Kerry Cameron, Eatons Hill, QLD

Drifting Sands Jewellery Box
Jacaranda, Queensland walnut
270 x 210 x 170 h (plus 40mm base)

Concept
The inspiration for this design comes from a desert adventure tour in Dubai and the experience of arriving in an oasis amongst the sand dunes. Opening the doors I wanted to create an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ effect within the box. This was achieved by the incorporation of three felt lined and divided drawers.
Jacaranda for the project was collected from a land management project carried out in a local environment centre with the walnut being rescued from a clean up after an auction of a closed down furniture manufacturer. I saw the combination of the two timbers complementing my design idea.
Method of Construction
The box incorporates basic joints of mitre for the sides and rebates for the doors and back all glued with Selleys cross linked PVA. Shaping for the flowing sand effect was achieved by the use of an Arbortech Mini Carver with a medium burr disk. Sanding was by means of a Makita right angle drill and home made sanding pads using three grades of velcro backed abrasive of 180, 240 and 320 grits. Half blind and through dovetails for the drawers were done on a Leigh Jig.
Finish
To achieve the desired finish Feast Watson Prooftint Pine Sealer was applied then sanded with 800 wet and dry followed by three coats of Rustin’s Danish Oil with the final coat being applied with 1200 wet and dry and then finally buffed to a low sheen.

Photos: Kerry Cameron