Quiltboxes

The Five Inch Cube, Wrapped!

2012-02-05T09:34:00.004-05:00

I've been kicking this idea around for a while. How do I achieve the look of a quilt, not just one quilt block? The answer may be my new 5” cube box.

Here is the prototype. I started with Greek Cross because it’s a simple design to cut so if I crashed and burnt there wouldn’t have been too great a loss in time. I’m pleased how it turned out though. The tough part is getting the pattern on the sides to work across the seam between the top and bottom of the box.

This box has figured Eucalyptus as the background with Redwood burl in the curved elements and figured Walnut for the triangles. Velvet on the inside bottom will be standard in the 5” cubes as well as free shipping. Each side looks exactly the same but proper alignment of the pattern still requires a small registration “button” that will allow the box to close only with the correct orientation. The box is made by hand, not by robot after all. More on the way! Then I’ll be starting my big production of boxes for the coming year, two new sizes this year.

Fumed Oak

2012-01-22T18:05:00.004-05:00

I’ve been looking around for some darker woods to add to the deep tones in my quilt block compositions and a sales man at my favorite veneer house sent me a sample of fumed oak. Five minutes on the internet and I’m making it myself!

Oak has an acid in it called Tannic acid that can be darkened by exposing the wood to ammonia. A higher concentration than house hold ammonia is recommended but that sounded kind of dangerous so I just used the stuff from the supermarket and had great success, it takes longer that’s all.

I used this oak in my Valentines heart boxes that are in my Art Fire store HERE.

Here are before and after pictures of a piece of nice oak burl. It’s colored all the way through!

Right now I’m gearing up to start making my “blank” boxes I’ll use for the rest of the year so apologies if nothing new appears in my shop for a while. Meanwhile keep a weather eye out for that first Robin of spring!

The winner is...

2012-01-03T18:59:00.004-05:00

Sandy Allen of Missouri won the giveaway box! I posted on Facebook but forgot to here.
One more thanks for all the sharing that was done. I got about 40 new sign ups to the news letter, and of course the giveaways.

Marcia asked where I got the Trenton block from that's on this page. It's from the encyclopedia of pieced quilt patterns. A nice two color/wood design.

New Year's Day Giveaway

2011-12-27T16:44:00.004-05:00

Here’s a peek at the New Year’s Day giveaway box.

It’s a 4” box with the quilt block Weathervane on top.
The wood all over and on top is called quilted Makore (Mack-or-ay) and it looks like pink satin! The striped wood is Bolivian rosewood also called Santos.
And the lighter wood is burl Oak.

I’ll draw the winner out of my newsletter list on New Year’s Day. If you know someone who might like a chance at it tell them to go to the blog (Quiltboxes.com) and sign up. Don’t think of it as reducing your chances of winning think of it as…well, as…well do it for me. ;-)

New Ornaments From Quiltboxes!

2011-12-11T20:04:00.003-05:00

Just in the nick of time for Christmas we’ve come up with a gift for your tree!Our new holiday ornaments are made of the same amazing and exotic wood veneers you’ll find on our boxes. At the center is a layered hardwood core, and on the face a gorgeous quilt block pattern. We love these ornaments because they let us try non-square quilt block patterns, and also use beautiful pieces of wood that are too small for boxes.

To celebrate the new ornaments, we’ll be giving away this “Modernistic Star” on Sunday the 18th. The ornament is our XL size, about 4 ½” tall by 4” wide. The woods used are Walnut, Bubinga, Cherry and curly Maple.

If you’re not registered for the newsletter and giveaways you can do it now on the right side of this page. If you’re already on our mailing list, you do not need to register again.
Click here to see the ornaments currently available for sale.

My Latest Creations!

2011-12-05T20:57:00.004-05:00

Here’s the latest of the 4” boxes fresh from the work shop.
Four Calico Stars using Bolivian Rosewood, Tamo, mottled Imbuya, and figured Cherry. 3 Attic Windows using Elm burl, Zircote, and figured Eucalyptus. And one Snails trail made with Makore (the red) and some curly Eucalyptus.

Look for most in my Art Fire store right away. Some will be departing to some retail locations buy you have first shot! The Four inch box sections is here.

Special Delivery from the North Pole.

