This was commissioned by one of my regular customers in NYC. Made using oak with a carved slate lid inlay (14 x 9 x 9.3 cm). The slate was carved with the name in Elder Futhark runes along with a cup-and-ring/rock art design based on Aquila (the eagle) constellation.
I had an old 1940s jewellery box that belonged to my grandparents- it was beyond a state where it could be restored, though I saved the brass hinges for a special project and decided to use them for this magickal box. The other brass components (screws and hasp/staple) were bought new. After trying various solutions to age them (vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, etc.), the method I finally used was to soak them in Mr Muscle drain unblocker! I found that this gel produced a lovely deep patina on the brass within minutes.
I’d like to thank my friend Doug for his woodworking skills in helping me with the routing of the lid and ensuring an even thickness of the oak with his planer-thicknesser.
HATCH BURN CARVE 