How the boxes are crafted:
This page shows how an idea progresses to become a new design...
Young mini lop boy posed to become the model for the new box design
Designs start either from a photograph or local flower, tree or leaf.
Photographs are then printed in black and white and traced to provide the subject's shape.
Some of the specialised timbers used to give varying textures and grains for each design.
Above are pieces of local Herefordshire holly.
Mapping out the design and marquetry pieces
Working on new ideas - a bunny-design box with 2 drawers
Yes, even the jig is hand-made from wood!
Cutting the tiny pieces of marquetry around the subject
Cutting pieces
A bunny-design box in its early stages
A bunny-themed box in progress
Tiny parts - spot the two bunny eyes cut from the small blocks.
The darker pieces will be used to form the nose and mouth.
The craft room at home - the dining table and chairs are also hand-made!
The above boxes show the work produced between 2003-summer 2005.
Each individual piece takes several months of dedication to produce.
Taking shape
Note the immense attention to detail in this unfinished box - even the nose and mouth are cut from a single piece of darker wood to produce the facial features and expression.
