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Have you ever had high hopes for a project, took your time to do it right and give it that little extra, only to have it come out a few sandwiches short of a picnic? Well, this is my entry. I decided I would try out a larger pattern with the plugs I've been experimenting with and this is the result. Originally intended to be a loose interpretation of a butterfly, came out looking more like a crab, hence the name. I had intended on this being a Christmas gift for my daughter. I'm not sure if I will give it to her now or not. If I do, maybe I will stick an IOU in it for another box after the new year. Who knows, maybe it won't scare her to death, lol.

The woods used are Tennesse Cedar, Oak, Wenge, Purpleheart, Jatoba, Quilted Maple, Lacewood and Black Walnut. The bottom and tray are lined with purple faux suede. Thanks for taking the time to look and as always, any comments are welcome.

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Comments

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Very nice! You did a beautiful job on it. I wish I could make as nice of box. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas buddy.

God Bless
tom
 

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I am in with everyone else as far as you being hard on yourself Brad. If there is one thing I would change it would be naming it Crab Butter. I simply wouldn't name it at all and let your daughter interpret it as she sees it (as mentioned above). We all can clearly see (as I am sure your daughter will as well) the amount of work, skill, and heart that went into this piece. Trust me bud…. That is going to speak so much louder than any faults you me feel there is with this piece.

Have yourself a Merry Christmas Brad!
 

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Thank you all for comments! You are all too kind. As many suggested, we are all probably our own worst critic. Guilty as charged. lol

@Dusty, Dennis, Apex- No, I haven't blogged the process. I did some testing on the palm boxes I last did. This is the first of this scale for me. The process is quite simple, just time consuming. I layed this design out directly on the box using a french curve. Using my drill press, I started on the bottom two lines, drilling a hole, one in each side, with the point of the forstner bit right on the line. After drilling the holes, I add some glue, orient the grain of the plugs in whatever direction I want, and seat them with a hammer. I then cut them nearly flush using a coping saw and head back to the drill press. The next holes get drilled with the forstner point right at the edge of the last plug so that it will overlay that plug by half. You may notice as the line progresses, I space each plug a little farther apart. Of course, they can be spaced however you like, depending on the look you're after. Then, just repeat the steps: drill, glue, plug, cut flush. Thank you for your interest and if anyone has any more questions or would like a simple blog on the process, please let me know.

@Theresa- Thank you for the link. I would have to agree that no project is perfect. As much as we try to make it so, it's not going to happen. To answer your question about the joints, I call it the "I-joint". I don't know if it really has another name, just something I've been playing around with. I used the same joint on this box and this one, which was my first. They are just a little different version of a finger joint. I cut these using this. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

BTW Dusty- I do believe the Aromatic Cedar and Tennessee are one in the same. If anyone knows different, please let us know. Thanks!

Thank you all again for your kind words and interest. Again, if anyone has any other questions, please let me know. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 

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Thank you Dan. I named it Crab Butter just to poke a little fun at myself and maybe give someone a good laugh. I don't plan on telling her what I think it looks like, although I think Degoose may have nailed it. :) I know that she will appreciate it regardless and that's what matters. Thank you all again for the comments.
 

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It's a great Box, Brad, and I'm glad you're going to try cutting yourself some slack!!
Have a Great Christmas, my Friend…
 

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I love that design. I don't think it looks like a crab or anything in particular. Just looks like a nice accent decoration. I think it's a great touch to an already beautiful box. If she doesn't love it I'll send you my address. lol
Vicki
 

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You're short changing yourself my friend!!!..........That's a hell of a nice piece of work. She'll love it!
 

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Mike, Vicki, Ron- Thank you! Have a Merry Christmas
 

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A lot of great stuff on this one. I really like that handle ,the plugs, and the corner joints are really nice for this box.
And as always the workmanship looks right on.
 

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this has been seen through the mist
from time to time

it took a man of vision to show it to the world

well done
 

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That is very creative and beautiful, nice job!
 

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Thank you Paul, David and LTC! Merry Christmas
 

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Thanks for the info and Merry Christmas to you and yours : )
 

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Sorry I've been tied up with holiday stuff and am late commenting on this Brad. It's just wonderful! The detail work (I think it looks like fireworks) and the handle really make this piece shine. Great design and craftsmanship. A well thought out piece. Love it.
 

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I saw this a bit late Brad, but I have to say that this is really a great box and especially for a girl. The workmanship and design and the colors are beautiful and even if the butterfly/crab didn't quite work out as you planned, it is still decorative and festive.
 

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You're welcome Dusty.
Thanks Chip, no need to apologize. We all know how busy it is this time of year.
And thank you Mike too.
BTW- My daughter loved the box

Happy New Years!
 

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Thanks for checking in Theresa. Actually, I was quite surprised at how much she did like it.
 
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