2011-11-30T10:21:00.001-05:00

Well to be exact I’d say south of the equator.
Some gorgeous Mahogany crotch veneer from Africa. Can’t wait to cut into this one.

And stay tuned for a new product just barely in time for Christmas.
I think you’ll love’em.

A Closer Look.

2011-10-24T20:13:00.006-04:00

I thought I’d put up some more pictures of the boxes that Quiltmaker Magazine is giving away.

The recipe box is exquisite walnut crotch.
The 6” is some of the finest curly maple I’ve ever come across, it’s all gone now.
The 4” is burl oak, not a burl you see around all the time. In the star is Koa, a shimmery orange wood.

Welcome Quiltmaker Magazine Blog Readers!

2011-10-16T14:08:00.003-04:00

If this is your first time here you should register for my newsletter.
You’ll get a behind the scenes look at what goes into the making of the boxes, a look at new products in development, coupons for my Art Fire shop, and you’ll be registered for all my giveaways. After Quiltmaker’s giveaway I’ll be doing my regular New Year’s Day Giveaway, a great way to start the year!

Please “like” Quiltboxes on Facebook and help me out with more ideas for block on boxes. The recipe boxes are a real challenge. More on that later.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Three New Stars

2011-10-13T19:20:00.001-04:00

These three Mariner’s Stars were just cut. They’re not on boxes and don’t have finish coats on them so they look a bit dry but I thought I give you a look ahead, they’ll be in the shop in a few days. The red wood is Redwood burl, the green is mottled Imbuya, and the light is Tamo (Japanese ash). Looks like a Christmas color scheme to me!

Now I’m cook’ in.

2011-09-05T19:23:00.003-04:00

Job’s Troubles, Art Square, and Spools.

After some hurricane clean up I’m back in the shop and it’s late in the game, September already!! First these 4 inch boxes and then a run of 6 inch. Among them some pre-order boxes for some special fans and FB posters. Yup, they're coming.

I’m doing another craft show, it's Oct 1st in Altamont, NY sponsored by the library and Desolation Road Studios so I hope any upstate New York fans will stop by.

The Artist Co-Op I belong to is going to get another store in one of our local malls for the Christmas season. I did very well last year in the mall so I’m gearing up!

And QuiltMaker Magazine is going to do a product review of my boxes in their Nov/Dec. issue. I’ll link to it with embarrassing regularity so you won’t miss it, don’t worry.

The Quiltboxes Brand

2011-08-01T20:35:00.006-04:00

I’ve been wanting to do this for a while now and I met the right person at the Saratoga wood workers show.
Rick Herget comes from a family of engravers and has made me a truly beautiful branding iron for my boxes. Here is Rick’s website. His email is Qebrandingirons@gmail.com The one on the site is an old one.

I’ve worked hard over the last 3 years, making many large and small changes in my process so that each box will be of the highest quality inside and out. It feels good to put my brand and name on and “behind” every box.

My New Art Fire Shop

2011-07-22T16:14:00.001-04:00

Hey folks,
I’m posting to let you know I’ve decided to go with Art Fire for my online shop.

If you’ve been following for a while you know I originally was with a newer shop host called 1000 Markets. 1KM didn’t make it and sold to Bonanza where I stayed for a while but always felt odd selling on a platform whose biggest sellers were selling DVDs and discount “designer” hand bags.
Art Fire is all about handmade, and there are some very beautiful things there. The shop look is cleaner and more functional. You don’t have to register as a buyer like on Bonanza. Who needs another sign in name and password to remember? And I can have sections for like products like 4”boxes, Recipe, etc. So when the inventory climbs up in number you target your search easier.
I’ll be adding new things every week for some time, and getting things really started right with another giveaway. Some production changes have also allowed me to tweak my prices down bit.

So won’t you give my Art Fire a click and see what’s up?

2011-06-30T03:31:00.002-04:00

On Saturday July 16 2011 the Rensselaer County Master Gardeners will be hosting "Art In The Garden," an art show and sale at the Demonstration Garden located at the Robert C. Parker School. The school is located at 4254 Route 43 in North Greenbush, NY. FREE ADMISSION! We will have over 20 artists showing pottery jewelry, paintings, photography, woodworking, textiles, collage, sculpture and more. Live music and Bettie's Cakes will be featured. The hours are 10 AM to 4 PM. For more information call David Chinery or Marcie Vohnoutka at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County at (518) 272-4210.

