Large Treasure Box

Walnut, poplar, brass. The curved top is made from 16 inch long, 5/8 inch high pieces of walnut, cut at 5 1/2 degree angle along both sides of each piece. I could not have done it without my wood guru, Geo. I think I can do it again myself. Then the long pieces are laid down on strips of tape, fat side down. The interstices of the skinny side are filled with glue, then band clamps are held between precisely sized hemispheres of poplar, using blue painter tape to keep the poplar from sticking to the walnut. After the walnut dried, I glued in the hemispheres. Then I sharpened my plane, a beautiful tool I love, and planed the top until it was a smooth curve.

After planing, I hand-sanded 80, 120, 240 grit. 3 coats of shellac, sanding with 400 grit between coats, finished with a beeswax-carnauba paste. 16 inches long. I set out to make it for my grandson, but he won't be ready for it for years -- until I am in my 80s. So I am thinking about what to fill it with while it is stashed for him. I might write a little book for him. I'm thinking high-quality antique brass spyglass as an example of useful treasures he might welcome in 6-10 years.