Thread: Cherry & Maple Jewellery storage unit

While not exactly BIG, it's not small, either (590mm high x 375 wide), so I think it can squeeze in here. I was going to present it as a WIP, but my progress shots got too scrappy, so it's a fait accompli, instead......

This was a commission from one of my daughters. She sketched out & described what she wanted, and left me to decide on the details such as wood & joinery. I opted for a roughly mid-18th century (North American) style. This is not copied from any genuine old piece. I did find a few old "Jewellery armoires" of the times, while searching for ideas for mouldings, but these were more like tall, skinny chests of drawers (imagine a very fancy CD storage rack) than my effort.

The cases are Cherry, & some beautifully figured Maple I cut from a stump after the trees were felled to build townhouses, when I was living in Canada (quite a few years ago, now!). Said daughter was born about the time I collected the wood, & it's an appropriate reminder of the land of her birth. Internal flaps for the hanging space are Huon & Red cedar while the dividers & knick-knack fittings in the top drawer are Camphor Laurel.

These 'little' things consume more time & swear-words than any regular-sized piece of furniture. For example, that figured Maple is lovely stuff to look at, but 'orrible to cut neat little dovetails sockets in!

Finish is super-blond shellac (also very tedious to apply on small pieces with lots of sharp edges!), to preserve the whiteness of the Maple as much as possible. Just a few details to clean up, including lots more hanging hooks to fit, and an escutcheon for the keyhole (haven't decided exactly what to use, yet), & it will be ready for delivery. It was 'ordered' more than 6 years ago, so I'm running a little behind schedule.....

Cheers,