Check out the Facebook page for a sampling of some of the work to be offered.

I bought my first “craft show” tent, 10 x 10 and have a cool “app” for my iPhone from Square that will allow me to accept credit cards, something I never wanted to do until this!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Aww, A New Born.

2011-06-24T19:03:00.008-04:00

When Matisse was confronted with an empty canvas he immediately marked it up with some dirty turpentine. I always like that, show it who’s boss. If you stare into it long enough you may succumb to despair.
I’ve just made stacks of these, each a blank, each a decision making process.
So I turn to you. I need some suggestions for some good patterns. It would be great if the “box blocks” ideas came from the fans, color/wood ideas too. Pictures would be great if you have some, you can post them on the Facebook page.

I’m gearing up for the season. I just got my 10’ x 10’ craft show tent, and am planning on doing two small shows this summer/fall. Of course this year we’ll have the 6”, 4” and recipe boxes sizes. Some 9” later, and soon a new size/idea that will be very cool, but I’ll keep that under my hat for now. And of course there will be another giveaway towards the end of the season.

Have a great summer, and remember to support your local artisans and crafters when you can.

Dave.

Something New - Monograms

2011-05-16T20:37:00.003-04:00

I got a request for a personalized recipe box with initials as well as a block pattern. I’ve tried hand cutting initials before, so I know that the smallest slip can make them look, well, just wrong. So I called on a gentleman I know who has a laser cutter. The accuracy is amazing. What do you think? We can do different patterns and some different fonts. If you’re looking for a special gift for a special someone, consider personalizing a box. We can do this on 6”, 4”, or recipe. Send me an email and let’s talk.

Here’s a pattern called Rose of Sharon. It’s a very complex pattern with a nice little space in the middle for some initials. The classic pattern Churn Dash seems made for a monogram.

And The Winner Is...

2011-05-02T17:46:00.002-04:00

The deed is done!
The winner is Karen Maloley of Kentucky!! Congratulations Karen.
Shoot me off your mailing address Karen and I’ll get your box out to you ASAP.

Hey, I’m using the Kentucky block for some boxes now! Ohh, the cosmic tumblers…

Thanks to everyone for entering. There will be more, oh yes, there will be more.
And a coupon code is on the way so watch the mail.

Mother's Day Giveaway

2011-04-20T19:26:00.009-04:00

Here is the Mother’s Day Giveaway box!
This recipe box sports the Spider Web & Star pattern.The star and the sides are Tamo (Japanese Ash); its figure really ripples in waves across the sides. The “web” is made up of Walnut burl, and Pepper wood burl. It comes with cards & tabs and Beth’s Muffin Year, twelve of the tastiest muffin recipes out there. I speak from experience.

I’m going to draw the winner on May 2nd. That’ll give us some time so you can give it to mom on her day. Or you could keep it yourself and decide flowers will do mom just fine ;-).
To be in the running you have to sign up on the blog!

54-40 Or Fight!

2011-04-10T16:57:00.004-04:00

This falls under the “if you’re not careful you may learn something” category. Beth found a nice old quilt block pattern to use for a set of boxes in my Paired boxes collection. It’s called 54-40 or fight, probably the strangest pattern name I’ve ever heard of.It comes from Oregon and refers to a boarder dispute in 1844 with England over how far north the boarder of Oregon would be. The 54’40th parallel demanded by the expansionist would have put Oregon’s boarder next to Alaska (Then, Russian America).“54’40 or fight” was a rallying cry of the expansionists. President Polk compromised, giving us the 49th parallel we know today. Here is the Wiki link. Here is the item. Do you know of any other "Quilt blocks for a cause"?

And Now For Some Extreme Testing!

2011-04-09T18:40:00.008-04:00

..After all I can’t let the design go out onto the market without a thorough going over at performance level, 70% humidity. I don’t have a handle for the walnut box yet, it’ll be the same or very similar to the red one (mine 8-)). What I really need are two handles for each. I set out to make a box that really seals and boy did I succeed. You need two hands to open these boxes. I’ll be looking for a smaller handle to put below the main one on the front bottom. I’m not sure when they’ll make it to the store. It’s feeling like a $400 price point.

All Cut.

