, which had been crafted by my mother out of modelled Pewter Foil. I have it to this day.

Now, with my daughter due for her majority next month, my goodwife has requested that I produce a similar heirloom masterpiece, out of wood, for her.

Has anyone done something like this before, which I could use for inspiration, or in fact does anyone have any ideas along these lines, which I can explore.

I admit to being a bit stumped, but not ready to give up yet.

regards

**Scott** · 7th February 2012, 04:57 PM

My eldest is 5, so I can't help you out however there are some diamonds amonst the rough if you do a Google image search:

21st birthday key - Google Search

Hope this assists.

**Nick-JS** · 7th February 2012, 08:47 PM

Hi Alastair,
Have a look into your family history for a Family Crest, if you cant find one have a go at designing one your self. This could be a beautiful carving...

**dr4g0nfly** · 8th February 2012, 05:43 AM

Something special - how about a Welsh love Spoon.

Don't get hung-up on the name, I find they are great as gifts for all sorts of important events, like special birthdays and even as a add on to a marriage gift.

Better yet they are easy to hang on a wall and look really good.

Easy to rough out with a fret saw and a couple of chisels/gouges or sharp knife finishes the details.

**munruben** · 8th February 2012, 08:16 PM

Plenty of ideas from images on Google.

**Alastair** · 9th February 2012, 09:56 AM

Thanks guys,

As it is, I'm leaning towards the non-conventional.

I can't see any (non-tacky) way of doing the traditional key either by turning, or straight joinery, so my thoughts have shifted to a document box.

Meg is studying drama, is mad about the theatre, and collects the programmes for any productions she has been in.

I was left a scroll saw by the previous owner of my house/shed, which I have been intending to try.

So

A4 + document keepsake box.
Figured Blackwood, or Sassafras
Huon veneer lid insert, with marquetry of the dual thespian masks, and a key inlay in the opposite corner
FP shellac finish

Comments???

**petersemple** · 9th February 2012, 11:11 AM

Sounds like a lovely idea to me

**Alastair** · 9th February 2012, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by petersemple

Sounds like a lovely idea to me

Which brings me to:

Sources for high end box hardware?
Figured box timbers and veneers? Or is Trend my best bet?

Any info on box construction which might be useful?

I'm sourcing pinless blades and conversion kit for the scroll saw ATM, and will start playing with the technique as soon as they arrive.

And all this with a target date of early April

regards

**dr4g0nfly** · 10th February 2012, 06:09 AM

You started with thoughts of a Key - Normal, conventional and a great keepsake.

You've taken that from Outside(?) the Box to a Key design inset into something that could become an Heirloom piece, what's not too like.

Plenty of ideas in the Box making and fretsaw forums.

But WiP pics please, and the finished article of course.

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