2011-03-14T19:52:00.004-04:00

Whew. This was about 3 hours of cutting and reassembling. The opposite sides are covered with brown paper tape to hold them together, that’s the side that will show. This is the side that will be glued down. They look a little dry and pale because they aren’t sanded or finished.

A Bigger Box

2011-03-10T18:20:00.012-05:00

I thought I’d give you a look at my latest idea/project/mania. It’s a nine inch box with the height of my recipe box, 5 ½". I’m only making two right now and I’m going to set them up as humidors. I’ve already lined them with Spanish cedar which smells great!
Now I’m going to go out on a limb here and predict that there aren’t a lot of cigar smokers in my Quiltboxes fan base, but perhaps a nine inch box would make a good sewing box, or who knows what else. As I like to say you can put anything in them that fits!

The first pattern that popped into my head for a humidor was, you guessed it, Mariner’s Star. The guys will dig it. Just don’t tell’em it’s a quilt block!
Some stunning Walnut crotch, puddled Bubinga, and my favorite light wood Tamo (Japanese Ash), are what I’m using for the top. I’m making the Walnut and the Bubinga boxes first. Pictures to follow ASAP.

A closer look:

Some Nice Walnut Crotch Veneer

2011-02-12T21:21:00.004-05:00

Just thought I’d show off a little of some Great Walnut crotch veneer I just got. It’s usually comes so big for table tops and head boards and such, but I got a few sheets of some small stuff and knew it was for a recipe box. And all the recipe boxes come with "A Muffin Year". 12 fantastic muffin recipes. The first four of which are available for down load here.

Give’em a treat that will last long after the candy is gone.

2011-01-21T09:11:00.006-05:00

I’ve made some little heart boxes for Valentine’s Day with various woods ranging from Bird’s eye Maple to red African Padauk. The insides of the boxes are special too. 18 chocolate hearts in each from Lake Champlain Chocolates in Vermont sweetens the deal!

Kewazinga!

2011-01-15T10:09:00.004-05:00

I just got in some Kewazinga Bubinga. That just means rotary cut Bubinga but is way cooler to say. Beautiful pink grain. I also got some blue dyed Koto. Koto is a light shimmery wood with lighter flecks, and though it’s dyed those traits are not diminished in the least. My picture makes it look more vibrant than it is. Looks like I’m getting ready for some 4th of July blocks!
Actually what I’m working on now are some 4” Valentine’s Day boxes, complete with dark chocolate Hearts inside!

Get In On The Goods

2011-01-09T18:19:00.001-05:00

I’ve done it myself. Like a page on Facebook and never went back, or hid it from my FB news feed. But for giveaways it’s a bit of a problem if the winner can’t be contacted.
I’ve decided to add an email sign up list to my Quiltboxes.com page. It’s at the top right of this page. Just name, email and state (because I think that’s interesting info) are all it takes. And conformation that the email is real. It’s a “bar” you have to get over to get in on the goods. You may get an email a couple of times a year about new products or specials. No frequent big mailings I promise. -D

The Quiltboxes Team

2010-12-18T17:09:00.004-05:00

I want to introduce you to the other half of Quiltboxes, my girl friend Beth.
Beth is.. Well, let’s see – a computer geek/techie, green thumb, MBA, quilter, and master baker from a line of bakers. (I know what you’re thinking - who’s a lucky dog 8-). And she’s the apple of my eye.
Beth thought it would be nice to offer to Facebook fans a free down load of a set of recipe cards – “A Muffin Year”. The first set of 4 is available now at https://sites.google.com/site/quiltboxes/recipe-cards
If you have a printer that will print 4x6 index cards you’re all set.

Coincidently ;-) I happen to make recipe card boxes that just happen to hold 4x6 inch cards. Two are up now at my web store www.bonanza.com/Quiltboxes. Sorry there aren’t more but there will be after the holidays. Bad timing, I know.
Thanks for your support and enthusiasm, it means a great deal to us.
The best of Holiday to all the fans, I hope it's a great one for you.

New Year's Day Giveaway

2010-11-23T20:21:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas All!

Here is the New Year's Day Giveaway box. It's a Wind Mill block.
The red wood all over is call padauk from Africa. There is also Zebrawood, and French Walnut.

My Bonanza web store is "on vacation" until after Christmas as most of my inventory is for sale at the Colonie Mall in Albany, NY. Welcome to all the Albany shoppers!

I'll announce the winner of the Wind Mill box New Year's Day so watch for the winner on my Facebook page. (not too early though 8-))

Hole-In-The-Barn-Door boxes

2010-11-06T18:35:00.003-04:00

Here are the Hole-In-The-Barn-Door boxes I made from Sandi’s design, She'll get her pick.
There are 4 woods used (and so 4 boxes) but I cheated a little and added a fifth wood to my “stack” before I cut the pattern, and I’m glad I did. The top two are the 4 woods I had in mind from Sandi’s description of how she though the colors should look, Purple Heart, Walnut burl (the darkest), Koa (the orange), and Tamo (the lightest).
The bottom boxes have another wood called Santos, or Bolivian Rosewood which I switched out for the Tamo to get some better contrast.

It’s been a fun project. I hope more custom ideas come along!

My next project is four more recipe boxes in time for Christmas. There are only two left in the shop now!

Christmas Quilt Show Prize

2010-10-28T19:58:00.006-04:00

I’m very happy to be a sponsor of SewCalGal’s Christmas Quilt Show.
Here are some pictures of the box I’m donating as a prize.
The pattern is Bear Paws. The box is covered with a great burl Walnut. The Paws are Tamo (Japanese Ash), and the claws are red Maple burl. The box is 6” square with a chain stop and removable dividers. Good Luck!

A Special Request

2010-10-21T20:01:00.003-04:00

My next project is a special request from a Facebook fan.
She asked if I could use some Purple Heart veneer with other woods to make a box with the quilt block design “Hole in the barn door”, her own variation.
Her name is Sandi; here is a link to her blog.

I’ve got the woods chosen with some guidance from Sandi. The veneer pieces are now being pressed flat having been sprayed with a veneer softener. I’ll cut the pattern in a few days.

What Are Quiltboxes?

2009-05-04T09:55:00.000-04:00

I've taken some of the best-loved and most interesting quilt blocks from past centuries and translated them into finely crafted wooden boxes, using beautiful and exotic veneers to reinterpret the designs. Each box is unique; no two are ever just alike.

I handcraft each box from premium cabinet grade Baltic birch plywood, so the inside reveals the delicate grain of the white birch. I cut the quilt block design, by hand, to showcase the lush variety of natural colors and grains in the veneers, which often include spectacular bird's eye, burl, curly, dimple, flame, quilted or other figured woods.

These pieces evoke the comfort of cherished heirloom quilts, as well as the timeless strength of fine hardwood furniture.

Decorative Keepsake Boxes

2009-05-03T21:00:00.023-04:00

I’m making three kinds of boxes so far: A six inch square, a four inch square, both are 3 ¼’ high, and a recipe box for 4"x 6" index cards that measures
7 1/8" long, 4 3/4" wide, and 5 1/2" tall.

The 6" and 4" both have the option of black velvet on the inside bottom (not flocking). All my boxes have black felt on the outside bottom. The insides have a white Baltic birch veneer, with a hardwood lid liner, and the Quiltboxes brand with signature.

Keepsake Boxes, Women’s Jewelry Boxes, Men’s Watch Boxes, Recipe Boxes… I strive to make my boxes decorative and artistic objects in their own right – and you can put stuff in them too! These all-hand-crafted wooden boxes are produced in small numbers. A pair of boxes with matching patterns and woods might make a unique and thoughtful wedding gift. Another option for the 6" box is a chain stop, and ball handle.

The four inch box has a removable lid that has a small cutout for a registration “button” attached to the bottom. This is to insure that the grain and figure pattern on the sides match.

The recipe boxes come with cards and tabs, and a “A Muffin Year”, a dozen of the best muffin recipes you’ll ever taste!

About the Woods

2009-05-03T07:00:00.013-04:00

This is just a small sample of some of the beautiful woods available.

Each box comes with a card that identifies the name of the quilt block on the box and the woods used.

Quilt Blocks

2009-05-03T07:00:00.011-04:00

Since I learned about quilt block designs, I have been amazed at the incredible inventiveness, diversity, and beauty of this uniquely American art form. Passed down from mother to daughter, sometimes changed or embellished through the years, they represent not just compelling design but genuine folk art abstractions.

Here is a Link to a beautiful historical site call The American Quilt.
And Womanfolk.com